Historical+Fiction+and+Biography+Annotations

Historical Fiction and Biography Annotations
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//Pat's picks:// __**Bread and Roses Too**__ by Katherine Paterson, Clarion Books, 2006, grades 5-7

Story of two children caught up in the Lawrence, MA mill workers' strike of 1912, based on fact. The girl is Rosa, from a struggling Italian immigrant family. The other is Jake, a native-born who has learned to steal and lie to survive. The children are sent to Barre, VT to stay with sympathetic foster families during the turbulent strike, where each one learns a life lesson about themselves.

I loved the two characters and how they represented two victims of the workers' strike. We could see the life of the immigrant family through Rosa, and the life of the native-born "street rat" through Jake. Each character is strong, yet vulnerable, and the story is blunt and never sentimental. Boys and girls will be able to relate to these characters, and learn about the hard living conditions of children during the strike.

__**Counting on Grace**__ by Elizabeth Winthrop, Wendy Lamb Books, 2006, grades 5-7

Twelve-year old Grace and her best friend Arthur must leave school and go to work as helpers on their mothers’ looms in the mill in 1910. Grace’s mother is the best worker with the highest productivity, and Grace desperately wants to help her earn more money for the family. Grace is left-handed trying to do a right-handed job, and her errors reduce her mother’s wages. She looks forward to Sundays, when her kind teacher helps Grace and Arthur with their lessons. Together they write a secret letter to the Child Labor Board about underage children working in the mills. A few weeks later a man with a camera shows up, and the photos he takes of Grace and the other children will change their lives. It is the famous reformer Lewis Hine, undercover, collecting evidence for the Child Labor Board.

The cover photo is amazing, which is why I first read this book. Looking at the girl in the photo makes us feel as though we are looking into Grace’s eyes. The main character Grace is tenacious and smart, and she makes a strong role model for children. She at first feels powerless to help her family’s situation against the ruthless mill owners, but with perseverance and a little help from a teacher, she finds her voice and takes control. The story was inspired by a photograph taken in Pownal, VT, where the author researched the photographer Lewis Hine and found the story of the girl in the photo, Addie Card.

__Steve Irwin__ by Sheelagh Matthews, Weigl, 2008, grades 4-8. The career of the famous wildlife expert, from his early life as zoo keeper and crocodile handler, to his conservation efforts and time as a television host. Includes pictures of his travels around the world, and work in public wildlife education.

Contains magnificent photographs, and is wonderfully informative about his life before we knew him from television as the Crocodile Hunter. It’s hard to capture his enthusiasm and passion for his work in a book, he was known as a “born communicator”, and this book uses numerous photographs to convey his charisma and personality.

Megan's Picks:

**// Nory Ryan’s Song. //**** Written by Patricia Reilly Giff. New York: Delacorte Press, 2000. (Gr. 4-7) ** Nory's Da goes on a fishing trip so he can pay the rent to Lord Cunningham. In the meantime, a terrible blight attacks the potato crops. With no potatoes, Nory's family will starve. Her Da doesn't come home from his fishing trip and Nora is forced to find food to help her family survive until they can get to America to join her sister Maggie. The major themes of the book include: Ireland during the potato famine, family, hope, and courage. I loved this book because Giff makes the readers feel like they are there. The fact that the story is told by twelve year old Nory makes it more meaningful. The sequel, //Maggie's Door,// chronicles Nory & her friend Sean's journey to America on the same boat without the other knowing it. Both are powerful books that explain why so many people left Ireland and came to America or died as a result of the potato famine.

**// You’re On Your Way, Teddy Roosevelt. //**** Written by Judith St. George. Illustrated by Matt Faulkner. New York: Philomel Books, 2004. (Gr. 2-4) ** Throughout his childhood, Roosevelt was plagued with sickness, as a result of his asthma, whether he was at home in New York City or vacationing in the countryside. "Teedie" was determined to get stronger, so he joined a gym and started lifting weights. At one point, Teedie was bullied by stronger boys so he took up boxing. His determination to make himself healthy and strong was the turning point in his life. It was that determination that led to his career in politics and success as the 26th President. This is part of the "Turning Point" Series by Judith St. George. The illustrations are important because they present the history of Teddy Roosevelt’s life from a child’s viewpoint. The major themes of this book are determination and hard work. I like the book because it portrays Teddy as a real child with real problems that kids can relate to.

