Midwest Book Review on Mikel Classen’s True Tales: The Forgotten History of the U.P.

Review by Carolyn WIlhelm for MBR

Pioneer days conjure up romantic, sentimental ideas of simple living and being close to nature. However, the truth also included lawless, rugged, difficult times. Native Americans and those from Europe mined, traveled, worked, logged, and sailed Lake Superior’s frontier wilderness amid uncivilized criminals, kidnappers, and slavers. Laws were few, enforcement was scarce, violent events were often, and shipwrecks were many. Wonderful life-saving deeds of kindness and compassion are also recorded on these pages as opportunities to be a hero were many.

Consider mining. Yes, rarely paired with pioneers such as Laura Ingalls Wilder, yet it is part of history at the same time. And Lake Superior! So few people understand how cold it is year-round (about 40 degrees) or how many shipwrecks (about 350) have taken place in the deepest waters of the Great Lakes. Before modern mariner tools, sailors had a strenuous, grueling life when pirates were plundering boats. Surviving crashes in winter required ingenuity and persistence unless a body became an icicle. And slavers trafficked women to stockades, as detailed in the book.

Classen does history an excellent service by revealing the truth. Sometimes we think humanity has advanced little. An attitude quickly challenged in these pages. Readers will feel gratitude for all they have today after finishing these tales.


True Tales: The Forgotten History of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Mikel B. Classen
Modern History Press
https://www.modernhistorypress.com
B09WJMKV12, $5.95 Kindle
9781615996353, $29.95 HC, $18.95 PB, 162 pp.

Carolyn Wilhelm, Reviewer
Wise Owl Factory LLC

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What Happened to Chester? [PB]

SKU ‎ 978-1-61599-700-8
$15.95
An En-deer-ing Tale of Hope and Healing
1
Product Details
UPC: 978-1-61599-700-8
Brand: Loving Healing Press
Binding: Paperback
Audiobook: iTunes, Audible.com
Edition: 1st
Author: Lauren Persons
Illustrator: Noah Hrbek
Pages: 22
Publication Date: 10/01/2022

Rory, an adventurous, take-charge young girl, meets her match in Hobblety Wobblety Chester McDeer. She soon learns that her friend can jump over any obstacle, despite his disability, and make a big difference to family and friends. Colorful, fun illustrations make the journey delightful for kids young and old.

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"What Happened to Chester? is an uplifting book for those who have experienced the excitement of adventure that abruptly results in a different life pathway. Chester's accident doesn't keep him from living life to the fullest. A child's takeaway from this tale is to be true to oneself and keep focused on dreams and goals - no matter what obstacles they may have to overcome. This beautifully illustrated book is an endearing tale of resilience." --Linda Cohen, elementary school principal

"This was not only a sweet story, but also an educational one, filled with empathy and love for animals; in this case, an injured deer. The wonderful and poetic storytelling of Lauren Persons guides you through events with Rory and how empathetic she is toward Chester. As an elementary school teacher, teaching empathy towards animals is a difficult task, but Lauren Persons has accomplished this task with great storytelling and love."--John Mascia, elementary school teacher

"This warm, wonderful and inspiring book shows kids that it's ok to be different and not to let anything or anyone scare you away from your purpose. --Chanene Hawkins, TESOL teacher

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