Robert Fulton: From Submarine to Steamboat

Robert Fulton: From Submarine to Steamboat

Written by: Steven Kroll
Illustrated by: Bill Farnsworth

"This concise, beautifully illustrated biography describes the life and work of the inventor who developed the steamboat and made it a commercial success."

Notable Trade Books for Social Studies Online

Online Resources:
http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blfulton.htm
http://web.mit.edu/invent/iow/fulton.html

Extraordinary Women of the American West

Extraordinary Women of the American West

Written by: Judy Alter

"This book chronicles the exploits and achievements of more than fifty women in the past and present of America's West, including the guide and interpreter Sacajawea, journalist Jessie Benton Fremont, and author Willa Cather."

Product Description

Online Resources:
http://www.judyalter.com/
http://www.prs.tcu.edu/staff_judy.html

Make Way for Sam Houston

Make Way for Sam Houston

Written by: Jean Fritz
Illustrated by: Elise Primavera

"This biography of the 19th-century hero captures his fascinating life. Fritz uses Houston’s belief in destiny to explain his interactions with other characters and responses to events. For example, Houston accepted Andrew Jackson’s vision of America because “now he had a picture and words for what he’d call Destiny” (p. 20). Houston considered the eagle a sign and allowed its presence to influence major decisions in his life."

SSC Social Studies Center

Online Resources:
http://www.shsu.edu/~smm_www/Genealogy/children.shtml

Stephen F. Austin: The Son Becomes Father of Texas

Stephen F. Austin: The Son Becomes Father of Texas

Written by: Mary Dodson Wade

"The heroic life of Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas," is vividly portrayed in this biography that describes how a gentle man finished the work of his father and helped found an independent Texas. Detailing how Austin inherited a grant of land with instructions to form a colony in Spanish-controlled Texas, this biography tells of how Stephen spent the next 15 years negotiating, cajoling, and eventually taking up arms against the newly independent Mexico to help found the Republic of Texas. Austin's patience, courage, and character are celebrated throughout this resource for young readers. A directory of web links, for teachers to employ as potential activities, is also included."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.house.state.tx.us/kids/rangers/places/stephenaustin.htm

Stephen F. Austin: Wilderness Pioneer

Stephen F. Austin: Wilderness Pioneer

Written by: Carol Hoff

This biography presents the history of Texas during Austin’s time in the state, from 1821 to 1836. During the period, the territory’s status changes from being a part of New Spain to an independent republic.

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.house.state.tx.us/kids/rangers/places/stephenaustin.htm

My Name is Gabriela/Me llamo Gabriela: The Life of Gabriela Mistral/la vida de Gabriela Mistral

My Name is Gabriela/Me llamo Gabriela: The Life of Gabriela Mistral/la vida de Gabriela Mistral

Written and Illustrated by: Monica Brown

"Gabriela Mistral loved words and sounds and stories. Born in Chile, she would grow to become the first Nobel Prize-winning Latina woman in the world. As a poet and a teacher, she inspired children across many countries to let their voices be heard. This beautifully crafted story, where words literally come to life, is told with the rhythm and melody of a poem. The second in Luna Rising's bilingual storybook biography series. My Name is Gabriela/Me llamo Gabriela is beautiful tribute to a woman who taught us the power of words and the importance of following our dreams. The story of Gabriela Mistral will continue to inspire children everywhere."

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
http://www.monicabrown.net/books/gabriela.html
http://pdfs.nbnbooks.com/NB/N_S/NBN_SM_0873588592.pdf

Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez

Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez

Written by: Kathleen Krull
Illustrated by: Yuyi Morales

"Cesar Chavez is known as one of America's greatest civil rights leaders. When he led a 340-mile peaceful protest march through California, he ignited a cause and improved the lives of thousands of migrant farmworkers. But Cesar wasn't always a leader. As a boy, he was shy and teased at school. His family slaved in the fields for barely enough money to survive. Cesar knew things had to change, and he thought that—maybe—he could help change them. So he took charge. He spoke up. And an entire country listened."

Publishers Review

Web Resources:
http://www.chavezfoundation.org/
http://litplans.com/titles/Harvesting_Hope_the_Story_of_Cesar_Chavez_Kathleen_Krull.html

Martin's Big Words

Martin's Big Words

Written by: Doreen Rappoport
Illustrated by: Bryan Collier

Elementary Grades

"A brief biography of Dr. Martin Luther King uses memorable words from his speeches to highlight important moments in his life. Large type and arresting collages draw the reader’s attention to Dr. King’s powerful statements. Bryan Collier grabs the reader’s emotional attention with collages made from watercolor, torn paper, and photographic images. each illustration powerfully and passionately interprets the big words spoken by Dr. King. Beginning with the strong, striking cover portrait and stained glass end papers, he conveys a reverential feeling in his art, which causes the reader to pause and think about the meaning of Dr. King’s important words."

American Library Association Review

Awards:
Coretta Scott King Honor Book, 2002
Orbis Pictus Award Winner for Outstanding Nonfiction, 2002
Caldecott Honor Book, 2002

Web Resources:
http://www.readwritethink.org/lessons/lesson_view.asp?id=92

Talkin About Bessie: The Story of Aviator Elizabeth Coleman

Talkin About Bessie: The Story of Aviator Elizabeth Coleman

Written by: Nikki Grimes
Illustrated by: E.B. Lewis

"In a volume that looks like a picture book...Grimes offers a many-sided portrait of the first African-American aviatrix, Bessie Coleman...The speakers range from mother to sister to field hand to flight instructor to news reporter to preacher, but teller by teller, the story moves chronologically and builds emotionally to last entry, where Bessie speaks of the joy of flying...The verse reads aloud beautifully, making this book a good choice for readers' theater or for reading aloud in conjunction with the artwork, which shows up to good advantage from a distance. Although there have been other books about Coleman, this is a fine, original portrayal."

