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Alexander Hamilton was born on Nevis, an island in the West Indies in 1755*. He lived with his father James, his mother Rachel, and his older brother James, Jr. The family’s home faced the waterfront in Charlestown, the capitol. Alexander was born a subject of the British King George II. He would later join the American revolution against the King’s son George III.
Young Alexander Hamilton
Nevis was part of the slave, sugar, and molasses trade. Eight thousand slaves lived there with a population of only one thousand whites. Alexander witnessed the cruel treatment of both female and male slaves. It is not surprising that he later became one of the founding members of the first anti-slavery organization in North America.
Nevis
In 1765, James Hamilton moved his family to Christiansted, St. Croix. Not long after, he left the island. Alexander wrote to his father, but he never saw him again. Rachel and her sons moved into a two-story house. They lived upstairs, while she and Alexander ran a store downstairs.
Rachel had a library of thirty-four books. Alexander loved to read them. He read Shakespeare, Alexander Pope, and Plutarch’s Lives about Greek and Roman heroes. Alexander helped to educate himself by reading.
St. Croix
In 1768, both Rachel and Alexander became very ill. Alexander survived, but Rachel did not. All her possessions were auctioned. Fortunately, an uncle knew how important Rachel’s books were to Alexander. He bought them for him. A cousin of the boys became their guardian but died soon after. Alexander and James were on their own. James became a carpenter’s apprentice. While Alexander worked as a clerk for a trading company.
In October 1771, Alexander’s boss sailed to New York for health reasons. Recognizing Alexander’s intelligence, his boss put him in charge. Alexander shined. He took control, ran the business like a pro, and even confronted a ship captain he accused of cheating him. Alexander was only sixteen. Five months later his boss sailed home and Alexander was a clerk again.
It was likely that Alexander would have been a clerk for his entire life. But in 1770, a newspaper began publication on the island. Alexander wrote poetry and the Gazette published his poems. Alexander thought that writing could be a way to advance himself.
Then, something happened that would change Alexander’s life. A major hurricane swept through St. Croix in August 1772. The Gazette called it the “most dreadful hurricane.” Alexander wrote about it in a letter to his father. He said in part: The roaring of the sea and wind…the crash of falling houses, and the ear-piercing shrieks of the distressed were sufficient to strike astonishment into angels.”
The Gazette printed his letter. The islanders noticed. Businessmen raised money to send Alexander to an American college to receive the education he deserved.
George Washington and Alexander Hamilton
Alexander sailed to America his new home. One day, he would be a captain in the Continental Army; an aide to General George Washington; the hero of the Battle of Yorktown; and the first United States Secretary of the Treasury. Alexander Hamilton became one of America’s greatest founding fathers.
Statue of Alexander Hamilton, U.S. Capitol
Images are courtesy of Wiki Commons
*Many recent historians accept 1755 as Hamilton’s birth year based on reliable evidence instead of 1757, the year Hamilton used.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Catching the Moon: The Story of a Young Girl’s Baseball Dream
By Crystal Hubbard, Illustrated by Randy Duburke
This is the true story of Marcenia Lyle, an African American girl who grew up to become “Toni Stone,” the first woman to play for a professional team. One day in the 1930s, Marcenia and the boys she plays ball with learn that Gabby Street, a famous baseball manager, is scouting children for a baseball summer camp sponsored by the St. Louis Cardinals. Eager to earn a spot, Marenia plays her best, but is discouraged when Mr. Street tells here there are no girls in his camp. Convinced that baseball is her destiny, Marcenia won’t give up, ultimately proving her skill and passion to Mr. Street and her dubious parents. 6-10 years.
Anybody’s Game: Kathryn Johnson, the First Girl to Play Little League Baseball
By Heather Lang, Illustrated by Cecilia Puglesi
In 1950, Kathryn Johnston wanted to play Little League, but an unwritten rule kept girls from trying out. So she cut off her hair and tried out as a boy under the nickname “Tubby.” She made the team―and changed Little League Baseball forever. An inspiring and suspenseful story about what it means to want something so badly you’ll break the rules to do it―and how breaking the rules can lead to change. 5-7 years
The Kid from Diamond Street:
The Extraordinary Story of Baseball Legend Edith Houghton
By Audrey Vernick, Illustrated by Steven Salerno
Beginning in 1922, when Edith Houghton was only ten years old, she tried out of a women’s professional baseball team, the Philadelphia Bobbies. Although she was the smallest on the field, soon reporters were talking about “The Kid” and her incredible skill, and crowds were packing the stands to see her play. 4-7 years
Dirt on Their Skirts:
The Story of the Young Women Who Won the World Championship
By Doreen Rappaport and Lydall Callan, Illustrated by E.B. Lewis
You had to be really, really good to play in the 1946 championship game between the Racine Bells and the Rockford Peaches. Sitting in the stands, Margaret thrills to every crack of the bat. Someday she hopes to join her heroes like Sophie “the Flash” Kurys and Betty “Moe” Trezza. A historic game in the annals of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League is told through the eyes of a fictional young girl. Dirt on Their Skirts is based on written accounts and the memories of the players. 5-8 years
A Strong Right Arm: The Story of Mamie “Peanut” Johnson
By Michelle Y. Green, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Motivated by her love of the game and inspired by the legendary Jackie Robinson, Mamie Johnson is determined to be a professional baseball pitcher, but in a sport determined by white men, there is no place for a black woman. Mamie doesn’t give up from the time she insists on trying out for the all-male, all-white Police Athletic League, until she realizes her dream and become one of three women to play in the Negro Leagues. Mamie Johnson’s life shows that with perseverance one can overcome the greatest challenges. 8-12 years
Mighty Jackie: The Strike-Out Queen
By Marissa Moss, Illustrated by C.F. Payne
For as long as she could remember, Jackie Mitchell’s father had told Jackie she could be good at whatever she wanted, as long as she worked at it. Jackie worked at baseball. She worked hard. And before long Jackie could outplay anyone in her neighborhood. She had one pitch — a wicked, dropping curve ball. But no seventeen year old girl could pitch against Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. It was unthinkable. Then on April 2, 1931, the New York Yankees stopped in Tennessee for an exhibition game against the Chattanooga Lookouts. And on that day Jackie Mitchell made baseball history. 5-8 years.
