Category: history

children, history

So You Want to Be a Knight?

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Hannah Pang
Illustrator: Takayo Akiyama
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
ISBN: 978-0-500-65211-4
Pages: 96
Price: $14.95

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Eddie, Kate, and Angus are back again, and this time they’re exploring the possibility of becoming a knight. But their dream of swapping their backpacks for a suit of armor and riding off to join their fellow knights on a quest might turn out to be more difficult than they expect.

In order to be successful as a knight, they will need to be physically fit, accomplished horseback riders, and great on the dance floor. Having wealth and a family of influence also helps, since a knight’s suit of armor can be expensive. Knights thrive on chivalry, and socializing and jousting are a big part of their job description. But on the battlefield, expertise with a sword, lance, and shield is expected, and this can pose a problem while riding, since the equipment is very heavy.

So You Want to be a Knight? is a fun, tongue-in-cheek look at how to be a knight. I found it very entertaining, and it will be a big hit with kids, who will enjoy the author’s sense of humor. I highly recommend it, along with all the others in the “So You Want to Be a …” series.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

animals, children, history

Maisie Mammoth’s Memoirs

Bergers Book Reviews


Author & Illustrator: Rob Hodgson
Contributor: Prof. Michael J. Benton
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
Genre: Children / History / Animals
ISBN: 978-0-500-65206-0
Pages: 48
Price: $19.95

Author’s website
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Maisie Mammoth lived during the Ice Age, and she considers herself a popular socialite. In Maisie Mammoth’s Memoirs, she introduces us to some of the animals she knew in her day.

After a brief description of the Ice Age, Maisie introduces us to her personal assistant, Buttercup, who unfortunately fell in a bog and remained preserved in ice. Then she provides a tour around the world, sharing fun facts about each of her friends. As she introduces them by name, she explains a little about their diet, habits, body characteristics, and the dangers they faced.

When a woolly mammoth narrates, Ice Age information goes from hum-drum to fascinating. I highly recommend Maisie Mammoth’s Memoirs for anyone interested in Ice Age animals (and Neanderthals).

Reviewer: Alice Berger

history

So You Want to be a Ninja?

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Bruno Vincent
Illustrator: Takayo Akiyama
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-500-65210-7
Pages: 96
Price: $14.95

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Eddie, Kate, and Angus are back again, and this time they’re exploring the possibility of becoming a ninja. But first, they need to learn some secret-keeping skills, because ninja don’t actually exist.

In order to be successful as a ninja, they will need to learn how to dress the part, since ninja need to blend into their surroundings. They will also practice walking on tiptoes and even on all fours, in order to be completely silent. And they will work with ninja weapons and learn how to break into buildings without being discovered. Unlike becoming Vikings or Roman Soldiers, this time they will most likely not have to kill anyone.

So You Want to be a Ninja? is a fun, tongue-in-cheek look at how to be a ninja. I found it very entertaining, and it will be a big hit with kids – especially boys – who will enjoy the author’s sense of humor. I highly recommend it.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

history, tween

The Summer We Found the Baby

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Amy Hest
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Genre: Middle-grade / Historical fiction
ISBN: 978-0-7636-6007-9
Pages: 192
Price: $16.99

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Eleven-year-old Julie Sweet and her six-year-old sister, Martha, are on the way to the dedication of the new children’s library in Belle Beach, Long Island. They have been spending the summer there along with their dad, and are looking forward to the big event. But when they discover a baby in a basket on the library steps, all thoughts of the celebration are gone.

Bruno Bel-Eli is on his way to catch a train to New York City when he sees Julie carrying the baby away from the library. Convinced she’s kidnapping it, he follows them.

Told from all three perspectives, this unusual summer day unfolds slowly, like peeling the layers of an onion. Each of the three main characters expresses their thoughts on the world around them in the midst of World War II, and what they’re feeling about the baby. There is a mystery surrounding her arrival at the library, and by the end of the story, the secret is revealed.

