Fleming, C.
(2008). The Lincolns: a scrapbook look at Abraham and Mary. New York:
Schwartz & Wade Books.
Readability: 1050L
Audience Level: Grades 5 - 8
Suggested Delivery: Independent Read
Summary: Here are the extraordinary lives of Abraham and Mary, from their disparate childhoods and tumultuous courtship, through the agony of the Civil War, to the loss of three of their children, and finally their own tragic deaths. Readers can find Mary’s recipe for Abraham’s favorite cake—and bake it themselves; hear what Abraham looked like as a toddler; see a photo of the Lincolns’ dog; discover that the Lincoln children kept goats at the White House; see the Emancipation Proclamation written in Lincoln’ s own hand. Perfect for reluctant readers as well as history lovers, The Lincolns provides a living breathing portrait of a man, a woman, and a country. (Amazon Book Description)
Curriculum Integration:
- The scrapbook format of this biography is very unique. Create a scrapbook of a famous person from history. (E)
- How would you react in the role of president? Write a repsonse explaining what changes you would make to our nation. (A)
- Lincoln suffered the loss of three of his children. How do you think these tragic events molded him into who he was as person? (A)
Readability: 1050L
Audience Level: Grades 5 - 8
Suggested Delivery: Independent Read
Summary: Here are the extraordinary lives of Abraham and Mary, from their disparate childhoods and tumultuous courtship, through the agony of the Civil War, to the loss of three of their children, and finally their own tragic deaths. Readers can find Mary’s recipe for Abraham’s favorite cake—and bake it themselves; hear what Abraham looked like as a toddler; see a photo of the Lincolns’ dog; discover that the Lincoln children kept goats at the White House; see the Emancipation Proclamation written in Lincoln’ s own hand. Perfect for reluctant readers as well as history lovers, The Lincolns provides a living breathing portrait of a man, a woman, and a country. (Amazon Book Description)
Curriculum Integration:
- The scrapbook format of this biography is very unique. Create a scrapbook of a famous person from history. (E)
- How would you react in the role of president? Write a repsonse explaining what changes you would make to our nation. (A)
- Lincoln suffered the loss of three of his children. How do you think these tragic events molded him into who he was as person? (A)
Fleming, C.,
& Fenwick, R. (2009). The great and only Barnum: the tremendous,
stupendous life of showman P.T. Barnum. New York: Schwartz & Wade
Books.
***Available on Audio Book
Readability: 980 L
Audience Level: Grades 4 - 6
Suggested Delivery: Independent Read or Audio Book
Summary: The award-winning author of The Lincolns: A Scrapbook Look at Abraham and Mary, Amelia Lost, and Our Eleanor brings us the larger-than-life biography of showman P. T. Barnum. Known far and wide for his jumbo elephants, midgets, and three-ring circuses, here’ s a complete and captivating look at the man behind the Greatest Show on Earth. Readers can visit Barnum’s American Museum; meet Tom Thumb, the miniature man (only 39 inches tall) and his tinier bride (32 inches); experience the thrill Barnum must have felt when, at age 60, he joined the circus; and discover Barnum’s legacy to the 19th century and beyond. Drawing on old circus posters, photographs, etchings, ticket stubs—and with incredible decorative art by Ray Fenwick—this book presents history as it’s never been experienced before—a show-stopping event! (Amazon Book Description)
Curriculum Integration:
***Available on Audio Book
Readability: 980 L
Audience Level: Grades 4 - 6
Suggested Delivery: Independent Read or Audio Book
Summary: The award-winning author of The Lincolns: A Scrapbook Look at Abraham and Mary, Amelia Lost, and Our Eleanor brings us the larger-than-life biography of showman P. T. Barnum. Known far and wide for his jumbo elephants, midgets, and three-ring circuses, here’ s a complete and captivating look at the man behind the Greatest Show on Earth. Readers can visit Barnum’s American Museum; meet Tom Thumb, the miniature man (only 39 inches tall) and his tinier bride (32 inches); experience the thrill Barnum must have felt when, at age 60, he joined the circus; and discover Barnum’s legacy to the 19th century and beyond. Drawing on old circus posters, photographs, etchings, ticket stubs—and with incredible decorative art by Ray Fenwick—this book presents history as it’s never been experienced before—a show-stopping event! (Amazon Book Description)
Curriculum Integration:
- Take students on a field trip to the circus. Create a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting circuses in the 1800's with circuses today. (E)
- Ask students what surprised them most about circuses from long ago. (A)