Queen of the Diamond: The Lizzie Murphy Story:
The First Woman to Play on Both Major League All-Star Teams
Lizzie Murphy was good at baseball. In fact, she was better than most boys. But she was born in 1900, and back then baseball was not a game for girls. Lizzie practiced with her brother anyway, and then she talked her way onto the local boys’ team, first as a bat boy, then as a player. Everyone was impressed by her hard catches and fast pitches. By the time she turned fifteen, she was playing for two different amateur boys’ teams. When she turned eighteen, Lizzie did something else that women weren’t supposed to do, she signed up with a professional baseball team, determined to earn her living playing the game. 5-8 years
Girl Wonder: A Baseball Story in Nine Innings
By Deborah Hopkinson, Illustrated by Terry Widener
When Alta Weiss throws a corncob at a tomcat chasing her favorite hen, folks know one thing for sure: she may be a girl, but she’s got some arm. At the age of six, Alta can nail any target, and by seventeen she’s out-pitched every boy in town. Then one day, her father takes Alta to Vermilion, Ohio — home of the semipro baseball team called the Independents. “Where do I sign up?” she asks. But one look at Alta tells the coach all he needs to know: She’s a girl, and girls can’t play baseball. But faster than you can say “strike out,” Alta proves him wrong. Girls can play baseball!
She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Story
By Audrey Vernick, Illustrated by Don Tate
Effa always loved baseball. As a young woman, she would go to Yankee Stadium just to see Babe Ruth’s mighty swing. But she never dreamed she would someday own a baseball team. Or be the only woman ever inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. From her childhood in Philadelphia to her groundbreaking role as business manager and owner of the Newark Eagles, Effa Manley always fought for what was right. And she always swung for the fences. 4-8 years
The Incredible Women of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League
By Anika Orrock
This book chronicles the history of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League and the stories of the first women to play professional baseball in a league of their own. “In 1941, the world was at war, and with American men fighting overseas, the much needed pastime of professional baseball was in danger of extinction—until women stepped up to the plate.”
In this illustrated history, the League’s story is told by the ones who know it best: the players. Author Anika Orrock collects a variety of funny, charming, wince-worthy, and powerful vignettes told by the players themselves about their time playing the American pastime. 9-12 years
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Helen’s Big World: The Life of Helen Keller
By Doreen Rapport, Illustrated by Matt Tavares
This is an unforgettable portrait of a woman whose vision for innovation and progress changed America and the world forever. 6-8 years
Annie and Helen
By Deborah Hopkinson, Illustrated by Raul Colon
This story focuses on the relationship between Helen and her teacher, Annie Sullivan. The book is interspersed with excerpts of Annie’s letters home, written as she struggled with her angry, wild pupil. With devotion and determination, Annie teaches Helen finger spelling and braille. As Helen comes to understand the language and begins to communicate, she connects for the first time with her family and the world around her. 4-8 years
Helen Keller: The World at Her Fingertips
By Sarah Albee, Illustrated by Gustavo Mazali
When Helen Keller was a baby, she became sick and lost her ability to see and hear. Although many people doubted her ability to persevere, Helen did not let any obstacle stop her from achieving many things in her amazing life.
This book covers some of the well-known and inspiring milestones of Keller’s life—it’s a great supplement for book reports on this iconic historical figure. It also covers some of the lesser-known fun facts—did you know that Helen Keller was a long-time dog lover?
This biography reader includes a timeline, historical photographs, and information about Braille.
Helen Keller: The World at her Fingertips is a Level Two I Can Read, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the engaging stories, longer sentences, and language play of Level Two books are proven to help kids take their next steps toward reading success.
Who Was Helen Keller?
By Gare Thompson, Illustrated by Nancy Harrison
At age two, Helen Keller became deaf and blind. She lived in a world of silence and darkness spending the rest of her life struggling to break through it. But with the help of her teacher, Annie Sullivan, Helen learned to read, write and do many amazing things. 8-12 years
Helen Keller, DK Reader L3
By Leslie Garrett
In this Level 3 reader, the captivating story of Helen Keller unfolds. Children able to read on their own will learn about her life from early childhood to adulthood where she achieved academic success in spite of her many challenges as a deaf and blind young woman. 7-9 years
A Girl Named Helen: The True Story of Helen Keller
By Bonnie Bader
After an illness left her blind and deaf at a very young age, Helen Keller’s world suddenly became dark and quiet. Her parents hired a teacher named Anne Sullivan. Anne connected with Helen and helped her understand the amazing world around her. Helen grew up to become an activist for people with disabilities. 7-10 years
Helen Keller and the Big Storm
By Patricia Lakin, Illustrated by Diane Magnuson
Helen Keller cannot see or hear. But that does not stop her from playing tricks on people, including her new teacher, Annie Sullivan. Still, Annie will not give up on Helen. Can Helen ever learn to trust her new teacher? 6-7 years
Helen Keller’s Best Friend Belle
By Holly M. Barry, Illustrated by Jennifer Thermes
In this story, young readers are introduced to Helen’s beloved dog, Belle. She is Helen’s constant companion. 4-8 years
Helen Keller: Courage in Darkness
By Emma Carlson Berne
Helen Keller lived in darkness and silence, but she dazzled the world with her accomplishments. Her powerful story lives in this biography. Find out about: the illness that destroyed her sight and hearing; her explosive first meeting with teacher Annie Sullivan; her struggle to become the first blind and deaf student awarded a degree from Radcliffe College; and her life as a writer, lecturer, and world traveler. 10 year and up
The book descriptions are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Malala’s Magic Pencil
By Malala Yousafzai, Illustrated by Kerascoet
As a child in Pakistan, Malala made a wish for a magic pencil. She would use it to make everyone happy, to erase the smell of garbage from her city, and to sleep an extra hour in the morning. But as she grew older, Malala saw that there were more important things to wish for. She saw a world that needed fixing. And even if she never found a magic pencil, Malala realized that she could work hard every day to make her wishes come true. Her story shows the worldview that allowed her to hold on to hope even in the most difficult times. 5-8 years.
