Get to know Verna Aardema in this autobiography. She tells of writing stories that she made up to get her young daughter to eat. That led to retelling African folktales. She descibes the process of having a book published.  She encourages young writers and says, “Writing is not easy, but the rewards are great!” Many full color photographs are included. (MJG) 

Adler, David. America’s Champion Swimmer: Gertrude Ederle. Illustrated by Terry Widener. New York: Gulliver Books, 2000.

The inspiring story of Gertrude Ederle, the  first woman to swim the English Channel in 1926.  (SH)

Adler, David A.  George Washington, Father of Our Country.  New York: Holiday House, 1988.

George Washington, the father of our country, grew up in a simple farmhouse in Virginia and enjoyed surveying when he was young.  Adler introduces young students to the first President of the United States.  (JD)

Adler, David A. Lou Gehrig: The Luckiest Man. New York: Harcourt Brace, 1997. Unpaged.

In 1903, Henry Louis Gehrig was born in New York City.  His German immigrants had great expectations for him.  When a scout watched him play baseball, he was signed to the New York Yankees where he played 2,130 consecutive games and was twice selected as MVP.  In 1939, he was diagnosed with a deadly disease, but even so, he insisted he was a lucky man.(DR)

Adler, David A.  A Picture Book of Anne Frank.  New York: Holiday House, 1993.

Many of us have read Anne Frank's diary, but it can be too much for young children.  Adler's picture book provides Anne's courageous story for young children who are interested in learning more about the history of the Holocaust.  Some of the illustrations are based on actual photographs.   (JD) 

Adler, David A.  A Picture Book of George Washington.  New York: Holiday House, 1989.

Adler has written a picture book with basic facts about George Washington.  Once this biography is read, students can move onto a more advanced biography that gives more information.   (JD)

Adler, David A. A Picture Book of Louis Braille. New York: Holiday House, 1997. 

Louis Braille accidentally poked his eye with his father's tool one day when he was a small child, and eventually, he became blind.  Find out how his strong desire to "read" lead him to design a system where blind people could feel the letters with their hands and learn to "read". (KM) 

Adler, David A.  A Picture Book of Thurgood Marshall.  New York: Holiday House, 1996. 

After his first week in school, he knew that being a lawyer "was what I wanted to do for as long as I lived".  His hard work made him the first African American on the Supreme Court. (KM) 

Aliki. William Shakespeare & the Globe. New York: HarperCollins, 1999. 48 p.

Told in acts and scenes, learn about Shakespeare and the history of theater in London.  In Act five, Sam Wanamaker, a young American actor rebuilds the Globe Theater as a tribute to Shakespeare. (KG)

Anholt, Laurence. Stone Girl, Bone Girl. The Story of Mary Anning. Illustrated by Sheila Moxley. New York: Orchard, 1998.

Mary was extraordinary.  As a baby, she was struck by lightning and survived. Her father taught her how to find “treasures” in the rock of Black Ven. Miss Annie Philpot showed her a huge fossil tooth and encouraged Mary to find the rest of the “great sea monster” up in the cliffs. When she was twelve, she found it and went on to discover hundreds of  fossils. (KG)

Bedard, Michael.  The Divide.  Illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully.  New York: Doubleday, 1997. 

When Willa Cather was a girl, her family moved west to the open prairie of Nebraska leaving behind the farm that Willa loved.  She slowly began to explore and make friends with the other settlers and came to realize that this was just a beginning, not the end like she had once thought.  Today, people remember Willa Cather as a writer.  She’s written novels about life on the Divide – a time that she says was the most important of her life. (CS) 

Brighton, Catherine. The Fossil Girl: Mary Anning’s Dinosaur Discovery. Brookfield, CT:  Millbrook, 1999.

Biographical information is presented as a graphic novel. In 1810, twelve year-old Mary Anning and her brother find the fossil of an ichthyosaur in the stone ledges near the ocean in England. When the children bring it back to their mother’s curiosity shop, Henry Henley offers to buy it for a small sum of money. (KG)

Brown, Don. One Giant Leap The Glory of Neil Armstrong. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1998, 28 pgs.

Just in the book to read to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the first moon landing. An easy reading biography about the life and accomplishments of astronaut Neil Armstrong. Covers his life from age 2 to the historic walk on the moon. Space technology is presented in a kid friendly style. (DAH) 

Brown, Margaret Wise.  (Adapted by Joan W. Blos.) The Days Before Now. Illustrated by Thomas Allen.  New York: Simon and Schuster Books, 1998. 

Margaret Wise Brown—celebrated author of Goodnight Moon—describes scenes of her childhood beginning in New York then moving to Long Island.  Learn about her childhood pets, including thirty-six rabbits and wild robins.  The beautiful pastel drawings illustrate the life of this amazing author. (SR) 

Bunting, Eve.  I Am the Mummy Heb-nefert.  Illustrated by David Christiana. San Diego: Harcourt Brace, 1997.  [unp.] 

