Title: I am Abraham Lincoln

Author: Brad Meltzer

Genre: Informational

Summary: This biography is told by Abraham Lincoln. In this book he tells about his life as a child and his interests in his young years. Abraham discusses the reasonings behind his actions and his future plans. He then goes on to tell the reader about his later years. The Civil War was one major event in the late Presidents life to which he brought about change for all the slaves in the United States. Abraham Lincoln set goals at a young age and completed his goals even through the struggle over many years.

Review: This biography is inspirational for children because it discusses important factors along the way of growing up. Bullying is discussed as well as always sticking up for yourself no matter how others react. The biography of Abraham Lincoln is well accomplished with the main targeted points of standing tall and following your dreams.

Content Area Connection:

• History: During a lesson on Presidents this story can be read to inform the students on how Lincoln became the man he was.
• Social Studies: The actions Abraham Lincoln takes in this book can allow children to see how positive actions can change a negative situation.

Title: 100 Pablo Picassos

Author: Violet Lemay

Genre: Literary Non-fiction

Summary: The author captures Pablo Picassos life as an artist. She also has information on different vocabulary used and words in a different language explained in the text. Violet tells the readers about his different art pieces from sculptures to paintings, and even clothing designs. She goes on to tell the readers about the different phases Picasso painted in. Each phase had a meaning behind it and an outcome to follow. From friends to lovers and ceramic to cubism Picasso showed the world many styles of art. Picasso continues to show the world what he saw through his eyes in art from all around the world in museums today.

Review: This was a very informational book. The knowledge of Picasso along with the knowledge of art and techiniques makes this an interesting read. There was much to learn in 100 Pablo Picassos and terrific art work to follow the text.

Content Area Connection:

• Art: Students can learn different styles of painting and Art techiniques in other lessons. This book can be incorporated to show how different moods effect art created.
• Art: Students can also work with blending of colors and expressing their feelings through color and shapes.
• History: Students can gather and compare different artist during the years. They can see how techiniques have changed and what was socially accepted as “normal” compared to the abnormal unique art.

Title: Elvis The Story of the Rock and Roll King

Author: Bonnie Chirstensen

Genre: Informational (Biography)

Summary: The author takes readers on an adventure through the life of Elvis Presley. Starting as a young boy living with a single mother trying to support her family Elvis moved around a lot. He was exposed to many different styles of music. When he started to sing others would stop laughing at his clothes and looks and become mesmerized by his voice. Elvis became a star after a hit song on the radio and went on to create many new different songs incorporating many styles of music.

Review:This book is a good reference to a famous musician in history. Many factors of life come in to play and are expressed through another’s actions. Learning more about Elvis and the path some people take for greatness is captured through the authors writing.

Content Area Connection:

• History: The author discusses how music is different between white and black people in this biography. Students can then have lessons based on the differences experienced back in the 40’s and 50’s.
• Music: There are many types of music expressed in the book. During a lesson the students can listen to different styles and go over intrumetns and different sounds they hear in the styles of music. This can be a compare and contrast lesson.

Title: The Ugly Duckling

Author: Hans Christian Anderson

Genre: Traditional

Summary: In this book the author tells us how a member of the family doesn’t look like the rest. He is treated differently by his mom and his siblings. The duckling learns he is different and struggles to find his way. In the end the duckling makes a transformation into a beautiful swan.

Review: The author captures the importance of believing in yourself. This book has a great lesson to be learned by all young children, do not judge someone by their looks.

Content Area Connection:

• Social Studies: When discussing family this book can show how family is what we make of it. Children learn dynamics of family and this goes beyond family and self worth.

Title: The Drinking Gourd

Author: F.N. Monjo

Genre: Historical Fiction

Summary: In this book a young boy and his father help slaves escape using the Underground Railroad. The boy and his father help the slaves reach freedom by escaping traveling during the night. Their travels are interrupted by the U.S. marshal and his men. Tommy, the young boy has to play along with what is going on in order to save the travelers lives.

