Inspirational Biographies of African American Women

Three of my favorite inspirational biographies about African-American women.  All of these biographies feature strong women who overcame huge obstacles and did amazing things.  Biographies are one of my favorite genres to read, they allow the reader to become immersed in another persons life, very different than their own, and share in their journey.

Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rodolph Became the World's Fastest Woman by Kathleen Krull, Illustrated by David Diaz

A truly inspiring story about the will to overcome lifes challenges. Wilma was often sick as a child and at five contracted polio.  Wilma's legs were affected by the illness and doctors thought she would never walk properly again. Wilma's determination live the life she wanted pushed her to strengthen her legs and she soon no longer needed her leg braces. Wilma became a star athlete excelling at running and in high school played many different sports. She was offered a track-and-field scholarship to Tennessee State University then went on to compete in the summer Olympics of 1960.  She amazed everyone by winning the 100-meter dash, the 200-meter dash and 400-meter relay. This once sickly child had become the first American women to win three gold medals in a single Olympic games!  This book has unique illustrations using a combination of lovely watercolors with photographs as backgrounds.

When Marian Sang by Pam Munoz Ryan, pictures by Brian Selznick

Marian Anderson's inspirational story tells of a young girl with an amazing talent and how she overcame racial prejudice to share her gift with the world. Ryan and Selznick beautifully show Marians's confusion when, as a young girl, she is not allowed entrance into a music school due to her race. By 1927 Marian was a successful singer worldwide and was welcomed everywhere....except the United States.  In 1939 Howard University booked a concert with Marian and looked for a place to hold the large crowd she was expected to attract.  They tried to book the 4000 seat Constitution Hall--but were told they had a white performers only policy.  Fans wrote angry letters to the newspapers and first lady Eleanor Roosevelt resigned from the board of Constitution Hall in protest.  At Eleanor's urging President Roosevelt agreed to let Marian perform in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. On the day of the performance 75, 000 people, of all races, showed up to hear Marian sing.  I love this book for its wonderful muted illustrations and beautiful story.

Minty: A Story of Harriet Tubman by Alan Schroeder, Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

This book tells the story of young Harriet Tubman before she escapes to freedom. While some of the exact details of the book are fictionalized, they are based on fact.  Harriet was a 'difficult' slave who was often mistreated and abused by her masters. This book does not shy away from the difficult demeaning life that slaves endured.  The author and illustrator depict the realities of the day to day life of a slave, but also show Harriet's determination to escape to the freedom she deserves. It is easy to imagine the girl that Harriet once was, knowing the determined, brave, spirited woman she became.  Renowned illustrator Jerry Pinkney, has created detailed period accurate illustrations that add wonderfully to the story.

Close to Famous --Joan Bauer

On my latest visit to the library, I spotted a Joan Bauer book on the New Books shelf and couldn't wait to take it home and read it. Bauer is one of those reliable authors that I always know I'm going to enjoy. Her books contain many of the same elements: a strong female heroine, family conflict, humor and growth. The main character usually starts off troubled and confused at the beginning, but by the end she gains the strength and insight to believe in herself.  I first read Bauer's books a few years ago and they have always stuck with me.  Bauer's books deal with difficult issues, but things are never too dark turning to humor rather than sadness.  These are great books for late elementary and middle school girls.

Her latest book, Close to Famous, uses cooking as its focus. An overused devise, but still works here especially if you love to cook.  Foster and her Mother flee Memphis in the middle of the night to escape her mother's abusive boyfriend.  After driving aimlessly they end up in the tiny town of Culpepper, West Virginia, a run down town with its own mix of quirky residents. Foster faces many challenges including: the death of her dad in the Iraq War; her mother's complicated past with abuse; her learning disability that has made her feel stupid; and her mother's fear of never learning how to come out of the background and let herself shine.  Foster's escape from her everyday life is her love of cooking.  She uses her gift to create wonderful cupcakes that have the ability to win over anyone and (in a tense situation) save the day.

I love Bauer's simple straight forward style of writing, her wonderful characters, her dealing of difficult issues in a light, humorous way and her constant message of hope.  Bauer's books have won numerous awards including a Newberry Honor. To learn more about Joan Bauer and read more about her other books, check out her great website www.joanbauer.com.