Free as a Bird: The Story of Malala
By Linda Maslo
When Malala Yousafzai was born, people shook their heads because girls were considered bad luck. But her father looked into her eyes and knew she could do anything. In Pakistan, people said girls should not be educated, but Malala and her father were not afraid. She secretly went to school and spoke up for education in her country. And even though an enemy tried to silence her powerful voice, she would not keep quiet. Malala travels around the world to speak as an advocate for the right to an education and equality of opportunity for every person. 4-8 years.
Malala Activist for Girls’ Education
By Raphaele Frier, Illustrated by Aurelia Fronty
Malala Yousafzai stood up to the Taliban and fought for the right for all girls to receive an education. When she was just fifteen years old, the Taliban attempted to kill her, but even this did not stop her activism. At age eighteen, Malala became the youngest person to be awarded the Nobel Peace prize for her work to ensure the education of all children around the world. 6-9 years
Malala Yousafzai
By Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Illustrated by Manal Mirza
When Malala was born in Mingora, Pakistan, her father was determined she would have every opportunity that a boy would have. She loved getting an education, but when a hateful regime came to power, girls were no longer allowed to go to school. Malala spoke out in public about this, which made her a target for violence. She was shot in the left side of her head and woke up in a hospital in England. Finally, after long months and many surgeries, Malala recovered, and resolved to become an activist for girls’ education. Now a recent Oxford graduate, Malala continues to fight for a world where all girls can learn and lead. 4-7 years
My Name is Malala
By Malala Yousafzai, Illustrated by Miriam Quraishi
This is Nobel Prize laureate and education activist Malala Yousafzai’s first board book offering parents and educators a way to show that extraordinary figures are real people who are both relatable and inspiring. Malala is a daughter, a sister, a friend, a student, and, of course, an activist. The last spread features a brief bio to provide more context for parents, caretakers, and educators who want to start a conversation about Malala’s activism. Baby to 3 years
Who Is Malala Yousafzai?
By Dinah Brown, Illustrated by Andrew Thomson
Malala Yousafzai was a girl who loved to learn but was told that girls would no longer be allowed to go to school. She wrote a blog that called attention to what was happening in her beautiful corner of Pakistan and realized that words can bring about change. She has continued to speak out for the right of all children to have an education. In 2014, she won the Nobel Peace Prize. 8-12 years
Malala Yousafzai: Warrior with Words
By Karen Leggett Abouraya, Illustrated by L.C. Wheatley
Malala Yousafzai is a young Pakistani who spoke out for every child’s right to an education. She and two of her classmates were targeted by a Taliban gunman. The life-threatening injury strengthened her resolve. Malala spoke at the U.N. on her 16th birthday in 2013, nine months after she was shot. 5-8 years
Malala: My Story of Standing Up for Girl’s Rights
By Malala Yousafzai and Sarah J. Robbins
Malala’s powerful memoir of risking her life for the right to go to school is now abridged and adapted for chapter book readers. Raised in a changing Pakistan by an enlightened father from a poor background and a beautiful, illiterate mother, Malala was taught to stand up for what she believes. Her story of bravery and determination in the face of extremism is more timely than ever. 6-10 years
Malala, A Brave Girl From Pakistan
Iqbal, A Brave Boy From Pakistan
By Jeanette Winter
Meet two heroes of Pakistan who stood up for the rights to freedom and education. Each was unafraid to speak out. Iqbal spoke against inhumane child slavery in the carpet trade and Malala spoke for the right of girls to attend school. Both were shot by those who disagreed with them, he in 1995, and she in 2012. Iqbal did not survive. Malala miraculously survived and continues to speak out around the world. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. 6-10 years
Malala: A Hero for All
By Shana Corey, Illustrated by Elizabeth Sayles
This Step 4 biography reader shares the inspiring story of Malala Yousafzai, the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Even as a young girl in Pakistan, Malala spoke up about the importance of girls’ education in speeches and on her blog. Since the Taliban was intent on denying girls an education and silencing anyone who disagreed with their laws, this was very dangerous. Malala was shot, but she survived the attack. Malala’s resolve has only magnified her voice. She delivers her message of human rights to millions of people around the world. 7-9 years
I Am Malala: This is My Story
By Malala Yousafzai with Patricia McCormick
Malala Yousafzai was only ten years old when the Taliban took control of her region in Pakistan. They said that girls could not go to school. Raised in a once-peaceful area of the country that was transformed by terrorism, Malala was taught to stand up for what she believed in. She fought for her right to be educated. And on October 9, 2012, she nearly lost her life for the cause. Now she is an international symbol of peaceful protest and the youngest ever Nobel Peace Prize winner. For Teens
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Mae Among the Stars
By Roda Ahmed, Illustrated by Stasia Burrington
When Little Mae was a child, she dreamed of dancing in space. She imagined herself surrounded by billions of stars, floating, gliding, and discovering. She wanted to be an astronaut. Her mom told her, “If you believe it, and work hard for it, anything is possible.”
