Capital Days: Michael Shiner's Journal and the Growth of Our Nation's Capital - Hardcover

Bolden, Tonya

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1419707337 ISBN 13: 9781419707339

Publisher: Harry N. Abrams, 2015

Synopsis

Capital Days introduces young readers to Washington, D.C., during the early to mid-19th century. Spanning more than 60 years, the story of Michael Shiner (c. 1804–1880) highlights a period of immense change in our country and its capital. Covering the burning of the city during the War of 1812, the rebuilding of the Capitol and White House, the raising of the Washington Monument, and on through the Civil War, the end of slavery, and numerous other “capital days,” this book offers readers fresh insights and background on how our nation’s capital came to be. The book includes excerpts from Shiner’s diary, other primary sources, archival images, and a timeline.Much as she did in Maritcha and Searching for Sarah Rector, award-winning author Tonya Bolden expertly examines the intricacies of American history through the lens of one relatable person’s life.

About this title

About the Author:

Tonya Bolden’s work has garnered many accolades, including the Coretta Scott King Honor Award, James Madison Book Award, School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, YALSA Best Book of the Year, and CCBC Best Book of the Year. She lives in New York City.

From School Library Journal:

Gr 4–6—This well-designed read details the story of Michael Shiner (1805–80), a slave in 19th-century America who eventually gained his freedom and who left a diary behind detailing an account of his life. Born into slavery in Maryland, Shiner came to Washington, DC as a child, where he was later leased by his owner Thomas Howard to the Navy Ship Yard. Shiner eventually purchased his freedom, started a family, and learned to read and write—skills that would allow him to start writing his journal. Bolden tracks Shiner's life, giving readers a unique view into the history of America's capital. Shiner wrote about major historical events, such as the burning of Washington, DC in 1814, as well more personal anecdotes that shed light on attitudes of the day, such as facing aggression from those who erroneously assumed that he was a runaway slave. Artifacts and documents from the time period are mixed in as well, and each chapter ends with a time line, effectively putting Shiner's life into context. VERDICT Well written and impeccably researched, this excellent title offers a uniquely personal look at history. A must-have.—April Sanders, Spring Hill College, Mobile, AL

About this edition

• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 1419707337
• ISBN 13: 9781419707339
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 96