Review: This book is very good for young readers. The story line is based on events that may have happened in history. The Drinking Gourd was inspirational because it showed how even a little boy can understand when laws made by men can be ineffective. Even though what the boy and his father were doing was against the law they knew slaves were people not property. Children should understand that sometimes you need to stand up for what you feel is right even if another person says it’s wrong.

Content Area Connection:

• History: During a lesson about slavery reading this book can be a break in the information itself and allow students to experience and read about some of the emotions individuals may have felt during this time.

Title: Community Helpers

Author: Unknown

Genre: Poetry

Summary: This poems discusses four different professions in the community and how they help others. There is a teacher, a doctor, a firefighter, and an officer. Each one gives a brief description of their work while keeping a simple rhyme for children to easily understand.

Review: Having the pictures above the words is a great way for young readers to learn new vocabulary. This poem is a basic way to give examples of some community helpers students may already know about.

Content Area Connection:

• Social Studies: Reading this poem can introduce members of the community students are familiar with and can be and introduction to learning more about each individual job the members do in the community.

Title: All of Me

Author: Jessica McDonald

Genre: Poetry

Summary: All of Me describes the use of ones body to help in everyday life activities.

Review: Sharing this poem with the class can introduce some areas of the body that help children move and express their emotions.

Content Area Connection:

• Social Studies: When learning about themselves this poem can be used to show the relationship you can have with yourself.

Title: I am Helen Keller

Author: Brad Meltzer

Genre: Informational

Summary: This book is about Helen Keller. She was a blind and deaf woman. The book is told from Helen Kellers point of view. She describes what is was like as a child then as a child who could not hear or see anymore after being sick. This story takes the reader on a journey through her life and the struggles of learning a language and how to communicate. With the help of her teacher she grew up to be an intelligent woman, graduating college and learning two other languages besides English and Sign language. Helen Keller also left a message for all to remember, “Our lives are what we make of them.”

Review: This book about Helen Keller is very inspirational. Even when times get hard the only person who can make them better is yourself. There are many different ways to learn and to be successful in life. This biography showed me through dedication and persistence anything is possible.

Content Area Connection:

• Social Studies: During a lesson about individuality and diversity in the classroom this book can be read to be an example of such.

Title: Dr. Seuss The Great Doodler

Author: Kate Klimo

Genre: Informational

Summary: In this biography about Dr. Seuss, Kate writes about his life starting from when he was a little boy by the name of Theodor Seuss Geisel. The author tells about his life growing up and how he began writing and doodling. The doodles is what started his imagination to progress into works of art. The book tells about his middle years of joining the war and being married twice. Also in the book are some of Theodor’s early work of ads in the papers for companies. In his books there were a lot of animals because he grew up near a zoo. There are also morals to some of his books that are the more popular books to date. His books range from being about nuclear wars to which side of the bread to butter. Kate takes the readers through the whole life of Dr. Seuss and all his accomplishments.

Review: This book was very informational. I was even introduced to other books that he wrote and the meaning behind them. It is interesting how much writers incorporate their life experiences into their writings. This book was created in a way to show how the events of one persons life can touch the lives of thousands of others.

Content Area Connection:

• Art: The author uses pictures to go with the details in the book. This is a good example to show the children how to illustrate what is being portrayed in the writing.
• History: Some of the events take place during other times in history. Including this in a lesson about World War II can be a good icebreaker into discussion about other works of art and literature during those times.

Title: Justice League: Battle of the Power Ring

Author: Donald Lemke

Genre: Fantasy

Summary: In this book Hals Green Lantern ring becomes taken over by a villain. Unable to control his actions he needs the help of other super heroes to save the city from destruction and other Green Lantern rings from being controlled by evil as well. With the help of Batman, Superman, and Flash the day is saved and the city will learn of the truth behind the damages caused by a familiar face.

Review: Battle of the Power Ring is a good book for children to see that no matter how strong and independent some people are they may need help as well. This book shows how even the most powerful of people need help and have responsibilities as well. Being a super hero doesn’t mean you’re always at your best and sometimes you need help from others. Hopefully this book with show students not to be afraid to ask for help from others.

Content Area Connection:

• Social Studies: Students can learn the power of friendship and what it means to be helpful in the community.