Non-Fiction Monday: Mighty Jackie: The Strike out Queen by Marissa Moss Illustrated by C.F. Payne

Mighty Jackie: The Strike out Queen by Marissa Moss Illustrated by C. F. Payne

Jackie Mitchell is just 17 years old and up against the great Yankees, including Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig-- can she strike these baseball legends out?  In 1931 the Yankees stopped in Tennessee for an exhibition game against the Chattanooga Lookouts. The book details Jackie’s love of baseball and the skills taught to her by her father. While Jackie's character is portrayed a little too tomboyish, the warm tones of the pictures add to the suspense filled pace of the book. A wonderful story about a great female baseball player and a little know historical moment.  

Mighty Jackie: The Strike out Queen. Marissa Moss, Illustrated by C. F. Payne. Simon and Schuster, 2004.

Mr Putter and Tabby Walk the Dog by Guest Blogger -- Lorine Eliason

Mr. Putter & Tabby Walk the Dog by Cynthia Rylant

 

Cynthia Rylant has written a variety of children's books for children of all ages, and certainly deserves all the recognition she has received.  Mr. Putter & Tabby books are wonderful for beginning readers, as they are simple chapter books with fun illustrations.  If you like one book in the series, there are many more waiting for you to enjoy next.

 

Mr. Putter is an older gentleman with an old cat Tabby who live next door to an older lady named Mrs. Teaberry an her somewhat crazy bulldog Zeke.  In this book, Mrs. Teaberry hurts her foot and Mr. Putter offers to walk Zeke for her while she recovers.  Zeke drags Mr. Putter and Tabby all through town, however, and Mr. Putter longs for the quiet days of just being with Tabby again. 

 

I like Mr. Putter & Tabby books not only because they have a cat as a main character, but also because I think they give children a glimpse into older adult characters.  The stories are warmly written with a touch of humor.  While cleaning out my now 11 and 13 year olds' bookshelves, I absolutely cannot part with our Mr. Putter & Tabby books.  I have too many sweet memories of them.

 

 

Three Great Early Chapter Book Series

Three wonderful early chapter book series that feature male characters, but both boys and girls will enjoy! Easy, fun chapter books that are great read alouds for kindergarten/first grade or independent reads for third/fourth graders.  Like the Junie B Jones series, even kids with higher reading levels will enjoy these quick, funny reads.

The Ready Freddy Series by Abby Kline, Illustrated by John McKinley

Freddy is a likable character whose experience can easily be related to by his readers.  In the first book in this series Freddy is the only one in Kindergarten who has yet to lose a tooth.  The other books in the series deal with normal issues such as homework troubles, the class bully, finding something cool for show and tell, and performing the the class talent show. Kids will love the funny way Freddy deals with his problems.  John Mckinley's playful illustrations are just enough for kids veering away from picture books.

Roscoe Riley Rules by Katherine Applegate, Illustrated by Brian Biggs

Each new title in the series will immediately grab your attention: Never Glue Your Friends to Chairs, Never Walk in Shoes that Talk, and Never Swim in Applesauce.  Roscoe is an accident prone first grader who means well, but always seems to get in trouble. Kids will enjoy reading about Roscoe as he faces normal kid problems with the help of his family and friends.  Cartoon like illustrations add a great touch to these quirky books.

Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Boy by Megan McDonald, Illustrated by Peter H Reynolds


Stink, the younger brother from the well know Judy Moody series, finally gets his own book!  Stink, real name James, is afraid he is shrinking and does everything he can to look taller.  After many hilarious attempts to look taller Stink comes to terms with being short--just like his favorite President-- James Madison.  This entertaining book is peppered with puns and fun scientific facts throughout.  I love the way Stink's relationship with his older sister Judy is written in a fun realistic way.  A great book for those just starting chapter books. There are six more books in this series.

Drummer Hoff -- Adapted by Barbara Emberley, illustrated by Ed Emberley

Drummer Hoff Adapted by Barbara Emberley, Illustrated by Ed Emberley


"...but Drummer Hoff fired it off."

