History Smashers

August 10, 2020
Opening the History Smashers series along with the simultaneously published History Smashers: Women’s Right to Vote, this entertaining, informative offering by Messner (The Next President) aims to decolonize the story of the Pilgrims and Thanksgiving. Drawing on historical documents and consultations with Linda Coombs, an Aquinnah Wampanoag educator and historian, Messner goes beyond the myths surrounding the English Separatists’ journey and gives context often left out of that history. Beginning with the English perspective (“Who Were the Pilgrims, Anyway?”), Messner describes what the sea voyage would have been like, what the travelers actually found when they arrived in what is now the U.S., and the Wampanoag people and culture native to the region the Separatists claimed for themselves. Messner also sheds light on the “first Thanksgiving” and packs the narrative full of historical quotes, helpfully translating history into accessible, contemporary speech. Historical paintings, as well as lighthearted, engaging black-and-white cartoon illustrations by Meconis, frequently in graphic novel–style panels, make complex and often grim history relevant to young readers. A cast list highlighting some individuals from the Mayflower rounds out this well-researched book, a multifaceted resource for any school or library. Back matter includes an author’s note and a bibliography. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8–12.

January 15, 2025
The latest in the History Smashers series untangles myths around the history of humans and the environment and the origins of Earth Day. Messner uses the first Earth Day, celebrated on April 22, 1970, as a kicking-off point before explaining that this momentous day, "when millions of people came together to teach and learn about how humans have changed the planet," was far from the beginnings of people's environmental awareness. She covers the extensive history of humans' relationship with the environment, from sustainable farming techniques used by the ancient Maya to the European colonizers' fur trade in North America, the Industrial Revolution, U.S. environmental legislation, and climate change. Text boxes are interspersed throughout, containing pertinent background material presented against a graphic resembling a paper scroll, such as "What Is Coal?" and "What Happens When You Flush the Toilet?" These interludes break up the chronologically presented information and connect the subjects to present-day concerns. Five sections of several pages each labeled "Changemakers' Yearbook" appear between some chapters, introducing readers to a diverse, global range of notable environmental figures from the 1800s to the 21st century, including both famous and lesser-known people. Reproductions of historical images, black-and-white illustrations, and comics panels enhance this entertaining, informative, and well-paced work. Final art not seen. As comprehensive as it is engaging. (timeline, author's note with resources, selected bibliography, image credits, index)(Nonfiction. 8-13)

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March 1, 2025

Gr 3-7-This "History Smashers" installment explores the history of environmentalism in the United States from the beginnings of this country and leaders that worked to keep water clean, the true origin of the first Earth Day, to current efforts to combat climate change. While this book is informative and fast-paced overall, the very beginning reads more like a textbook refresher of elementary social studies that some younger readers might skim over, despite needing the background knowledge. Throughout each chapter are vignettes that feature detailed profiles of people, places, and animals discussed, along with lots of photos and illustrations/comics to bring the text to life. The "Changemakers' Yearbook" is another section that features environmentalists and their impact. Messner does not shy away from making it clear when injustices and racism were a part of efforts to help the environment, or how some efforts hindered poor and BIPOC groups from access to clean water and air. The back matter includes a time line of environmental history, author's note, several recommended book lists broken up by environmental topics, a selected bibliography, and an index. VERDICT A strong purchase for middle and high school collections needing more books on environmentalism and climate change.-Molly Dettmann

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