Matched with her mother’s encouraging words, Mae’s curiosity, intelligence, and determination paved the way for her incredible success at NASA. Mae Jemison was the first African American woman to travel in space. 4-8 years
Mousetronaut
by Mark Kelly, Illustrated by C.F. Payne
Astronaut Mark Kelly flew with “mice-tronauts” on his first spaceflight aboard space shuttle Endeavour in 2001. Mousetronaut tells the story of a small mouse who wants nothing more than to travel to outer space. He works as hard as the bigger mice to show his readiness for the mission and he is chosen for the flight. While in space, the astronauts are busy with their mission when disaster strikes. Only the smallest member of the crew can save the day. 4-8 years
Good Night Astronauts
By Adam Gamble, Illustrated by Mark Jasper
Good Night Astronauts features space camp, spacesuits, an international space station, rocket ships, space food, gravity, the solar system, stars, the atmosphere, walking on the moon, sleeping in space, science, and more. Put your spacesuit on and prepare to blast off! This board book takes little astronauts on a journey through an unforgettable galactic adventure. Little space cadets will learn about life as an astronaut in outer space while being lulled to a dreamy, star-filled sleep. Look out for aliens! Baby-3 years
Astronaut Handbook
By Meghan McCarthy
Do you have what it takes to be an astronaut? Blast off in this nonfiction picture book that transports aspiring space travelers to astronaut school. Take a ride on the “Vomit Comet” and learn how it feels to be weightless. Try a bit of astronaut food like freeze-dried ice cream. Have your measurements taken for your very own space suit. Get ready for liftoff! 3-7 years
The Usborne Official Astronaut’s Handbook
By Louie Stowell, Illustrated by Roger Simo and more
This is a how-to-guide for budding astronauts. It provides a crash course on what it takes to travel into space. This book answers all the big questions, from: “How do rockets work?” and “What do astronauts do all day?” to “How do you use the toilet on a spaceship?” This book explores the technology that astronauts use, from space suits to Soyuz spacecraft, and the scientific experiments performed on the International Space Station. 9 years and up
Look to the Stars
By Buzz Aldrin, Illustrated by Wendell Minor
Buzz Aldrin is one of only a handful of astronauts to have walked on the moon. He has a unique perspective about space. This book is an introduction to everything space related. It includes the development of the first rockets, America’s space race with the Soviet Union, details of all the Apollo missions, and learning about the International Space Station. 6-8 years
Astronauts
By Sophie Dussausois, Illustrated by Marc-Etienne Peintre
Blast off with this interactive book: Pull a tab to launch a rocket, lift the flaps to see inside a space suit, or turn the page to land the capsule safely on the ground. Chock-full of age appropriate information, this book is an out-of-this world look at astronauts and what they do. 5-8 years
My Journey to the Stars
By Scott Kelly, Illustrated by Andre Ceolin
Astronaut Scott Kelly wasn’t sure what he wanted to be when he grew up. He struggled in school and often got into trouble with his twin brother, Mark. Then one day, Scott discovered a book about test pilots and astronauts. That book set him on a new path. He first became a pilot and then an astronaut along with his brother. They were the first twin astronauts in history. His greatest accomplishment was commanding the International Space Station and spending almost a year in space. This is the story of an ordinary boy who grew up to do extraordinary things. 5-8 years
Astronauts
By Christine Engel
Blast off on an adventure to the International Space Station! Join the astronauts on their long journey. Learn how they work, eat, and sleep in this zero-gravity atmosphere. With its interactive features, kids can make a rocket take off, go on a space walk, and watch the sun rise and set 16 times a day. Board book for 1-4 years
Astronaut: Living in Space
by Kate Hayden
This Level 2 reader explores the fascinating world of an astronaut and tells what it’s like to live in space. Young readers learn what it’s like to hold down a job in zero gravity. 6-9 years
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11
By Brian Floca
This is the story of Apollo 11 that began on July 16, 1969. Here are the steady astronauts outfitting themselves in their gloves and helmets and strapping and clicking themselves into sideways seats. This is a story of adventure and discovery and of home, seen from far away. 4-10 years
One Giant Leap
By Robert Burleigh, Illustrated by Mike Wimmer
On July 29, 1969, as Americans sat glued to their televisions and radios, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin did the seemingly impossible. They traveled 240,000 miles through space and set foot on the moon. One small step for a man; one giant leap for mankind. Their achievement not only brought the moon within reach, but now everything seemed possible. If it could be imagined, it could be done. 6-8 years
My Little Golden Book About the First Moon Landing
By Charles Lovitt, Illustrated by Bryan Sims
Little ones will learn about the rocket Saturn V, the command module Columbia, and of course the famous lunar lander Eagle, and how they each served to send astronauts into space. Kids will learn who the astronauts were and how they were chosen for the mission. And they’ll learn Neil Armstrong’s unforgettable words in his message back to Earth: “one giant leap for mankind.” Fun facts about the astronauts’ space suits and their work in space round out this picture book. 2-5 years
Apollo’s First Moon Landing: A Fly on the Wall History
By Thomas Kingsley, Illustrated by Jomika Tejido
From a launchpad in Florida to the lunar surface … Two cartoon flies join readers as they blast off into space and step foot on the moon with Neil Armstrong, providing a blend of facts and fun while telling the story of a great moment in space-exploration history. 6-8 years
Team Moon: How 400,000 People Landed Apollo 11 on the Moon
By Catherine Thimmesh
The story of Apollo 11, the first moon landing, belongs to many people. It belongs to the seamstress who put together 22 layers of fabric for each space suit. To the engineers who created a special heat shield to protect the capsule during its fiery reentry. It belongs to the flight directors, camera designers, software experts, suit testers, telescope crew, aerospace technicians, photo developers, engineers, and navigators. 10-12 years
One Giant Leap
By Don Brown
As a young boy, Neil Armstrong had a recurring dream in which he held his breath and floated high above the people, houses, and cars. He spent his free time reading stacks of flying magazines, building model airplanes, and staring through the homemade telescope mounted on the roof of his neighbor’s garage.
