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

TUESDAY: Martin's Big Words by Doreen Rappaport

Summary
A beautiful summary of the words and purpose of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's life, highlighting his emphasis on love over hate, cooperation over separation, and change/what is right over "waiting" and the status quo.

Review
This displays great highlights of Dr. King's life. I love the fact that several parts say he walked and talked and sang and prayed with people. The illustrations by Bryan Collier, done in a combination of water color and collage, are rich and warm.


I met the illustrator at a conference recently and found him to be inspiring. I loved listening to him share back story on the people and stories he's worked on and his philosophy of art, creativity, and picture books.


4 stars out of 5
AR level of 3.4


Recommended for: all readers, classroom and library collections, Black History Month reading time and displays, celebrations of Dr. King's birthday in January


Cautions: none