 Odetta:
The Queen of Folk
by Stephen Alcorn
Ages 8–12
This accessible biography introduces
young readers to the influential folk singer who began
to sing in childhood and never stopped. Blessed with
a magnificent voice, Odetta uses her talents to inspire
others to support the civil rights movement. Lyrical
text and rich paintings tell the story of the queen of
folk music. |
|
 Dream
Something Big: The Story of the Watts Towers
by Dianna Hutts Aston, Susan L.
Roth
Ages 5–8
The 34 year construction
of Watts Towers is told from the viewpoint of a small
girl who grows up and has a child of her own. Beginning
in 1921, Italian immigrant Simon Rodia constructed
towering spires from found objects in his property
in Watts, California. The stunning collage illustrations
mimic the mosaic decorations of the towers, finished
in 1955. This beautiful book pays tribute to imagination
and perseverance, and includes a “build your
own tower” activity. |
|
 Our
Abe Lincoln
by Jim Aylesworth
Ages 4–8
The simple text of this biography
is adapted by a popular song during Lincoln’s presidential
campaigns, and can be sung to the tune of “The
Old Grey Mare.” The charming and detailed illustrations
will enchant children as they sing along. |
|
 The
Day-Glo Brothers
by Chris Barton, Tony Persiani
Ages 4–8
Brothers Joe and Bob Switzer
were very different. Bob was serious and wanted to
be a doctor. Joe was an amateur magician and wanted
to make a name for himself in show business. When Bob
had a serious accident and was confined to a dark basement
for recovery, the two brothers began experimenting
with ultraviolet light and fluorescent paints, and
invented a new kind of intense color they called Day-Glo.
Joe used the Day-Glo paint in his magic act, and later
Day-Glo paint was used to guide planes to safe landings
on aircraft carriers during WWII. The illustrations
for this accessible biography are created with three
Day-Glo colors: Saturn Yellow, Fire Orange, and Signal
Green. |
|
 Alicia
Alonso: Prima Ballerina
by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand, Raul
Colon
Ages 10–up
This biography in free verse
tells the story of Alicia Alonso, the famous Cuban
ballerina. From her childhood, to her climb to achieve
the rank of prima ballerina, and her fight to keep
dancing when she begins to lose her sight, Alicia’s
grace and strength are celebrated. The physical trials
of ballet dancing, and Alicia’s complex relationship
with the Cuban government give this biography depth. |
|
 Keep
Your Eye on the Kid:
The
Early Years of Buster Keaton
by Catherine Brighton
Ages 5–8
This picture biography follows Buster
Keaton from his birth to vaudeville parents to his early 30s. |
|
 Soar,
Elinor!
by Tami Lewis Brown, Francois
Roca
Ages 4–8
Elinor Smith was only six
when she went up in her first airplane, and only
sixteen when she earned her pilot’s license, the
youngest pilot in the USA. But most people didn’t
think women should be pilots, and newspapers belittled
her accomplishment. So Elinor took a dare to fly
under one of New York City’s bridges, and then
flew under four of them. Details of Elinor studying
each bridge and plotting her route builds the suspense
in this exciting story of determination and daring. |
|
 Ashley
Bryan: Words to My Life’s Song
by Ashley Bryan
All Ages
This powerful autobiography
tells a story of a creative life. Illustrations and
memories show a boy finding art materials during the
Depression, storing art supplies in his gas mask during
WWII, losing an art scholarship because of his race,
and an award-winning art career. A book for parents
and children to enjoy together, this book will inspire
artists of all ages. |
|
 The
Adventures of Mark Twain by Huckleberry Finn
by Robert Burleigh, Barry Blitt
Ages 7–10
This clever biography of Mark
Twain is narrated by Huckleberry Finn in a folksy style
that begs to be read aloud. Cartoon-like pen and ink
illustrations and a variety of typefaces add to the
exaggerated tall tale style of this delightful book. |
|
 Night
Flight: Amelia Earhart Crosses the Atlantic
by Robert Burleigh, Wendell Minor
Ages 4–8
This exciting book tells the
story of Amelia Earhart’s historical solo flight across
the Atlantic in 1932. The storm and mechanical difficulties
that endangered the plane and Amelia’s life are portrayed
in both the stunning illustrations and text that build
tension to the climax of the iced wings that caused
Amelia to lose control of the plane. Notes on Amelia’s
life are included in the afterward. |
|
 Words
Set Me Free: The Story of Young Frederick Douglass
by Lesa Cline-Ransome, James E.
