From: Steven Engelfried <sengelfried>
Date: Thu, 24 Jan 2002 09:52:47 -0800

I was both very pleased that "Black Potatoes" was awarded the Sibert. The topic is a tough one to read about, because the facts are so heartbreaking, but it's very well done. The author uses first person accounts throughout, along with many illustrations from 19th century newspapers, while her own writing seamlessly brings it all together. She lets the people speak for themselves, so you hardly notice how carefully she arranges things to provide needed background, balance, and pacing to the text. Small touches like the chapter titles and excerpts from Irish blessings bring the reader closer to the time and place. Source notes are comprehensive and interesting in their own right. It's not a fun book to read, or a topic most kids seek out unless assigned, so I'm glad the award will call attention to an excellent history book.

-Steven Engelfried, Children's Division Librarian Beaverton City Library 12375 SW 5th Street Beaverton, OR 97005 503R6%99 sengelfried at ci.beaverton.or.us
Received on Thu 24 Jan 2002 11:52:47 AM CST