Three Lines in a Circle by Michael G. Long

Three Lines in a Circle tells the history of the peace symbol and how it became a powerful icon used in marches and movements around the world.

One line straight down. One line to the right. One line to the left, then a circle. That was all—just three lines in a circle.
This bold picture book tells the story of the peace symbol—designed in 1958 by a London activist protesting nuclear weapons—and how it inspired people all over the world. Depicting the symbol’s travels from peace marches and liberation movements to the end of apartheid and the fall of the Berlin Wall, Three Lines in a Circle offers a message of inspiration to today’s children and adults who are working to create social change. An author’s note provides historical background and a time line of late twentieth-century peace movements.

Reviews

“Recounts the origins of the peace sign for a new generation of young activists. . . . Empowering.” 

—Publishers Weekly

“Vibrant throngs of all kinds of people fill the pages. . . . Grounded in the discussion of a design, the heart of peace beats on.” 

—Kirkus Reviews

“Vibrant, layered protest scenes and moody evening skies seem lifted from the walls of an impressionist gallery in this picture book detailing the origins and enduring influence of the peace sign.”

—Foreword Reviews

“It’s a joy to see, page by page, how many places around the world and how many different movements this symbol came to influence, as it took on broader meanings of peace and acceptance. . . . The bright, colorful, detailed illustrations give us a sense of the great swelling of desire to create a livable, loving world.” 

—Spirituality & Practice

“The words and illustrations work symbiotically to show the peace symbol’s adoption around the world.” 

⁠—Englewood Review of Books

“A short, bright look at the history and proliferation of the peace symbol. . . . Highly worthy for any school that covers social justice, nuclear disarmament, the 1960’s or protest movements.” 

—Kiss the Book

“Offers a message of inspiration to today’s children and adults who are working to create social change. . . . Entertaining, informative, and thoroughly ‘kid friendly’ in organization and presentation.”

—Midwest Book Review

Purchase from

IndieBound  |  Bookshop  |  Barnes & Noble  |  The Thoughtful Christian  |  ChristianBook.com  |  Amazon

The Clothesline Code by Janet Halfmann

The Clothesline Code by Janet Halfmann is the fascinating story of Lucy Ann and Dabney Walker, who risked it all to save lives.

After learning about the way the Union intelligence camp used flag codes to communicate over long distances, Dabney Walker and his wife Lucy Ann devised a way to use laundry to create a clothesline code to send signals across the river, putting the Walkers–especially Lucy Ann–in grave danger.

This story shares the bravery of the Walkers, and how their efforts helped the Union army prepare to battle the Confederate army in the spring. The Afterword provides more information about these courageous people and the time period.

Sharing an important and, perhaps not as well known, story from this time period in history is the perfect way to celebrate Black History Month and honor the sacrifices many Blacks made to help the Union. Halfmann’s books never disappoint.

Rating: 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

• Publisher : Brandylane Publishers, Inc. (February 1, 2021)
• Language : English
• Hardcover : 36 pages
• ISBN-10 : 1951565576
• ISBN-13 : 978-1951565572
• Reading age : 6 – 11 years

I received a digital copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

The Story of Civil War Hero Robert Smalls by Janet Halfmann

Part of “The Story of” biography series from Lee & Low books, The Story of Civil War Hero Robert Smalls by Janet Halfmann is a chapter book providing a glimpse into this brave, amazing man who was born into slavery and became a national hero.

Born in the slave quarters of a plantation in Beaufort, South Carolina, Robert Smalls began working for his master at the age of six. As his master’s favorite, Smalls led an easier life than other enslaved people, but he still witnessed the evils of slavery. As he grew into a young man, he knew he wanted more for his life and for his people than living as the property of another man. The Story of Civil War Hero Robert Smalls tells the story of the daring plan Smalls implemented to bring his family and others to freedom and how he helped the Union cause. It also follows his life after the war as a member of the United States Congress, a publisher, and a lifelong advocate for African Americans.

 

This is the second book by Janet Halfmann about the life of Robert Smalls that I’ve read. The picture book, Seven Miles to Freedom, is an excellent choice for younger readers. The Story of Civil War Hero Robert Smalls is geared toward school-age children. In addition to the biography of Smalls, additional historical content  provides an in-depth look into the times in which Small lived. According to the publisher’s website, “The Story of” books include: informative sidebars, highlighted vocabulary words, a timeline, a glossary, a bibliography, and a recommended reading list. This information makes The Story of Civil War Hero Robert Smalls the perfect book for school and public libraries and a great resource for all types of school projects. An inspiring story of a true American hero, The Story of Civil War Hero Robert Smalls is a welcome addition to any Civil War library.