Ransome
Ages 5–9
Powerful first person narration
tells the story of Frederick Douglass’s early life
as a plantation slave. Learning to read was the
catalyst for Frederick’s determination to escape
from slavery. “I bought my first newspaper
and learned new words—liberty, justice, and
freedom.” Eventually Frederick uses his writing
skills to forge a letter from his master releasing
him. Though not avoiding the cruel realities of
slavery, this accessible biography celebrates determination
and hope. |
|
 A
Nation’s Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis
by Matt de la Peña, Kadir Nelson
Ages 6–8
Beautifully realistic oil paintings
illustrate this tribute to Joe Lewis. Focusing on Lewis’s
1938 rematch against German boxer Max Schmeling, this
accessible biography shows how the match unified, for
one evening, a racially divided country, as black and
white fans joined together to cheer the son of a black
sharecropper as he took on the white symbol of Hitler’s “master
race.” |
|
 Miss
Etta and Dr. Claribel: Bringing Matisse to America
by Susan Fillion
Ages 10–up
Miss Etta and Dr. Claribel
Cone were two unmarried sisters from Baltimore who
fell in love with modern art in Paris. The two sisters,
encouraged Leo Stein, supported beginning artists like
Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso, bought their paintings,
and brought them back to America. Without professional
advice or counsel, trusting their eyes and instincts,
the two sisters concentrate on the avant-garde. Few
were aware of the extent of their collection until
Etta published a catalog in 1934, revealing one of
the foremost collections of Matisse’s work in the world,
bequeathed to The Baltimore Museum of Art in 1949.
This touching story is lavishly illustrated with reproductions
of the Cone Collection and the colorful Matisse-inspired
paintings by the author. |
|
 Sir
Charlie: Chaplin, the Funniest Man in the World
by Sid Fleischman
Ages 9–12
Photographs and newspaper clippings
enliven this sympathetic biography of the great silent
film star whose career ended with the introduction
of sound to movies. Chaplin was one of Fleischman’s
idols, and his admiration for Chaplin’s humor will
motivate young readers to seek out some of the silent
film gems listed in the filmography. |
|
 Lafayette
and the American Revolution
by Russell Freedman
Ages 10–up
In this accessible biography,
we first meet the Marquis de Lafayette as a strong-willed
19-year-old defying the King of France to run off and
join the American Revolution. Though young Lafayette
had never set foot on a battlefield before, he soon
earned the respect of the Americans because of his
bravery and drive to succeed. The text is enlivened
by quotations and anecdotes from Lafayette’s unconventional
life, while drawings and portraits help to keep the
large cast of characters straight. |
|
 Lincoln:
A Photobiography
by Russell Freedman
Newbery Medal 1988
Ages 8–12
This comprehensive and accessible biography
of Abraham Lincoln is enhanced by period photographs and drawings. |
|
 The
Storyteller’s Candle/La velita de los cuentos
by Lucia González, Lulu Delacre
Ages 4–9
This bilingual book set in 1929
tells the story of Pura Belpré, the first Puerto
Rican librarian hired by the New York Public Library,
through the eyes of two children who are inspired by
her to enter the Library for the first time. |
|
 Bring
Me Some Apples and I'll Make You a Pie
by Robbin Gourley
Ages 4–8
This book follows Edna Lewis
during her childhood in a Virginia farming community.
From early spring until first snow, Edna appreciates
each crop as it ripens and is ready to be incorporated
into a delicious dish. Folk rhymes and sayings are
sprinkled throughout the text. A short biography of
this famous African-American chef and five kid-friendly
recipes are included. |
|
 Charles
and Emma:
The
Darwins’ Leap of Faith
by Deborah Heiligman
Ages 12–up
This biography focuses on the marriage
of Charles Darwin to his cousin Emma Wedgwood. Supported
by historical context and quotations from their own personal
writings as well, we meet a man who believes in reason
and a woman who believes in God. This sympathetic account
helps readers to understand Darwin’s views and the influence
of Emma’s beliefs. |
|
 John
Brown: His Fight for Freedom
by John Hendrix
Ages 8–12
In the late 1850s, John Brown,
the infamous white abolitionist, backed his beliefs with
action. This unflinching biography presents Brown’s transformation
from a supporter of the underground railroad into an
activist prepared to use violence to support his beliefs.
