Number Ten

How to Be a Revolutionary War Soldier (How to Be Series) by Thomas Ratcliff; Illustrated by John James. (National Geographic; 32 pages; ISBN: 079227489X; Ages: 8-12.)

If you are looking for exciting, informative non-fiction that will appeal to your reluctant male readers, this title is a must-have. Students will learn what it takes to become an American soldier and fight the British. Along the way they learn about the how the war started, the leaders, weapons of war, Army life, battle tactics, and more. At the end of the book readers have an "interview" to test their knowledge and see if they "have what it takes to get the job." A glossary and index is appended.

Our teacher-reviewers were so impressed with this series that each of them ordered a set for their own classrooms. Highly recommended.

Leonardo Da Vinci: The Genius Who Defined the Renaissance (National Geographic World History Biographies™) by John Phillips. (National Geographic; 64 pages; ISBN: 079225385X; Ages: 8-12.)

From his early years in the village of Vinci to his remarkable legacy, the book examines life and times of Leonardo. Phillips does an outstanding job of weaving together details, anecdotes, and observations to create an engaging and informative biography. Numerous illustrations enhance and extend the highly readable text. A time-line extends along the bottom of the pages to add context. A glossary, bibliography, an index are appended. Highly recommended.

The Emancipation Proclamation (American Documents) by Marianne McComb. (National Geographic; 40 pages; ISBN: 0792279166; Ages: 8-12.)

McComb takes readers on a journey back in time to a moment in which the fate of our nation was decided. Beginning with "The Road to War," she explains the struggle over slavery. As the story progresses we see the Missouri Compromise fail and the nation begin to dissolve. In the chapter titled "War Comes," McComb does an excellent job of explaining how Lincoln came to the decision to free the slaves. Black-and-white photographs and full-color illustrations are well-chosen and add to the detail and drama of the narrative. Appended are the texts of the Fugitive Slave Act, The Emancipation Proclamation, and Amendments XIII-XV of the Constitution of the United States. A glossary and index are also included. Highly recommended.

The Roaring 20: The First Cross-Country Air Race for Women by Margaret Whitman Blair. (National Geographic; 112 pages; ISBN: 0792253892; Ages: 10 and up.)

In this fascinating narrative, Blair chronicles the first cross-country race of its kind: a "grueling, nine-day competition in which [20] women must fly 2,800 miles over deserts, mountains, and plains in extreme heat with nothing but a compass and some road maps to help them find their way." Some members of the press deemed the race the "Powder Puff Derby." But as Blair demonstrates, it was nothing of the kind. Rather it was an inspiring story of filled with drama, danger, daring, and determination. A bibliography, resource guide, and index are appended. Highly recommended.

Counting Coup: Becoming a Crow Chief on the Reservation and Beyond by Joseph Medicine Crow. (National Geographic; 128 pages; ISBN: 0792253914; Ages 10-14.)

Born Winter Man in 1913, Joseph Medicine Crow was raised to be a warrior but was also "expected to succeed in the white man's world." As Crow recounts his life, readers learn much about Absoarokee (Crow) culture. Crow became a Baptist but at the same time continued to participate in native ceremonials. In 1943 he was inducted into the army and eventually put on the front lines in Germany. There he completed the four war deeds necessary to become a War Chief.

Readers will enjoy this compelling, deftly written autobiography. High recommended.