(4) K-3 Illustrated by Colin Bootman. Adler captures key events in Stowe's life and the impact of her famous novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin, on national events. However, in an attempt to make the text both easy to read and informative, some statements (e.g., "Stowe's book was one of the causes of the Civil War") lack context and are potentially misleading. The accompanying paintings enhance the text. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) YA Words That Changed History series. Tackach examines the influence of Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel on political and social thought before the Civil War. Though it plods along at times, the text contains interesting information, such as a discussion of critiques of the novel during Stowe's lifetime versus those in the early twentieth century. Black-and-white archival pictures and photos are included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Deborah L. Thompson

(4) 4-6 In 1836, Roxana's servant and closest friend, Joss, becomes engaged to a runaway slave. Facing her own fear of water, Roxana pretends to be a slave holder and accompanies the couple up the Ohio River by boat, where they seek assistance from "Miss Hattie" (Harriet Beecher Stowe), Roxana's former schoolteacher. Overemotional prose takes the edge off this historical novel, which includes an extraneous appendix of recipes.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta