I enjoyed this book full of information about children of the wild west, their struggles, and their triumphs. As a teacher, the best part for me was the section on frontier schools.
"Give Me Liberty" is an excellent overview of the Revolutionary War, as well as the events that lead up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Freedman depicts that key figures of the time as real people with tough decisions to make regarding freedoms. Resources in the book include reproductions of sketches, primary documents, and advertisements from the time to add an extra element to the information. Other resources within the book are the table of contents, index, illustration credits, chronology of events, bibliography, and a transcript of the Declaration of Independence.
After reading "Give Me Liberty",
I have a better understanding of the events that lead up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, as well as the magnitude of the decisions that had to be made concerning the freedoms of our country. It is written in a precise manner that was easy to understand. I think aspect of the book that was most beneficial to me was the chronology of events because it put all of the events into perspective for me.
This book allows the reader a closer look at the
hardships and sacrifices made by George
Washington and his men during one winter of the American Revolution. Philadelphia has been taken, and Washington must find a place for his the American troops he is in charge of to stay for the winter. Washington and his men establish themselves at Valley Forge, where they quickly run out of supplies. The story is a gripping retelling of how Washington and his troops had the courage to persist through that horrible winter, and at the end, win the fight for freedom.
As a female athlete, coach, and mother of six daughters, this book moved me unlike any other nonfiction book ever has. Freedman portrays Didrikson as an energetic, vibrant woman who, from an early age, had a dream of doing something almost unheard of for her time; making a living by being the best athlete in the world. Through quotes from friends and rivals, as well as a plethora of photographs, the personality of this iconic woman of history leaps from the pages. Not only did she become female athlete of the year six times, but as the first chapter states, she "broke barriers" for women of the time, as well as lead the way for female athletes to become respected wage earners. I loved this book!!!
"Babe Didrikson Zaharias: the Making of
a Champion" is a biography told about a Mildred "Babe' Didrikson, a poor tomboy from Texas who decided at an early age that athletics was a way to earn a living, as well as recognition. Although Freedman pays attention to Zaharias' many records, such as; three world records in track, All-American basketball, and record setting golf career, the most important part of this story is how the author portrays woman behind the athlete.
is an amazing researcher who began his career as a writer an editor. He used this skills to become an award-winning nonfiction writer. His books include resources such as table of contents, photographs, and numerous primary documents, in which the reader can gain a better understanding of historical events that in the past were dry and boring.
Summary
Activity 2
Activity 1
Reference page 1
Reference page 2
Early Years
Russell Freedman was born in Sacramento in 1929. Although he didn't do well in high school, he attended college at the University of California Berkeley, majoring in English Literature.
(Freedman, "Babe Didrikson.., " 1999)
(Biography Russell Freedman. 2013)
"Babe Didrikson Zaharias the Making of a Champion"
The Writing Begins
Freedman published
his first work in 1961
and has written 47
books since.
Freedman worked as a writer and
an editor for the Associated Press
before becoming a publicist in the
1950's.
Research was the main component
in these jobs, and thus would begin
Freedman's focus on providing
important information
to the public.
(Nelson, A. (2008)
(Biography Russell Freedman. 2013)
Awards
Newbery Medal in 1988 for Lincoln: A Photobiography
Newbery Honor in 1992 for The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the Airplane
Washington Post Nonfiction Award in 1992
Empire State Award for Excellence in Literature for Young People in 1993
Knickerbocker Award for Juvenile Literature in 1993
Regina Medal in 1996
Laura Ingalls Wilder Award in 1998
International Board on Books for Young People Award for Writing
Golden Kite Award
Western Heritage Award
Jefferson Cup
Pictus
New York Academy of Sciences Award
Reading Magic Award
Carter G. Woodson Book Award
Parents' Choice Picture Book Award
Russell Freedman
Nonfiction author
(Russell Freedman Honored as 30th Recipient of USM Medallion 2013)
"Children of the Wild West"
"Washington at Valley Forge"
"Washington at Valley Forge"
The photos and
text worked together for the reader to get a true understanding of the life of frontier families. The photos that are within the book made the information come to life.
"Children of the Wild West" explains to the reader, through photos and text, what pioneer youngsters experienced during their travels west as their families worked to settle the new frontier. The book also gave information on how the journey west affected the life of Native Americans, as well as emigrants entering the country.
(Freedman, 1983)
"Give Me Liberty"
(Freedman, 2008)
"Lincoln
A Photobiography"
Newbery Award Winner
1988
(Lincoln: A Photobiography by Russell Freedman, 2013)
"Washington at Valley Forge" is an amazing account of how the American soldiers survived during a most important time during the American Revolution. The book was filled with a resources; maps, a timeline, source notes and a bibliography, as well as paintings, prints, and drawings. There were also many quotes from diaries and other primary sources. All of these things, alongside the information within the book, allowed me a better understanding of George Washington and the horrible conditions in which the soldiers not only survived, but marched away more determined than ever to win their fight for freedom.
"Lincoln: A Photobiography" is a wonderfully put together book that clues the reader in on many details of Lincoln's life, from his early childhood through his assassination. The book begins by exploring Lincoln's questionable nature, as well as his indecipherable personality. The book addresses Lincoln's battle with depression, and the toll the mental illness took on his marriage. The book then moves into detail about Lincoln's childhood in which he began as an unschooled farm boy with no formal training, to a man who was respected in his community for his public speaking prowess. The book then moves to Lincoln's career as a lawyer, member of the state legislature, his presidency, as well as his involvement in the Civil War. Lastly, the book ends with his assassination.
(Freedman, "Give Mr Liberty", 2000)
(Freedman, "Lincoln A Photobiography, 1987)
"Lincoln a Photobiography"
was one of my favorite of the books I read by Freedman. I learned more about Lincoln through the information, pictures, and political cartoons that I ever have in a school situation. The information was given so that the reader could gain a better understanding of the real Abraham Lincoln; a hero worthy of our praise.