** Patience Wright worked with her sister as a wax sculptor during the 1700’s. She created her wax sculptures from live models or memory. She created 3-D portraits, busts, and life size figures, which some mistakenly thought were real people. She befriended Ben Franklin’s sister in Boston, who convinced her to open a studio in London. Ben Franklin, who was in London representing the colonies, spread the word about her to dignitaries in England. While Parliament members posed for Patience, they spoke to her about politics. Patience would give them false information in order to trick them into telling her the correct information. At that time, the British were monitoring letters to the colonies, so Patience started hiding her messages in the busts she shipped to her sister in America. When the war was over, George Washington requested a wax portrait. Unfortunately, Patience died before she could do it. This book focuses on the American Revolution and women’s history. The beautiful, pastel illustrations portray Patience, as well as the real-looking features of her sculptures of historic figures. The picture of Ben Franklin is eerily real-looking! I think this is a remarkable story that highlights a woman heroine during the American Revolution.
 * // Patience Wright, America’s First Sculptor and Revolutionary Spy. //**** Written by Pegi Deitz Shea. Illustrated by Bethanne Andersen. New York: Henry Holt and Company, LLC, 2007. (Gr. 4-6)

Audrey's Picks!


 * Sequoyah : The Cherokee Man Who Gave his People Writing by James Rumford, translated by Anna Sixkiller Huckaby (Houghton Mifflin Co. : 2004)**

Believing that "writing will make us strong." Sequoyah developed a syllabic system of writing for the Cherokee nation. This system has 84 signs for sounds, and it allowed for the first recording of the Cherokee language and the publication of books and newspapers. Sequoyah did not know how to read or write, nor did he know any English, but he understood that his people's voices were fading in the white man's world, and he wanted to save them. In his efforts, he had to endure the abuse of his detractors, but he prevailed and found ways for his challenges to strengthen him. "The people stopped jeering when two warriors wrote to each other." This bilingual picture book supplies the text in English followed by the Cherokee text, a demonstration of Sequoyah's gift. A full syllabary is available at the back of the book along with a timeline and the author's note, which helps us better understand the complexity of this legendary figure.


 * John, Paul, George and Ben by Lane Smith (Hyperion Books for Children: 2006).**

John, Paul, George and Ringo?, no Ben ...and by the way also Tom, (that is, Hancock, Revere, Washington, Franklin and Jefferson) Lane Smith presents our founding fathers remastered and hits just the right note for today's youth. While some reviewers expressed concern that this historical fiction picture book could confuse children by playing a little too fast and loose with the facts, I would say that it gets kids thinking critically -- what exactly are the facts? The book imagines these mythic figures as they may have behaved as boys by focusing on a single trait for each (e.g., Paul Revere has a rather loud mouth) that was instrumental in the role he played in history. It's very funny, very silly and also informative. In the back, Smith challenges us with "Ye Olde True or False Section", which kids love, and the "Taking Liberties" page illuminates the difference between fact and fiction here and elsewhere. This is a great book to get kids interested in American history.


 * Lincoln Through the Lens: How Photography Revealed and Shaped and Extraordinary Life by Martin Sandler (Walker & Co. : 2008)**

Photography, which was first introduced in the 1830s, played an important role in the making of this history, a fact not at all lost on Lincoln who shrewdly knew not to underestimate the power of this new medium. For the first time ever, people could see their leaders and the details of events that were reported. A photo of corpses strewn across a battlefield communicated the war's toll ever so much more immediately than words. This remarkable photo-essay chronicles Abraham Lincoln's life and his presidency and shows how photography helped shape them. It includes more than 100 images and a fascinating account of the historic events of Lincoln's lifetime as well as many anecdotes that portray the personal side of the president.

