Wayne State University Press has donated two books for young readers from their Great Lakes Books series: Who’s Jim Hines? By Jean Alicia Ester and Under Michigan: The Story of Michigan’s Rocks and Fossils by Charles Ferguson Barker.

Who’s Jim Hines? is “a story based on real events about Douglas Ford, Jr. a twelve-year-old African American boy growing up in Detroit in the 1930s. Doug’s father owns the Douglas Ford Wood Company, and when Doug must join his father in the backbreaking work of delivery wood throughout the city and suburbs, he take the opportunity to unravel the mystery of a man named Jim Hines whom he always hears about but have never seen. In discovering Hines’s identity, Doug also learns much about the realities of racism in Depression-era Detroit.”

“Readers from the ages of eight through twelve will enjoy the entertaining and educational story in Who’s Jim Hines?”

Under Michigan: The Story of Michigan’s Rocks and Fossils is ”the first book for young readers about the geologic history of the state and the structure scientists call the Michigan Basin. A fun and educational journey, Under Michigan explores Earth’s geological past, taking readers far below the familiar sights of Michigan and nearby places to explain the creation of minerals and fossils and show where they can be found in the varying layers of rock. Readers will learn about the hard rock formations surrounding Michigan and also discover the tall mountain ridges hidden at the bottom of the Great Lakes. With beautiful illustrations by author Charles Ferguson Barker, a glossary of scientific terms, and charming page to keep field notes, Under Michigan is a wonderful resource for young explorers to use at home, in school, or on a trip across Michigan.”

Wayne State University Press is “a distinctive urban publisher committed to supporting its parent institution’s core research, teaching, and service mission by generating high quality scholarly and general interest works of global importance. Through its publishing program, the Press disseminates research, advances education, and serves the local community while expanding the international reputation of the Press and the University.” 

“The Great Lakes Books series specializes in books of regional interest and importance to Michigan and the entire Great Lakes region. Inaugurated in 1986 to honor Michigan's 1987 sesquicentennial, the series currently includes more than 125 titles on Michigan and regional history, the Upper Peninsula, military history, the Great Lakes and maritime history, Detroit history and culture, automotive history, art and architecture, literature, ecology and the environment, and books for young readers.” For more titles in the Great Lakes Book Series go to www.wsupress.wayne.edu.