Born into slavery around 1820, Harriet Tubman learned quickly that the life of a slave was full of hard work and danger. As a little girl, Harriet was a slave on a plantation in Maryland. One of her favorite outdoor chores was working in the apple orchard; picking, washing, and polishing the apples. She always felt that it was so unfair, that after doing all this work, slaves were forbidden to taste this wonderful fruit. After getting whipped for daring to take a bite of a juicy red apple, she promised herself two things: one day she was going to be free and when she was, she was going to have all the apples she wanted. In 1849, Harriet made her escape to the North by way of the Underground Railroad. However, Harriet was not happy being free when there were so many people still in slavery. Time and time again, Harriet went back to Maryland to guide other slaves to freedom. It took a long time but Harriet finally kept those two promises that she had made to herself. Read this easy to read and beautifully illustrated story of Harriet Tubman a 'conductor' on the Underground Railroad.

Similar authors: Pamela Duncan Edwards, Ellen Levine

Similar books: Barefoot: Escape on the Underground Railroad by Pamela Duncan Edwards; If You Traveled on the Underground Railroad by Ellen Levine; Journeys of Courage: On the Underground Railroad by Darwin McBeth Walton; Minty: A Story of Young Harriet Tubman; Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt by Deborah Hopkinson

Reviewed by: askme

Date read: 6/30/2010

ISBN-10: 0807503959

ISBN-13: 9780807503959

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'Basho and the River Stones' by Tim Myers is a story based on the teachings of one of Japan's most revered poets, Matsuo Basho. Through the antics of a greedy fox, Matsuo introduces us to his unique form of poetry, a haiku. He also teaches us that the simple beauties of the world, give our lives 'radiance'. Enjoy this gentle story of generosity and friendship.

Similar authors: Jan Freeman Long; Stephen Krensky

Similar books: The Boy Who Drew Cats: A Japanese Folktale by Arthur A. Levine; The Greatest of All: A Japanese Folktale by Eric A. Kimmel; Tanuki's Gift: A Japanese Tale by Tim Myers; The Bee and the Dream: A Japanese Folktale by Jan Freeman Long; Bokuden and the Bully: A Japanese Folktale by Stephen Krensky

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 7/13/2011

ISBN-10: 076145165X

ISBN-13: 9780761451655

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In El Salvador in the 1980s, Maria tags along to the market with her father, where they must trade some of their possessions for essentials like milk and flour. Maria's father has been out of work as a result of the political unrest in the country. While this story does depict a struggling family in an unstable environment, the real charm of the tale is the way we see Maria's family's love for one another. In the end, Maria makes a tough choice in order to contribute to her family and for the sake of a sick child she's never met. This is a sweet and moving story about growing up and expressing love for others through actions.

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 12/30/2010

ISBN-10: 0060245212

ISBN-13: 9780060245214

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Naomi and her younger brother Clive live with their great-grandmother at Avocado Acres Trailer Ranch until their mother unexpectedly arrives. A custody battle follows, and Naomi and Clive travel with their great-grandmother to Mexico to search for their father. After connecting with him in Oaxaca, they return home to California and Naomi has the strength to speak clearly at the custody hearing.

Awards nominated: Rebecca Caudill Nominee 2007

Reviewed by: msp

Date read: 1/27/2011

ISBN-10: 0439269695

ISBN-13: 9780439269698

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The year is 1302, or year 680 of the Hegira according to the Muslim calendar. Halima, a member of the Beduin tribe, Beni Khalid, has been betrothed to her cousin, Atiyah, since they were small. She dreams of one day being his wife. Uncle Saladeen arrives, and takes Atiyah to study at the university in Fez. Atiyah wants only to marry Halima and take over the leadership of the Beni Khalid when his adoptive father can no longer lead. After Atiyah leaves, the tribe must migrate to find food and water, and Halima is lost during a sandstorm. She gives herself up for dead. A hunter of the rival tribe, Beni Shummar, finds Halima and she is nursed back to health in the tribal encampment. The sheikh makes an offer of marriage, an offer that Halima, because of courtesy and custom, must accept, but she holds out hope that Atiyah will find her. Sequel to Ramsay Scallop.

Similar books: Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind by Suzanne Fisher Staples

Reviewed by: vfv

Date read: 8/14/2012

ISBN-10: 0531095193

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