A Silent Witness in Harlem

Like a good mystery? How about historical fiction? Perhaps you're looking for something cultural? Well, you can find it all in A Silent Witness in Harlem by Eve Creary. And if you're the parent of a pre-adolescent, s/he would appreciate a copy, too.Ms. Creary masterfully interweaves fictional and real people in a tale based on the actual event of a kidnapping in 1928 Harlem. The result is a very fast and captivating read. Ms. O'Loughlin's illustrations are superbly detailed aiding the reader to easily visualize the characters and setting.Speaking as a teacher, this is an excellent book for the classroom. It fulfills the New York State and National Standards for Education in many subject areas--particularly English and Cultural Arts. Obviously, there is history which is a propros for students at this age level. Students will learn a lot about African-American culture, literature, music and art. Further lessons can be drawn from themes such as drug and alcohol abuse prevention, moral decision-making, and even dance. Yet, children will be so engrossed with the story that they will not know that they are getting a lesson in Social Studies, Multi-culturalism or the Arts. Ms. Creary uses language, especially in the dialogue, to whcih kids can relate; they will have their vocabulary greatly expanded but without feeling the prose is over their heads nor patronizing.As a parent, it is reassuring that A Silent Witness in Harlem is something a child can enjoy minus the worry that s/he is reading something obscene or graphically violent. It is a wholesome narrative, however, not at all sermonizing.A Silent Witness in Harlem is an intriguing book for kids and adult alike.