Reviewed by Barbara Peterson for Readers' Favorite

Author Thomas Hagedorn begins his narrative in 1783. Just after the end of the Revolutionary War, the United States had so many debts that it was unable to give back pay to Army officers and enlisted men who had fought during the war, let alone the plots of lands in the West that they had been promised. How does a fledgling nation that has just won its freedom develop a workable government and pay off its debts? Hagedorn delves deeply into American history – not just the history of public schools but of the United States itself and its expansion westward, because all of this is inextricably intertwined. I’d frankly never realized that one of the main reasons why the United States expanded westward was as a means of paying off the debts it owed to its solders...or that American Indians of the time actually had to give reparations to the United States because they’d fought with the British!

Author Hagedorn follows his subject in chronological order from March, 1783 when General Washington effectively put down the “Newburgh Conspiracy,” in which officers of the Continental Army were being encouraged to mutiny against the Confederate Congress in order to gain the back pay and Western lands that had been promised to them. From this introduction, Hagedorn takes us to the nitty gritty, starting with the Reverend Manasseh Cutler, who in 1787 travels to New York to lobby Congress for “land in the Ohio Country for his Yankee friends and guaranteeing those would-be pioneers that they could bring their government and their culture with them.” Cutler is the founder of the movement – his son Ephraim Cutler and other Calvinists continue it for the next sixty years and thirty territories/states.

Founding Zealots is densely written and reflects Hagedorn’s twenty years of research, not only into the history of the fight of several determined parties – New Englanders and Calvinists - to found public schools where “teaching of religion and morality was more important than any other school activity” and those who wished to prevent them, but also the concurrent political and economic factions and the social history of the time. As befits a scholarly work – although this book is well-written and, by concentrating on specific individuals, keeps our interest – there are detailed notes and references. This book will be of interest to religious scholars, education scholars, and students of American history. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Mary DeKok Blowers for Readers' Favorite

Literary Legends of the British Isles, The Lives and Burial Places of 50 Great Writers, by Michael Thomas Barry, is a wonderful look at great writers of the late medieval and early modern periods, and the 19th and 20th centuries. Little known information about their lives is revealed, with photos of the writers where available and of their grave sites and homes. Any writer, reader, or person interested in the British Isles would love this book and perhaps even become interested in visiting these historic sites. Literary Legends is beautifully compiled, and I especially love the photos of the formal gardens which surround some of the homes and burial sites.

You may find your favorite authors among the pages of Literary Legends. Jane Austen is here, George Orwell, Bram Stoker, Mary Shelley, and Oscar Wilde, as well as Shakespeare, Chaucer, and Thomas Wyatt of the Henry VIII period and reputed lover of Anne Boleyn. The Bronte sisters —Charlotte, Emily, and Anne — discovered that they were all writing secret poetry and then got together to publish a book of poetry under male pen names. Many female authors of this period did this, whether to avoid disgracing husbands or family, or because women were not taken seriously I am not sure. George Eliot is another example. Michael Thomas Barry, himself a prolific author, has degrees in Criminal Justice and History. His other books include descriptions of other final resting places, and in addition he writes a column for Crime Magazine, On This Day in Crime History.

