In 'The Hard-Scrabble of Elm Island' by Elijah Kellogg, readers are transported to a time when the struggle for survival was a daily affair for a group of youths working hard to make ends meet on a remote island. Kellogg's vivid descriptions and detailed character development bring this story to life, offering readers a glimpse into the hardships and triumphs of these resilient characters. Written in a straightforward and accessible style, the book appeals to a wide audience, offering both entertainment and insight into the challenges faced by early American settlers. Kellogg's use of dialogue and setting enhances the overall reading experience, making it both engaging and informative. As a work of historical fiction, 'The Hard-Scrabble of Elm Island' serves as a valuable resource for understanding the realities of life in rural America during the 19th century. Elijah Kellogg, a minister and author, drew inspiration from his own experiences to craft this compelling narrative, infusing it with moral lessons and themes of perseverance and hard work. Recommended for readers interested in American history, coming-of-age stories, and the power of resilience.

Why does the University of Illinois campus at Urbana-Champaign look as it does today? Drawing on a wealth of research and featuring more than one hundred color photographs, An Illini Place provides an engrossing and beautiful answer to that question. Lex Tate and John Franch trace the story of the university's evolution through its buildings. Oral histories, official reports, dedication programs, and developmental plans both practical and quixotic inform the story. The authors also provide special chapters on campus icons and on the buildings, arenas and other spaces made possible by donors and friends of the university. Adding to the experience is a web companion that includes profiles of the planners, architects, and presidents instrumental in the campus's growth, plus an illustrated inventory of current and former campus plans and buildings.