- Ask students if they believe circus practices from long ago were ethical. Have them explain their reasoning. (A)
Audience Level: Grades 6 and up
Suggested Delivery: Independent Read
Summary: On March 2, 1955, an impassioned teenager, fed up with the daily injustices of Jim Crow segregation, refused to give her seat to a white woman on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Instead of being celebrated as Rosa Parks would be just nine months later, fifteen-year-old Claudette Colvin found herself shunned by her classmates and dismissed by community leaders. Undaunted, a year later she dared to challenge segregation again as a key plaintiff in Browder v. Gayle, the landmark case that struck down the segregation laws of Montgomery and swept away the legal underpinnings of the Jim Crow South. Based on extensive interviews with Claudette Colvin and many others, Phillip Hoose presents the first in-depth account of an important yet largely unknown civil rights figure, skillfully weaving her dramatic story into the fabric of the historic Montgomery bus boycott and court case that would change the course of American history. (Amazon Book Description)
Curriculum Integration:
- Claudette Colvin's acts are not as widely known as those of Rosa Parks. Do you think Claudette's actions made less of a statement because they were not as public? (A)
- What impact did Claudette's actions have on the Montgomery bus boycott? (E)
- What do first-person interviews contribute to biographies? (A)
Li,
C. (2008). Mao's last dancer (Young readers' ed.). New York: Walker
& Co..
***Available in Audio Book:
Li, C. (2004). Mao's last dancer. Melbourne: Bolinda Audio.
Readability: 810L
Audience Level: Grades 6 and up
Suggested Delivery: Independent Read
Summary: At the age of eleven, Li Cunxin was one of the privileged few selected to serve in Chairman Mao’s Cultural Revolution by studying at the Beijing Dance Academy. Having known bitter poverty in his rural China home, ballet would be his family’s best chance for a better future. From one hardship to another, Cunxin demonstrated perseverance and an appetite for success that led him to be chosen as one of the first two people to leave Mao’s China and go to American to dance on a special cultural exchange. But life in the U.S. was nothing like his communist indoctrination had led him to believe. Ultimately, he defected to the west in a dramatic media storm, and went on to dance with the Houston Ballet for sixteen years. This inspiring story of passion, resilience, and a family’s love captures the harsh reality of life in Mao’s communist China and the exciting world of professional dance. This compelling memoir includes photos documenting Li’s extraordinary life. (Amazon Book Description)
Curriculum Integration:
- Create a Venn Diagram comparing and contrasting the leadership and governance of China and the United States. (E)
- Watch the movie Mao's Last Dancer. How is information presented in the movie different from that in the biography? (E)
- Coming from China to dance in the United States was a big change for Li Cunxin. Write a diary entry imagining you are Li Cunxin who has just arrived in the U.S. from China. (A)
Readability: GN650L
Audience Level: Grades 6 and up
Suggested Delivery: Independent Read
Summary: From acclaimed authors Patricia C. McKissack and Fredrick L. McKissack Jr. comes a thrilling biography of an unforgettable man told in compelling graphic novel form. Born into slavery in 1854, Nat Love, also known as Deadwood Dick, grew up to become the most famous African-American cowboy in the Old West. A contemporary and acquaintance of Bat Masterson and Billy the Kid, Nat was widely known as an expert roper and driver, a crack shot, and a real Wild West character. Featuring lively full-color artwork by Randy DuBurke, Best Shot in the West is an exhilarating mix of high-interest historical fiction and nonstop adventure.
Curriculum Integration:
- Prior to reading, have students create a KWL about cowboys. Have students record what they learned about cowboys after reading Best Shot in the West. (E)
- Do you think Nat Love would have turned out to have the same personality if he had not grown up in slavery? Why or why not? (A)
- Imagine you are Nat Love for the day. What will be the biggest challenges you will face today? (A/E)
- Ask students what surprised them most about circuses from long ago. (A)
- Ask students if they believe circus practices from long ago were ethical. Have them explain their reasoning. (A)
Hoose, P. M.
(2009). Claudette Colvin: twice toward justice. New York: Melanie Kroupa
Books/Farrar Straus Giroux.
***Available in Audio Book:
Readability: 1000L***Available in Audio Book:
Hoose, P. M.
(2009). Claudette Colvin twice toward justice. Grand Haven. MI:
Brillance Audio.