This classic book, first published in 1967, and winner of the Caldecott Medal is one of my husband's favorites.  It is based on an old folk song which plots out, in rhyming verse, each member of an army putting together a cannon.  As each person adds a part of the cannon the stanza ends with, '...but Drummer Hoff fired it off.' The text is fun, simple and easy to memorize.  Kids will love being able to read this one with you or on their own. The wonderfully unique illustrations blend the look of old style wood cuts with the bright colorful psychedelic look of the sixties. My husband has read this book with my kids so many times that last week, while climbing over several cannons, they started reciting it word for word.

Drummer Hoff. Adapted by Barbara Emberley, Illustrated by Ed Emberley. Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, New York, 1967.

Guest Blogger -- Lorine Eliason

My fabulous sister-in-law steps in today as a guest blogger!

Officer Buckle and Gloria

by Peggy Rathman

As a parent who has read countless children's picture books, I have come to realize that some are just not that good!  You really to have be a gifted writer to write an outstanding children's book that both kids and parents will want to read over and over.

Peggy Rathman is one of these writers who masters the skill of keeping both a young child's and a parent's attention.  Her book Officer Buckle and Gloria is about a police officer who gives safety talks at schools with his faithful and hilarious canine companion Gloria.  Gloria, however, often gets more of the children's attention than Officer Buckle with her antics, and Officer Buckle then feels unappreciated.  All is resolved in the end, though, in this wonderfully illustrated, creative book that is one of my favorites to bring to school when I have to read to elementary students. 

This book won the 1996 Caldecott Medal and is a joy to read, no matter what your age.

Mercy Watson by Kate DiCamillo, Illustrated by Chris VanDusen

The Mercy Watson Series by Kate DiCamillo, Illustrated by Chris VanDusen

Author Kate DiCamillo is known for her many wonderful children's books -- Because of Winn Dixie, The Tale of Despereaux, and Gollie and Bink-- to name a few.  Mercy Watson is DiCamillo's first early reader series.

Mercy, "a porcine wonder," lives with her human parents, Mr and Mrs. Watson, who cherish (and spoil) her above all things.  Mercy loves adventures and hot buttered toast. In each of the six books in this series, a new eccentric character is introduced -- next door neighbors Eugenia and Baby Lincoln, Officer Tomilello, Ned and Lorenzo-the firefighters, Francine Poulet-the animal control officer and --my favorite-- Leroy Ninker-a reformed criminal longing to be a cowboy. Mercy manages to create all kinds of trouble in each book, but all ends well back at the Watson home with lots of hot buttered toast for everyone.

Illustrator Chris VanDusen does amazing colorful, eye-catching illustrations that make every page come alive.  The zany antics of the characters brought to life will greatly appeal to young readers. The pairing between DiCamillo and VanDusen is brilliant!  The audio versions of these books are wonderful for the car and appropriate for ages four and up.


Check out the fantastic Mercy Watson website to learn more about the creators of the Mercy Watson books, read about the different characters in the Mercy Watson series, and play some Mercy games! http://www.mercywatson.com/

If you enjoyed the illustrations in the Mercy Watson books, check out If I Built a Car, written and illustrated by Chris VanDusen.





Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride. By Kate DiCamillo. Candlewick Press, 2006.

Non-Fiction Monday -- Ed Emberley's Big Green Drawing Book

Ed Emberley's Big Green Drawing Book by Ed Emberley

Ever have one of those books that you see and it brings you back to your childhood? This is one of those books for me.  Ed Emberly has written several drawing books along this same vein -- The Big Orange Drawing Book, The Big Red Drawing Book, The Big Book of Faces--but this will always be my favorite.

Inside the book he takes an object, such as a cat, and breaks in down, shape by shape. Underneath each new step he draws the shapes that were added during that step.  He starts off with drawing easy animals and ends with a complicated dragon. If you can draw a circle, square, triangle, squiggly line and the letters W, V, and U you can draw the images in this book! This book is a great introduction to drawing for kids-- making it fun and easy.  We recently checked this out from the library and S (8) and C (6) spent the entire afternoon drawing together!

Find in the 700's -- The Arts-- Non-Fiction section of your library.

Ed Emberley also has a great website http://www.edemberley.com/ where you can check out his other books and see some easy example of things to draw.

