BIOGRAPHY

 

Ali the Greatest – Venable

It all began when someone stole a new bike from a boy named Cassius Clay. While Cassius was looking for his stolen bike, he found a man who was teaching kids how to box. Fifteen years later Cassius was a champion boxer who changed his name to Muhammed Ali.

This easy to read book is accompanied by a CD-ROM containing many activities. Students will thrill to the story of Ali’s triumphs and feel sympathy for his present poor state of health, caused in great part by the many hard blows his body received in the course of his boxing career.
Not available (CDE)

 

Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady of the World – Freedman

Almost everything scares young Eleanor: mice, the dark, and a host of imaginary dangers. But she learns to hide her feelings – her father disapproves of fear, and she longs only to please him. She also knows she will always disappoint her beautiful socialite mother because she is painfully shy and very plain. When she begins to work with needy children, she realizes that being shy and homely doesn’t matter as long as she is helping others. This realization later enabled her to redefine the role of America’s First Lady and earn the title of First Lady of the World. Realistic, intimate portrait of a complex woman whose warmth and untiring efforts in the cause of human rights made her one of the most influential women in the world. Today’s students will find hope and guidance from Eleanor’s life.
Not available (CDE)

 

Harriet Tubman, Conductor on the Underground Railroad – Petry

Although many biographies have been written about Harriet Tubman’s heroic life, few can match the thoroughness of this excellent 240-page book. This is an ALA Notable Book whose writing style is as outstanding as its well-researched content. Students will listen, read and be inspired by Harriet’s moving life story.
Biography/Autobiography, Nonfiction, Grades 6-12 (CDE)

 

Martin Luther King Day – Lowery

The many realistic illustrations make this brief recounting of the great man’s life come alive. Book also discusses the national holiday celebrated in his name on the third Monday in January. Excellent for read aloud or read-along as well as a strong choice for a first biographical book report.
Not available (CDE)

 

On Strike, the Story of Cesar Chavez - Venable

An easy reading, fresh look at the life of this inspiring worker for social justice.

Many said that there would never be a union for migrant workers but Chavez was determined to prove them wrong. This book tells how he founded the union, making life better for all migrant workers. A CD-ROM with many activities accompanies the book. Students will be inspired by Chavez’ courage and steadfast devotion to his cause.
Not available (CDE)

 

A Picture Book of Rosa Parks – Adler

Full page, full color illustrations add drama and depth to this well-written, thorough biography of a courageous freedom fighter. She helped establish the civil rights movement by refusing to give up her rightful seat on the bus. This outstanding, up-to-date book will teach students many lessons about perseverance and determination.
Not available (CDE)

 

Rosa Parks, Freedom Fighter – Major

The many photographs and drawings in this biography emphasize the powerful message of the printed page. There is a CD-ROM with many activities to go along with the book. (Biographies of Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, other books in the "Step into History" series, are also available in Read-Alongs.)
Not available (CDE)

 

Who Was Abraham Lincoln? - National Geographic

This "Wonders of Learning" kit contains a thorough teacher’s guide, activity sheets and English and Spanish tapes of the brief but informative, well-illustrated booklet. Good introduction to a great man can lead to positive learning experiences in kindergarten though grade four classrooms.
Not available (CDE)

 

Who Was George Washington? - National Geographic

Excellent "first" biography of our founding father is presented in both Spanish and English. Evocative illustrations on every page coupled with informative, easy-reading text will makes this biography popular with students.
Not available (CDE)

 

Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.? - National Geographic

This brief introduction to the life of the civil rights martyr is told in rhyme and presented in both Spanish and English. Every page of the booklet contains authentic photographs of Dr. King and the civil rights struggle. Activity sheets and guide enhance the value of this "Wonders of Learning" kit for students.
Not available (CDE)

 

Young Abraham Lincoln – Woods

Interesting details about Lincoln’s life enliven this lavishly illustrated, easy to read "first" biography of the great president. Suitable for read aloud, read along and, later on, independent reading this book can serve a variety of purposes in a classroom.
Not available (CDE)

 

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