The violent raid in Harper’s Ferry, Virginia, that led
to Brown’s arrest and execution provides an exciting
climax to this compelling biography. |
|
 Claudette
Colvin: Twice Toward Justice
by Phillip Hoose
Ages 10–up
In March 1955, nine months
before Rosa Parks refused to surrender her seat to
a white passenger, 15-year old Claudette Colvin was
dragged from a bus and arrested for the same reason.
This book introduces readers to the courageous teenager
who was overshadowed by Rosa Parks as the center of
the bus boycott. Young readers are encouraged to empathize
with young Claudette, at first dismissed as too “emotional” to
withstand public scrutiny, but later a key witness
in the federal lawsuit that would end discrimination
on public transportation. (2010 Newbery Honor Book) |
|
 Home
on the Range:
John
A. Lomax and His Cowboy Songs
by Deborah Hopkinson, S.D. Schindler
Ages 6–8
This colorful biography tells about
the early life of John Avery Lomax, an early folk musicologist
who got his start collecting the cowboy songs he had loved
as a child on his Ediphone recording device. The realistic
illustrations bring the old west to life. |
|
 Levi
Strauss Gets a Bright Idea: A Fairly Fabricated Story of
a Pair of Pants
by Tony Johnston, Stacy Innerst
Ages 4–8
The story of how Levi Strauss
came to invent the sturdy pants that bear his name
is told in tall tale fashion in this amusing picture
book. When Levi arrived in California in 1853, he noticed
that the hard-working miners wore through their pants
quickly, and created sturdy canvas jeans designed to
last longer. Illustrations painted with acrylics on
old jeans accompany this exaggerated tale of the Wild
West. |
|
 Looking
at Lincoln
by Maira Kalman
Ages 5–8
The little girl in this book
wants to see beyond the picture on the penny and discover
who Lincoln really was. She discovers that Lincoln
believed in freedom for everyone, had a dog named Fido,
kept his notes in his hat, and loved Mozart and his
wife’ s vanilla cake. This fresh look at our 16th president
will captivate young readers. |
|
 The
Extraordinary Mark Twain
by Barbara Kerley, Edwin Fotheringham
Ages 7–11
Thirteen-year-old Susy is determined
to set the record straight about her famous father,
and spends a year writing her own observations. This
accessible biography, which includes clever illustrations
as well as excerpts from Susy’s actual diary, presents
an intimate portrait of the real man behind the famous
one. Author notes include a timeline of Twain’s life
as well as tips for writing an extraordinary biography
of your own. |
|
 Those
Rebels, John and Tom
by Barbara Kerley, Edwin Fotheringham
Ages 7–11
Clever verse and humorous illustrations
portray the different personalities of two founding
fathers and early presidents: Thomas Jefferson and
John Adams. Lively typography and a bold color palette
complement this story of strength coming from difference. |
|
 What
To Do About Alice?
How
Alice Roosevelt Broke the Rules, Charmed the World, and Drove
Her Father Teddy Crazy!
by Barbara Kerley
Ages 4–8
This high energy picture book
celebrates a young spirited American heroine who livened
up the White House. |
|
 Lincoln
Tells a Joke
How
Laughter Saved the President (and the Country)
by Kathleen Krull and Paul Brewer,
Stacy Innerst
Ages 5–8
This accessible biography begins
by describing all the reasons Lincoln had to be depressed,
including his harsh childhood and homely appearance. Then
Lincoln’s story is told in chronological order while highlighting
his use of humor to deal with disappointment, grief, worry,
and pain. The humorous illustrations add to the upbeat
portrait of a man who coped with life by staying positive
and looking for the lighter side throughout serious events. |
| |
|
 One
Beetle Too Many:
The
Extraordinary Adventures of Charles Darwin
by Kathryn Lasky, Matthew Trueman
Ages 7–12
This friendly biography introduces
middle-graders to Charles Darwin. We see young Charles and
his brother exploding things in their home-made lab, his
failures in school, his consuming curiosity, and finally
the voyage aboard the Beagle. Readers are invited
to follow the reasoning and questioning that let to Darwin’s
theory of evolution. Matthew Trueman’s incredible mixed-media
illustrations help the reader feel Darwin’s fascination with
the natural world. |
|
 Snow
Falling in Spring: Coming of Age
in China During the Cultural Revolution
by Moying Li
Ages 12–up
In this memoir, Moying, a 12-year old
student in Beijing, finds her house ransacked and her father
taken to a labor camp. With faith in knowledge and education,
Moying survives the climate of fear that accompanies the rise
