(4) 4-6 Setting the Stage for Fluency series. Illustrated by Courtney A. Martin. These plays could be done as readers' theater or staged as a full dramas, although the dialogue is stilted in both. In Gourd, two fugitive slaves learn about the Underground Railroad. Sequoyah makes clear the historical significance of a syllabary for the Cherokee language. The prosaic illustrations may offer costume and setting ideas. Reading list, websites. Glos. Review covers these Setting the Stage for Fluency titles: Follow the Drinking Gourd and Sequoyah and His Talking Leaves.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Courtney A. Martin. In 1884, lawyer Belva Lockwood couldn't legally vote, but she ran for president anyway, persevering despite sexism and ridicule. Bardhan-Quallen takes her time humanizing her subject, giving lots of background information (though a repeated "moving mountains" metaphor grows tiresome). Martin's thoughtful illustrations get across what a tough cookie Lockwood was. An author's note provides more history. Timeline. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Nell Beram