Provensen writes, "Like all families, my American family has its rich uncles and poor relations, its atheists and believers, its scoundrels and bigots, its gifted and compassionate...these relatives are individuals, idiosyncratic and exceptional... somehow larger than life and have come to represent our myths and legends, our fantasies and foibles." A detailed table of contents, endpages with portraiture and a final written narrative further embellish the hundreds of images Provensen created using India ink and oil paint in this 11 3/4 x 11 3/4" text. The scope of her monumental approach to interpreting the American Experience can be seen in Provensen's provocative organization of her material. The first four titles of her twenty-three album themes demonstrate this: Free Spirits Rebel Voices; Pilgrims and Puritans Quakers and Shakers; Maverick Ministers Guiding Lights; and Impassioned Fights for Freedom and Equal Rights. Sequoyah, "Native American Scholar," appears along with Anne Sullivan as guiding lights. Little Big Man is listed among the warriors and patriots. Margaret Sanger emerges with other radical reformers and humanitarians, while J. Edgar Hoover is pictured with villains and rogues, unnamed female moonshiners, and celebrity hoodlums. Lassie shares a page with Mae West and Jack Benny. Satchel Paige can be discovered, and so can Gertrude Stein, Jim Henson and George Washington. Like all albums, this treasury is worth countless browsing hours by children of varying ages. Although they and their adults will have varying opinions on the comparative importance, inclusion and/or exclusion of these "fellow Americans," all will be stimulated to think, find out more, and maybe even create their own categories and lists. (Ages 5-14)

In this fascinating compendium, Alice Provensen creates an album that reveals the words and deeds of fellow Americans in elegant pictures brimming with lively detail. An eclectic sampling of Americans is represented-from Pocahontas to Henry Ford, Sojourner Truth to Jim Henson, and Al Capone to Dr. Seuss. By showing us the myriad personalities who have influenced our lives, Mrs. Provensen provides remarkable insight into what it means to be a part of the American family. "Inspiring is the best adjective to describe this very personal book."-USA Today