of the Red Guard. |
|
 Snowflake
Bentley
text by Jacqueline Briggs Martin,
illustrations by Mary Azarian
Caldecott Medal
1999
Ages 4–8
This biography of Wilson A. Bentley tells
the story of a rural Vermont farmboy in the mid-19th century
who became fascinated by snowflakes. Bentley developed a system
of microphotography that allowed him to capture images of snowflakes
and prove that no two snowflakes are identical. Azarian’s woodcuts
are perfect. |
|
 Under
a Red Sky
Memoir
of a Childhood in Communist Romania
by Haya Leah Molnar
Ages 12–up
Eva Zimmerman grew up as an adored
only child in an apartment shared by her parents, grandparents,
and aunts and uncles in Bucharest, Romania. Sheltered by
her protective family from the harsh realities of scarce
food and housing under communist rule with the secret police
watching every move, religion and politics were never discussed
at home. In 1958, Eva is shocked to discover that she is
Jewish, and that her whole family has applied to emigrate
to Israel. Black and white family photographs illustrate
this poignant memoir of a girl struggling to understand
her own identity. |
|
 Come
See the Earth Turn
by Lori Mortensen, Raul Allen
Ages 6–10
Léon Foucault was a sickly
child, a poor student, and a drop-out from medical
school—not a natural candidate for fame. Drawn to science
as an adult, Foucault began to perform experiments.
Though scientists at the time were certain that the
Earth did spin around an axis, no one could prove it
until Foucault made an incredible discovery that demonstrated
the Earth’s rotation—Foucault’s Pendulum. This accessible
account of Foucault’s discovery is beautifully illustrated
with Raul Allen’s dramatic paintings. |
|
 Mama
Miti
by Donna Jo Napoli, Kadir Nelson
Ages 4–8
This story of Wangari Maathai’s
mission to plant trees in Kenya is told more as a folk
tale than a biography. Wangari Wangari becomes known
as Mama Miti (Mother of Trees) because she knows her
trees, and recommends the perfect one to plant to meet
the needs of those she meets. Some trees produce edible
berries, some make good firewood, some have roots that
purify the water. Beautiful and colorful illustrations
bring Mama Miti and her community to life. |
|
 Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable
Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U. S. Marshal
by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, R.
Gregory Christie
Ages 8–12
This spirited biography tells
the story of Bass Reeves, the dynamic African-American
lawman of the Old West. A former slave who escaped
to freedom in the Indian Territories, Reeves was
cunning and fearless. By the end of his career, Reeves
brought more than 3,000 criminals to justice and
killed only 14. The folksy text and arresting illustrations
bring this respected lawman to vivid life. |
 Planting
the Trees of Kenya
by Claire A. Nivola
Ages 5–9
This biography of Wangari Maathai,
winner of the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize, encourages the belief
that anyone can change the course of history. |
|
 Boys
of Steel: The Creators of Superman
by Marc Tyler Nobleman, Ross Macdonald
Ages 10–up
This colorful picture book biography
introduces the youthful creators of Superman: writer
Jerry Siegel and illustrator Joe Shuster, two mild-mannered
misfit teens in depression-era Cleveland who escaped
into fantasy worlds of science fiction and adventure.
In 1934, at age 20, they created Superman, who was everything
they were not. Four years later they convinced a publisher
to take a chance on their character in a brand new format—the
comic book. |
|
 Skit-Scat
Raggedy Cat: Ella Fitzgerald
by Roxane Orgill, Sean Qualls
Ages 5–up
This stylish biography begins
with the child Ella dancing to her mother’s records,
and ends with her first big job with the Chick Webb
Band in Harlem in 1921. Orphaned at 14, Ella lived
for a time in an abusive orphanage and then on the
streets, singing and dancing for money. Judged not
pretty enough to be a singer, the determined Ella believed
in her own talent and refused to be discouraged. Richly
colored illustrations capture the spirit a poor young
girl chasing her dream of becoming a jazz singer in
this frank, yet not frightening, biography. |
|
 Sojourner
Truth’s Step-Stomp Stride
by Andrea Davis Pinkney, Brian Pinkney
Ages 5–9
Belle was born into slavery, and
when her master fails to honor his promise to free her,
Belle runs away. But she knows that she will never be truly
free when others live in slavery, so Belle changes her
name to Sojourner and begins to travel across the country,
demanding equal rights for black people and for women.