The style of artwork from talented children’s book illustrator Duane Smith allows the reader to envision Smalls’ journeys from his dreams of freedom through his days of piloting the Planter wood-burning steamer. The book also includes historical photos.

I am proud to add The Story of Civil War Hero Robert Smalls to my Civil War library.

Highly recommended!

Rating: 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

Age Range: 8 – 11 years
Grade Level: 3 – 4
Series: Story of…?
Paperback: 80 pages
Publisher: Lee & Low Books (February 25, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1643790161
ISBN-13: 978-1643790169

I received a copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

My TBR Pile

 

Two cousins embark on an exciting mystery to solve the riddle of their grandfather’s will. The boys from diverse backgrounds must work together to overcome natural and cultural obstacles. Can they save the ranch in time?

History, like magic, has a habit of repeating itself

It’s been six months since thirteen-year-old Alyssa McCarthy left magic behind for good. Or so she thought…

Then the enchanted objects that protected her disappear. Now a skeleton named Errol has cursed her with magical powers that keep getting her in trouble. Suddenly strange things are happening with disastrous effects, and if Alyssa can’t remove the magic, she will lose everything she holds dear.

In order to get rid of her unwanted wizardry, Alyssa will have to boost her bravery and confidence and determine who Errol really is. But every time Alyssa uses an enchantment, Errol is one step closer to getting his flesh back and becoming alive, and he will do anything to achieve his goals…even if it means destroying Alyssa’s happiness.

Originally published in 2016 as “Wizardry Goes Wild” and “The Unruly Curse” in 2019, “A Curse of Mayhem” is book two in the exciting and suspenseful “Magical Missions” series.

 

This exciting entry in Lee & Low’s “Story of” line of chapter-book biographies introduces readers to Robert Smalls, an enslaved steamboat wheelman who commandeered a Confederate boat during the Civil War and escaped with his family, crew, and their families to freedom.

Growing up enslaved in South Carolina, Robert Smalls always dreamed of the moment freedom would be within his grasp. Now that moment was here.

Robert stood proudly at the Planter’s wheel. Only seven miles of water lay between the ship and the chance of freedom in Union territory. With precision and amazing courage, he navigated past the Confederate forts in the harbor and steered the ship toward the safety of the Union fleet. Just one miscalculation would be deadly, but for Robert, his family, and his crewmates, the risk was worth taking.

The Story of Civil War Hero Robert Smalls is the compelling account of the daring escape of Robert Smalls, an enslaved steamboat wheelman who became one of the Civil War’s greatest heroes. His steadfast courage in the face of adversity is an inspiring model for all who attempt to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.

This Chapter Book edition includes black-and-white illustrations as well as sidebars on related subjects, a timeline, a glossary, and recommended reading.

What is in your TBR pile right now?

 

New Releases from Guardian Angel Publishing

 

Ulysses is a basset hound who thinks he can sing, but sounds like a fog horn in the bay. That’s how he got into trouble in the backyard. Wise Owl tells Ulysses to be what he is and find his own special sound. That’s how he learned to make the most joyful noise in all the land.

Sparky travels the globe looking for children in need of help. His adventure to Uganda leads him to a young boy named Jimmy who is sick and alone in the middle of the jungle. Their colorful friendship changes Jimmy’s world.

Coloring Book shares the adventure of Sparky’s Uganda Adventure from Spark Worldwide who serves,  protects and raises kids… “It’s what we do.” Also see the picture book of Sparky & Jimmy- Sparky’s Uganda Adventure. And help support  Spark Worldwide around the globe.

Book 3 contains another sampling of ancient symbols presented by Professor Hoot who guides the reader through distant times for further exploration. Join Professor Hoot as he displays more ancient art and unusual artifacts. These items represent various cultures from ancient countries and eras.

Have you ever wondered where groundhogs live or what they eat? With rhyming fun, explore their world with facts from A to Z! Read about their Predators and how they Hibernate, Their Voracious appetites and the way they eXcavate! Intriguing information from beginning to end. Building understanding of our furry groundhog friends!

Long before Santa had a sleigh, he walked from house to house delivering toys with his faithful dog Yukon. With more good girls and boys and more and more toys, only a big sleigh will do. But who will save Christmas day by pulling Santa’s sleigh?

A fictional short story poem revealing the often-times forgotten, yet age-old secret of life: the importance and attraction of kindness. A light hearted tale of a peace loving old man, and how he became loved by the whole village by being kind.

For these and other books by Guardian Angel Publishing, visit the publisher online at www.guardianangelpublishing.com