by Rocky Macy
A few weeks ago we published an anonymous testimonial from one of our readers regarding the book, Do People Grow on family Trees? by Ira WOLFMAN. We have now acquired our own copy and are very pleased with the product. Please read on...
The book, Do People Grow on Family Trees? is subtitled Genealogy for Kids and Other Beginners, and that is just what it is...a very good basic primer for anyone getting into the adventuresome sport of ancestoring. With a forward by Mister "Roots" himself, Alex HALEY, the volume by Ira WOLFMAN, editor-in-chief of Sesame Street Magazines, goes on to offer illustrations and guidance for just about every aspect of genealogy. HALEY's forward says in part, "How I wish I could have read this book when I was a child."
The publisher's promotional remarks on this fascinating book describe the scope of the text in these terms:
"In 1890 an anxious thirteen-year-old named Maryash left her home in Polotzk, Russia, and boarded a steam ship bound for America. She was crossing the Atlantic to find freedom and opportunity in the 'new world.' Today, one hundred years later, her great-granddaughter can relieve the adventure by researching that small Russian village and discovering the documents that record Maryash's crossing from the 'old country.'
"Now kids ages eight to twelve learn how they too can solve their family's mysteries as they become detectives, geographers, psychologists, puzzle solvers, and 'ancestor detectors' with Ira WOLFMAN's Do People Grow on Family Trees?: Genealogy for Kids and Other Beginners; The Official Ellis Island Handbook.
"WOLFMAN, a genealogical enthusiast, provides stories, photographs, charts, and addresses that show kids how to open doors to the past and rediscover history by creating a family tree.
"Do People Grow on Family Trees? encourages junior genealogists to do research in libraries and archives; find out what their last names meant in the 'old country,' and interview grandparents and relatives who can provide a wealth of information that make history lessons come alive.
"When kids are finished they will have a varied collection of family names, stories, recipes, photographs, special possessions and news about their family. With a little bit of work, they will find copies of documents from the past. With a little bit of luck, they will learn about family who lived 100 or even 200 years ago. They may be able to track down papers that showed when their ancestors became citizens of the United States or find relatives' names on passenger lists of the boats that brought them here. Along the way, they will discover that the stories of their ancestors are the stories of history.
"Do People Grow on Family Trees? also links readers to the larger story of immigration. Anecdotes and photographs of immigrant children, provided by the Ellis Island Foundation, help modern children understand the stories of their ancestors and empathize with recent arrivals.
"Complete with pedigree charts, a dictionary of last names, government information request forms, addresses, and inspiration, Do People Grow on Family Trees? plants the seeds that will help junior genealogists grow their own family tree."
Do People Grow on Family Trees? is easy to read, informative, fun, and a must for "junior genealogists" of any age. Rootbound recommends this one highly! It may be ordered form the publisher, Workman Publishing (708 Broadway, New York, NY 10003 for just $9.95. (Sorry, but we don't know whether that includes shipping and handling or not.) We do know, however, that the book is great!
Until next week...happy hunting!
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