They Called Themselves the K.K.K. (The Birth of an American Terrorist Group) by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

I have been looking forward to this book for a long time.  Susan Campbell Bartoletti came to BYU's Symposium on Books for Young Readers.  She had talked of this book back then in July of 2009.  It took FOREVER to come out!!  I have read other books by Susan Campbell Bartoletti and I have loved them. 

This book didn't disappoint!  My son was wondering why was reading why I was reading about the K.K.K.  But, after mentioning what little I'd learned at that point (I wasn't too far into the book at that point.)  he is now on the waiting list to read it after his dad.  I like to buy her books because they are so filled with information.  I learned so much from her about this.  My eyes were opened and enlightened.  I feel she is fair in her information to all sides of the table.  I am glad to have read this book and can't wait to see what she'll write about next.

It's well worth your time!  Well worth the read!!!

The Undaunted by Gerald N. Lund

This book is 802 pages long! When I got it from the library it was "daunting." I figured I had to read 5 chapters a day to get it done it time. So, I waited till the last minute like a dummy and had to go on a reading spree.

I forgot how fast the chapters go and how good an author Gerald N. Lund is. I got so caught up in the book I didn't even have to try to be on a reading spree. I was on one due to the pure joy of the story. I even learned a true fact or two along the way.

What a great courage of love, prayer, and perseverance!!!

I love his notes at the end of the chapter that helps us to know what the real facts are too. I like his take on things too. He seems to put it all on perspective.

So many things I like about this book. I love how it starts out with the coal miners. And later it is easy to see how that fits into the story. In his notes he even quoted from one of my favorite authors Susan Campbell Bartoletti. She wrote "Growing up in Coal Country."

This was a very exciting pioneer story with great characters that I really grew to love. I highly recommend reading this book.

Black Potatoes by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

I really liked this book. It seemed incredibly full of facts about this period of time. I have a deep respect for the Irish and all they’ve been through. I don’t know how people could ever survive amid such lack of food…or perhaps lack of access to the food.

I must admit, I was less than pleased about the help they received. Irish seem to be a very hard working group of people. Their ill fortune should not have been so tragic. If other countries, especially England, would have been less selfish they could’ve helped prevent such a massive desolation. England wouldn’t let Ireland handle its own problem. It was like their hands were tied. It makes me wonder what the outcome would’ve been if the Irish’s hands weren’t tied. If they were able to use some of their own resources instead of being taxed to death and left without their other major resources that were exported to England. It is a sad time in Ireland and England’s history.

I would definitely recommend the book. It gave me such a desire to feel grateful with what I have and sorrow for those who didn’t have much. Even though it is sad to know some of the details, it helps to be informed. Being informed may just prevent it from happening again.