Hakim vs Wood

I think both books have pluses and minuses.  The real question is what is the purpose behind my reading?  If I'm reading for entertainment I would choose Hakim hands down.  If I'm reading for straight facts then I would select the Wood book. As I stated on previous posts, I really liked the Hakim book but found myself distracted so often that I would have to set the book down and come back to it.  The Wood book was not as easy to read as far as flow.  However, it got right to the point.  I tried comparing black fighters and slaves in each.  Once again, I had to reread Hakim because I found my self reading all the side bars.  I read right through Wood's version and had a clear idea what point he was trying to make.  I am not the typical reader though.  Someone else might not be so distracted by side bars and pictures as I am.  As for using either book in my class, Hakim's book would be the better between the two.  Overall, I really wouldn't use either one unless I am reading directly to my students.  (First graders!!!!)