Reviewed by Fiona Ingram for Readers' Favorite

Alexander McKee, a mixed-blood British Indian agent, was one of the few individuals in history able to unite Indians and exert unbelievable leadership on their behalf. When the War for Independence broke out between the Colonies and the British, McKee chose to remain loyal to his mother country. He played a major role on the American frontier during the French and Indian War, the American Revolution and the post-war era. Because of his selfless devotion to the British and the Native Americans, he forfeited massive real estate and social standing when he left his Pittsburgh mansion to organize Indian raids on the American frontier, for which he was branded a traitor by the Continental Congress. It is hard to make history come alive, but in the capable hands of Frederick Wulff, the historical character of Alexander McKee, a British Indian agent of the colonial frontier, springs vibrantly from the dusty pages of history books. The author uncovers the tragic realities and the bloody consequences of colonialism and the sad disintegration of the Indian way of life as the white man’s behaviour and lawlessness eroded their culture and their rights. The devastating effects of the rum trade cannot be underestimated. The author also reveals the incredible personal story behind the man who played a seminal role in this compelling and chaotic piece of American history. Born of a Shawnee mother and a British father, choosing sides could not have been easy for McKee in the culture clash between the land-grabbing colonialists, the traders, and the Indians, the original inhabitants of this new territory. McKee was a man who could straddle two cultures, understanding both, but ultimately choosing to speak up for the displaced Indians, and losing much in the bargain. McKee is revealed as an exceptional man, intelligent and educated, perceptive, and possessing great leadership qualities. From his mother he learned the values and traditions of her people. He helped broker a precarious peace between Indians, traders, and settlers. McKee earned the title “The Great White Elk,” and this term of respect and admiration was well-deserved as he maneuvered British frontier policy and promoted the interests of the beleaguered Native Americans in the post-Revolution era. His principles and actions did not appeal to later historians who branded him a traitor.

Frederick Wulff’s account of this remarkable man will keep history buffs captivated. Minutely researched and written with a deep understanding of the era and Alexander McKee, this book is an excellent read. The author has an easy-to-read style that makes the wealth of information easily assimilated. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Most of us think we know why this country had a civil war. However, there are many misconceptions as to the true reasons why the South wanted to secede from the United States of America. Walter Coffey deftly describes the facts surrounding the Civil War month by month. When we hear the words 'The War Between the States' most of us think of slavery; but was that really the motive of the Northern states? Most wars are fought over money and politics. 'The War Between The States' was no different. The North was industrialized and to protect against imports stealing profits they wanted high taxes placed on imports. The high taxes on imports greatly affected the Southern states. “Foreign trading partners tended to raise process to offset the tariff increases." The Southern States wanted a smaller Federal government and great power at the state level. The North wanted bigger Federal government. Slavery did play a role but more on an economic level than the humanitarian level.

I have always enjoyed history especially when it comes to the War Between the States. Walter Coffey states the facts but not in a dry or boring manner. He makes this book entertaining as well as educational. Walter Coffey dedicates one chapter to each month; in each chapter he supplies spurs and battles; he does this with precision. Civil War Months: A Month-by-Month Compendium of the War Between the States covers January 1861 through May 1865. This book should be in all high school and middle school libraries.

Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite

Author Michael Thomas Barry has done in-depth research on the royal families of Great Britain, going back to those who governed the land before the Norman Invasion in 1066 and the rise of William the Conqueror. Barry writes on all the sovereigns, the Plantagenets, the rulers of the houses of York and Lancaster, the Tudors, the Stuarts, their spouses, the controversies surrounding them and their years of reign. The author also tells us where the monarchs are buried and if and when their bodies were moved or just removed, lost during wars or destroyed by angry and hateful opponents. He covers the famous mystery of the two young princes, Edward and Richard, who might have been killed lest one of them gain the throne and so whose bodies were hidden in the walls of the Tower of London. Plentiful and excellent color pictures of each king and queen, their consorts and burial sites, plus charts, a genealogy at the beginning, an extensive bibliography and index complete "Great Britain's Royal Tombs: a Guide to the Lives and Burial Places of British Monarchs".

"Great Britain's Royal Tombs" is a highly readable and comprehensive look into where England's kings and queens are buried and it is also a fascinating retelling of their lives, when and how they ascended to the throne of England and how they actually died and what probably caused their deaths. For instance, the author reports that the famous Black Prince very probably died of cancer. The author also notes interesting facts such as the royal family changing its last name to Windsor during World War I lest people turn against them for their German ancestry. Michael Barry has created a masterpiece, a brilliant overview of Great Britain's royal rulers, that belongs in libraries worldwide and will be loved by Anglophiles everywhere.

Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite

Author Bryna Kranzler writes of her remarkable grandfather's life as a young man in "The Accidental Anarchist: From the Diaries of Jacob Marateck". In the early years of the last century, a young Jew, Jacob Marateck, goes from his yeshiva onto enlisting in the Russian army. Jacob has tried a few trades, arranged by his father, but he is absolutely no good at any of them. Growing up in poverty in Vichogrod, a town in Poland or Prussia back then, Jacob has few options and on September 15 of 1902, he is due to be conscripted into the Czar's army with other young men who have reached a certain age. Jacob's older brother, Mordecai, is already in the Russian army and tells Jacobi to stop being a "Polack Jew", for Jacob is not one to stay away from issues. When he tried working, he ended up organizing the workers to demand that working hours be dropped from twenty per day to twelve. Now in the Russian army as a corporal, Jacob gets into a fight with Russian officers, is defended by the Czar's cousin, and is sent to Siberia. So where does Jacob go from here?

"The Accidental Anarchist: From the Diaries of Jacob Marateck" is much more than a granddaughter's loving tribute to her grandfather and his life during those years preceding the Russian Revolution. It is a highly well-written and often humorous account of a brave man who endured walking through the snow without shoes, being imprisoned in chains, fighting in battle after battle during the Manchurian War, and with his friend Pyavka escaping to freedom from Siberia. Jacob Marateck is a man readers will wish they knew. He relies on his wits and backbone. Not a hoodlum, or a terrorist or a bomb thrower, Jacob Marateck survives during a time when the Russian Army was incompetent and storm clouds were brewing. "The Accidental Anarchist" is a book for readers everywhere.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

In "The Compassionate Rebel Revolution: Ordinary People Changing the World" you will meet people who are stepping out of their comfort zones to meet the needs of others. The first section of this book shares the stories of ordinary people who became heroes at ground zero. 'A Song For Deora' is the story of Derrill Bodley, a father who lost his daughter on 9/11. Deora was on Flight 93. Derrill had a little doubt she was one of the heroes that fitful day. He wrote two songs in her honor:

Each to Give
The world’s made up of those who do
And those to whom it’s done
But peace would cone to every soul
When both of these are as one.

Derrill is determined there will be no more violence done in his daughter’s name. He formed a core group of families facing the same loss he was facing. They are working together to bring peace to a violent world. Chapter 5 covers 'Community Builders'. Muriel Simmons lives in a neighborhood called Phillips in Minneapolis, MN. Minneapolis filled the summer months with community events. Phillips rarely participated in any of the activities. The area was packed with crime, violence, fear and depression. When Simmons moved to the neighborhood things began to change. Change began with a snow cone machine. Chapter 6 is 'The Care Givers'. This chapter shares the stories of Diane Knobel and how she assisted the people most affected by Katrina. She describes the devastation she saw in Biloxi, Hattisburg and Ovette. Knobel and the group she was with were the first volunteers to visit a church in Central City New Orleans. She made ten trips to the Gulf Coast. Knobel states, “I struggle with the fact that I haven’t yet made any effective lasting change.” Ms Knobel, you have touched lives; there is no way to know the long-term effect of your ministry. In my heart, I believe your presence changed lives.

"The Compassionate Rebel" was written by Burt F. Berlowe. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I began reading this book. What I found was humans making a difference in the world. Each one is humble, compassionate, and caring. Most have no idea they are making changes; they are just doing what they know they must do. Berlowe’s book is well-organized but more importantly, it encourages readers. It proves that even an ordinary person can make a difference. Well done Mr. Berlowe! I believe this book puts you right up there with the heroes you have shared with us; for your book may inspire someone else to change the world.