** // Rosa // is a wonderful picture book that begins with Rosa Park's personal story and leads into the Civil Rights Movement. Students learn about her famous refusal to give up her seat on the bus and the response of the Women's Political Caucus, which led to the bus boycott in Montgomery. The pictures by Bryan Collier earned a Caldecott Award, with the elegant watercolors and deeply hued collage scenes. This is a great story to introduce Rosa Parks and the Civil Rights movement for students in grades 3-5. I particularly like the quote at the end of the book, “the integrity, the dignity, the quiet strength of Rosa Parks turned her no into a YES for change.” ** This biography introduces the successful author of the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling. The book begins taking about the story of Harry Potter, and then follows with the story of how she wrote the series. We learn of J.K. Rowling’s childhood in Forest of Dean England, and how she thought of the idea for Harry Potter while travelling. The book tells of her marriage and divorce, about her time as a struggling writer, when she was published, more about Harry, the other main characters in the book, and the Harry Potter movies. There is also a website listed to learn more about the author. I think this biography is great for kids because it allows them to understand the process behind the great phenomenon and all about the author. ** Tessa’s Pick! **  ** “My America: My Brother’s Keeper: Virginia’s Diary” by Mary Pope Osborne (Scholastic Inc, 2000). ** Gettysburg in 1863 is not a good place to be. Union and Rebel armies start marching through town. They camp all around it. Everybody knows there's going to be a big and important battle. With her brother and father at was, and her mother dead, Virginia, alone, begins to keep a diary as she stays with the Reverend McCully's family. For three days fierce fighting goes on until the Union army is victorious and Robert E. Lee's troops retreat to the South. The town of Gettysburg is full of dead and dying soldiers. Virginia worries about her father and brother. Finally, her father returns, and Jed is found, badly wounded. As Jed recovers and the town of Gettysburg gets back to normal, Virginia and her family look forward to November and the arrival of President Abraham Lincoln's visit to dedicate the new National Soldiers' Cemetery. This book is a attention-grabbing account of one of the most crucial battles in America's history, and a wonderful addition to the historical fiction series. Laurie’s Favorites! //When Marian Sang//. Written by Pam Munoz Ryan. Illustrated by Brian Selznick. New York: Scholastic Press, 2002. For all ages. In this picture book biography about Marian Anderson tells the inspiring story of this African American singer and her rise to world-wide fame in the 1930’s and 1940’s. Her story helps young readers see the reality of discrimination and injustice toward African Americans in the United States. Marian sang for leaders in countries around the world, yet she wasn’t allowed to perform in the premier venues in America. This story describes her perseverance and the support she received from some important Americans that helped begin to break down the barriers of discrimination. It is a beautiful and moving account of this wonderful American’s life.
 * Tessa’s Pick! **
 * “Rosa” by Nikki Giovanni and Illustrated by Bryan Collier. (Scholastic, 2005).
 * Tessa’s Pick! **
 * “Meet J.K. Rowling” by Stasia Ward. (The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc, 2004).

//I, Matthew Henson: Polar Explorer//. Written by Carole Boston Weatherford. Illustrated by Eric Velasquez. New York: Walker & Company, 2008. For all ages Everyone has heard about Robert Peary’s journey to the North Pole, but few know about the man who helped make it possible, Matthew Henson. Henson started out as an ordinary African American boy growing up in Baltimore, Maryland. He became anything but ordinary as he overcame many obstacles to follow his dream of being an explorer. Henson eventually worked alongside Peary as they pursued the dream of reaching the North Pole. Henson saved Peary’s life twice and was there, in the photograph, when they finally reached their destination in 1909. But because Henson was African American his name was left out of the story until 1936 when he was finally honored. This is a story that is an important one for students to know.

//Weedflower//. Written by Cynthia Kadohata. Atheneum, 2009. For grades 5 - 9. In this story of the plight of the Japanese-Americans during World War II the reality of this terrible event in our country's history is brought to life for children. The author describes how the Japanese-Americans were discriminated against and forced to leave their homes and put into camps during World War II. She also does a great job of showing what life was like in these camps and how bored and un ambitious young Japanese-Americans became with all hopes and dreams put on hold or taken away. The characters are easy for children to relate to and care about and help make the story one that they can connect with.

Mary's Picks //Henry’s Freedom Box A True Story from the Underground Railroad// written by Ellen Levine, Illus. by Kadir Nelson. Scholastic Press. New York. 2002. Grade Level: 2-5. Henry was born a slave. One day while his master lay sick in bed, he told Henry that he was giving Henry to his son, which meant he had to leave his family to join his new master. As Henry grew older he met a slave woman named Nancy whom he married and together they had three children. Henry was happy, but soon happiness faded as Henry’s wife and children were sold off in the slave market. Henry knew he would never see his family again and he knew this was his time to escape to freedom. So with the help of a white man he stowed away in a wooden crate sent to Pennsylvania. It was a long and dangerous journey but Henry made it. In his new home Henry was known as Henry “BOX” Brown. I had never heard of this true story and what an incredible one it is! This book is both heartbreaking and enjoyable. A must read to show the courage and determination of Henry “Box” Brown.

