Thunder Rolling Down the Mountain

April 1, 2011

Gr 3-8-In graphic-novel format, these books explore pivotal events in the lives of Americans who influenced the country in different ways. While the books do not necessarily span the lifetime of the subjects, they provide a clear picture of why these individuals are so important in the context of American history and culture. The illustrations are eye-catching and the narration is presented simply, yet compellingly, through conversation bubbles and text boxes, with direct quotes printed in yellow. Each book concludes with a section that provides a useful recap of the life and accomplishments of the subject. A fact-filled, entertaining, and accessible series.

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2011
Grades 4-7 The story of Nez Perce leader Chief Joseph gets comics treatment in this American Graphic series entry. It begins dramatically, with the exhausted Nez Perce in Montana, on the run after being forced from their Oregon homeland by the U.S. Army. The story then tracks back to 1845, when the Nez Perce came into the white men's sights, and though the Native Americans gave up some of their land to live in peace, the discovery of gold in Oregon changed everything. Their land was taken, and while Joseph tried negotiating, in the end their only recourse was to leave their ancestral homeland. That did not stop a full-out war that eventually led to Chief Joseph surrendering and uttering his famous line, I will fight no more forever. The artwork, done in muted colors, has a rudimentary feel, but the words and pictures work together effectively. This book will spark questions in kids just learning about an unhappy part of American history.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)