Though this populous gallery of radicals includes the usual suspects like Susan B. Anthony, César Chávez, and Malcolm X, it focuses far more on lesser-known figures active in the abolition of slavery; the labor union and environmental movements; and the struggles to equalize civil rights for African Americans, women, immigrants, and the LGBT community. Each of the chronologically arranged entries includes a large picture, a brief account of experiences or achievements, a biographical time line, study questions, and enhancement activities that range from suggested readings to write your own jailhouse letter.” Dubbing Frederick Douglass a freedom fighter and Albert Parsons a martyr” of the Haymarket riot, the language betrays a leftist slant as do some of the questions: Can you think of other times in history when the government has used patriotism to drum up support for war?” Still, these introductions to Studs Terkel ( the world’s greatest listener”), Fred Korematsu, Tecumseh, Francis Perkins, Bob Dylan, transgender activist Sylvia Rae Rivera, and others will give even well-read students a new angle on our country’s history.Booklist