Reviewed by Jean Brickell for Readers' Favorite

During World War ll Charles Day was a Canadian volunteer who was sent to Ireland and then to other countries in the United Kingdom, also countries in Europe and North Africa. His ship was hit not too far from Ireland and 75 per cent of the people aboard were killed. He was a court reporter and was assigned to the Army Historical Station. His stories are sometimes funny and sometimes more depressing. The soldiers learned that cigarettes were a form of currency and could be traded for buying food, laundry, and later for sight seeing tours. At one point he obtained a flying pass when he had a few days' leave and by hitching rides on military planes, he managed to fly to several North African countries and getting back with just minutes to spare before his leave was up.

This was a fascinating book that told the story of WWII in the voice of a noncom. He does not dwell on the horrors of war but emphasizes the funnier and more pleasant aspects of being sent overseas. This is an interesting book from a soldier with a sense of humor and also aware of the more poignant and touching side of war. But gallows humor plays a part of war also, helping a person remain sane in terrible times. This well-written book is a great addition to the historical stories of WWII.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

"The Strange Case of Jonathan Swift and the Real Long John Silver" by Robert Prather is a fascinating look at an old Kentucky legend. Most readers will be familiar with the name Jonathan Swift. However, this is not the Jonathan Swift that wrote "Gulliver’s Travels" but the Jonathan Swift who is thought to have discovered a silver mine in Eastern Kentucky around 1760. Long John Silver was a fictional character in the novel "Treasure Island" by Robert Louis Stevenson, or was he? Could Long John Silver and Jonathan Swift be one and the same? Prather takes the reader on a journey filled with legend, speculation, documents and research. Swift owned thousands of acres in Kentucky. Legend says that he found a silver mine in an effort to escape a bear. He buried the treasure close to the Hardin and Breckinridge county line, where four towns come together: Eastview, Westview, Centerview and Grandview.

The cover of this book screams to be picked up and read. The background looks like an old faded treasure map. The author has provided photos, maps, copies of news articles and a lot more. The narratives were my favorite part of this text. Many had a humorous tone and all added much to the history of the legends. Prather’s thesis questions whether Jonathan Swift was a pirate who used his trips to Kentucky to hide his ill-gained loot. He also questions whether Stevenson modeled his character Long John Silver after Swift. Could Stevenson have left encoded clues in his book "Treasure Island"?

I live on the Hancock Breckenridge County Line, so naturally this book was of interest to me. I applaud Prather for the enormous amount of research. His book is well-organized and presented. History buffs will love this book. Would the treasure hunters want to buy a copy? Perhaps they will be the lucky ones to find where the treasure is hidden.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

When I Was a Child, based on actual events, is the story of Louis Pfeiffer's life in Kansas during the depression and World War II. It is a story of tragedy, loss, courage, and triumph. The narrative moves back and forth from his childhood and his days as a paratrooper and prisoner of war.

On Ash Wednesday, 1926, Alex and Theresa Pfeiffer left their six children at home alone while they went to Mass. The heavy rain turned into a cold, snowy blizzard. Theresa was found frozen to death, leaving her children without a mother. Louis was only two years old, and his sister, Jerry, was four; they were sent to live with their grandmother. Later, after her death, they returned to the farm and their siblings. Tragedy, such as tornadoes and economic woes, struck again and again. At seventeen, young Louis entered the army where he became a paratrooper; he was captured by the Germans and incarcerated in a prisoner of war camp.

Author T. L. Needham is Louis’ nephew. From the first pages Needham reaches out, grabs the reader and holds tight until the last words as he writes about the courage and bravery of the Pfeiffer children. They had great faith and persevered despite the trials they faced. The author breathed life into his characters, and they jumped off the pages and into my heart. The narrative moves smoothly back and forth between Louis’ childhood and his days in the military. I did not want this book to end. It would have been easy for a lesser talented author to allow the book to be morose and just tragic, but Needham, instead, celebrates the strength, faith and courage of his family. The author is to be commended for this excellent retelling of history.