The popular hymn whose origins are recounted here is not a folk song, but was written by an English minister who distilled his own grim experiences to pen these compellingly consoling verses. Son of a sea captain whose icy discipline made him a rebel with cause, John Newton (1725-1807) tried, unsuccessfully at first, to hold onto the religion instilled by his dead mother. He became a slave trader and, in part because an early employer had treated Newton himself like a slave, was an unusually compassionate member of what was then an acceptable calling. His faith restored after a miraculous response to prayers in a violent storm, Newton still continued as a slaver for years before taking a customs post and then eventually becoming a minister. Still later, he and the poet William Cowper wrote the Olney Hymns, including ``Amazing Grace.'' Haskins's narrative is so simply written that it's almost abrupt, but it's fascinating not only as an outline of an extraordinary spiritual journey but as a glimpse of the period. He includes a simple arrangement for the melody and cleverly uses the verses to introduce chapters, concluding with some recently added lines and mention of the song's popularity in black churches since the 1800's and in contemporary concerts. Fine for its intended level, a book that leaves the reader wanting to know more about this unique man. Attractively illustrated with historical materials, mostly unattributed. Index. (Nonfiction. 8- 12)
Pub Date: Feb. 15, 1992
ISBN: 1-56294-117-8
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Millbrook
Review Posted Online: June 24, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 1992
A worthy combination of athletic action, the virtues of inner strength, and the importance of friendship.
A young tennis champion becomes the target of revenge.
In this sequel to Legacy and the Queen (2019), Legacy Petrin and her friends Javi and Pippa have returned to Legacy’s home province and the orphanage run by her father. With her friends’ help, she is in training to defend her championship when they discover that another player, operating under the protection of High Consul Silla, is presenting herself as Legacy. She is so convincing that the real Legacy is accused of being an imitation. False Legacy has become a hero to the masses, further strengthening Silla’s hold, and it becomes imperative to uncover and defeat her. If Legacy is to win again, she must play her imposter while disguised as someone else. Winning at tennis is not just about money and fame, but resisting Silla’s plans to send more young people into brutal mines with little hope of better lives. Legacy will have to overcome her fears and find the magic that allowed her to claim victory in the past. This story, with its elements of sports, fantasy, and social consciousness that highlight tensions between the powerful and those they prey upon, successfully continues the series conceived by late basketball superstar Bryant. As before, the tennis matches are depicted with pace and spirit. Legacy and Javi have brown skin; most other characters default to White.
A worthy combination of athletic action, the virtues of inner strength, and the importance of friendship. (Fantasy. 9-12)Pub Date: Aug. 24, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-949520-19-4
Page Count: 224
Publisher: Granity Studios
Review Posted Online: July 27, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
Breathless action and engaging puzzles make this a page-turner.
In this follow-up to The Mystery of Locked Rooms (2024), young escape artists rashly accept a mysterious game designer’s offer to get a sneak peek at a challenging new set of escape rooms.
Worried by announcements of a new, high-tech fun house that might drive their employer, the Delta Game, out of business, middle schooler Sarah and her friends Hannah and West jump at the chance to give Mystery Mansion a try before it opens to the public. More’s at stake than they suspect, but Currie dispenses with the backstory in a perfunctory way at the end. Her real focus—and the chief appeal here—lies in the set of fiendishly clever escape rooms that she’s devised for the trio and the team dynamics that carry them through: Hannah is the reckless thrill seeker, West is the observant brainiac, and anxiety-prone Sarah has a knack for making correct choices. The story cranks up the suspense, and the Deltas call on all the courage and smarts they can muster, sweeping readers along as they work urgently against the clock to complete the course. Hannah is cued white, West is described as dark-haired, and narrator Sarah isn’t physically described.
Breathless action and engaging puzzles make this a page-turner. (Mystery. 8-12)Pub Date: Sept. 30, 2025
ISBN: 9781464234941
Page Count: 248
Publisher: Sourcebooks Young Readers
Review Posted Online: Aug. 16, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2025
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