Children's Biographies

Young Patriots Bulletin (web edition)

Hook Kids on History!
February, 2004
Vol. 1, Number 2

Featured Article: From the Creator of the Young Patriots Series

Hook Kids on History in February:
Feb. 1-29:	Black History Month and Library Lovers Month
Feb. 1:	Freedom Day-Anniversary of President Lincoln's approval of the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery
Feb. 9:	William Henry Harrison was born in 1773
Feb. 14:	Frederick Douglass was born in 1817
Feb. 17:	President's Day

Hello and best wishes to all my readers for a happy and successful 2004. February is Black History Month, and what better way to celebrate than with Mahalia Jackson, the "Queen of Gospel." Born in poverty, her story is an inspiring one that takes her from the levees of New Orleans to the podium at the historic 1963 March on Washington with Dr. Martin Luther King.

Also this month, we're featuring another installment of our series on hooking kids on history with historical fiction as well as a sneak preview of our newest Young Patriot! And don't miss the opportunity to choose an upcoming book in our series-please take our short survey and you might see YOUR favorite American hero or heroine as the subject of our next title.

Thank you so much for your support of our Young Patriots Series, and think spring!

Warmly,

Florrie Binford Kichler

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What's New? Celebrate Black History Month with Mahalia Jackson

Martin Luther King said of her, "A voice like this comes, not once in a century, but once in a millennium."
She stood by Dr. King's side and sang during the March on Washington in 1963.
She was born into poverty in New Orleans but grew up to become the "Queen of Gospel."

Celebrate Black History Month in February with the only woman to appear on the podium with Dr. Martin Luther King during the March on Washington program. Mahalia Jackson achieved fame and success by bringing her beloved gospel music to the forefront of the American music scene. She sang for presidents, battled prejudice and poverty in her personal life and devoted her public persona to the Civil Rights movement.

Learn more about Mahalia Jackson's contribution to the March on Washington and hear audio of her singing in a clip from a National Public Radio program.

Long before she was the Gospel Queen however, she was "Halie" Jackson growing up on the levees of New Orleans. Whether she was hunting alligators, riding the sugar cane train, or adjusting to life with her Aunt Duke after her mother died, Mahalia showed at an early age the determination and persistence that made her the world-famous singer she became. Visit our newest Young Patriot here-- Mahalia Jackson, Gospel Singer and Civil Rights Champion , winner of two national awards for excellence in fiction for young readers.

Hook Kids on History - How to Choose Good Historical Fiction--Part 2 of 3

Last month we talked about reading aloud to kids-and encouraging them to read aloud to you-- as being a tool to get them "hooked" on books in general and historical fiction in particular (See the December newsletter for that article)

So how to you choose good historical fiction-stories that will entertain (to keep the kids' interest) AND educate?

Look for a well-told story that doesn't conflict with historical records. The "fiction" part of "historical fiction" is imaginary-the "historical" part must be accurate.
The story should occur in a definite period of time and a real place in history.
The plot must make sense and present a realistic and believable mixture of fictional and actual events. In Amelia Earhart, Young Air Pioneer, a chapter is devoted to Amelia building a roller coaster and riding it down the shed roof. Of course the details of the event are fictional, but the actual roller coaster can be seen at the Amelia Earhart birthplace in Atchison Kansas.
The main characters should be involved in a conflict or problem that is real for that time period. In William Henry Harrison, Young Tippecanoe, during the Revolutionary War, William Henry Harrison had to decide whether or not to let a wounded British soldier die because he was the enemy, or save him because it was the humane course of action.
Illustrations should be vivid and provide a window into the historical period.
Stereotypes and myths should be avoided.
Dialogue must show the character's personalities and reflect the thoughts of people who lived in that time period.

Next month, we'll discuss how good historical fiction creates role models for kids and provide some additional resources on where to find good books.

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Sneak Preview-What Part did The Next Young Patriot Play in the Lewis and Clark Expedition?

Founder of Louisville, Kentucky
Founder of Clarksville, Indiana
Victorious against the British in the 1779 Battle of Vincennes, giving America control of the Northwest Territory (Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and eastern Minnesota)

Explorer and Revolutionary War hero, General George Rogers Clark effectively doubled the size of the United States by his defeat of the British at Vincennes. He is also known for being the older brother of William Clark, one half of the legendary Lewis and Clark Expedition.

But did you know that in 1783, Thomas Jefferson asked George Rogers Clark if he would be willing to head an expedition to explore the land west of the Mississippi? Clark declined, and 20 years later Jefferson asked the same question of Clark's younger brother William. William accepted and the Lewis and Clark expedition was born.

Watch for George Rogers Clark, Boy of the Northwest Frontier, Volume 8 in the Young Patriots Series, coming late next month!

Who's Your Choice for an Upcoming Young Patriot?

We would like YOUR input on which American heroes and heroines should be featured in the Young Patriots Series! The survey below will take less than two minutes to complete and give you a chance to influence our future direction. Thank you so much for your opinions.

http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?DVQ89E4JPTGFTYJB4W73GV7B

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Don't wait-this offer expires 2/15/04! Fill out or add to your school or library collection now!

Take advantage of Free Shipping plus a free electronic book and order here!

Schools and libraries may also fax your purchase order to 413-215-8030, or mail to Patria Press, Inc., PO Box 752, Carmel, IN 46082. Mention "GRC offer."

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