Audience Level: Grades 6 and up
Suggested Delivery: Independent Read
Summary: On March 2, 1955, an impassioned teenager, fed up with the daily injustices of Jim Crow segregation, refused to give her seat to a white woman on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Instead of being celebrated as Rosa Parks would be just nine months later, fifteen-year-old Claudette Colvin found herself shunned by her classmates and dismissed by community leaders. Undaunted, a year later she dared to challenge segregation again as a key plaintiff in Browder v. Gayle, the landmark case that struck down the segregation laws of Montgomery and swept away the legal underpinnings of the Jim Crow South. Based on extensive interviews with Claudette Colvin and many others, Phillip Hoose presents the first in-depth account of an important yet largely unknown civil rights figure, skillfully weaving her dramatic story into the fabric of the historic Montgomery bus boycott and court case that would change the course of American history. (Amazon Book Description)
Curriculum Integration:
- Claudette Colvin's acts are not as widely known as those of Rosa Parks. Do you think Claudette's actions made less of a statement because they were not as public? (A)
- What impact did Claudette's actions have on the Montgomery bus boycott? (E)
- What do first-person interviews contribute to biographies? (A)
***Available in Audio Book:
Li, C. (2004). Mao's last dancer. Melbourne: Bolinda Audio.
Readability: 810L
Audience Level: Grades 6 and up
Suggested Delivery: Independent Read
Summary: At the age of eleven, Li Cunxin was one of the privileged few selected to serve in Chairman Mao’s Cultural Revolution by studying at the Beijing Dance Academy. Having known bitter poverty in his rural China home, ballet would be his family’s best chance for a better future. From one hardship to another, Cunxin demonstrated perseverance and an appetite for success that led him to be chosen as one of the first two people to leave Mao’s China and go to American to dance on a special cultural exchange. But life in the U.S. was nothing like his communist indoctrination had led him to believe. Ultimately, he defected to the west in a dramatic media storm, and went on to dance with the Houston Ballet for sixteen years. This inspiring story of passion, resilience, and a family’s love captures the harsh reality of life in Mao’s communist China and the exciting world of professional dance. This compelling memoir includes photos documenting Li’s extraordinary life. (Amazon Book Description)
Curriculum Integration:
- Create a Venn Diagram comparing and contrasting the leadership and governance of China and the United States. (E)
- Watch the movie Mao's Last Dancer. How is information presented in the movie different from that in the biography? (E)
- Coming from China to dance in the United States was a big change for Li Cunxin. Write a diary entry imagining you are Li Cunxin who has just arrived in the U.S. from China. (A)
McKissack,
P., McKissack, F., & DuBurke, R. (2012). Best shot in the West: the
adventures of Nat Love. San Francisco: Chronicle Books.
Readability: GN650L
Audience Level: Grades 6 and up
Suggested Delivery: Independent Read
Summary: From acclaimed authors Patricia C. McKissack and Fredrick L. McKissack Jr. comes a thrilling biography of an unforgettable man told in compelling graphic novel form. Born into slavery in 1854, Nat Love, also known as Deadwood Dick, grew up to become the most famous African-American cowboy in the Old West. A contemporary and acquaintance of Bat Masterson and Billy the Kid, Nat was widely known as an expert roper and driver, a crack shot, and a real Wild West character. Featuring lively full-color artwork by Randy DuBurke, Best Shot in the West is an exhilarating mix of high-interest historical fiction and nonstop adventure.
Curriculum Integration:
- Prior to reading, have students create a KWL about cowboys. Have students record what they learned about cowboys after reading Best Shot in the West. (E)
- Do you think Nat Love would have turned out to have the same personality if he had not grown up in slavery? Why or why not? (A)
- Imagine you are Nat Love for the day. What will be the biggest challenges you will face today? (A/E)
Wooldridge, C.
