Capital Days: Michael Shiner's Journal and the Growth of Our Nation's Capital

by Tonya Bolden

Overview

Capital Days introduces young readers to Washington, D.C., during the early to mid-19th century. Spanning more than 60 years, the story of Michael Shiner (c. 1804–1880) highlights a period of immense change in our country and its capital. Covering the burning of the city during the War of 1812, the rebuilding of the Capitol and White House, the raising of the Washington Monument, and on through the Civil War, the end of slavery, and numerous other "capital days," this book offers readers fresh insights and background on how our nation's capital came to be. The book includes excerpts from Shiner's diary, other primary sources, archival images, and a timeline. Much as she did in Maritcha and Searching for Sarah Rector, award-winning author Tonya Bolden expertly examines the intricacies of American history through the lens of one relatable person's life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781613126875
Publisher:	Abrams, Harry N., Inc.
Publication date:	01/06/2015
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	50 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	10 - 14 Years

About the Author

Tonya Bolden's work has garnered many accolades, including the Coretta Scott King Honor Award, James Madison Book Award, School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, YALSA Best Book of the Year, and CCBC Best Book of the Year. She lives in New York City.

Editorial Reviews

"A broad, tantalizing glimpse of history in the making."

Booklist - John Peters

While researching another book, author Tonya Bolden came across two pages from Michael Shiner’s journal. It piqued her interest; and the more she researched, the more she was “in awe and astonishment.” Placing his journal in its time and context—the growth of the U.S. Capital from the War of 1812 to Shiner’s death in 1880—provides a clear and concise history of how Washington, D.C., was built. Shiner’s journal offers a unique perspective of social history. Here was a slave who wrote about his life: the good, the bad, the everyday occurrences, and the historic events he witnessed. Timelines are included at the end of each of the four chapters, offering succinct additional information. They are helpful in summing up the previous chapter and guiding the reader into the next. Little known quirky facts, big important events, and the life of a slave are clearly laid out. Captioned paintings and photographs of landscape, buildings, and people are abundant and add to the reader’s understanding of the time period. Portraits give a “face” to those referenced in the text. Sadly, there are no known photographs of Shiner himself. Well-researched and well-organized, this book provides much for readers to ponder, from the use of slaves to build the nation’s capital, to the idea of learning history through the writings of a “common” individual. Bolden seamlessly pulls together information from a wide range of sources. Quality back matter includes a glossary, notes (quotes and their citations), selected sources (actually an extensive listing), acknowledgements, image credits, and an index. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo; Ages 10 to 14.

Children's Literature - Sharon Salluzzo

★ 02/01/2015
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

School Library Journal