LITTLE AUTHOR IN THE BIG WOODS by Yona Zeldis McDonough

This lovely children's biography about author, Laura Ingalls Wilder, tells of her childhood and her family exploring the Midwest and the hardship of life in the late 1800s. It also tells of her marriage and her writing career. The "voice" in this book is excellent - not surprising from this great biographer (Who Was Rosa Parks? Who was John F Kennedy? etc.) for kids. I remember the TV show based on Wilder's books, but I have not read the series myself. I had plenty to connect with in this biography, even without having read the famous books. Fans of both the books and the TV show would enjoy this engaging behind-the-scenes look at Wilder's life. I think this biography could inspire readers to try her books if they haven't tried them before.

5 out of 5 stars
No AR reading level at the time of this writing

* I received an electronic copy of this book from the publisher for free in the hope that I would review it honestly on my blog. Regardless, I only review books I enjoyed. I don’t believe in passing on negative reviews. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

WHO WAS ULYSSES S. GRANT? by Megan Stine and WHO WAS ROBERT E. LEE? by Bonnie Bader

   

I thoroughly enjoyed reading both of these this summer! The book on Grant included fun background information about Grant's name and an interesting connection to Abe Lincoln and Ford's theater. The book on Lee described his conflicted feelings about the Civil War, loyalty to his home in Virginia, and a fascinating story about his citizenship after the war. I think these books should go together as if in a set. Great additions to a classroom, home, or school library. Especially interesting in classrooms that study these two figures in history and/or the Civil War.

Four out of five stars on both books
No AR reading level at the time of this writing

I AM ROSA PARKS by Brad Meltzer

This is book three in Brad Meltzer's fabulous Ordinary People Change the World series. I love these biographies because they focus on character qualities rather than just a recitation of life events. In this volume, the famous story of Rosa on the bus is just one example in a series of situations in which she stands up personally and/or publicly for what is right.

I highly recommend this series for school libraries and elementary classrooms. These are short enough to read aloud to a class. Perfect for close reading/active literacy and also for classroom units on kindness and other character qualities.

5 out of 5 stars
No AR level at the time of this writing

Future stories in this series:
     
   Sept 16, 2014             Jan 8, 2015

I AM ABRAHAM LINCOLN/I AM AMELIA EARHART by Brad Meltzer

   

These picture books highlight moments in the early life of our 16th president and Amelia Earhart that pointed to the people they would become. The Lincoln book is a great book about character, bravery and speaking up for those without a voice. The Earhart book emphasizes the people who said she couldn't do something and then watching her do it anyway. Both books have a great message and both are very inspiring.

5 out of 5 stars for both!
AR reading levels: 3.3 for Lincoln and 3.0 for Earhart

The next two books in the series release in June and September respectively
   

PICTURE BOOKS: Helen's Big World by Doreen Rappaport AND Fifty Cents and a Dream: Young Booker T. Washington by Jabari Asim

A biography picture book about Helen Keller with beautiful painted pictures and quotes from Keller about her life. The quotes were the most powerful part of the book. My favorite part is a page that shows writing samples over the period of about a year as Helen's learning had really clicked and she was making tremendous progress very quickly. An amazing story. Great addition to any library or classroom.

4 out of 5 stars
AR reading level of 4.9





This biography focuses on Washington's youth and his dream and drive to learn. Inspiring. Would make a great addition to a library or classroom's Black History month materials or for units on biographies of famous people who shaped our world.

4 out of 5 stars
AR reading level of 4.9

BIOGRAPHY - CHAPTER BOOK: Who Is J. K. Rowling? by Pam Pollack and Meg Belviso

This is one of my favorite lines of biographies for kids. In fact, in our school library, I put them together in their own section so kids could find them easily. Also, if they try one and like it, they can see what other ones we have and try another.

This particular volume was well done. It includes stories of J. K. Rowling's childhood, her family, her life as she was writing the Harry Potter series, and the impact of the series on her life. I've read other background information on her and was afraid this would feel "already done," but it felt fresh and interesting. Fun information on where some of her ideas came from, etc.

4 out of 5 stars

No AR level at this time

MONDAY: Who Was Albert Einstein? by Jess Brailler

I am a mentor with the program In2Books which matches volunteers with students around the country. Students and their mentors read 5 books together through the course of the school year and exchange emails about what they read.


This was the book I read with my student this year in the biography category. This is a line of books I love. I enjoy reading them and I think they are a great addition to any home, school or classroom library. 


In this particular book, readers can learn about the inventor, Albert Einstein, in a kid-friendly format. Includes great information about Einstein's life, including some great quotes.


4.5 out of 5 stars
AR level of 5.8