//Under the Quilt of Night// written by Deborah Hopkinson. Illus. by James E. Ransome. Simon & Schuster. New York. 2001. Grade Level: K-5. //Under the Quilt of Night// is a story of a young slave girl’s journey for freedom on the Underground Railroad. Deborah Hopkinson’s beautifully written verses make you feel the pain and fear this young girl experiences, along with the joy and happiness when she finally reaches freedom in Canada. James Ransome’s illustrations are so lifelike that you can feel the pine trees touching your shoulders and can see the moonlight shining in the dark night. This story is a wonderful story to share with children and to explain to them how the Underground Railroad helped many slaves gain freedom in the North.

//The Buffalo Storm// written by Katherine Applegate. Illus. by Jan Ormerod. Clarion Books. New York. 2007. Grade Level: K-5. The Buffalo Storm shares a young girls journey on the Oregon Trail. The night before her travels Halle sits with her grandmother and shares her concerns and fears of leaving her home and her beloved grandmother. The day of departure Halle’s grandmother gives her a quilt she stitched to ease Halle’s fear from storms, which Halle feared most of all. Her grandmother says: “ When a storm starts, wrap this round you and think of me”. During the journey Halle encounters a baby calf caught in the rocks. With the mother buffalo close by, Halle slowly and carefully frees the calf from the rocks. No sooner a roll of thunder shakes the earth as the buffalo thunder down the path with the calf and mother slowly behind. Hearing and seeing this magnificent site made storms much easier for Halle to manage. Once in her new home she gives her quilt to her new baby sister to keep her safe from storms. Katherine Applegate’s use of similes, descriptive language, and rich vocabulary makes this story a true wonder.

Added by Tarah // Wangari’s Trees of Peace; a True Story from Africa, // by Jeanette Winter. Orlando, FL: Harcourt, 2008. Wangari is a young Kenyan girl growing up in the 40’s who does so well in school that she wins a scholarship to study in America. When she comes back to Kenya six years later, she is shocked to find a barren landscape- trees are being cut down by the thousands to make room for new buildings, but no one is planting new ones to take their place. An upset Wangari starts to plant tree seedlings in her back yard and then decides to start a tree nursery. Eventually she convinces the other village women to plant their own trees and she pays them a small amount for each tree still living after 3 months. The men laugh at them, but the women continue and word spreads through the other villages and cities and Kenya becomes green again. With an Author’s Note that gives more of the fascinating details of Wangari’s brilliant life, this is an important book to share with children because it proves that one person can make a huge difference in the world. Simple, African-inspired colorful illustrations by the author go beautifully with the story. Ages K-3.

// Edwin Binney; the Founder of Crayola Crayons, // by Jennifer Blizin Gillis. Chicago: Heinemann Library: 2005. One of the Heinemann Library’s “Lives and Times” series about people who are famous for creating items we use everyday and take for granted, such as frozen vegetables (Clarence Birdseye) and Coca Cola (Asa Candler), this biography is about Edwin Binney, the founder of Crayola Crayons. I find it fascinating to learn about these types of people and I’m sure children will, too. With an easy-to-read large text, numerous photographs, interesting fact boxes, a Fact File, Time Line, glossary, bibliography, and index. The biography is about Binney’s childhood, family life, and many businesses started before Crayola. He didn’t actually invent crayons, but he did found the Crayola Company after years of making pencils and chalk. When his schoolteacher wife told him that children needed better crayons, he invented the colored wax crayons we know and love today. Appropriate for elementary-aged students.

// Sisters of Scituate Light, // by Stephen Krensky, illustrated by Stacey Schuett. New York: Dutton Children’s Books, 2008. In this story that takes place in Scituate, Massachusetts during the War of 1812, two teenaged sisters, Rebecca and Abigail Bates, use their wits and bravery to save the town of Scituate from British attack. While their family is away, the sisters are told by their father to keep the lighthouse lights burning and to watch for ships in distress. One night, they spy a British ship approaching and they fear an attack on the unprepared town. Rebecca comes up with a brilliant idea to hide outside while one plays the fife and the other plays the drum. When the soldiers hear the music, they think an American militia is approaching and they promptly retreat. According to the author’s notes, this is a true story in which the sisters were quickly hailed as heroes. Children will love this suspenseful tale of courage and cleverness. Ages K-3.