As a teenager, Neil became obsessed with the idea of flight. He earned his student pilot’s license on his 16th birthday. This is the story of one boy’s dream — a dream of flying that landed him more than 200,000 miles away in space. 4-7 years
Moonwalk: The First Trip to the Moon
By Judy Donnelly, Illustrated by Dennis Davidson
The astronauts of Apollo 11 made history as the first men to land on the moon. Learn how astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins trained and achieved this momentous feat. Level 5 reader, 7-9 years
Who Was Neil Armstrong
By Roberta Edwards, Illustrated by Stephen Marchesi
On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon and to an audience of over 450 million people proclaimed his step as “one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.” The Eagle Scout built his own model planes as a little boy, grew up to be a test pilot for experimental aircraft, and then an astronaut who walked on the moon. 8-12 years
Rocket to the Moon
By Don Brown
On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong took “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” when the Apollo 11 landed on the moon. But it wasn’t just one man who got us to the moon. Rocket to the Moon! explores the people and technology that made the moon landing possible. Instead of examining one person’s life, it focuses on the moon landing itself, showing the events leading up to it and how it changed the world. The book takes readers through the history of rocket building: from ancient Chinese rockets, to “bombs bursting in air” during the War of 1812, to Russia’s Sputnik program, to the moon landing. Beautifully illustrated and well-researched, this book is the perfect resource for curious readers and tomorrow’s scientists. It includes a timeline of space travel, a bibliography, and an index. 8-12 years
Apollo 11: Mission to the Moon
By Courtney Acampora
This Smithsonian Reader celebrates the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11, the first time humans stepped foot on the Moon. From president John F. Kennedy’s declaration to land a man on the Moon to astronaut Neil Armstrong’s first steps, children will learn all about Apollo 11. After reading this introduction to nonfiction, children can use the included quiz to reinforce reading comprehension. 3-5 years
Man on the Moon
By Anastasia Suen, Illustrated by Benrei Huang
It was 1969 and no one had ever set foot on the moon. Some said it couldn’t be done. But astronauts Mike Collins, Buzz Aldrin, and Neil Armstrong were going to try . . . Here in picture book format is the amazing true story of the first moon landing, when a man set foot on an unexplored world and showed us that the boundaries of our world were limitless. “[A] perfect introduction to space, the space program, and exploration. Thrilling!” (Kirkus Reviews) 3-7 years
Reaching For The Moon
By Buzz Aldrin, Illustrated by Wendell Minor
It’s been fifty years since Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon. But the journey didn’t begin when he stepped on board Apollo 11 in July 1969, it began the day he was born. Becoming an astronaut took more than education, discipline, and physical strength. It took years of determination and believing that any goal is possible — from riding a bike alone across the George Washington Bridge at age ten to making a footprint on the moon. We all have our dreams. This is the story of how Buzz Aldrin’s came true. 4-8 years
If You Decide to Go to the Moon
By Faith McNulty, Illustrated by Steven Kellogg
“If you decide to go to the moon,” writes Faith McNulty, “read this book first. It will tell you how to get there and what to do after you land. The most important part tells you how to return home. This book allows the reader to participate in every aspect of the journey from packing, to liftoff, to traveling through space. Readers land at the Sea of Tranquility, the site of the first lunar landing. 4-8 years.
First Man on the Moon
By Ben Hubbard, Illustrated by Alex Orton
An illustrated account of the historic first moon landing in July 1969. The accessible text recounts the story of the first moon landing, from its beginnings in the Space Race, to its early missions, to its successful Apollo 11 voyage with Neil Armstrong’s legendary first steps on the moon and the astronauts’ heart-stopping return to Earth. 8-12 years
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Lady Liberty: A Biography
By Doreen Rappaport, Illustrated by Matt Tavares
It began in 1865 as a romantic idea. But ten years later Edouard Laboulaye’s dream catches fire and takes shape. Sculptor Auguste Bartholdi gives the dream the form of a lady holding a torch to “enlighten the world.” Engineers, plasterers, carpenters, and coppersmiths work together to turn the lady into a 100-foot tall monument. Publisher Joseph Pulitzer asks readers to help fund a pedestal. Hundreds of people send in nickels, dimes, and even roosters for the cause. 8-12 years
Let Liberty Rise! How America’s Schoolchildren Helped Save the Statue of Liberty
By Chana Stiefel, Illustrated by Chuch Groenink
On America’s 100th birthday, the people of France built a giant gift! It was one of the largest statues the world had ever seen — and she weighed as much as 40 elephants! And when she arrived on our shores in 250 pieces, she needed a pedestal to hold her up. Few of America’s millionaires were willing to foot the bill.
Then, Joseph Pulitzer (a poor Hungarian immigrant-cum-newspaper mogul) appealed to his fellow citizens. He invited them to contribute whatever they could, no matter how small an amount, to raise funds to mount this statue. The next day, pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters poured in. Soon, Pulitzer’s campaign raised enough money to construct the pedestal. And with the help of everyday Americans (including many thousands of schoolchildren!) the Statue of Liberty rose skyward, torch ablaze, to welcome new immigrants for a life of freedom and opportunity! 6-8 years
Her Right Foot
By Dave Eggers, Illustrated by Shawn Harris
This is a fun take on nonfiction that investigates a seemingly small trait of the Statue of Liberty. What is found is more than history, and more than art. It is a powerful message of acceptance that is essential to America’s creation. 6-9 years
Why is the Statue of Liberty Green?
