(2) K-3 Illustrated by William Low. Freedman (posthumously) tells the story of the seventeenth-century Swedish warship Vasa, from its tragic sinking on its maiden voyage to its eventual recovery and restoration as a museum piece. Freedman's clear prose conveys facts and paints a picture with equal skill. The winning combination of engrossing narrative with Low's atmospheric, evocative illustrations should appeal to fans of shipwreck stories, history, and undersea archaeology. Bib.

Reviewer: Russell Perry | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2018

(2) 4-6 Freedman's latest photohistory is an excellent overview of the White Rose resistance movement, a group of university students who, beginning in June 1942 in Munich, Germany, risked their lives to write and distribute leaflets denouncing the Nazi regime. Freedman not only writes with clarity and pace but augments his text with primary-source quotes and photographs that add power and immediacy. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2016

(2) 4-6 Freedman opens his history of America's second-longest war with the massive April 1971 protest against it. Without overwhelming readers, he then flashes back over two thousand years, outlining the many foreign powers that had subjugated Vietnam. Freedman doesn't back down from America's missteps. Instead, he shows how a multitude of events can lead to armed conflict with no simple solutions. Timeline. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2017

(2) 4-6 Translated by Evans Chan. Freedman's slender volume on the history and importance of California's Angel Island Immigration Station--the portal for Asian immigration to the U.S.--covers a lot of ground. He weaves a clear and straightforward narrative history with abundant quotations, excerpts from diaries and wall poems, and archival photographs. This is a clearly written account of a lesser-known side of American immigration history. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Dean Schneider | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2013

(2) YA With characteristically clear prose sprinkled liberally with primary source quotes and carefully selected photographs, Freedman documents the historic 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery march that sparked the passing of the Voting Rights Act, "the crowning achievement of the civil rights movement." Freedman's opening chapter is particularly effective because it focuses on the teachers' march to the courthouse to register as a major trigger for the movement. Timeline. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2014

(2) YA Franklin’s belief in an independent and united Colonial government, and his diplomatic efforts leading to that ideal, are emphasized. With impeccable sourcing and deep research, Freedman enhances his narrative by quoting liberally from Franklin’s autobiography and respected scholars; the author’s modern, accessible language provides context for and serves as a bridge to this adult (often arcane) exposition. Archival photographs appear on every page. Timeline. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2013

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Peter Malone. With clear prose and an eye for telling detail, Freedman narrates the 1773 destruction of British tea in Boston Harbor. Quoting heavily from the firsthand accounts from younger participants, Freedman provides a young person's view of the protest (which is somewhat limited in showing the larger context). Malone's crowd-filled watercolors in a tea-brown palette establish the setting nicely. Timeline. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: J.L. Bell | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2012

(2) 4-6 Despite meeting only three times, Lincoln and Douglass formed a lasting friendship based on mutual admiration, respect, and trust. Through this friendship--an extremely effective structure--Freedman surveys the tenor of the times regarding slavery, abolition, the Civil War, and emancipation. Included are period illustrations and a generous assortment of the subjects' own words. Notes. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2012

(1) 4-6 With an abundance of historical photographs and a characteristically lucid, well-organized text, Freedman documents the history of the First World War: from its tangled beginnings, through years of stalemate, to the collapse of empires and uneasy peace, and ending with a brief description of the rise of Hitler. Freedman's narrative, dedicated to his WWI veteran father, is dramatic and often heart-wrenching. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Kathleen Isaacs | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2010

(2) 4-6 Lafayette, a nobleman in the French court, risked everything to aid the American cause of liberty. He also played a prominent role in the French Revolution and had a long career in French politics. The narrative, written with all of Freedman's characteristic grace and clarity, presents in Lafayette an outsider's perspective on the American Revolution. Illustrated with artwork reproductions. Timeline. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2010

(2) 4-6 Freedman again illuminates a piece of American history: here, the Revolutionary War, using the winter of 1777–78 as a focal point. His customary graceful prose, eye for the telling detail, and clear narrative arc make this a pleasure to read. Frequent quotations, including first-person reminiscences, and judiciously chosen artistic interpretations add to the appeal of this invitingly designed book. Maps, source notes, timeline. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Kathleen Isaacs | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2009

(1) 4-6 Freedman demonstrates how North and South America have been discovered and settled over and over since the Stone Age. In lively, graceful prose, he invites readers to ponder serious historical questions. Straightforward explanations of various historical theories include evidence for and against their validity. The book's design adds to its appeal, with plenty of color, ample white space, and carefully chosen illustrations. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Kathleen Isaacs | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2008

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline. About Marco Polo, Freedman asks: "Did he really travel to China and beyond, as he claimed? Or was he...'the man of a million lies'?" Freedman provides background by writing of Polo's experiences and quoting from Polo's Description of the World. An author's note suggests more complex resources on the debate. This handsome volume--with faux-aged paper, archival prints, and original art--resembles a fourteenth-century manuscript. Ind.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2006

(1) 4-6 In his account of this defining episode in the fight for racial equality, Freedman shines a spotlight on the sacrifice and courage of thousands of unsung African Americans who boycotted Montgomery's buses for 381 days--jeopardizing livelihoods and safety. The expertly paced text, balanced but impassioned, emphasizes the strategizing, organizing, and restraint from all involved. Well captioned black-and-white photographs enhance this absorbing narrative. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2006

(1) 4-6 Freedman's comprehensive account of Anderson's burgeoning career shows the singer's intensive study of and dedication to the classical concert and lieder repertory and presents her accomplishments as both an actor in and an emblem of her times. The many photos are well chosen; appended material includes source notes, a selective bibliography and discography, and an index.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2004

(1) YA Like a gifted and practiced teacher, Freedman outlines historical background that informed the original writing for each amendment, provides an overview of controversial aspects, and discusses landmark cases. In a friendly tone, Freedman shares his thinking, answers anticipated questions, cites quoted and statistical information, and appends several aids to explore ideas further. Numerous illustrations cover historical as well as contemporary issues. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2003

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Frederic Clement. With an economy of words, Freedman's text skillfully imparts the few known facts about the philosopher's life. The main emphasis is on his teachings, quoted from The Analects of Confucius and related in wise, often witty, vignettes. Illustrated with Asian-themed art, the volume concludes with an account of Freedman's experiences doing research in China and a note on sources. Bib.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2003

(2) 4-6 This introduction to the history and work of the vaqueros pays long-overdue tribute to these early Native-American cowmen. Freedman smoothly incorporates Spanish words as he describes cowboy-work's fifteenth-century origins, horse training and cattle roundups, tools and clothing, and more. This handsome and well-documented story is illustrated with well-chosen paintings and drawings. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Margaret A. Bush | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2002

(2) 4-6 Using the declamation by Patrick Henry as his title and theme, Freedman weaves a tapestry that combines political observations, character interpretations, and popular sentiments in an accessible, appealing style. Handsomely designed with a generous and thoughtful selection of period art, the book is dramatic and inspiring. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Mary M. Burns | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2001

(2) YA Freedman's measured yet lively style captures the spirit of the great athlete. The book is at its best in the chapters about Babe's track-and-field triumphs; the later account of her golf career drags a bit. Freedman's enthusiastic admiration, however, provides enough reason to read. Plenty of black-and-white photos capture Babe's spirit and dashing good looks, and the documentation is impeccable. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 1999