I don't think the real point of Black Hands, White Sails was to teach you about whalers. It was more or less another book about the struggle of blacks in America. There's only so much a person can read about whaling. I learned a lot while reading this book, and it had a lot of information in it. I reccommed for those insterested in the struggle of blacks or fans of whales. If you don't like either of these, try going to the library and reading a little first.

This book is indeed a must read and should be made a prerequisite for all that read Moby Dick. I found this book to be a riveting account of whaling and the importance that people of color visited upon this industry. I was very much overcome with emotions with every turn of the page as I learned how many of my ancestors came to live in New Bedford, MA and what they must have endured.

This book is a must read for black historians, civil war historians, and whale experts, which I am. I was completely unaware of the presence and dynamics of the life of black whalers. The serious risks of whaling far outweighed the risks of abduction by slave patrollers or even a life burdened by segregation and discrimination. I was particularily interested in the use and abuse of whale ships in the Civil war. A stone fleet of 15 whaling ships from the North were loaded with stones and sunk in Charleston harbor in an attempt to block the harbor in 1861. The attempt failed because the waters were too deep. Sountherners then became hell bent on destroying whale boats. The Confederate steamer Alabama sunk over 70 whale boats during the war. The Shenandoah sunk 34 more after the war. Black heroes and self made men are hailed, as well as those who were cannibalized by hungry crew in desparate times. I couldn't put this book down.

Spike Lee; an outspoken writer, actor, producer, bussinessman and noted director Spike Lee hasn't rested on his achievments rather he keeps going. When I read this book it really caught my eye this man is really out to help his race break through the barrier that has held them back since slavery. He even stipulates in his contracts for movies and commercials that blacks be hired to work behind the scenes. I truly believe that this book brought out his inner-character, which I truly believe I can get an understanding for now that I read this inspirational book. I recommend this book for anyone who believes strongly in self-character because Spike Lee's got it.

it's Fantastic Reading about this Brother.he is Very Deep.One OF The Greatest Film-Makers Ever.he has done so much To UpLift THe HUman Vibe.it's very Important for African-AMerican Story's to be told&seen Uncut the way Spike does.he gives back&helps bring in New Blood.He stays Loyal.he is Challenging&makes you ask Questions.A Brother with a Purpose who continues to make a Difference.

I really enjoyed reading this book, and I think everybody could get something out of it. It's written in a good langues and you get a fine picture of what Martin Luther King stood for.

This is a great book because it tells in great detail about Mrs. King's life with her husband, Dr. Martin Luther King, and her family. It reveals her parents' determination for her to succeed in life. She in turned had the same determination for her children. The book portrays her fantastic strenght and courage to continue her husband's dream.

My synopsis on what I read so far was the one that brought me to the conclusion that this book is boring starting of with we would appreciate to read more about that's person's life as a child, where there people who did not want him to succeed? Was there any defects that may have enabled him to not become famous? you know things, but, the book did have it's interesting thoughts and it was a good book, just that when you write one next time try to let us know as much as you can.

After having read quite abit by and About King over the years, I would recommend this book to anyone, whether they were new to King's philosophies and ideas or a veteran of the movement he helped to create within this country and the world.

The book Now is your time was about the African American Struggle for freedom. It was broken down into many stories of the african struggle for their freedom. Each story seemed to build up to like the greatest thing an abolitionist did for African freedom. The whole book through and through was collections of stories about african freedom and miny facts about african culuture. It showed how they are very religious and used many African songs to silently keep with their African culture roots. I liked all the different stories that showed the African struggle for freedom and how if you fight and never give up you will accomplish your goal. What I did not like was after all the stories it just listed out a bunch of facts and facts. It just got too textbooky and it just got me out of interest with the book and I started rushing just to finish the book so I could just get it overwith. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes anything about history and the loads and loads of facts that go with it. It is also for people who like good stories for inspiration in their own life. Overall I would say this book was alright with the good stories about African struggle but find some way to do away with the useless facts that seemed to be listed one right after the other.

One purpose for the writing of this book, "Now is Your Time! The African-American Struggle for Freedom" is to fill the need for a readable and accessable text book on African-American History for children. I've used the book to teach my own child about the struggle for freedom faced by those of African descent as well as a stepping stone in teaching about oppression in the local school system. The book does an admirable job of showing the over all climate of Early America and doesn't gloss over any of the harsher realities of slavery. This book also highlights many of the key people in the struggle for freedom and civil rights. I believe this book to be one of a kind and necessary reading for all who wish to grow in their own understanding.