By Martha E. H. Rustad, Illustrated by Holli Conger
Do you know that the Statue of Liberty hasn’t always looked green? Or that the first torch had to be replaced? Lady Liberty has been an important United States symbol for more than one hundred years. Join Mrs. Bolt’s class as they visit the statue and learn where it came from, how she was built, and what American ideals she stands for. 5-8 years
My Little Golden Book About the Statue of Liberty
By Jen Arena, Illustrated by Viviana Garofoli
Now the littlest readers can learn about how the Statue of Liberty came to be—and what it means to people all over the world.
Preschoolers will learn the fascinating story behind the creation of the Statue of Liberty. Simple words and bright artwork bring to life the story of the people—a professor, a sculptor, a poet, a newspaperman—who helped establish this famous landmark. Little ones will learn that the torch was created first, in time for America’s 100th birthday, and displayed in a park. And they’ll gain a clear understanding of what the Statue of Liberty has always meant to people around the world. Fun facts, such as how schoolchildren gave their pennies to help pay for the base of the statue, complete this nonfiction Little Golden Book. 2-5 years
Saving Lady Liberty: Joseph Pulitzer’s Fight for the Statue of Liberty
By Claudia Friddell, Illustrated by Stacy Innerst
Here is the story of how the Statue of Liberty got its pedestal when Joseph Pulitzer, a Jewish immigrant and famous newsman, created one of the first American crowdfunding campaigns to raise money for it.
When Joseph Pulitzer first saw the Statue of Liberty’s head in Paris, he shared sculptor Auguste Bartholdi’s dream of seeing France’s gift of friendship stand in the New York harbor. Pulitzer loved words, and the word he loved best was liberty. Frustrated that many, especially wealthy New Yorkers, were not interested in paying for the statue’s needed pedestal, Pulitzer used his newspaper, the New York World, to call on all Americans to contribute. This is the inspiring story of how one immigrant brought together young and old, rich and poor, to raise funds for the completion of a treasured national monument. 7-10 years
The Statue of Liberty (Blast Back!)
By Nancy Ohlin, Illustrated by Roger Simó
When people think about the Statue of Liberty, that iconic statue will surely come to mind. But why do we have that statue, and who is that woman anyway? This nonfiction book, complete with black and white interior illustrations, will make readers feel like they’ve traveled back in time. It covers everything from how the statue was built to the history behind its creation and more. Find out interesting, little-known facts such as how it almost didn’t get built and how the man who designed the Eiffel Tower designed the “spine” of the statue. 7-10 years
Liberty Arrives! How America’s Grandest Statue Found Her Home
By Robert Byrd
America’s most iconic national symbol was a gift from France to the United States–provided America raised the money for the pedestal on which it was to stand. Urged on by the publisher Joseph Pulitzer, it was raised, largely with the help of children, in the first example of a crowd sourced fund-raising campaign. This book tells the story of the best gift ever: how it was designed, created, transported, and then finally erected on its pedestal in the entrance to New York Harbor. Readable text is enhanced with illustrations chock-full of historical detail. 6-9 years
Naming Liberty
By Jane Yolen, Illustrated by Jim Burke
This book weaves together two stories at once as readers see young Gitl in Russia leaving her home for America. She wonders what new name she will choose for herself when she arrives. And artist Frederic Auguste Bartholdi dreams of a monument he wants to build honoring freedom. It is an arduous journey for Gitl as she and her family travel across land and sea to arrive on America’s shore. When she sees the magnificent Statue of Liberty, she knows her name must be Liberty too. 6-9 years
The Story of the Statue of Liberty
By Betsy Maestro, Illustrated by Giulio Maestro
“Written for the youngest audience…the text is very simple yet manages to convey all the major events in Liberty’s creation…” — Horn Book 6-10 years
What is the Statue of Liberty?
By Joan Holub, Illustrated by John Hinderliter
In 1876, France decided to give to the United States a very big and very special present — the Statue of Liberty. The gift was to commemorate the 100th birthday of the United States. This is the story of how the 111-foot-tall lady took her place in New York Harbor. 8-12 years
The Statue of Liberty
By Elaine Landau
This book details the history of the Statue of Liberty, where it came from, who designed it, and its significance in American culture and history. 7-9 years
Emma’s Poem
By Linda Glaser, Illustrated by Claire A. Nivola
In 1883, Emma Lazarus, deeply moved by an influx of immigrants from eastern Europe, wrote a sonnet that gave a voice to the Statue of Liberty. The statue was a gift from France to celebrate America’s national struggles for liberty and independence from Great Britain. Because of Emma’s poem, the Statue of Liberty came to define America as a nation that welcomes immigrants. 4-8 years
The Statue of Liberty
By Lucille Recht Penner, Illustrated by Jada Rowland
Over 125 years ago our beloved Statue of Liberty made its way to New York Harbor. This is the story of how Lady Liberty was sculpted, made its way from France, unveiled, and became an American icon. Level 2, 4-6 years.
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Phillis Wheatley was the first African American published poet. Born in West Africa in 1753, she was captured and sold to slave traders at age seven or eight years old. She traveled aboard the slave ship, The Phillis, in wretched conditions. Reaching Boston in 1761, John Wheatley, a tailor, bought her as a servant for his wife, Susanna. They named her Phillis after the slave ship. And gave her their last name as was customary. Now she was Phillis Wheatley.
Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
The Wheatleys soon recognized Phillis’s exceptional intelligence. Their children, Mary and Nathaniel, taught her to read and write. She first became fluent in English and then learned to read Greek and Latin. She studied geography, history, astronomy, and literature.
Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Inspired by English poets, especially Alexander Pope, Phillis began to write poetry. The Newport Mercury printed her first published poem in 1767 when she was thirteen or fourteen. The poem described the sea voyage of Mr. Hussey and Mr. Coffin that ran into a horrific storm. Phillis had heard them tell their story.
Her most famous poem, “On Being Brought from Africa to America” was published in 1768. This poem reveals her feelings on slavery and racial injustice. But it was her poem “On the Death of the Rev. Mr. George Whitfield” that brought her into the national spotlight in 1770.
Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Phillis tried to have a book of her poetry printed in Boston. But the printers refused to believe that an African America had written the poems. She went to court to testify that she was the author. Eighteen men, including John Hancock, gave her an exam. Following the exam, the men agreed that she had written the poems. They signed a document that later appeared in her book.
Courtesy of flickr.com
Phillis and Nathaniel Wheatley sailed to England in 1773. With the financial help of a English countess, Phillis’s first and only book of poetry was published in England. Poems on Various Subjects Religious and Moral included “On Being Brought from Africa to America.”
Sometime after the publication of her book, Phillis became a free woman. She continued to write poetry and in 1778 married a free African America, John Peters. They struggled to meet expenses and after Peters was imprisoned for debts, Phillis worked as a scullery maid in a boarding house. She tried to publish a second book of poetry, but was unsuccessful.
Courtesy of flickr.com
In 1784, Phillis wrote “Liberty and Peace,” her last poem. Sadly, on December 5, Phillis died in Boston at age 31. Many of her poems were lost. In 2003, Phillis was honored with a statue at the Boston Women’s Memorial.
Phillis Wheatley led the way for African America women to write and publish great literature.
Images Courtesy of Wiki Commons
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Books For Kids:
A Voice of Her Own: The Story of Phillis Wheatley, Slave Poet
By Kathryn Lasky, Illustrated by Paul Lee
Phillis’s Big Test
By Catherine Clinton, Illustrated by Sean Qualls
My Name Is Phillis Wheatley
By Afua Cooper
Galileo Galilei
I, Galileo
by Bonnie Christensen
Galileo’s contributions were numerous. They included the telescope and the microscope. And his ideas were world-changing especially the sun-centric solar system. Albert Einstein called him “the father of modern science.” But in his own time he was branded a heretic and imprisoned in his home. He was a man who insisted on his right to pursue the truth, no matter what the cost. This made his life as interesting and instructive as his ideas. 8-12 years
Starry Messenger
By Peter Sis
In every age there are courageous people who break with tradition to explore new ideas and challenge accepted truths. Galileo Galilei was just such a man, a genius, and the first to turn the telescope to the skies to map the heavens. In doing so, he offered objective evidence that the earth was not the fixed center of the universe but that it and all the other planets revolved around the sun. He kept careful notes and made beautiful drawings of all that he observed. Through his telescope he brought the stars down to earth for everyone to see. 6-10 years
Who Was Galileo?
By Patricia Brennan Demuth, Illustrated by John O’Brien
Born in Pisa, Italy, in the sixteenth century, Galileo contributed to the era’s great rebirth of knowledge. He invented a telescope to observe the heavens. He turned long-held ideas about the universe topsy turvy with his support of a sun-centric solar system. This brilliant man lived in a time when speaking scientific truth to those in power was still a dangerous proposition. 8-12 years
Galileo Galilei and the Movement of the Planets (Graphic Biography)
By Jordi Bayarri Dolz
Galileo Galilei believed in the power of scientific observation over traditional ideas. His close study of the night sky helped support the theory that planets move around the sun. His defiant personality made him powerful enemies. This graphic biography covers Galilei’s life from his early work with projectiles to his revolutionary look at the cosmos. It also depicts the backlash to his bold ideas and his trial under the Inquisition. 10-14 years
Galileo! Galileo!
By Holly Trechter and Jane Donovan
For hundreds of years, people have dreamed of Jupiter, the king of the planets. But the trip across the solar system is so long and dangerous that it seems almost impossible. This is the incredible, true story of NASA’s Galileo Mission. It’s narrated by the medieval genius Galileo, who connects with middle-grade readers in a humorous way. Strap in for this epic adventure of imagination, brilliance, and plain old grit. 8-12 years
Galileo Galilei and the Pisa Tower:
A Bilingual Picture Book About the Italian Astonomer
(Italian and English Text)
By Nancy Bach, Illustrated by Leo Latti
Young readers and language learners will find this bilingual book easy to read and understand. This simple story introduces the Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei, his life, work and discoveries. All ages
Along Came Galileo
By Jeanne Bendick
One of the most important figures to come out of the awakening world of the Renaissance was Galileo Galilei. Often referred to as the “Archimedes of his time, Galileo was forever asking questions. Is it possible to measure heat? Is it possible to weigh air? Does the earth stand still or does it move? How fast do objects fall to the earth? His questions led to some of the most important answers of the scientific world and to his contributions to astronomy, physics, and mathematics. All ages
Galileo for Kids: His Life and Ideas, 25 Activities
By Richard Panchyk
Galileo, one of history’s best-known scientists, made revolutionary discoveries and proposed sometimes controversial theories that changed his world and laid the groundwork for modern astronomy and physics. The activities in this book allow children to try some of Galileo’s experiments on their own. 9 and up
Galileo’s Journal 1609-1610
By Jeanne Pettenati, Illustrated by Paolo Rui
On his summer vacation, Galileo Galilei hears about the newly invented telescope and decides to build one of his own. Turning his new “spyglass” to the night sky, he sees things that no one has ever seen before. He discovers that the Milky Way is made of stars, and that the moon has mountains. He notices a strange formation of “stars” that will eventually turn people’s understanding of the world upside down. Fictional journal accounts capture the famous Italian scientist’s curiosity and wonder as he makes some of the most amazing discoveries in history. 6-9 years
Galileo: The Genuis Who Charted the Universe
By Phillip Steele
Galileo made the first effective use of the refracting telescope to discover important new facts about astronomy. His observations led him to support Copernicus’s claim that Earth and the other planets circled the sun. His genius lay in the way he approached scientific problems. He reduced problems to simple terms on the basis of experience and common-sense logic. Then he analyzed and resolved the problems according to simple mathematical descriptions, opening the way for the development of modern mathematical physics. 8-12 years
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Who Was Anne Frank?
