Synopsis: "A master of those embarrassing, gloppy, painful, and suddenly wonderful things that happen on the razor's edge between childhood and full-fledged adolescence" (The Washington Post), Newbery medalist Jerry Spinelli has penned his early autobiography with all the warmth, humor, and drama of his best-selling fiction. From first memories through high school, including first kiss, first punch, first trip to the principal's office, and first…

Synopsis: A picture book biography introduces the ideas and accomplishments of a gifted and influential speaker by using some of his own words to tell the story.

Synopsis: Former slave, impassioned abolitionist, brilliant writer, newspaper editor and eloquent orator whose speeches fired the abolitionist cause, Frederick Douglass (1818–1895) led an astounding life. Physical abuse, deprivation and tragedy plagued his early years, yet through sheer force of character he was able to overcome these obstacles to become a leading spokesman for his people. In this, the first and most frequently read of his three…

Synopsis: "The story of how a boy who loved to read changed the world forever." This is a captivating book, written in what seems to me to be free verse. I would say it is suitable for all elementary grades, to be read to the younger students and read by the older ones. Its emphasis lies in Abe Lincoln's childhood. He doesn't study law until page 34 out of 37, and he's elected the 16th President on page 36. Children will learn about young Abe's family…

Synopsis: This easy-to-read biography describes the early lives and notable achievements of Susan McKinney Steward, the first Black female doctor in New York State; George Washington Carver, the world-famous agricultural scientist most noted for his work with peanuts; Ernest Everett Just, a remarkable marine biologist known as "the expert" on the early life of sea animals; Percy Lavon Julian, an outstanding chemist who discovered drugs to treat glaucoma…

Synopsis: A portrait of daily life in Colonial America includes discussions of houses, schools, food, clothes, and money