Sue Ann Martin
and Pamela Gates

DR. PAMELA S. GATES
Pamela Gates is a Professor of English and the Dean of the College of Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences at Central Michigan University.  She holds a Ph.D. in Teacher Education--Curriculum, Teaching, & Educational Policy with cognates in Children’s & Young Adult Literature and English Education. Her dissertation focused on the use of multicultural literature in sixth grade classrooms to address and examine issues of racism and prejudice and was the origin for one of her books.  Her research and teaching for the past two decades has focused specifically on literature for Children and Young Adults.  In addition to a dozen articles, her list of publications includes two co-authored books, Fantasy Literature for Children & Young Adults ( Scarecrow Press, 2003) and Cultural Journeys: Multicultural Literature for Children & Young Adults (Scarecrow Press, 2006).  She is currently working on two books which include a biography and the second edition of Cultural Journeys.  She strongly believes in and is committed to the power of good literature to develop young readers and critical thinkers who will be the next generation of parents, teachers, and committed global citizens.

THOSE REBELS, JOHN AND TOM, written by Barbara Kerley and illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham, is an attractive historical look at the unlikely friendship that developed between two opposites-----John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. John Adams was a short, stout, plainly- dressed farmer and lawyer who was brought up in a rustic environment and who liked to argue boisterously and give speeches. Thomas Jefferson was a tall, thin, elegantly- dressed architect and lawyer who was from a privileged class and who was too shy to speak openly but could argue loudly with his pen.

TOM didn't skip school.  He skipped recess ---to study Greek grammar. He loved dancing, playing the violin, and reading all the books in his father's library."

The crisp red, white and blue illustrations digitally enhanced in an attractive cartoon style and the well researched and lively text produce a spirited telling of the friendship that brought a new nation into being.

 The Author's Notes give the young reader a fuller understanding of how these two friends fell out of touch with one another over the serious issues of slavery and states' rights and how they once again started to correspond later in life. The author invites the young reader into the world of research with documented quotations. The book also contains a facsimile of the Declaration of Independence with short John and tall Tom looking proudly on.

THOSE REBELS, JOHN AND TOM, written by Barbara Kerley and illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham, is appropriate for 7-10 year olds  (Scholastic, 2012).

This is Sue Ann Martin for THE CHILDREN'S BOOKSHELF.

Discussion Questions for THOSE REBELS, JOHN AND TOM

Just in Time, Abraham Lincoln is a powerful story written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco.   The narrative is experienced through the eyes of Derek and Michael as they travel back in time in a visit to Harpers Ferry immediately following the Battle of Antietam.
Readers are introduced to Derek and Michael as they travel by train with their Grandmother on a visit Washington, D.C.  The boys are excited about their trip but are surprised when their grandmother sets down the rules that there will be no use of iPods, cell phones, or video games during this adventure. 

After the first day of traveling, Derek, Michael, and their grandmother arrive at Harper’s Ferry where they are introduced to Mr. Portofoy, the curator of the Civil War Museum.  As they wander through the museum, the boys are fascinated with the uniforms, but are somewhat bored by the black and white photographs taken by Mathew Brady—even though one of them was of President Lincoln.

Seeing their fascination, Mr. Portofoy allows the boys to try on some Civil War uniforms that belonged to union soldiers and asks if they want to play a game that is better than any video game.  Excitedly, the boys say yes and are given the opportunity to walk through a secret door and go back in time.  Once through the door, they meet Mathew Brady and begin an adventure that will change how they think about war and history forever.

Polacco’s descriptions of the time travel adventure that Derek and Michael take—the challenges and heartache that they see and experience throughout may have a profound impact on young people. Patricia Polacco carries the readers through various events and experiences—clearly depicting shock and pain of war and how the reality of that is so much more powerful than any video game or historical narrative.

Polacco uses pencils and markers to create the illustrations used in Just in Time, Abraham Lincoln .  They depict powerful visual representations of war and of the young men who were injured and died as a result of the Battle of Atiemen. Polacco also provides an epilogue for this story that provides additional historical details about the battle and its role in the outcome of the Civil War.

Patricia Polacco calls Union City, Michigan home and has written and illustrated over 60 books for young people.  While this book is intended for readers, grades 2-5, it provides important historical insight to all who appreciate Patricia Polacco’s continued commitment to young people and their knowledge of the past.

This is Pamela Gates for The Children’s Bookshelf.

Patricia Polacco.  Just in time, Abraham Lincoln. Putnam Books: New York, 2011.

Discussion Questions for Just in Time, Abraham Lincoln