By Ann Abramson, Illustrated by Nancy Harrison
In her amazing diary, Anne Frank revealed the challenges and dreams common for any young girl. But Hitler brought her childhood to an end and forced her family into hiding. This nonfiction chapter book looks closely at her life before the secret annex, what life was like in hiding, and the legacy of her diary. 8-12 years
Behind the Bookcase: Miep Gies, Anne Frank and the Hiding Place
By Barbara Lowell, Illustrated by Valentina Toro
Miep Gies risked her life to keep a secret. Behind the bookcase in her office, stairs led to a hiding place where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis. Once a refugee herself, Miep knew the power of kindness. Her selflessness, humanity, and bravery sheltered Anne for a time. Because of Miep, Anne Frank’s story lives on. 7-11 years
Anne Frank
By Josephine Poole, Illustrated by Angela Barrett
The life of Anne Frank, from birth until being taken from the hidden attic by the Nazis, is presented in the well-researched picture book. 10 and up
Anne Frank’s Diary: The Graphic Adaptation
By Anne Frank, Illustrated by David Polonsky
A timeless story rediscovered by each new generation, The Diary of a Young Girl stands without peer. For both young readers and adults it continues to capture the remarkable spirit of the young girl, who for a time survived the worst horror the modern world has seen—and who remained triumphantly human throughout.
Adapted by Ari Folman, illustrated by David Polonsky, and authorized by the Anne Frank Foundation in Basel, this is the first graphic edition of The Diary and includes extensive quotation directly from the definitive edition. It remains faithful to the original, while the illustrations interpret and add layers of visual meaning to this classic work of Holocaust literature.
The Cat Who Lived With Anne Frank
By David Lee Miller and Stephen Jay Rubin, Illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley
When Mouschi the cat goes with his boy, Peter, to a secret annex, he meets a girl named Anne. Bright, kind and loving, she dreams of freedom and of becoming a writer whose words change the world. But Mouschi, along with Anne and her family and friends, must stay hidden, hoping for the war to end and for a better future.
Told from the perspective of the cat who actually lived in the famous Amsterdam annex, this poignant book paints a picture of a young girl who wistfully dreams of a better life for herself and her friends. She wonders what mark she might leave on the world, and, above all, adamantly believes in the goodness of people. Accompanied by vivid art, this book is a perfect introduction to a serious topic for younger readers. 4-8 years
Anne Frank The Girl Heard Around the World
By Linda Elovitz Marshall, Illustrated by Aura Lewis
Linda Elovitz Marshall introduces readers to the story of Anne Frank in this powerful book about family, war, and the importance of finding your voice.
During her two years in hiding from the Nazis, Anne Frank poured her soul into a red plaid diary named Kitty. She wrote honestly of the reality of Nazi occupation, of daily life in the annex, and of her longing to be heard. More than anything, she spoke the truth, and her words have echoed throughout history. 6-8 years
Anne Frank: National Geographic Reader
By Alexandra Zapruder
This level-3 reader brings an understanding of Anne Frank’s historical significance to a whole new audience. Young readers will learn about the brave and tragic life of the young girl who kept a diary while in hiding from Nazis. 6-9 years
Anne Frank and the Remembering Tree
By Sandy Eisenberg Sasso, Illustrated by Erika Steiskal
This is a story of a young girl, who loved a tree and the tree who promised never to forget her. This book is co-published with the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the first U.S. recipient of a sapling from the tree outside the Secret Annex window. 6-9 years
The Tree in the Courtyard: Looking Through Anne Frank’s Window
By Jeff Gottesfeld, Illustrated by Peter McCarty
The tree in the courtyard, where Anne and her family hid from the Nazis, was a horse chestnut tree. Its leaves were like green stars and its flowers cones of white and pink. The tree died the summer she would have turned eighty-one, but its seeds and saplings have been planted around the world as a symbol of peace. Its story and hers are told and illustrated in this picture book. 5-8 years
Anne Frank: The Young Writer Who Told the World Her Story
By Ann Kramer
This book takes readers back to the dark days of World War II through the story of the famous young diarist. Like teenagers everywhere, she wrote about friends, family, movies, her greatest joys, and her deepest fears. Through her diary entries, we experience her changing world as persecution, hiding, and betrayal become part of daily life in Nazi occupied Europe. 8-12 years
Anne Frank: Her Life in Words and Pictures
By Menno Metselaar and Rudd van der Rol
On a summer day in 1942, Anne Frank and her family went into hiding from the Nazis. Until the day they were arrested, more than two years later, she kept a diary. This book produced in association with The Anne Frank House is a visual guide to her tragic, but inspiring story. 9-12 years
Inside Anne Frank’s House
By Hans Westra
More than 350 full-color and black-and-white photographs capture the legacy of Anne Frank in a visual tour of the famous Amsterdam home in which she and her family took refuge to escape the Nazis. All ages
The book descriptions are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author