Nonfiction Monday: Off Like the Wind!

Dewey:  383

Off Like the Wind!: The First Ride of the Pony Express by Michael P. Spradlin, paintings by Layne Johnson, Walker, 2010

Today, every thought, observation or news event can be instantly communicated from anywhere in the world through cell phones, blogs, Twitter, and Facebook.  The idea that it would take weeks to receive news and mail is almost unfathomable.

...which is exactly why books that share stories like this are important.

Michael Spradlin and Layne Johnson re-enact the first ride of the Pony Express as a composite of the many challenges that riders had  to contend with as they carried the mail between St. Joseph, Missouri and Sacramento, California.  The sheer distance took a toll on horses and riders as did weather and encounters with wildlife and native tribes.  Spradlin narrates the story as a timeline, following the riders through the geography of the route during the eleven day trip.

Layne Johnson's riders, gallop, from left to right across two page spreads. The action often moves towards the reader as if it would burst out of the book. Stampeding buffalo thunder straight on.  Johnson's landscape and charging horses bring the artwork of Charles Russell, Frederic Remington and John Ford movie westerns to mind.  The endpapers of the book are a map showing the route of the service across half the continent as well as a time-line. This is worth noting as pleas for examples of time-lines are regularly requested on school library listservs.

The book concludes with an outstanding compilation of facts, insights and resources.  There are suggestions for further reading and a bibliography (which is important to point out to students--you have to cite your sources!) A list of Pony Express websites, associations and museums round out the resources.

Spradlin is an author I am drawn to because he writes about things that are interesting to me.  The Texas Rangers, the Knights Templar, Daniel Boone.

I am a huge fan of picture book storytelling of history.  Candace Fleming, Louise Borden, Spradlin, and others share stories, in this format, which would go untold otherwise.  In a too-busy school day, the drama of these important moments in  history would never be told. These books are perfect launching points for research or lesson extensions.

When stories like this are brought to life, with a strong narratives and engrossing pictures, then readers' and listeners' imaginations are engaged and connections with history are made.

The Youngest Templar

Keeper of the Grail, Book 1
Trail of Fate, Book 2 --- The Youngest Templar Trilogy Series: by Michael P. Spradlin, Putnam, 2008, 2009. Audiobook, narrated by Paul Boehm, Listening Library, 2008, 2009 (audiobook review copy source: public library audiobook download / paperback review copy source: publisher provided))

Nice performance by narrator, Paul Boehm, Spradlin keeps the story moving briskly with lots of action and character development. He ends each book with a "oh-no-don't-stop-now" cliffhanger.

Young Tristan, raised in a monastery, his parentage unknown, is taken on as a squire by Sir Thomas Leux of the Knights Templar. The company commander, Sir Hugh Monfort, seems to instantly dislike Tristan and singles him out for unwarranted punishment and ridicule. Tristan accompanies Sir Thomas to the Holy Land and during the Battle for Tyre, Sir Thomas charges Will with the care of a precious and mysterious object and orders him to deliver it to the Templar Chapel in Scotland.

Spradlin mixes history and legend as Tristan meets up with an archer from Sherwood Forest named Robard and Maryam, a female Al Hashshashin warrior who accompany him on his journey. Remind you of anyone?

These are great fun. I am most anxious to read book three.

The Youngest Templar website provides some history on the Knights Templar and the times.

http://www.theyoungesttemplar.com/

NonFiction Monday: Texas Rangers

Dewey: 976.4








Texas Rangers: Legendary Lawmen by Michael P. Spradlin, illustrations by Roxie Munro. Walker & Co., 2008

Here in the Lone Star State, the social studies curriculum calls for teaching Texas history in fourth grade and seventh grade. I have spent many an hour in the exhibits at TLA searching out related nonfiction. For the most part there are a "specialty" publishers who feature biographies of heroes of Texas independence, governors, and journalists.

Often these books are "one size fits all" attempts that they hope to sell to junior high and elementary schools. Many of the titles are written on a grade 6 reading level, splitting the difference between fourth and seventh grade? This is not helpful to elementary school librarians.

When I saw Michael Spradlin's profile on JacketFlap, I noted this new book and sought it out at the TLA library conference this past spring.

Spradlin's story of the Texas Rangers progresses chronologically, from their origins as Texas "Minute Men," through the days of the Republic to the oil boom of the early 20th century through today. I did not know that the Texas state legislature mandates the number of Rangers serving, there are only about 120 at any given time. A single vacancy can attract over 100 applicants.

Much of the history of the Rangers is founded in the personalities who wore the badge. John B. Armstrong, Lone Wolf Gonzaullas, Frank Hamer were responsible for the capture of some of the most notorious outlaws in American history, including John Wesley Hardin and Bonnie and Clyde.

The picture book aspect might discourage junior high librarians from adding this title to their collections. Do not make that mistake. Spradlin's writing is concise but not simplistic.

Roxie Munro's clear, bright illustrations depict the daring-do of the Rangers. Her distinctive style commemorates the landscape and the personalities who shaped the state.

Many libraries here own her Inside-Outside Texas, 2001.
I have to believe Spradlin must have done a happy dance when he heard she was to be his illustrator. The layout and even the typeface evoke the history that shapes the Texas outlook today.

I would urge publishers to follow suit with more lovely, full color Texas nonfiction. I am thankful to Spradlin and Munro for this gift.

I believe they will sell a copy to every library in Texas. As iconic as the Texas Rangers are, there is a place for the title in American history collections across the country.

Now, will someone, please, offer a similar treatment for Stephen F. Austin a.k.a. "the father of Texas?"



Michael P. Spradlin website
Roxie Munro website