Mochizuki, Ken. 1993. Baseball saved us. Ill. by Dom Lee. New York: Lee and Low.

recommended for: 3rd through 6th grades

Set in the Japanese internment camps of the United States during World War II, this story shows us, from a child's perspective, the experience of one family as they lived through the difficult period behind a barbed-wire fence. The prejudice and the injustice behind the internment of the period are dealt with subtly, and the reader sees, through Shorty's eyes, the hardships and desolation of the experience. Woven through is the plot line of how the internees initiate and develop a baseball program which, by the end of the book, proves a saving of the situation and a means of personal growth and affirmation for the main character.

From the perspective of multicultural literature, this story offers a balanced and accepting view of the Japanese experience without bitterness or recriminations. Racial and cultural stereotyping is avoided, and the characters in the story are multifaceted and well-rounded. The author doesn't provide a pointedly multicultural context; rather we see the characters from the perspective of credible experiences within families living through the difficult times, interacting with family, friends and relatives. Reverse prejudice, in this case against the American guards at the camp, is absent, and instead we read of a child's normal unease against someone distant and observing. Again, the conclusion of the book resolves this distance of relation and culture believably and satisfactorily.

As a librarian, I believe the historical information from the setting of the book, as well as the reasoned and illuminating perspective into the protagonist's experience, make this a particularly appropriate selection for elementary libraries and history classrooms. I think the students will learn a lot, identify with the characters, and enjoy the story of how baseball did indeed save the day.

Key words: baseball, Japanese, World War II, internment camps

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Morley, Jacqueline. 2006. You wouldn't want to work on the Great Wall of China: defenses you'd rather not build! Ill. by David Antram. New York: Scholastic.

recommended for: upper elementary, early middle school grades

I really enjoyed my first experience with the series of "You wouldn't want to ..." books. This one provides intriguing information about the Great Wall of China from the perspective of a Chinese peon alive at the time of the building of the Wall and of his experience being pressed into service for the Emperor's construction. Amazing facts and details are shared -- such as the purpose of the Wall (not just to be a Wonder of the World), a sense of the size and distance covered by the edifice, and a clear sense of context in which the work was done.

No genre of children's literature has seen as many changes as the non-fiction or information books. This series, and this title in particular, give clear examples of the attributes of better non-fiction writing. The book is marked by an attractive design that is visually appealing to younger readers. Written from the unique perspective of someone involved in the hard work of the Wall, compelling details make the difference between "showing" and "telling" of the information. There is a wide variety in the information provided here -- nothing I have encountered before. And amazing little-known facts keep the reader engaged and moving forward to discover more!

After my experience with this title in the series, I have sought out several more that I want to share with my students. I believe this unique approach to information will have all of us visiting the Non-Fiction section of the library frequently!

Key words: Great Wall of China, empressment, Chinese dynasty, battle defenses

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Krull, Kathleen. 2005. Houdini: world's greatest mystery man and escape king. Ill. by Eric Velasquez. New York: Walker & Company.

recommended for: 3rd through 5th grades

Produced in an appealing format of a theatrical production, this biography begins with first magic production, "The Milkcan Escape," which premiered in 1908 and was a great success for Harry! Then with a flashback to the early years of Harry's life and family, the author carries the reader through the major high points of Harry Houdini's private and professional life. Each major portion of the story is told as though by an emcee at a circus, and the curtain literally opens and closes on the events. A "Behind the Scenes" and bibliography draw the story to a satisfying and interesting conclusion.

Krull's work carries the marks of a well-written and interesting biography for young readers. An authentic biography, the author acknowledges her information sources and provides an accurate re-telling of the Houdini life highlights. There are direct quotations used with care, citing Houdini's wife's comments on her husband. The overall tone of he book is even and balanced, and the reader comes away knowing a great deal about Houdini's exploits but also about him as a person.

I believe the large, visual presentation of the information in the book will provide an attractive start for students (always interested in magic) who want to know more about Houdini. There is a good blend of information and "presentation." This book should be a popular in my library.

Key words: illusion, magic tricks, Houdini, escapes