N. (2010). The brave escape of Edith Wharton: a biography. Boston:
Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Readability: 1030L
Audience Level: Grades 6 -9
Suggested Delivery: Independent Read
Summary: The Brave Escape begins with an explanation of the saying, "Keeping up with the Joneses." The term was coined during the 1800s to describe attempts at social climbing and as a direct reference to the family into which Edith Jones Wharton was born. This hook heightens the monumentality of the unconventional "escape" Wharton made from the rules of Gilded Age New York society into a writing career and a life of intellectualism. The narrative follows her from birth to death and continually highlights her struggle to reconcile society's expectations and her own upbringing with her lifestyle and career choices. (Amazon Book Description)
Curriculum Integration:
- How does the family you are born into influence who you become in life? (E/A)
- In what ways can gender stereotypes impact a person's view of him/herself? (E/A)
- Have you ever had to go against your parents to stand up for something you believed in? How did they react? (A)
Classic Titles:
Readability: Unknown Lexile
Audience Level: Grades 5 - 8
Suggested Delivery: Independent Read or Paired Reading
Summary: It is early in the twentieth century, and, to most, the idea of human flight is ludicrous--with good reason. There have been many failed flying attempts. Still, the Wright brothers will not let their dreams die. They brave heavy winds and rain, sandstorms, and tough crashes--all in an effort to build the first successful flying machine. In this engaging and dynamic graphic novel format, award-winning author Bob Burleigh has collaborated with Bill Wylie to re-create a gripping tale of trial, error, and, ultimately, triumph. (Amazon Book Description)
Curriculum Integration:
- This biogrpahy is presented in a graphic novel format. Chose another famous aviator from history and create a short (5-10 page) graphic novel about their life. (E)
- Overall, the Wright brothers demonstrated that they were able to work well together as a team. What challenges have you faced while working on an important project with a brother or sister? (A)
- The Wright brothers' idea to fly was initially laughed at. Have you ever had an idea that someone did not think could work? How did you convince them otherwise? (A)
Readability: 1030L
Audience Level: Grades 6 -9
Suggested Delivery: Independent Read
Summary: The Brave Escape begins with an explanation of the saying, "Keeping up with the Joneses." The term was coined during the 1800s to describe attempts at social climbing and as a direct reference to the family into which Edith Jones Wharton was born. This hook heightens the monumentality of the unconventional "escape" Wharton made from the rules of Gilded Age New York society into a writing career and a life of intellectualism. The narrative follows her from birth to death and continually highlights her struggle to reconcile society's expectations and her own upbringing with her lifestyle and career choices. (Amazon Book Description)
Curriculum Integration:
- How does the family you are born into influence who you become in life? (E/A)
- In what ways can gender stereotypes impact a person's view of him/herself? (E/A)
- Have you ever had to go against your parents to stand up for something you believed in? How did they react? (A)
Classic Titles:
Borden,
L., Kroeger, M. K., & Flavin, T. (2001). Fly high!: the story of Bessie
Coleman. New York: Margaret K. McElderry.
Readability: 710L
Audience Level: Grades 4 -6
Suggested Delivery: Independent Read or Group Read
Summary: Besse Coleman was born in rural Texas in 1892. She loved school, especially learning about numbers, and she was a good reader, too. Yet when it was time to pick cotton she had to work in the fields instead of going to school. Nevertheless, she was determined to be somebody when she grew up. In her early twenties, Bessie moved to Chicago. Perhaps there she could "find a bigger life." In the city, Bessie heard many tales of World War I from returned veterans. She also heard there were woman airplane pilots in France. From then on, she was determined to become a pilot. But she soon found out that no one would teach a woman -- especially a woman with dark skin -- how to fly. To study in France was her only chance, and by working hard and saving her money, she managed at last to get there. Bessie Coleman became the first African-American to earn a pilot's license. She was somebody. (Amazon Book Description)
Curriculum Integration:
- Bessie "rented" books to read about people of her own skin color. Why do you think this was important to her as a child? (A)
- What does it mean to "be somebody"? (E)
- There are many biographies written about famous aviators. However, Bessie Coleman is rarely mentioned in most of them. Why do you think that is? (A)
Readability: 710L
Audience Level: Grades 4 -6
Suggested Delivery: Independent Read or Group Read
Summary: Besse Coleman was born in rural Texas in 1892. She loved school, especially learning about numbers, and she was a good reader, too. Yet when it was time to pick cotton she had to work in the fields instead of going to school. Nevertheless, she was determined to be somebody when she grew up. In her early twenties, Bessie moved to Chicago. Perhaps there she could "find a bigger life." In the city, Bessie heard many tales of World War I from returned veterans. She also heard there were woman airplane pilots in France. From then on, she was determined to become a pilot. But she soon found out that no one would teach a woman -- especially a woman with dark skin -- how to fly. To study in France was her only chance, and by working hard and saving her money, she managed at last to get there. Bessie Coleman became the first African-American to earn a pilot's license. She was somebody. (Amazon Book Description)
Curriculum Integration:
- Bessie "rented" books to read about people of her own skin color. Why do you think this was important to her as a child? (A)
- What does it mean to "be somebody"? (E)
- There are many biographies written about famous aviators. However, Bessie Coleman is rarely mentioned in most of them. Why do you think that is? (A)
Burleigh,
R., & Wylie, B. (2002). Into the air: the story of the Wright brothers'
first flight. San Diego: Silver Whistle.
