Anne Frank

Author: Josephine Poole
Illustrator: Angela Barrett
Comments:
The Diary of Anne Frank was one of my favorite books as a girl. This picturebook puts Anne's diary in context, and would be a good read aloud for even a middle school classroom preparing to read her diary. This book can help readers understand some of the causes of WWII and series of actions that lead to the holocaust. Ultimately, it makes historical events accessible to children because the book is based on Anne's perspectice.

Copyright: Red Fox, 2007
Format: Picture Book
Age Level: 10 and up
Genre: Nonfiction, Biography
Multicultural/International: Jewish
Awards: Child magazine's Best Children's Book Awards 2005
Location: Peabody Library
Rating: * * * * *

The Boy on Fairfield Street: How Ted Geisel Grew Up to Become Dr. Seuss

Author: Kathleen Krull
Illustrator: Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher


Comments:
This biography of Dr. Suess is sure to relate to young readers in many ways. Ted Geisel is a first generation American teased about his German heritage, especially during wartime. He loves animals, parades, doodling, and movies. This biography traces his childhood and his struggle to become "successful" by doing what he loves.

This book could prompt students to conduct their own author study. Before reading this book, students can imagine questions that they would ask Dr. Suess if they could meet him, and then they can seach for the answers in the text. Reading groups could also discuss the term "success" and what it means/meant for Ted to become successful.

Copyright: Random House Books for Young Readers; 1 edition (January 13, 2004)
Age level: 9-12
Format: Picture Book
Genre: Biography
Multicultural/International: German-American
Location: Peabody Library
Rating: * * *

You're on Your Way, Teddy Roosevelt

Author: Judith St. George
Illustrator: Matt Faulkner

Comments:
How does a puny kid like Teedie become the President of the United States? This book explores Teddy Roosevelt's childhood and his determination to learn all he could and overcome his asthma. St. George wants her readers to consider turning points in Roosevelt's life and their own.

Copyright: Publisher, yearPhilomel (September 2004)
Age: 9-12
Format: Picture Book with chapters
Genre: Biography
Multicultural/International: No
Location: Peabody Library
Rating: * *

Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom

Author: Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrator: Kadir Nelson


Comments:
Weatherford weaves three voices throughout Moses: the narrator, Harriet Tubman, and God. Weatherford used Harriet's own narrative to learn about the kinds of prayers that sustained her throughout her journey along the underground railroad. The change in typeface denotes these changes in voice, and the book can turn into a reader's theatre or choral reading.

Definitely worthy of the Caldecott award, Nelson's illustrations capture the darkness and anguish of the journey north. The sculpted facial expressions of Harriet Tubman speak volumes and conveys the yearning of her spirit.

Copyright: Hyperion Book, 2006
Age level: 4-8
Format: Picture Book
Genre: Poetry and Verse, Historical Fiction, Biography
Multicultural/International: African American
Awards: Caldecott Honor & 2007 Coretta Scott King Award for Illustration; A New York Times Bestseller; NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work for Children
Location: Peabody Library
Rating: * * * * *

Before John Was a Jazz Giant

Author: Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrator: Sean Qualls
Comments:
Great for developing readers, this book looks at the musical influences of John Coltrane's childhood. Not only are the colorful illustrations engaging, but the verse can also be acted out or read aloud together. Weatherford's Author's Note gives a more detailed biography of John Coltrane and a list of recordings for selected listening and books for further reading.

Readers can discuss their own talents and how they developed with the option of preparing their own talent biography. By using the biographical information in the Author's Notes, readers can also create a timeline of Coltrane's life events.

Copyright: Henry Holt, 2007
Age level: 4-8
Format: Picture Book
Genre: Biography, Poetry and Verse
Multicultural/International: African American
Location: Peabody Library
Rating: * * *

I, Matthew Henson, Polar Explorer

Author: Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrator: Eric Velasquez


Comments:
Through free verse, Carole Boston Weatherford shares Matthew Henson's struggles, perseverance, and ultimate successes since the age 13. The illustrations (done in pastel on Wallis paper) bring the events to life on the page. Weatherford not only tells of Henson's determination to achieve despite discrimination but also a bit of the Inuit culture and their legend of Kokoyah, the Devil of the North. Weatherford's Author's Note explains the difficulty of gaining acknowledgement for discoveries. In discussion, readers can analyse the conflicts and resolution laid out well throughout the work.

Copyright: Walker Books, 2007
Age level: 9-12
Format: Picture Book
Genre: Biography
Multicultural/International: African American
Location: Peabody Library
Rating: * * *