Twenty Texans: Historic Lives for Young Readers

Twenty Texans: Historic Lives for Young Readers

Written and Illustrated by: Betsy Warren

"This is a collection of short biographies of 20 men and women in Texas history. It includes explorers, Mexican rebel Lorenzo de Zavala, and politician Barbara Jordan."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.lsjunction.com/

Texas in Historic Sites and Symbols

Texas in Historic Sites and Symbols

Written by: Betsy Warren

Author Betsy Warren brings 50 important sites and symbols of Texas History to life in this book. Students will enjoy learning snippets about each site and symbol with illustrations to support their understanding of the text.

Online Resources:
http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ref/abouttx/

Sam and the Speaker's Chair: The Story of Sam Rayburn, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives

Sam and the Speaker's Chair: The Story of Sam Rayburn, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives

Written by: Maurine Liles

"Sam Rayburn represented Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly 50 years, from 1912 to 1961. He was a democrat who earned the respect of Republicans during his 24 years as Speaker of the House. This book tells his story."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://friendsofsamrayburn.org/history.htm

I Am Sam Houston

I Am Sam Houston

Written by: Mary Wade

"Sam Houston was a man as large as the events in which he took part. From his early years among the Cherokees in Tennessee through the time he served as president, senator, and governor of Texas, the Hero of San Jacinto was as colorful as the clothes he wore. Because of the way he made the S in his first name, his signature seemed to say, "I am Sam Houston."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.shsu.edu/~smm_www/Reference/index.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

Miss Lady Bird's Wildflowers: How a First Lady Changed America

Miss Lady Bird's Wildflowers: How a First Lady Changed America

Written by: Kathy Appelt
Illustrated by: Joy Fisher Hein

"From a lonely childhood in the Piney Woods of East Texas to an exciting life in the White House, Lady Bird Johnson loved these wildflowers with all her heart. They were her companions in her youth, greeting her everywhere as she explored wild forests, bayous, and hills. Later, as First Lady, she sought to bring the beauty of wildflowers to America's cities and highways. She wanted to make sure every child could enjoy the splendor of wildflowers.

In this warm, engaging look at the life of a great First Lady, Kathi Appelt tells the story behind Lady Bird Johnson's environmental vision. Joy Fisher Hein's colorful wildflowers burst from every page, inviting us to share in Lady Bird's love for natural beauty."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.wildflower.org/teachers/
http://www.lone-star.net/wildflowers/flowers.htm

Sam Houston: Standing Firm

Sam Houston: Standing Firm

Written by: Mary Wade Dodson

"Sam Houston comes alive in this fascinating biography for young readers. Houston's endeavors and accomplishments include becoming a lawyer, congressman, governor, President of the Republic of Texas, and army general. His defeat of Santa Anna's army at San Jacinto in 1836 secured the independence of Texas and this resource helps his legend live on in Texas history and lore."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://samhoustonmovie.com/index.php/lesson_plans/

Jane Wilkinson Long: Texas Pioneer

Jane Wilkinson Long: Texas Pioneer

Written by: Neila Petrick
Illustrated by: Joyce Haynes

"Often called the "Mother of Texas," Jane Wilkinson Long led an eventful life on the Texas frontier. Her life as a pioneer, mother, widow, businesswoman, and revolutionary is brought to life for children in "Jane Wilkinson Long: Texas Pioneer." After being orphaned at a young age, Jane married Dr. James Long when she was only sixteen. Dr. Long dreamed of conquering "Tejas" and used his wife’s fortune to build an army. Jane and her family soon joined him on the Bolivar Peninsula, only to be left again as Dr. Long attempted to conquer Mexico. Alone on the frontier with only her slave to help her, Jane endured a brutal winter. With the coming of spring, Jane learned of her husband’s death in Mexico. Now a widow, Jane joined Stephen Austin’s pioneers in the Austin colony and obtained a land grant. She built an inn in Brazoria that soon became a meeting place for revolutionaries like Stephen Austin, William Barret Travis, and Sam Houston. Jane’s unflagging spirit helped her to build a life for herself and her family despite numerous setbacks."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.lsjunction.com/people/long.htm
http://www.womenintexashistory.org/bio/

Indians Who Lived in Texas

Indians Who Lived in Texas

Written by: Betsy Warren

"We tend to lump Indians into one vast group, but the lifestyles of different tribes were as different as the nations of Europe. This is the authoritative and informative story of the 10 tribes native to Texas, clearly describing the varied lives these original Texans lived."

Publishers Description


Online Resources:
http://viking.coe.uh.edu/~mroy/puma/page57.htm
http://www.texasindians.com/

I Remember the Alamo

I Remember the Alamo

Written by: D. Anne Love

"Jessie’s not surprised when her father says they’ll be moving from their Kentucky home to a better life in Texas. But there’s no work for her father in their new small town and Jessie doesn’t know how they’ll go on when tragedy strikes their family. Jessie’s only comfort is her new friend, a Mexican girl named Angelina. Their friendship must stay secret because Jessie’s father is joining other soldiers who are against Mexico in the fight for an independent Texas. When Jessie’s father and older brother leave, she and the rest of her family run toward the safety of the fort — the Alamo. What will become of the family now?"

