Editorial Review

Abolitionists presents the history of slavery in the U.S. and includes brief portraits of men and women who participated in the movement. While the names of many of the people discussed will be familiar to young readers (Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, etc.), others will not. In its discussion of the horrors of slavery, the clearly written text avoids sensationalism. Klu Klux Klan also handles its topic in a straightforward manner. In language appropriate to the intended audience, the narrative covers the history of this hate group as its numbers have risen and fallen and risen again. Of particular interest is the final chapter in which the author acknowledges that the Klan has played a role in spawning other hate groups, and that the Internet has facilitated their growth. Both books are illustrated with archival photographs and pictures with informative captions. A publisher’s Web site offering links to more information is listed, along with the assurance that the links are routinely checked. These books do not cover new ground, and they don’t go into any great depth, but they are worthy additions.