A simple story of a family traveling out to Nebraska to start a new life on the prairies. The daughter is worried about mom being sad because there is no one to talk to and she has a new baby. On a trip to town she finds a dandelion plant. She and her father plant it in the roof of their sod house so in the spring the house is a blaze of yellow in the endless green prairie. This is a simple story that does a great job of describing the vastness of the landscape and the isolation faced by pioneer families. For younger elementary K-3.
 * Helen's Picks**
 * Bunting, Eve. Dandelions. Orlando, Voyager Books, 2001 (reprint)**

Rose and her family are heading west to Oregon in the mid-1800’s and come to a river they cannot cross. Minnow’s father helps them but during the crossing Rose falls in. She is saved by Minnow. They are initially cautious of one another as they would likely have been and communication is stilted. As an introduction to the westward wagon trails it is a good example. The use of the two girls forming a brief friendship would give young children a way to relate to the story. Grades 2-5.
 * Young, Judy. Minnow and Rose. Sleeping Bear Press, 2009.**

This begins as a man travels in1803 with his two sons to the middle of the Ohio woods, to their plot of land. It describes the effort involved in the clearing of the lot to build a cabin and the building of that cabin. The realistic accomplishments of two or three logs per day and bone weary tiredness are fully described. Then once the house is built, the father leaves the two boys, 11 and 9, in order to fetch their mother from their Pennsylvania home. What was supposed to be several weeks of waiting becomes months surviving alone. The story is true to the ages of the boys, it is apparent just how young they are. The sense of isolation is acutely described, there are no phones to call and see how it’s going. They are helped by a passing Native American trapper who teaches them how to survive, but there are no permanent neighbors to turn to. It starts as a gentle pioneer tale but becomes an intense drama as the boys realize winter is approaching. Upper elementary, 3-6.
 * Van Leeuwen, Jean. Cabin on Trouble Creek. New York, Puffin Books, 2004.**

Kaiulani: The People's Princess Hawaii 1889 by Ellen Emerson White, 2001. This diary is written by a young princess who attends boarding school in England and is hopeful that she will become the next leader of Hawaii. Touching upon historical facts not always taught in history class, this book bring to life the feelings of a young girl who loves her country and struggles to help it retain it's independence from the United States. This journal tells an exiting story and offers a refreshing viewpoint; the idea that the United States is not always the “good guy”. The book concludes with a “historical note” which contain the family tree of the actual princess as well as photographs of the Hawaiian Royal family. F//ranklin Pierce:Our Fourteenth President// by Steven Ferry, 2001. This biography in the series Our President's published by Child's World traces Pierce's life from his birth in 1804 to his death in 1869. In clear simple language his start as a student at Bowdoin college and then law school is described. The book moves on to describe his start in the senate and election to the presidency; highlighting his accomplishments and challenges along the way. The book includes both black and white and color illustrations. Many are actual photographs and cartoons from the time period. Sidebars highlight interesting facts about Pierce including that he was the first president to deliver his inauguration speech from memory. The book also contains a time-line of his life and a glossary which defines highlighted words found throughout the book. Meet Julie by Megan McDonald, 2007. In this first book in the American Girl Julie series we meet Julie who is a girl growing up in California during the 70's. She is going through some changes in her life including the fact that her parents are getting divorced and that she must move to a new school and apartment with her mother and sister. She is exited to start playing basketball at her new school until she finds out the team is just for boys. Julie starts a petition to “Let the Girls Play too!” in order for her to be allowed to play on the boys team. The story although fiction describes the experiences girls had to go through after Title Nine was passed in order to have equal opportunities as boys. A chapter at the end of the book describes what life was like during the 1970s and how the social acceptance of divorce and women's rights were different from today. This is a interesting story that describes an important event in history and will appeal to more than just the fans of American Girl Dolls.
 * Meg's Picks**

This story, based on the life of the author’s aunt, follows Syvia a Jewish girl and her family in the Lodz Ghetto of Poland from 1939-1945. Told in poetic prose, similar in style to Karen Hesse’s //Out of the Dust//, the beauty of the language is a sharp contrast to the atrocities going on around Syvia. Only 12 children survived the ghetto, but through determination and courage, her family lived. Told in the first person voice of a child, the Holocaust becomes frighteningly real, yet the descriptions are factual, not sentimental, allowing us to emotionally continue through the story with her. This is the best Holocaust book for children I’ve read. Grades 5 and up.
 * Marcia's Picks**
 * //Yellow Star//** **by Jennifer Roy. Tarrytown, NY: Marshall Cavendish, 2006**

The Green Glass Sea//** **by Ellen Klages New York: Puffin Books, 2006**. The Manhattan Project is an unusual theme for a children’s book but Klages’ story of the children at Los Alamos, New Mexico is riveting. While their scientist parents diligently work on the “the gadget”, eleven year old Dewey Kerrigan and Suze Gordon slowly are becoming friends. It’s 1943 and they know the war is going on overseas; their lives on “the Hill” surrounded by top physicists like Richard P. Feynman and Robert Oppenheimer are tense as well. A compelling look at the families behind the development of the Atomic Bomb, brought to us through the eyes of two little girls. Grades 5 and up.
 * //[[image:Klages-Green-Glass-Sea.jpg width="96" height="150" align="left"]]

Lulu and Jelly, two white children, have heard of a colored drinking fountain in town, and they set off to see this rainbow of water. But the harsh realities of race relations in the 1960s South come face to face with them, as they witness the Freedom Riders and a racial protest. When they see what the term really means, a “Colored” sign hangs over the beat up bubbler, it is shocking for these innocent children. The unsettling nature of the book, as the cousins view the cruel scene of policeman, dogs, busses and protestors before them seems appropriate for the topic of Segregation and the Civil Rights movement. This picture storybook is vibrantly illustrated in appealing watercolor. Recommended for Grades 2-6.
 * //A Taste of Colored Water//** **by Matt Faulkner. New York: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2008**.

Tracy's Picks

//Crossing Bok Chitto A Choctaw Tale of Friendship and Freedom // by Tim Tingle, Illustrated by Jeanne Rorex Bridges (Cinco Punto Press: 2006) for grades 3 - 6 Set in Mississippi before the War Between the States, this story tells the unlikely friendship between a Choctaw girl and the son of a slave. The Bok Chitto River separates the Choctaw Indian people and the plantation owners and their slaves; but if a slave escapes and crosses the river, he/she is free when they reach the other side. The Choctaws built a stone path under the water, but only they knew about it. That path would ultimately be the bridge that several slaves would need to cross to freedom. Martha Tom crosses the river to gather blackberries for her mother, but becomes lost among the plantation. Little Mo helps her get back to the river, and they form a friendship, crossing the river using those secret stones. When Little Mo’s mother is about to be sold, his family decides to try to escape to the safety of the Choctaw side of the river. The illustrations evoke the emotions of the struggle of the slaves, while showing the beauty of the land and the Choctaw people and the slaves. The illustrations of the people are so beautiful, they are up close and so full of detail, they look like portraits. //Henry’s Freedom Box A True Story from the Underground Railroad // by Ellen Levine, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson (Scholastic: 2007) for grades 3 - 6 This fictionalized account of Henry Browns journey to freedom from slavery is told with a gentle kindness that accurately portrays the struggles of slaves. Henry falls in love with a slave with a different owner, but with the owners’ permission they marry and have several children. When Henry learns that his family has been sold, he grows desperate, and decides to mail himself to Pennsylvania in a box. Henry is aided by a ‘white man who thought slavery was wrong’. This story, based on actual events, offers a real look at what it was like to be a slave: Henry and his wife couldn’t sing in public, they were at the mercy of their masters, and were torn apart by slave owners buying and selling human beings. This is a tough subject to teach children about, but the author does a great job of weaving the facts into the story. The illustrations paint the mood and setting perfectly.