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://youngtexasreader.blogspot.com/2009/03/alamo-lesson-plans.html

Trail Fever: The Life of a Texas Cowboy

Trail Fever: The Life of a Texas Cowboy

Written by: D.J. Lightfoot
Illustrated by: John Bobbish

"The life of early Texas trail driver George Saunders is sketched in a simple style, with an emphasis on his cowboy years. Working from the subject's own writings, Lightfoot includes interesting details, dialogue, and lore from the man's childhood on a ranch during the Civil War to his teenage experience on his first real cattle drive north on the newly established Chisholm Trail. The hard life of riding and herding comes through, as does a love for challenges. An easy biography that Texas libraries especially will welcome, as will cowboy fans everywhere."

School Library Journal Review

Online Resources:
http://members.authorsguild.net/djlightfoot/trail_fever__the_life_of_a_texas_cowboy_12553.htm

Cowboy Stories from East Texas

Cowboy Stories from East Texas

Written and Illustrated by: John Lash

"Cowboy Stories from East Texas, written and illustrated by John Lash, is a fun book for young readers. The book has "tall tale" qualities and Lash writes in a comfortable and conversational way. His exciting stories of cowboys, their critters, and their exploits will no doubt especially hold boys spellbound. Daddy Bob, "the best cowboy who ever came out of Texas," Nanny, and 6-year-old Bubba have an array of adventures with wampus cats, ghosts, giant catfish, brave and loyal dogs, ornery `gators, persnickety goats, "the biggest, meanest bull in Texas," and even the weather. The book's introduction does justice to Texas geography, too; it is actually set in Southeast Texas, known for its thick forests and soupy swamps - the perfect setting for your child's imagination."

Reviewed By: Deborah Deggs Cariker

The Great Texas Scare: A Story of the Runaway Scrape

The Great Texas Scare: A Story of the Runaway Scrape

Written by: Martha Tannery Jones
Illustrated by: Donna Loughran

"Victorious at the Alamo, Santa Anna moved east to mop up resistance and firmly secure the territory for Mexico. Santa Anna's coming terrified settlers: some men organized to resist; women and children hid or fled. During "The Runaway Scrape," as this time of fleeing was later called, occurs the an anecdotal account of two neighboring families at Nacogdoches, near the Sabine River that separates Texas territory from Louisiana--and safety in the United States. Most of the action centers around two girls, age ten. Jane, conniving and selfish, is no role model for anyone; Manda plays with Jane buts resents Jane's tricks. Incidents involve a pet pig, a mad dog, an encounter with a skunk, an ice storm, and a flight to cross the Sabine."

School Library Journal Review

Online Resources:
http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/wwww/us/santaannadef.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

Jonny Texas

Jonny Texas

Written by: Carol Hoff

"Johnny's story is one of adventure and excitement woven with threads of early Texas history. Carol Hoff's Texas classic is an authentic and unforgettable picture of a pioneer German family and young Johnny, whose life is full of wonder as he explores the woods and streams near his farm home."

Publishers Description

Jonny Texas on the San Antonio Road

Written by: Carol Hoff

"When Johnny has to drive a wagon by himself over the long and lonely road from his home to San Antonio, he has a big adventure out of proportion to his age. The road he travels was used by the heroes of the early Texas republic, and Johnny responds to his adventures in ways those heroes would have admired. Today's readers will admire his independence and resourcefulness.

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://hendricklongpublishing.com/resources.php

Susanna of the Alamo: A True Story

Susanna of the Alamo: A True Story

Written by: John Jakes
Illustrated by: Paul Bacon

"This story relates the experiences of the Texas woman who, along with her baby, survived the 1836 battle at the Alamo. Students can compare Susanna’s perspective to that of other Alamo participants as presented in GREGORIO ESPARZA or THE BOY IN THE ALAMO."

Social Studies Center (SSC)

Online Resources:
http://www.lsjunction.com/people/dickinsn.htm
http://www.tamu.edu/ccbn/dewitt/sdickinson.htm

The Boy in the Alamo

The Boy in the Alamo

Written by: Margaret Cousins

This book offers another perspective to the events in the Alamo. Students can compare it to Jakes’ SUSANNA OF THE ALAMO, Matthews’ DAVY’S DAWG, or Matthews’ GREGORIO ESPARZA: ALAMO HERO.

Online Resources:
http://www.thealamo.org/

Tales from the Homeplace: Adventures of a Texas Farm Girl

Tales from the Homeplace: Adventures of a Texas Farm Girl

Written by: Harriet Burandt and Shelley Dale

"The text features stories about a family who lived on a cotton farm in Texas during the Depression. The book can introduce units on family history or the collection of oral histories."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://suzyred.com/homeplace.html

Texas Days of Glory

Texas Days of Glory

Written by: Pat Boyette
Historical Consultants: William Miller, K.R. Wood

"Large size pictures trace the history of Texas using a comic book format. The book begins with coverage of the arrival and exploration of the first Spanish soldiers, priests, and colonists and continues through the coming of Anglo settlers and the Texas Revolution. The story gained inspiration from the work of K. R. Wood, author and performer of FATHERS OF TEXAS, a compilation of songs and stories about Texas history."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.summitartists.com/fathers/about.htm