Ed Emberley's Big Green Drawing Book. Ed Emberley. Little Brown, 1979.

Robert Munsch

Robert Munsch is one of my favorite authors.  The best way to describe his stories is -- silly.  Many times silly and absurd things happen that don't make sense which, of course,  kids love! His stories are quick, funny and make great read alouds. He uses different characters in each book, which makes each one its own special story.  In fact each story is based on a child that Munsch has met.  Munsch has written prolifically since his first book, Mud Puddle, was published in 1996.

Munsch is famous for his unique storytelling style.  He says he performs each new story about 200 times before he gets them just right and writes them down. He has a fantastic website where you can listen to him read aloud each of his books. Munsch has 54 books published and says he writes about two a year!

Here are some of my favorites:

The Paper Bag Princess -- Her kingdom destroyed, her fiance captured, and wearing only a paper bag, Princess Elizabeth must use her brain and imagination to save Prince Ronald--who does not turn out to be such a "prince" in the end and Princess Elizabeth happily leaves him behind.

Stephanie's Ponytail -- Wanting to look different from the other kids, Stephanie asks for a different type of ponytail each day.  Unfortunately, each day the other kids, and some of the teachers, all copy her look. Finally Stephanie tricks everyone and finds a look no one can copy.

Thomas' Snowsuit -- Hilarity ensues when adults go to extreme measures to get Thomas into the snowsuit he hates.

I'm So Embarrassed! -- This story hits home for anyone who as ever been embarrassed by their mom, dad, or kids.

Ribbon Rescue -- Jillian's beautiful ribbon dress comes in handy to help those in trouble.

Love you Forever -- this is Munsch's best selling book and many people love it.  However, I must write here that I have a very hard time with this book.  I think it is awkward and creepy.  I recently read the reviews of this book on Amazon, where it received 692 five star reviews and 217 one star reviews.  I read some of the one star reviews and was pleasantly surprised there were others who felt the same way as I did. I'd love to hear others thoughts on this book.

Check out Robert Munsch's fabulous website: http://robertmunsch.com/

Do you have a favorite Robert Munsch book?

Commotion in the Ocean by Giles Andreae Illustrated by David Wojowycz

"There's a curious commotion
 At the bottom of the ocean.
 I think we ought to go and take a look."

This bright comical picture book tells the story of a variety of sea creature. In simple whimsical verse, poems are written about squeaking dolphins, the huge whale, strong walruses, the strange creatures of the deep and the mama octopus who loves to tickle her children. The verse is fun and engaging while the vibrant illustrations have lots of detail. (Look for the tiny yellow starfish hidden on every page!)  Not a book that will teach anyone about sea creatures, but a fun simple book to enjoy with your child!  This is a favorite of J's (age 4).

Check out these other titles by this author/illustrator duo.

Tangerine by Edward Bloor

Tangerine by Edward Bloor
Harcourt Brace (San Diego, CA), 1997.


The novel Tangerine is a story about a middle schooler who has recently moved to a strange new town in Florida. In Tangerine County, Florida, a sinkhole swallows the local middle school, lightning strikes at the same place everyday, and underground muck fires blaze everywhere. When the main character, Paul Fisher, learns the dark secrets of his conceited older brother, he learns to stand up for himself and his beliefs.

I personally loved the book. It has a lot of suspense and is a very easy, laid-back read. Tangerine is great to read aloud and has many exciting themes.

~Review by my niece G, age 13

Awards:

American Library Association Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults, 1998
Edgar Allan Poe Award nomination for Best Young Adult Novel, 1998
American Booksellers Association Pick of the List, 1997
New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing, 1997
Source: EdwardBloor.net The Official Site of Author Edward Bloor:  http://www.edwardbloor.net/

The Giant Jam Sandwich

"One hot summer in Itching Down, Four Million Wasps Flew into town."


The Giant Jam Sandwich by John Vernon Lord.  This fabulous book, first published in 1972, tells the story of the town of Itching Down which must deal with the terrible problem of four million wasps!  The townspeople come together and solve their problem in a wonderfully unique way.  Told in rhyming verse that rolls of the tongue this is a great read aloud. The illustrations are quirky and maybe a little old-fashioned, but work well with the story. A classic my children love.