In as carefully plotted description of Peter Still’s life as there is for young readers, this biography chronicles his determination to free himself and his family. Around 1806, Peter, six, and his brother, Levin, eight, wake to find their mother and two sisters missing. What they do not know is that she has taken the younger children and escaped from their Maryland plantation to reunite with Levin Sr., who had purchased his freedom from slavery and is living outside Philadelphia. When an unknown man offers to take the boys to their mother, they eagerly accept. In actuality, they have been sold to another owner in Kentucky, who later sells them both to a plantation owner in Alabama. For nearly a half-century, Levin Sr., his wife, and their 16 other children live a secret, yet free, life, while Peter and Levin’s whereabouts remain unknown. From his plan to have a kind man buy him so he can then purchase his freedom, to a failed Underground Railroad rescue of Peter’s family, to his whirlwind tour of the North to collect money to buy his family, Fradin’s account of Still’s story is thorough and relentless. The author does not shy away from the realities of the time—the persistent threat of beatings, rape, death, and other atrocities. Yet the writing is full of hope and perseverance, as well as examples of individuals, including Peter’s own brother, William, who risk and give their lives for the Abolitionist cause. While Fradin’s style here is not as graceful or as fluid as this year’s Ida B. Wells (not reviewed), Peter Still’s remarkable life should be shared with all young people. (bibliography, graphics credits) (Nonfiction. 12-14)
Pub Date: Jan. 31, 2001
ISBN: 0-06-029595-3
Page Count: 176
Publisher: HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2000
In his quest for easy moolah, Owen learns that the road to financial solvency can be rocky and fraught with work. Greene (Owen Foote, Soccer Star, 1998, etc.) touches upon the often-thorny issue of chores and allowances: Owen’s mom wants him to help out because he’s part of the family and not just for the money—while Owen wants the money without having to do tedious household chores. This universal dilemma leaves Owen without funds and eagerly searching for ways to make a quick buck. His madcap schemes range from original—a “free” toilet demonstration that costs 50 cents—to disastrous, as during the trial run of his children’s fishing video, Owen ends up hooking his ear instead of a trout. Enlisting the aid of his stalwart, if long-suffering, friend Joseph, the two form a dog-walking club that becomes vastly restricted in clientele after Owen has a close encounter with an incontinent, octogenarian canine. Ultimately, Owen learns a valuable lesson about work and money when an unselfish action is generously rewarded. These sudden riches motivate Owen to consider wiser investments for his money than plastic vomit. Greene’s crisp writing style and wry humor is on-target for young readers. Brief chapters revolving around a significant event or action and fast pacing are an effective draw for tentative readers. Weston’s (Space Guys!, p. 392, etc.) black-and-white illustrations, ranging in size from quarter- to full-page, deftly portray Owen’s humorous escapades. A wise, witty addition to Greene’s successful series. (Fiction. 8-10)
Pub Date: Sept. 18, 2000
ISBN: 0-618-02369-0
Page Count: 96
Publisher: Clarion Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2000
PLB 0-688-13166-2 King Midas And The Golden Touch ($16.00; PLB $15.63; Apr.; 32 pp.; 0-688-13165-4; PLB 0-688-13166-2): The familiar tale of King Midas gets the golden touch in the hands of Craft and Craft (Cupid and Psyche, 1996). The author takes her inspiration from Nathaniel Hawthorne’s retelling, capturing the essence of the tale with the use of pithy dialogue and colorful description. Enchanting in their own right, the illustrations summon the Middle Ages as a setting, and incorporate colors so lavish that when they are lost to the uniform gold spurred by King Midas’s touch, the point of the story is further burnished. (Picture book. 7-9)
Pub Date: April 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-688-13165-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Morrow/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1999
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