(4) 1-3 On My Own History series. Illustrated by Laurie Harden. Ten-year-old Orry Jenkins and his younger stepsister, Mildred, nearly suffocate when they're caught in the Black Sunday dust storm of 1935. This simply told story, which introduces independent readers to the Dust Bowl, conveys the storm's intensity and destruction. Harden's stiff illustrations look oddly dated. An author's note and afterword provide more historical background. Bib.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 On My Own History series. Illustrated by Craig Orback. In 1844–45, seventeen-year-old Moses Schallenberger heads west to California with a wagon train but ends up spending a long, brutal winter alone in the mountains. Independent readers will find this simply told story of survival riveting. An afterword provides more information about Moses's life after his rescue. Orback's serviceable illustrations help break up the sections of text. Reading list, websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(4) K-3 On My Own History series. Illustrated by Craig Orback. During the American Revolution, James Forten, a free black teenager, was a powder boy on the Royal Louis until the British captured his ship. Though vague on details, this historical account (with invented dialogue) is simple enough for early readers to tackle independently. The author's note and afterword provide essential context. The realistic illustrations give life to Forten's tale. Bib.

Reviewer: Laura A. Woollett

(3) K-3 On My Own History series. Illustrated by Craig Orback. The story of the youngest Pony Express rider, known as Bronco Charlie, is taken from his own reminiscences and Pony Express Museum records. The lively story is sure to inspire beginning readers to learn more about this chapter of American history. Oil paintings adequately represent the drama.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(2) K-3 On My Own History series. Illustrated by Shelly O. Haas. A fluent text retells the story of Nebraska heroine Minnie Freeman, who led the students of her one-room schoolhouse to safety during the deadly snowstorm of January 12, 1888. An excellent companion to Carla Stevens and Margot Tomes's Anna, Grandpa, and the Big Storm as well as a read-it-yourself step toward Wilder's more harrowing The Long Winter.

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

(4) K-3 On My Own History series. Illustrated by Jeni Reeves. The surrender of General Lee to General Grant is told through the eyes of eleven-year-old Willie McLean--in whose Virginia house the surrender papers were signed. This easy-to-read fictionalized account is supplemented with historical information in the author's note and afterword. The illustrations do little to enhance the lackluster text. Bib.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) K-3 On My Own History series. Illustrated by Mary O'Keefe Young. This easy-to-read account of William and Ellen Craft's escape from slavery is simply told yet informative. Light-skinned Ellen disguises herself as a white man, and her husband pretends to be her slave. They travel from Georgia to Philadelphia and freedom. Though awkwardly rendered, the color illustrations help to clarify the text. An afterword and timeline are appended. Bib.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee