100 People Who Changed America

by Russell Freedman

PERFECT FOR TEACHERS OR LIT. GROUPS. 8 PK. SAVE $$$

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Biography

64 pages

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Russell A. Freedman was an American biographer and the author of nearly 50 books for young people. He may be known best for winning the 1988 Newbery Medal with his work Lincoln: A Photobiography.

He grew up in San Francisco and attended the University of California, Berkeley, and then worked as a reporter and editor for the Associated Press and as a publicity writer. His nonfiction books ranged in subject from the lives and behaviors of animals to people in history. Freeedman's work has earned him several awards, including a Newbery Honor each for Eleanor Roosevelt: A Life of Discovery in 1994 and The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the Airplane in 1992, and a Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal.

Freedman traveled extensively throughout the world to gather information and inspiration for his books. His book, Confucius: The Golden Rule was inspired by his extensive travels through Mainland China, where he visited Confucius' hometown in modern day QuFu, in the Shantung Province.

Reviews

[Edwina Book Anaconda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short little book of trivia about famous Americans.
Well worth the half hour, or so, that it takes to read this.

[Qb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its a small little good book on 100 people,with their short biographies who changed america.The book is actually meant for students in schools and it adequetly satisfies the purpose.However one must say that these are the people who influenced US as the change occured over the period is huge enough to be made by just hundred people.There are many more who contributed but the author choose to select only a hunderd for the sake of reference.Lastly its a book which can be recommanded to all readers for reading.

[Gloria Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This nifty booklet for school kids provides a snapshot with quick facts of great people who influenced business and law, were inventors and innovators, were leaders who brought social change, influenced music and arts, brought new frontiers, and stood out in sports. Notice how these American heroes are male and female and of all races.

Who doesn't know of Bill Gates who introduced America to computers? Or George Washington Carver who showed us the versatility of peanuts in 325 products. Or Maya Lin who designed the Vietnam Memorial?

How about Susan B. Anthony who worked for women's rights? How about Jimmy Carter, President and humanitarian? Or Cesar Chavez who fought for the rights of farm workers? Or Harriet Tubman who conducted the Underground Railroad?

Many loved Ella Fitzgerald, First Lady of Song. Or Jim Henson's Muppets. Or Mark Twain's stories.

Neil Armstrong, as he landed on the moon, said, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Rachel Carson's SILENT SPRING warned us about the harmful side effects of chemicals on the environment. Jonas Salk refused to patent his polio vaccine so it could become more widely available to the public.

Muhammad Ali, aka Cassius Clay, floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee. Billie Jean King fought for sexual equality in sports. Bruce Lee got America excited about martial arts.

As we read through the list of these fascinating individuals, our heads fill with other famous names. Will they all be included? Find your favorites.

[James Nassur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, this book was very fun, insightful, and a strong reminder of the many individuals who have conducted pivotal work and stood for monumental changes in America. I appreciated Freedman's inclusion of a diversity of people across many classifications. I also enjoyed the "Fun Facts" section, as I feel that this knowledge helps to make legendary individuals more tangible and appreciated by the modern-day population.

I was only disappointed in the inclusion of James Watson without mention of Rosalind Franklin and her contribution to the development of the model of DNA. Despite much accreditation for her efforts applied posthumously, I feel that mention of her work promotes more awareness to the history behind the increased understanding of DNA, especially as both the Nobel Prizes and the nicknamed "Watson-Crick model" both serve to diminish her progress.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking to see the pivotal changes that make America the way it is today and to see all of the faces behind those developments.

[Etta Mcquade · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very handy and informative book. I was surprised, however, at the many people covered I had not known about. For instance, I did not know that James Watson was the person who "unlocked the structure of DNA, the molecule out of what all living matter is made" (p.52). Since it was through DNA testing that I became acquainted with my birth half-sister, I have a special appreciation for James Watson.

