In 1937, Tibet had been without a Dalai Lama for four years. The search for the successor to the 13th holder of that title, the political and religious leader of the tiny, secretive nation, led to the small village of Takster and a two-year-old named Lhamo Thondup. Kimmel’s narrative biography traces the early life of this important world leader from his designation as the Tibetan God-King through his education and early dealings with China to his breathtaking escape to India at 16 and the formation of his government-in-exile. The author clearly explains Tibetan history, life and customs as well as difficult terms and religious concepts. However, when the same words or confusing Tibetan names resurface, there is no glossary for forgetful readers to refer to. Similarly, there is a selected bibliography and list of online resources, but no foot- or endnotes for facts and quotations in the text. That said, this readable, accessible, at times page-turning account fills a gap in information on the life of H.H. the Dalai Lama for this age group. Final art (not seen) will include photographs with captions. (index) (Biography. 8-12)
Pub Date: March 1, 2009
ISBN: 978-1-59643-394-6
Page Count: 160
Publisher: Flash Point/Roaring Brook
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2009
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Marguerite Henry died barely two years ago, after living the life of which most writers dream: She wrote from the time she was young, her parents encouraged her, she published early and often, and her books were honored and loved in her lifetime. Her hobby, she said, was words, but it was also her life and livelihood. Her research skills were honed by working in her local library, doing book repair. Her husband Sidney supported and encouraged her work, and they traveled widely as she carefully researched the horses on Chincoteague and the burros in the Grand Canyon. She worked in great harmony with her usual illustrator, Wesley Dennis, and was writing up until she died. Collins is a bit overwrought in his prose, but Henry comes across as strong and engaging as she must have been in person. Researchers will be delighted to find her Newbery acceptance speech included in its entirety. (b&w photos, bibliography, index) (Biography. 9-12)
Pub Date: March 10, 1999
ISBN: 1-883846-39-0
Page Count: 112
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 1999
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
At Home With The Presidents (176 pp.; $12.95; Sept. 24; 0-471-25300-6) Morris offers succinct biographical information and anecdotes about all 41 presidents with brief information about homes they grew up it, historic sites dedicated to them, or libraries in which their artifacts are housed. Included are small pictures of the presidents and some of the buildings discussed. Readers will find the book of limited use for research, since the sources for quotations are not given, there is no index, and material considered controversial is not attributed. Appearing out of context are statements such as “George Washington adored his older brother” and “George’s mother was jealous of the two brother’s relationship.” The information on historic sites is upbeat but bland, and could have come right out of tourist brochures. (b&w photographs, illustrations, further reading) (Nonfiction. 10-12)
Pub Date: Sept. 24, 1999
ISBN: 0-471-25300-6
Page Count: 176
Publisher: Wiley
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 1999
BOOK REVIEW
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