World War II has drifted from our collective memory, and this book shows us what life was like when our nation was in the midst of this war. Not knowing if loved ones would return – or tragically finding out they definitely wouldn’t – hangs in the background as we learn more about Belle Beach and its inhabitants. My only question is why the mother decided to place the baby in the basket on the library steps in the first place, since she reveals herself before the day is over. But otherwise, The Summer We Found the Baby is an interesting and enjoyable read.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, history

So You Want to be a Roman Soldier?

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Georgia Amson-Bradshaw
Illustrator: Takayo Akiyama
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
ISBN: 978-0-500-65183-4
Pages: 96
Price: $14.95

Author’s website
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If you’ve dreamed of being powerful, earning lots of money, traveling the world, and retiring rich, the life of a Roman soldier might be for you. But are you sure you really want to be a Roman soldier? This handy illustrated guide shows kids exactly what’s involved in this dangerous warrior life.

Kate, Eddie, and Angus are in a museum, looking at the display on ancient Rome. Soon they are transported back in time to the year 100, and are advised by Junia, who explains what they can expect if they really want to be Roman soldiers. First they’ll need to fill out their application form, pass the entrance exam, and take the military oath. Military gear needs to be selected and cleaned carefully, along with their weapons. Finally they’ll need to decide on joining the cavalry, the auxilia, the navy, or the Praetorian guard. Avoiding punishment and knowing their enemies will be useful skills to ensure survival on military campaigns.

The Roman military life comes alive in this tongue-in-cheek look at how to be a Roman soldier. I found it highly entertaining, and it will be a big hit with kids – especially boys – who will enjoy the gruesome humor. (Spoiler alert: yes, there are cartoon severed body parts and smelly things.) I highly recommend So You Want to be a Roman Soldier?

Reviewer: Alice Berger

history, tween

So You Want to be a Viking?

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Georgia Amson-Bradshaw
Inspired by the book Viking by John Haywood
Illustrator: Takayo Akiyama
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
Genre: Middle Grade / History
ISBN: 978-0-500-65184-1
Pages: 96
Price: 14.95

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If you’ve dreamed of sailing the northern seas of Europe, plundering the local villages, and wearing a cool horned helmet, the Viking life might be for you. But are you sure you really want to be a Viking? This handy illustrated guide shows kids exactly what’s involved in this nomadic warrior life.

Kate, Eddie, and Angus are in the library checking out a book on Viking sagas. Soon they are transported back in time to 991, and are advised by Sigurd the Skald, who explains what they can expect if they really want to be Vikings. First they’ll need to choose a leader, pick out their weapons, and shop for their gear. The various kinds of boats, sailing techniques, and shipwreck survival are important things to know if they want to travel by boat. But if land is more their choice, other options are presented. But the most important (and fun) part of any kind of Viking campaign is plunder, and the proper methods of ensuring the best and most booty are provided.

Viking life comes alive in this tongue-in-cheek look at how to be a Viking. I found it highly entertaining, and it will be a big hit with kids – especially boys – who will enjoy the gruesome humor. (Spoiler alert: yes, there are cartoon flying body parts.)  I highly recommend So You Want to be a Viking?

Reviewer: Alice Berger

history, self improvement

Our Great Responsibility

Bergers Book Reviews


Publisher: Alcoholics Anonymous
Genre: Alcoholism / History
ISBN: 978-1-644270-52-3
Pages: 270
Price: $10.00

Alcoholics Anonymous Website
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Bill W. was one of the founding members of Alcoholics Anonymous in 1935. Over the years, the fellowship grew, and conferences began to be held on an annual basis. Bill W. spoke at many of these conferences. Our Great Responsibility shares a selection of his conference talks from 1951 to 1970.

As of January 1, 2018, it has been estimated that there are over 61,000 groups and 1.2 million members of A.A. in the United States. Worldwide, there are more than 2 million members. Alcoholics Anonymous has been a lifesaver to many drinkers who had no hope of quitting. This spiritual program provides “twelve steps” that guide the new member to sobriety. Along with sponsors and meetings, the alcoholic finds a whole new, healthier way of living.

