(2) Illustrated by Vesper Stamper. This picture-book biography tells the story of Cahan (1860–1951), cofounder and later editor of the Forverts, the Yiddish newspaper known in English as The Jewish Daily Forward. Finkelstein's clear text traces Cahan's journey from the Pale of Settlement -- he fled after being questioned by czarist police over his support of workers -- to New York, as well as his experiences as a new immigrant before the paper's founding. The book's depiction of Cahan's work on the paper emphasizes his understanding of and advocacy for the needs of other Jews, immigrants, and workers. Stamper's bustling street scenes, classrooms, and newspaper offices include plenty of instances of print to pore over in multiple languages (Cahan "loved words" in English, Russian, Hebrew, and Yiddish). Back matter includes more information on Cahan and on Yiddish, an author's note, a timeline, a bibliography, and suggested further reading.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2024

(3) YA Nonviolent bandit Black Bart (a.k.a. Charles Boles) used manners and moxie to rob stagecoaches--never firing a shot and always saying please. This biography also weaves in information about the California Gold Rush; the Wells Fargo Stagecoach Co.; and detective Jim Hume, who caught Bart. Illustrated with well-selected black-and-white drawings and archival photos, the book captures a fascinating slice of American history. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(2) 4-6 Julius Rosenwald, the wealthy president of Sears, Roebuck and Company, established the Julius Rosenwald Fund, which among its many charitable pursuits most famously built schools: 5,357 for African Americans in fifteen Southern states, helping to create a "new black middle class." Clear writing, abundant archival photographs, and an engaging presentation of history make this a work of hope and inspiration. Websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Dean Schneider | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2014

(3) 4-6 This book gives an account of three aviator teams (Charles Lindbergh, Charles Levine and Clarence Chamberlain, and Richard Byrd) engaged in fierce competition to be the first to fly nonstop from America to Europe. Finkelstein details the personalities involved, preparations for the trip, dangers encountered during the flights, and triumphs. The readable text is enhanced with numerous archival photographs. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) 4-6 Finkelstein describes the Jewish experience in America during the twentieth century, placing specific emphasis on the social issues and cultural arenas that propelled a largely uneducated immigrant group forward. Detailed captions for the extensive black-and-white photos augment the well-written text. Chapter source notes and a timeline are appended. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(3) YA This entertaining history lesson, complete with firsthand testimony, challenges eight myths about the so-called nifty fifties: in "People Were Healthier," we're reminded that house calls didn't mean advanced medicine;

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) YA A well-written, detailed account of the history of Israel (from the Zionist movement of the late 1800s to the present day) is presented in the context of the country's up-and-down relations with the United States. Readers able to recognize that the book presents only one side (pro-Israel) of a complex historical situation will find it a valuable resource. A time line is included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.