Audience Level: Grades 5 - 8
Suggested Delivery: Independent Read or Paired Reading
Summary: It is early in the twentieth century, and, to most, the idea of human flight is ludicrous--with good reason. There have been many failed flying attempts. Still, the Wright brothers will not let their dreams die. They brave heavy winds and rain, sandstorms, and tough crashes--all in an effort to build the first successful flying machine. In this engaging and dynamic graphic novel format, award-winning author Bob Burleigh has collaborated with Bill Wylie to re-create a gripping tale of trial, error, and, ultimately, triumph. (Amazon Book Description)
Curriculum Integration:
- This biogrpahy is presented in a graphic novel format. Chose another famous aviator from history and create a short (5-10 page) graphic novel about their life. (E)
- Overall, the Wright brothers demonstrated that they were able to work well together as a team. What challenges have you faced while working on an important project with a brother or sister? (A)
- The Wright brothers' idea to fly was initially laughed at. Have you ever had an idea that someone did not think could work? How did you convince them otherwise? (A)
Partridge,
E., & Lange, D. (1998). Restless spirit: the life and work of Dorothea
Lange. New York, N.Y., U.S.A.: Viking.
Readability: 970L
Audience Level: Grades 6 -8
Suggested Delivery: Independent Read
Summary: Dorothea Lange's desperate and beautiful pictures of the migrant workers in California and her heartbreaking photographs of Japanese Americans interned during World War II put human faces on some of the darkest episodes in America's history. Restless Spirit is an intimate portrait of a woman who struggled to balance her passion for her career and her love for her family, all the while producing some of the most celebrated, powerful photographic works in America's history. (Amazon Book Description)
Curriculum Integration:
Readability: 970L
Audience Level: Grades 6 -8
Suggested Delivery: Independent Read
Summary: Dorothea Lange's desperate and beautiful pictures of the migrant workers in California and her heartbreaking photographs of Japanese Americans interned during World War II put human faces on some of the darkest episodes in America's history. Restless Spirit is an intimate portrait of a woman who struggled to balance her passion for her career and her love for her family, all the while producing some of the most celebrated, powerful photographic works in America's history. (Amazon Book Description)
Curriculum Integration:
- The collection of biographies on this website contains a number of strong women who defy gender stereotypes. How does Dorthea Lange fit in with this group of women? How is she different? (E)
- Some say, "A picture is worth a thousand words." Do you agree? Why or why not? (A)
- Create a photo journal of your life. Include the most important parts of your childhood. (A)
- Some say, "A picture is worth a thousand words." Do you agree? Why or why not? (A)
- Create a photo journal of your life. Include the most important parts of your childhood. (A)
Reich,
S. (1999). Clara Schumann: piano virtuoso. New York: Clarion Books.
Readability: 1060L
Audience Level: Grades 5 - 8
Suggested Delivery: Independent Read
Summary: A piano prodigy, Clara Schumann made her professional debut at the age of nine and had embarked on her first European concert tour by the time she was twelve. Clara charmed audiences with her soulful playing throughout her life. Music was a constant source of inspiration and support for this strong and resilient woman. After the death of her husband, Robert Schumann, Clara continued her brilliant career and supported their eight children. Clara Schumann's extraordinary story is supplemented with her letters and diary entries, some of which have never before been published in English. (Amazon Book Description)
Curriculum Integration:
- What impact do you think music has on the world? (A)
- Although Clara was a very gifted piano player, her life was not easy. What were some of her greatest struggles? (E)
- How do the old-time photographs help to explain the story of Clara's life? (A/E)
Readability: 1060L
Audience Level: Grades 5 - 8
Suggested Delivery: Independent Read
Summary: A piano prodigy, Clara Schumann made her professional debut at the age of nine and had embarked on her first European concert tour by the time she was twelve. Clara charmed audiences with her soulful playing throughout her life. Music was a constant source of inspiration and support for this strong and resilient woman. After the death of her husband, Robert Schumann, Clara continued her brilliant career and supported their eight children. Clara Schumann's extraordinary story is supplemented with her letters and diary entries, some of which have never before been published in English. (Amazon Book Description)
Curriculum Integration:
- What impact do you think music has on the world? (A)
- Although Clara was a very gifted piano player, her life was not easy. What were some of her greatest struggles? (E)
- How do the old-time photographs help to explain the story of Clara's life? (A/E)
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