[Stephanie Littig · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is from 2004 but very relevant! For each person, there is a short bio and then “fast facts” which are fun little tidbits about their lives. This book features everyone from George Washington, to Steve Jobs, to Tiger Woods. There are categories including business and law, music and arts, inventors and innovators, etc.. A very informational and educational book! Was a very fun read!

[Jaime Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect book for homeschooling. I have used the mini bios for several units. I read thru the whole thing several times ro refresh my memory on various topics. Also did read aloud during our 100th day unit though we ran out of time before completely finishing it. Love the mini bios. Kid friendly and fun.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, simple and educational
My almost-thirteen-year-old son is some what of a reluctant reader. This book is short, factual and easy to understand, allowing him to research further those he finds interesting.
Awesome book for middle school-ers.

[Benedict Randhawa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is collection of short biographies features photographs, list of accomplishments, and fast facts about 100 people who changed the America.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

100 people who helped America to be a better country including fun facts!! Good informational book.

[Jim Mullen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good List. It's interesting to read about people and their impact, especially the people who I am unfamiliar with.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting introduction to some of the people who have helped to change America whether they were inventors, those who challenged the status quo or who gave selfishlessly of what they had no matter how little it may have seemed. These are regular people who came from all walks of life, many are more well-known than others found in the book and most are remembered by many books focused on history.

The book is a short collection of bios for these selected 100 people to get the reader to bite into a subject that may interest them further. Each entry has a black-and-white photo of the person who is mentioned, what other name or well-known nickname they have gone by, birth and death dates (this is old so some of the listed people have currently passed on don't have that information) and a small box that contains the most basically important facts. The important fact is supported with some Fast Facts that gives more information into the person whether accomplishment, something they were known for, a contribution, etc.

What irks me with books like this is not knowing the criteria that was used to select the people since there were some missing that history normally holds in the spotlight and others included that I hadn't heard of. At the same time due to the compilation of the book there were included some names that you wouldn't have normally seen so I am not quite sure if I would truly support these 100 people as changers of American history or not.

At the same time the book has a pop quiz in the back for the reader to see how much of the information they had retained. What helped me with the quiz is most of the people and/or facts are normally found throughout history while having been through so much history and liking trivia made it easier for me to answer some of the answers.

Also the back includes an index and a guideline on how to write a biography. This latter part includes websites for the reader to go to, tips on how to put a great bibliography together and what may be included. Teachers will truly love the book for this inclusion and may use it to help children in their learning of history.

All in all it was a great introduction to people who have influenced the United States whether you are young or old. Unfortunately if you are already an autobiography or biography fan than you may not find this meat enough to read but for those who are into history there just may be a hidden treasure to find or at least to share, especially if you have children.

[Erma Talamante · Rating 2 out of 5]

A gift from my oldest daughter to my youngest, this is a good introduction to people who have made a difference, but contrary to the introduction, it is not a good reference material. Each mini-bio and fast facts are a short introduction to Americans ranging from the 1600s through today. The book is inspirational in the things that people have done, and good for an inspiration for children that need a little reminder that you can do anything you put your mind to.

[Shimin Li · Rating 3 out of 5]

One hundred important people who makes america america. They are from different contries, had different careers, but are models for us.
Displayed thatAmerica is a place with no racism or sexism....
From George Washington to Bruce Lee, this book really included a wise range of people!

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a very good book to look at because the book shows facts about those people. Like for example, John F. Kennedy was president for more than 1000 days! That is why you should read this book.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book, but very limited. Aimed at young readers to give them an idea of who some of the iconic Americans are. I think there are many people left out and others who could have been included in place of others, but this is only my opinion.

[Avel Rudenko · Rating 4 out of 5]

great People who made a difference!

[Brayton]

I think the king of Rock and Roll is Elvis and he is spar nics becaese he

[Jas]

My fourth grade teacher gave our class this book cause she didn't need them anymore. Otherwise very interesting.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a very easy read, but took longer to read that I thought.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just wanted to read 50 books in 2020 so I read this. Gave me a good idea for biographies and autobiographies to read.