Booklist Starred Review

Web Resources:
http://www.nikkigrimes.com/teacher.html

Bring Me Some Apples and I'll Make You a Pie: A Story About Edna Lewis

Bring Me Some Apples and I'll Make You a Pie: A Story About Edna Lewis

Written and Illustrated by: Robbin Gourley

"Edna Lewis, the granddaughter of an emancipated slave who founded Freetown, Virginia, grew up to become a famous chef of southern cuisine. Inspired by Lewis’ childhood, this debut children’s book by an artist and cookbook author celebrates the growing seasons and the irreplaceable pleasure of fresh food shared with family."

Booklist Review

Web Resources:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/14/national/14lewis.html?_r=1

Coretta Scott

Coretta Scott

Written by: Ntozake Shange
Illustrated by: Kadir Nelson

"Unflinching verse and elegant imagery combine in a powerful, evocative, picture-book portrait of Coretta Scott King. As stated on the cover, Shange uses poetry to recount Coretta Scott’s life, from her childhood to her marriage with Martin Luther King, Jr. On the final page, the author offers a linear, prose biography, adding context to her more abstract references in the poetry."

Booklist Review

Web Resources:
http://www.thekingcenter.org/Default.aspx

Before John Was a Giant: A Song of John Coltrane

Before John Was a Giant: A Song of John Coltrane

Written by: Carole Weatherford
Illustrated by: Sean Qualls

"Young John Coltrane was all ears. And there was a lot to hear growing up in the South in the 1930s: preachers praying, music on the radio, the bustling of the household. These vivid noises shaped John’s own sound as a musician. Carole Boston Weatherford and Sean Qualls have composed an amazingly rich hymn to the childhood of jazz legend John Coltrane."

Publishers Synopsis

Web Resources:
http://www.johncoltrane.com/

George Washington Carver

George Washington Carver

Written by: Tonya Bolden

"Shampoo from peanuts? Wallpaper from clay? Ink from sweet potatoes? Discover Carver's imagination and inspiration in this one-of-a-kind biography.

With imagination and intellect, George Washington Carver (1864-1934) developed hundreds of unexpected products from everyday plants. This book reveals what an exceptionally uncommon man Carver was: trailblazing scholar, innovative scientist, pioneering conservationist, and impassioned educator.

This book follows his life from slave and orphan to his college days as the first African American to attend Iowa State College (where he later taught), and on to his life and work in the field of agriculture. Illustrated with historical artifacts and photographs, the book traces Carver's life, discoveries, and legacy."

Publishers Synopsis

Web Resources:
http://www.ideafinder.com/history/inventors/carver.htm

Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshall

Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshall

Written by: Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Illustrated by: R. Gregory Christie

"Sitting tall in the saddle, with a wide-brimmed black hat and twin Colt pistols on his belt, Bass Reeves seemed bigger than life. Outlaws feared him. Law-abiding citizens respected him. As a peace officer, he was cunning and fearless. When a lawbreaker heard Bass Reeves had his warrant, he knew it was the end of the trail, because Bass always got his man, dead or alive. He achieved all this in spite of whites who didn't like the notion of a black lawman.

Born into slavery in 1838, Bass had a hard and violent life, but he also had a strong sense of right and wrong that others admired. When Judge Isaac Parker tried to bring law and order to the lawless Indian Territories, he chose Bass to be a deputy U.S. Marshall. Bass would quickly prove a smart choice. For three decades, Bass was the most feared and respected lawman in the territories. He made more than 3,000 arrests, and though he was a crack shot and a quick draw, he only killed fourteen men in the line of duty. The story of Bass Reeves is the story of a remarkable African American and a remarkable hero of the Old West."

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
http://www.lernerbooks.com/badnews/

Wanted Dead or Alive: The True Story of Harriet Tubman

Wanted Dead or Alive: The True Story of Harriet Tubman

Written by: Ann McGovern
Illustrated by: Richard Powers

"After gaining freedom from slavery, Harriet Tubman also vowed to help others become free. As a result of her efforts, about 300 slaves were able to leave the South safely. A dramatic biography packed with adventure."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://bookwizard.scholastic.com/tbw/viewWorkDetail.do?workId=2260

Walking the Road to Freedom: A Story About Sojourner Truth

Walking the Road to Freedom: A Story About Sojourner Truth

Written by: Jeri Harris
Illustrated by: Peter E. Hanson

"The story describes the life of Sojourner Truth, a freed slave, who vowed to spread the word about the evils of slavery. This book is a recipient of the Carter G. Woodson Book Award (1989)."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://teacherlink.ed.usu.edu/tlresources/units/byrnes-famous/sojourn.html
http://learningtogive.org/lessons/unit133/lesson2.html

Buddy: The Story of Buddy Holly

Buddy: The Story of Buddy Holly

Written by: Anne Bustard
Illustrated by: Kurt Cyrus

"A while back, out West Texas way, a boy named Charles Hardin Holley was born. He was named after his granddaddy Charles and his granddaddy Hardin. From the first moment, though, his mama called him Buddy. Buddy Holly.

That Buddy could shoot marbles with the best, hit homers in the red dirt, and pelt cans with his slingshot. But come sixth grade, when Buddy met up with a guitar, he never let it go. Later Buddy heard a new sound -- part country, part gospel, and part blues -- and got even more fired up. Hot-diggity! It was the birth of rock 'n' roll."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.annebustard.com/guides.html

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Written by: Mir Tamim Ansary

"The historical events behind Martin Luther King Day are explained and ways to celebrate the life of a famous American."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://fun.familyeducation.com/martin-luther-king-jr/activities/32832.html