Those who are curious about the roots of this program will find these talks from Bill W. to be enlightening and informative. Those whose lives have been improved by working the twelve steps of A.A. will enjoy reading about the early days of this organization. And as a historical document, this book is a fascination read.

If you think you may have a drinking problem, here is a quick questionnaire that will help you decide if A.A. might help you. You can find sobriety through this program.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

art, children, history

The Historical Heroines Coloring Book

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Elizabeth Lorayne
Illustrator: Kendra Shedenhelm
Publisher: White Wave Press
Genre: Women’s History / Coloring Book
ISBN: 978-0-9979098-9-0
Pages: 80
Price: $14.93

Author’s website
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In the 18th and 19th centuries, women made significant contributions to the math and sciences community. But they lived in a society where their roles were limited by their gender, and their achievements were often discounted or credited to the men they worked with.

The Historical Heroines Coloring Book introduces kids to some of these pioneering women through one-page summaries of their lives and accomplishments. An accompanying coloring page shows each woman in action in her field of science.

In the introduction, author Elizabeth Lorayne proclaims, “My hope is that through coloring these illustrations of strong, brilliant, hard-working women scientists, you will feel inspired to go forth and seize your own dreams and that you will in turn continue the circle of empowering yourself and others.” After reading this interesting and inspiring book, I believe she has achieved her goal.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

fiction, history

The Ringmaster’s Wife

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Kristy Cambron
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Historical Fiction
ISBN: 978-0-7180-4154-0
Pages: 368
Price: $15.99

Author’s website
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Lady Rosamund Easling of Yorkshire, England has a secret passion – riding bareback on her Arabian mare. So when Colin Keary arrives with the intention of purchasing her beloved horse, Rosamund is understandably upset. But what she doesn’t expect is Colin’s enticing invitation to run off to America and join the circus.

Mable Burton is living the simple farm life in Ohio, but the excitement of the city is calling her. A chance meeting in Chicago introduces her to John Ringling, but they won’t meet again until several years later in Atlantic City. John has never forgotten her, and they are soon married. Now she, too, is joined to the circus, but only peripherally.

The Ringmaster’s Wife alternates between these two women’s perspectives, as a circus season progresses. Rosamund’s career begins on a shaky note, but as she gains confidence, she has to handle the rivalry that develops between her and the former star. Mable is a strong and steady force in Rosamund’s life, as she cheers for the young lady to be successful. And Colin is an enigma to Rosamund, as she tries to determine if he is interested in her as a woman or simply a circus performer.

Faith and courage in the midst of overwhelming circumstances are the hallmark themes in this beautifully written historical novel. I highly recommend it.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

history

The Hollow Ground

Bergers Book Reviews

The Hollow Ground
Author: Natalie S. Harnett
Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
Genre: Historical fiction
ISBN: 978-1-250-04198-2
Pages: 320
Price: $24.99

Author’s website
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Brigid Howley lives with her family under a curse issued by a priest to her long-ago Molly Maguire relative. After being forced out of Centereach by a mine fire, the family moves back to her father’s childhood home in Barrendale, where another fire burns. But before the fire started, a tragic mine disaster badly injured her father and killed his brother.

As Brigid learns to cope with living just outside the fire zone, she also has to come to terms with the curse, which is destroying her family. And when Brigid makes a gruesome discovery in the mine, everything changes, as old buried secrets suddenly come to light. Brigid needs to know the truth, and she’s determined to get answers from the only people who can tell her. But what if her worst fears are realized?

As a Pennsylvanian fascinated with our coal mining past, and especially the mine fires in the area, I especially enjoyed the feeling of being transported back to a time of an actively raging fire. Places are renamed in this story, but most are still recognizable to locals. But although the fire and the mysterious circumstances in the mine shaft held my interest, seeing this dysfunctional family come completely undone was disappointing. History buffs will enjoy this glimpse of Pennsylvania’s past.

Reviewer: Alice Berger