"It's hard to keep track of all I've known, all the faces, which is the real reason I'm keeping this notebook." This was a intersting quote that comes from an unusal book named Jazmine's Notebook. All she does is write in her notebook about what she has done in her life and what happens to her. She also writes these poems. Her father died a few years back and she says that she still misses him and still thinks that she sees him. She has had troubled lif . Her mom is an alcholic who is in a hospital.
I didn't really like the book that much. It just had a girl who didn't really having an exciting life.

Jazmine is a 14-year old who lives with her sister, CeCe, in Harlem, NYC during the 1960's, where danger is everywhere. She's smart, strong, and talented with a poetic gift. Her mother is in the hospital for drug use, and they don't have enough money to buy food, but she fights through it all, and tries to find her purpose in life.
Jazmin's Notebook was not a very interesting book. It didn't catch my intrest at the begining. There are some parts that caught my interest because when she was smoking and almost got raped, I continued to read to see what happened next. Overall the book doesn't have the spark for today's youth to read and enjoy.
I would recommend this book to kids in the sixth and seventh grades. The literature is realitvy easy to read. This book is for entertainment, and to show how people who don't have much money live.

Jazmin's Notebook was not the best book. Seeing on how I had to read it, it seemed to be more boring . To me it was a regular book. Just about a girl grwoimg up in New York City. What seems so different there? Thats what I thought when I stared to read it . Jazmin writes in her notebook everyday. She writes a lot or poems , but also she writes about her life. She wrote about how he dad died, how her mom is int he hodpital for drinking, how her sister CeCe is taking care of her , and how its like to be 15 and growimg up. Yea her life was alittle different but still it didnt make this book very interesting to read. I enjoy a book that keeps me on my toes and this book didnt do that as much as others have. There was one time that sticks out in my mind that kept me on my toes, thats probably wonder why it sticks out . See Jazmin was going to this party with her friend, and there were not many girls there , well to me exact there was only 2 girls there , her and and her friend. There were a few guys there too. Jazmin felt pretty safe around them becuase she could stick up for herself no matter if it was a guy or a girl . She knews that if one of them got drunk or high that they might wanna try something with her . Everyone at the party was smoking weed Jazmin too. She got hazy and had to lay down, When she woke she awoke next to a guy at the party. This guy did try to do things with her , but like
I said she stood up for herself . This was the only good part that kept me on my toes !I couldnt really relate to this part , but it was fun to read something different like that, and this book !

Jesse Owens' autobiography was written as something of a self-advertisement. Sadly, some of the more difficult aspects of his life were covered over or revised to make a happier life than he probably experienced. I tried to get to the bottom of some of the confusion around dates and events, which forced me to disagree with what Mr. Owens had written in some instances.

Having read Jesse Owens autobiography, Jesse, I am less impressed with this book than I was with the autobiography. His autobiography differs in the details--such as whether or not he got married before or after his first child was born, and also speculates about his opinions. It is opinionated in itself and doesn't give as objective a viewpoint as I would desire in a biography. However, the photographs are great, and let the viewer become acquainted with what the real Jesse Owens looked like, for those who were not acquainted with him while he lived. Not bad, but I don't recommend it too highly.

The story Toning The Sweep by Anglela Johnson is a powerful but sad story about a fourteen-year-old girl, named Emily, and her mother going to the desert to help her dying grandmother, Ola, pack up her home and move back to Cleveland with Emily. Ola was diagnosed with cancer. I thought that all the characters in the story very interesting, especially Ola. She was very lively and was a good blance when the mood is sad. I would definitely give this book three out of 3 stars.

The novel Toning the Sweep by Angela Johnson is a story about Emily a fourteen-year-old girl (the main character) and her mama are moving to Little Rock after Emily's grandfather's funeral. Where Ola lives Emily's Grandmother . Emily finds out that her Grandmother is dying from cancer. Throughout the whole book Emily is videotaping Ola and her friends for memories. Later Emily finds out what really happened to her grandfather and why her mama is so mad. Ola, Emily and mama are moving to Cleveland so mama and Emily can take care of Ola. Toning the sweep the name of the book comes from a chapter in this book when mama and Emily tone the sweep of Emily's Grandfather. To tone a sweep means to hit a plow so it makes a loud noise to make sure everyone knows that someone is dead. This book shows that what ever goes wrong families should always stick together. This book was good book that was quick and easy.

Angela Johnson's novel, Toning the Sweep, is a story about a family coming together after being apart for so long. Emily is a fourteen-year-old girl, who has just found out her grandmother, Ola, is dying of cancer. Emily gets a video camera and starts taping Ola and everyone around her. She discovers the real story of her grandfather's death, the reason mama is still upset about it, and how Ola is saying goodbye to the desert before she dies. This book gives a look into a family that makes sacrifices for each other and are there for each other. I gave this book four stars because it shows the real hearts of the people. If you read this book and do not see the real heart and soul of young, spirited Emily and her loving family, then you did not really read this book. * * * *