Capital Days

Starred review from February 1, 2015

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

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2015
Grades 5-8 Bolden continues her documentary journey across less trodden African American territory, sketching a picture of Washington, D.C.'s growth from the War of 1812 to the postCivil War era. She centers her account around the memoir of eyewitness Michael Shiner, which covers the years 1814 to 1869, but she adds details gleaned from other period sources that extend and enlarge the story. Shiner begins with the burning of D.C. by the British (when he was about nine) and ends with the claim that he had seen 11 presidents inaugurated. In between, he chronicles a rough-and-tumble life, but without any discussion of his time as a slave and few facts about his later years; despite Bolden's efforts, he remains a shadowy figure. That's in contrast to the robust picture of the city, with its colorful parade of fires, riots, political figures, and grand building projects. Along with plenty of period maps and images, the narrative is enhanced by multiple time lines and sidebars, a note on the manuscript's history, and sources about Washington, D.C., and its African American populace. A broad, tantalizing glimpse of history in the making.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2015
Born a slave but able to secure his freedom, Shiner began his journal in 1813. For almost sixty years he detailed dramatic changes in Washington, DC. Bolden links his unique viewpoint to a descriptive historical narrative, which is supported by many well-captioned period photographs, paintings, and engravings. However, an elaborate and complex design makes the content very difficult to wade through. Timeline. Bib., glos., ind.

(Copyright 2015 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)