101 Changemakers: Rebels and Radicals Who Changed U.S. History
Though this populous gallery of radicals includes the usual suspects like Susan B. Anthony, César Chávez, and Malcolm X, it focuses far more on lesser-known figures active in the abolition of slavery; the labor union and environmental movements; and the struggles to equalize civil rights for African Americans, women, immigrants, and the LGBT community. Each of the chronologically arranged entries includes a large picture, a brief account of experiences or achievements, a biographical time line, study questions, and enhancement activities that range from suggested readings to “write your own jailhouse letter.” Dubbing Frederick Douglass a freedom fighter and Albert Parsons a “martyr” of the Haymarket riot, the language betrays a leftist slant—as do some of the questions: “Can you think of other times in history when the government has used patriotism to drum up support for war?” Still, these introductions to Studs Terkel (“the world’s greatest listener”), Fred Korematsu, Tecumseh, Francis Perkins, Bob Dylan, transgender activist Sylvia Rae Rivera, and others will give even well-read students a new angle on our country’s history. Grades 7-10. --John Peters