Pinkney’s glowing illustrations capture the charisma and
courage of this larger-than-life heroine. |
|
 The
Glorious Flight:
Across
the Channel with Louis Blériot
by Alice & Martin Provensen
Caldecott Medal 1984
Ages 4–8
This book shows the persistence of Louis
Blériot, a Frenchman, who was determined to to build a
flying machine to cross the English Channel. His glorious flight
occurred on July 25, 1909. |
|
 Eleanor,
Quiet No More
by Doreen Rappaport, Gary Kelley
Ages 6–10
Written in short, accessible
paragraphs, this biography honestly presents Eleanor’s
unhappy childhood. Each page spread includes a quote
from Eleanor that expresses her growing sense of confidence
and moral conviction. The beautiful paintings capture
Eleanor’s intelligence and compassionate heart. |
|
 Wanda
Gág: The Girl Who Lived to Draw
by Deborah Kogan Ray
Ages 6–9
Best known for her classic picture
book Millions
of Cats, Wanda Gág loved to draw. This well-researched
biography incorporates entries from Wanda’s childhood
diaries into a compelling picture book format. |
|
 Fearless:
The Story of Racing Legend Louise Smith
by Barb Rosenstock, Scott Dawson
Ages 5–up
From the moment Louise Smith
got behind the wheel of her father’s car at age seven,
she loved driving cars. Years later, when a race promoter
was looking for a woman to drive in a race as a joke,
Louise volunteered, and came in third. Paving the way
for women in racing, Louise eventually become a NASCAR
legend, leaving a pile of wrecks and 38 wins behind.
Upbeat illustrations capture the breezy spirit of this
self-assured woman living the life she loved. |
|
 The
Mangrove Tree: Planting Trees to Feed Families
by Susan L. Roth, Cindy Trumbore
Ages 6–11
This moving book tells the
story of a project spearheaded by Dr. Gordon Sato to
plant mangrove trees, which thrive in salty water,
to provide food for the village of Hargigo in the impoverished
African nation of Eritrea. Lively prose, rhyming text,
and beautiful mixed media collage illustrations tell
this hopeful story. |
|
 For
the Love of Music: The Remarkable Story of Maria Anna Mozart
by Elizabeth Rusch, Lou Fancher,
Steve Johnson
Ages 4–8
Maria Anna Mozart, Wolfgang’s
older sister, was also a musical prodigy and one
of the most accomplished pianists of her time. As
children, Maria and Wolfgang played recitals all
over Europe, but as they grew older Maria was told
she must marry and have a family while Wolfgang was
encouraged to pursue his musical gifts. This biography
is organized into the structure of a piano sonata,
from First Movement to Finale underscoring the love
of music that bound these two siblings together. |
|
 And
Picasso Painted Guernica
by Alain Serres
Ages 9–12
This beautifully illustrated
book begins with seven-year-old Picasso painting doves,
and then highlights his new ways of seeing and painting.
The horrifying German bombing of the people of Guernica
inspired Picasso to paint the massive Guernica in 1937
as a protest against the bombing of defenseless civilians,
and against the brutality of war everywhere. Both the
steps of creating the huge painting and the elements
that compose it are thoroughly explored in this tribute
to the transformative power of art. |
|
 Coretta
Scott
by Ntozake Shange, Kadir Nelson
Ages 4–9
This picture biography shows
important events in Coretta’s life from her childhood
through her marriage to Martin Luther King. The rhythmic
text and powerful illustrations captures the intensity
of the Civil Rights Movement. |
|
 Black
Jack: The Ballad of Jack Johnson
by Charles R. Smith Jr., Shane
W. Evans
Ages 5–8
Jack Johnson was the first
black fighter to win a heavyweight championship. The
reigning champion, Jim Jeffries, retired in order to
avoid being beaten by Black Jack. When Jack won against
Jeffries’s successor, Jeffries was goaded into returning
to the ring for a match against Black Jack, who defeated
him. Told in verse, Jack is presented first as simply
a shy and fearful young man inspired by books to fight
back and make a name for himself. This accessible biography
celebrates Jack’s dignity, determination, and pride,
as well as his success as a boxer. |
|
 Tillie
the Terrible Swede: How One Woman, a Sewing Needle, and a
Bicycle Changed History
by Sue Stauffacher, Sarah McMenemy
Ages 5–8
When Tillie arrived in America
from Sweden all she had was a needle. So she got a
job at a tailor shop and waited for something exciting
to happen. Then she saw her first bicycle and knew
what she wanted to do, even though everyone told her
women couldn’t ride bicycles. With her trusty needle,
Tillie created an aerodynamic cycling costume and broke
all the 1890s records for speed and endurance. |
|
 Balloons
over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s
Parade
by Melissa Sweet
Ages 4–8
This accessible biography tells
the story of Tony Sarg, the man who invented the giant
balloons of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Tony
Sarg, a self-taught immigrant, was fascinated by puppets
and marionettes as a child. His first big break came
with a job of designing window displays for Macy’s.
Next came earthbound creations that were steered down
the street, and finally the balloon puppets controlled
from below. |
|
 Lincoln
and His Boys
by Rosemary Wells, P.J. Lynch
Ages 8–12
This accessible biography presents
Lincoln from the perspective of his two youngest sons,
Willie and Tad. Willie goes with his father to Chicago
where it is decided that Lincoln will run for president,
the two boys tear through Cabinet Meetings, and Tad
goes with his father to Richmond at the end of the
war. A playful and loving father, Lincoln comes to
life in this book which was inspired by a fragment
written by one of his sons. |
|
 My
Havana: Memories of a Cuban Boyhood
by Rosemary Wells & Secundino
Fernandez, Peter Ferguson
Ages 7–10
Young Secundino, “Dino” to
his friends and family, loves life in 1950s Havana,
filling notebook after notebook with sketches of
architecture, trying to capture the sense of color,
music, and vivid life that surrounds him. When Castro
takes over, Dino and his family move to New York
City, which the boy at first finds harsh and unwelcoming.
To ease his homesickness, Dino builds a model of
Havana on his bedroom floor. Eventually Dino makes
a new friend and begins to love his new city. (Secundino
Fernandez grew up to become a successful architect
in New York City.) |
|
 Wangari's
Trees of Peace:
A
True Story from Africa
by Jeanette Winter
Ages 4–8
When Wangari Maathai was a child,
Kenya was full of trees. When she returns after six years
of study in the United States, Wangari is horrified to find
whole forests have been cut down. Beginning with nine seedlings
in her backyard, Wangari inspires the Green Belt Movement,
which has planted 30 million trees in Kenya. This simple
biography of the 2004 Nobel Prize winner is a wonderful example
of how one person can bring about change. |
|
 Gertrude
is Gertrude is Gertrude is Gertrude
by Jonah Winter, Calef Brown
Ages 4–8
The non-linear and repetitive
prose in this book pays homage to Gertrude Stein’s
own work. The whimsical illustrations of Stein and
Alice B. Toklas are a perfect match for the text. |
|
 Jazz
Age Josephine
by Jonah Winter, Marjorie Priceman
Ages 4–8
This accessible biography of
Josephine Baker uses the rhythms of blues and jazz
to tell the story of the famous singer and dancer.
Beginning with her impoverished childhood dancing for
money on the streets of St. Louis we follow Josephine
to her big break as a chorus line dancer in New York
and to her fame in Paris as the American icon of the
Jazz Age. |
|
 You
Never Heard of Sandy Koufax?!
by Jonah Winter, Andre Carrilho
Ages 4–9
In this striking picture book,
an anonymous former teammate tells what made Sandy
Koufax, the 1960s pitcher for the Dodgers, so amazing.
We learn about his shyness, his physical limitations,
and the anti-Semitism he faced. But in the end it’s
Sandy Koufax in action, boldly portrayed by Andre Carrilho,
that captures the mysterious power of the great pitcher. |
|
 All
Star! Honus Wagner and the Most Famous Baseball Card Ever
by Jane Yolen, Jim Burke
Ages 6–8
Honus Wagner (1874-1955) was
a shortstop for more than 20 seasons, mainly with the
Pittsburgh Pirates. In 2007, his baseball card sold
for $3 million. This well-written biography, illustrated
with paintings that echo period photographs, presents
the story of an outstanding athlete who was also an
outstanding person: talented, hard-working, and a decent
human being. |
|
 My
Uncle Emily
by Jane Yolen, Nancy Carpenter
Ages 6–8
Thomas Gilbert (Gib) feels
he needs to defend his aunt Emily’s honor when his
classmates mock her reclusive nature. Uncle Emily (their
private nickname for her) gives Gib a poem to help
him understand how to tell his family the truth about
the fight while preserving his integrity. This book
uses real-life encounters between aunt and nephew to
explore the role of poetry in human life. |
| |
|
