Publishers Weekly Review
| There are many approaches to tracing family lineage-particularly in the era of home DNA kits and genealogical search forums. Resler offers guidance to those looking to learn more about their roots, beginning with the basics and framing the quest for family history as a mystery to solve, with readers as the detectives. Resler includes charts that focus on research techniques, finding helpful resources, documenting and citing evidence, and determining reliability of information. Sections titled "Case Files" feature historical perspectives on periods of American immigration that give readers a broad perspective on the diverse genetic makeup of the country. Sidebars provide links to online archives, databases, and directories and sections are devoted to helping readers overcome "Research Roadblocks." Resler introduces a host of research skills for use in genealogical searches and beyond. Ages 8-12. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved. |
School Library Journal Review
| Gr 5 Up-This comprehensive guide recognizes that there is no "typical" family structure and emphasizes that family is not just about bloodlines. With a theme of the United States as an immigrant nation, this title suggests genealogists are detectives, gathering, evaluating, and documenting evidence. It offers many useful examples, including how to cite evidence, and points out the tools needed. Resler offers suggestions on how to tackle research difficulties, such as geographical boundary changes. Readers will also learn the value of original and derivative sources. There is even a section on deep ancestry. The colorful layout includes plenty of fun facts, bulleted clues, and examples of research roadblocks, with solutions, case files, and activities. This volume expertly identifies libraries, historical societies, and other organizations of value to genealogists. It also establishes the crucial role of librarians and archivists and stresses the importance of how one's own life shapes history. VERDICT Highly recommended for young people interested in genealogy.-Lisa Gieskes, Richland County Public Library, Columbia, SC © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. |
Booklist Review
| The How to Use This guide, which opens this book, claims that it is packed with features. That is not hyperbole. Lightweight hobbyists beware: this is for hardcore genealogical detectives who are serious about not just creating a family tree but researching every facet of their family history, genetic makeup, and place in the story of America. Plenty of tools help readers along, from sample interview questions to websites, history lessons, and tips on which archival materials are best for preserving artifacts and creating time capsules. It stresses the importance of diligence and fact-checking and offers guidance when running into a Research Roadblock (such as countries that no longer exist). It recognizes that researching one's past can sometimes be emotionally difficult, as in the case of researching African American heritage. The author's tone throughout is conversational and maintains a high level of enthusiasm. Considering how dense the information is, the layout of the book manages to remain attractive and inviting without being overwhelming. Invested researchers will be grateful to have this book at hand.--Dean, Kara Copyright 2018 Booklist |
Kirkus Review
| This guide to the various components of researching family history provides helpful hints for young genealogists.Interest in family research continues across ages, and this volume explores all aspects in great detail. It begins by pointing out that all humankind began in the same placeeastern Africaand shares what scholars believe about how various groups spread throughout the world. From then on, personal genealogy is approached as a mystery to be solved, a strategy designed to engage its target audience. The recognition that there are many types of families is a critical part of the text. All kinds of threads are explored, from documentary evidence to family stories, with suggestions on how to evaluate them. Each topic is fully described. For example, in addition to addressing how to use census data, the book discusses the origins of the census and the parts that are relevant to family research. The section on DNA is brief but gives scientific perspective. Very little is left to chance, including how to store, preserve, and retrieve the accumulated data. The narrative is inviting and lively in tone, but it doesn't shy away from potential difficulties. It is richly illustrated in full color with sidebars to provide additional information, though some pages feel too full to digest. Diversity is woven throughout the text, illustrations, sidebars, and graphics. A thorough and comprehensive treatment of the subject. (glossary, further resources, index) (Nonfiction. 8-12) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission. |