//Elijah of Buxton // by Christopher Paul Curtis (Scholastic: 2007) for grades 3 – 6 Where do I even begin? I could never do this book justice: it is a must read. There was a settlement, founded by a white Presbyterian minister, where freed slaves lived and worked. Elijah has the distinction of being the first baby born in the settlement. His mom calls him ‘fra-gile’ because he is afraid of snakes and other creatures. Elijah, 11 years old, when the story begins, is honest, hopeful, and hard working. He catches fish with flies, and then trades or gives them away to other in the settlement. We get a glimpse of the past when Elijah tells a story that has been told to him: The story of Frederick Douglass’s visit to Buxton. The abolitionist is on stage, holding baby Elijah and bouncing him around, holding him over his head; and Elijah throws up on him! The authors note indicates that he visit from Douglass and John Brown are true, there is no evidence of the incident. Even though the people of Buxton are free, they still worry about slave catchers. During school one day, the white kids get sent home, and then the black kids get escorted home a few at a time. It was because the grownups feared that slave catchers were near. He helps Mr. Leroy cut wood, and a friendship forms. A particularly poignant scene between the two takes place when Elijah was telling him a story and Elijah says “me and all’em other little nigg-“. Mr. Leroy backhanded him, and then talked about the use of that word and what it means to him, and all of the other freed slaves. It goes on for several pages. It ends with Elijah remembering what his Pa told him, “people that used to be slaves are toting things’round with’em that caint be seen with your regular eyes.” Elijah tries to help his friend Mr. Leroy recover stole money that he (Mr. Leroy) saved to buy his family’s freedom. Mr. Leroy dies, and Elijah discovers runaway slaves that have been recaptured. Elijah, full of compassion, integrity and strength, does his best to free the captured slaves. By the end of the story, we realize that Elijah of Buxton is anything but fra-gile. This book captured me from the first page. The story of Elijah is filled with hope, promise, and sadness. The humanness, the compassion, the horror and the hope of this time period all come through, told through the mind and eyes of a child. It was hard to remember that it wasn’t really an 11 year old telling the story! //Elizabeth Leads the Way: Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the right to vote // by Tanya Lee Stone ; illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon (Henry Holt:2008) for grades K – 3 The folk art illustrations and the tone of this biography capture the spirit of Elizabeth Cady Stanton. From keeping her name in addition to her husbands, to Seneca Falls, this book will capture the attention of young readers, and inspire young women to follow their hearts and minds.

**// The Sacrifice. //** Written by Kathleen Benner Duble. (Aladdin Paperbacks: 2005) (Grades 4-8) This book tells the story of the struggles encountered by the Faulkner family during the late 1600’s during the Salem Witch hysteria. The author describes what accusations her own family faced as they lived through this period. I found it interesting to learn that more people were accused of witchery in Andover, Massachusetts than were accused in Salem, Massachusetts. I read this story to my fourth graders last year and they were so interested in the story that they didn’t want to leave when their class period was over. I also had a chance to meet the author and was thrilled to find out that she is working on making a movie about it. Read an excerpt: [] Author’s Site: [] Lesson Plan: [] Discovery Education: [] **// Squanto’s Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving //****//. //**** Written by Joseph Bruchac. Illustrated by Greg Shed. (Silver Whistle, Harcourt Inc: 2000) (Ages 6-9) ** This book describes the story of the first Thanksgiving through the eyes and voice of a Patuxet man called Squanto. He tells the tale of how he was captured along with others and taken to Spain to be sold as slaves. He escapes to England with the help from some friars but he wanted to go back home. He returns home to find that disease has killed family and friends. Although he suffers a tremendous loss he helps the British settlers survive. He thinks they can all live as friends and share the land. This is a nice read aloud for elementary students. They will enjoy the story and colorful illustrations as they learn about how this famous man helped the British settlers survive Pre Tests: [] Video: [] 1st Grade Lesson Plan: [] This book is great for use with students in grades one and two. It is a child’s first biography story book that was written in simplistic terms. Students will enjoy reading about our first president in this colorful book about George Washington’s life. It will teach students how he lost his father at eleven years old and was sent to stay with his older brother Lawrence. (Nice teachable moment for family dynamic diversity!) Kids will relate to our first president as they read about how he enjoyed fishing and riding horses as a child. The story continues describing his life as an adult in Virginia's army and how he became our president. Pocantico Hills Schools Website: [] 3 minute webcast: [] Games and Activities: [] 
 * Kathi’s Picks: **
 * Meet George Washington: **** America **** ’s First President. Written by Janet Woods. (Troll Associates: 1996) (Grades 1-2) **