The mummy, Heb-nefert was once the beautiful, cherished bride of the Pharoah’s brother.  She enjoyed a life of luxury until she was called away into the afterlife.  The watercolor illustrations and the story serve as a wonderful introduction to the customs and sights of ancient Egypt as Heb-nefert is preserved for all times so that even today she can remind us that all things must change. (CG) 

Burleigh, Robert. Black Whiteness: Admiral Byrd Alone in the Antarctic. New York: Atheneum, 1998. 36 pgs.

In March 1934 Admiral Richard Byrd set out to live alone in Antarctica.  He lived in a tiny shack beneath the snow.  Each day he collected data from his weather instruments and wrote in his diary.  The extreme cold and darkness took their toll on Byrd. (DR)

Burleigh, Robert.  Home Run. New York: Harcourt Brace & Co. 1998. 

This beautifully written and illustrated volume celebrates the 20th Century baseball legend, Babe Ruth.  Old- fashioned baseball cards accompany the text providing details about Ruth’s life and amazing statistics. Readers will feel like they are right there with him as the Babe watches the ball, swings his bat, and connects! (LB)

Byars, Betsy.  The Moon and I.  Englewood Cliffs, NJ:  Messner, 1991. 

Betsy Byars describes her interactions with a snake, Moon, while she tells her memoirs.  She discusses the writing process she uses, some stories from her childhood, and her accomplishments as a person and an author. (DLM) 

Cole, Joanna and Wendy Saul.  On the Bus with Joanna Cole: A Creative Autobiography.  Portsmouth, New Hampshire: Heinemann, 1996. 

Journey with Joanna Cole from her childhood days and first published book about cockroaches to the popular Magic School Bus series.  This children’s book author talks about the process of writing from coming up with ideas to reading and researching topics, then collaborating with others to produce a book.  Her enthusiasm and dedication make this an enjoyable read. (LB)

Cooney, Barbara.  Eleanor.  New York: Penguin Books, 1996. 

This biographical book profiles the childhood of Eleanor Roosevelt, who later came to be the First Lady of the United States when her husband, Franklin, became President.  But, her beginnings weren’t so pleasant as one might think.  Learn about Eleanor’s foundations that made her so strong. (SR)

Cooper, Floyd. Coming Home From the Life of Langston Hughes. New York: Philomel, 1994.

Langston Hughes wrote poetry that reached out across the world and spoke of finding home, but Hughes grew up in a home so poor that sometimes dinner was nothing more than dandelion weeds. Read and find out how someone with only dreams and heroes in his head became one of America’s most influential African-American poets. (DAH) 

Dingle, Derek.  First In The Field: Baseball Hero Jackie Robinson.  New York: Scholastic, 1998. 

Jackie Robinson-the first African American ever to play in the major leagues. A real legend! He ran fast, hit further, and stole more bases than anyone-ever! A true accomplishment for a man who grew up in poverty. (JW) 

Fisher, Leonard Everett.  Gandhi.  New York: Simon and Schuster, 1995. 

The common people called him mahatma which means Great Soul.  Gandhi’s struggle for the civil rights and freedom of the people of India was a life-long battle. (KM) 

Freedman, Russell. Babe Didrikson Zaharius: The Making of a Champion. New York: Clarion, 1999.  192 p.

Babe Didrikson Zaharius was an unusual young athlete who excelled in any sport she tried during a time when it was not proper for young girls to do that.  She was an Olympic gold medalist in track and field, a championship golfer and played exhibition baseball. Babe was voted “Woman Athlete of the Year” six times.  Russell Freedman shares her biography through rare archival photos and reminiscences of family and friends. (KG)

Freedman, Russell.  Lincoln, A Photobiography.  New York: Clarion, 1987.

Complete with numerous photographs, this book covers the life of Lincoln from his early childhood through his presidency and to his death.  The author supplies a picture for almost every main character in Mr. Lincoln's life, including some new photographs not seen before. The quotations included in this book do an excellent job of painting a picture of Lincoln. (JHP) 

Freedman, Russell.  Out of Darkness: The Story of Louis Braille.  Illustrated by Kate Kiesler.  New York: Clarion, 1997. 81p. Grades 3-7.  ISBN 0-395-77516-7 

When Louis Braille was three years old, he lost his sight.  In those days, many blind people became beggars, but thanks to the help of the local priest in their small French village, Louis won a scholarship to a school for the blind in Paris. As a teenager, he invented a raised dot alphabet code, which could be easily used by blind people so that they could read.  (MK) 
 

Fritz, Jean. Around the World in a Hundred Years: From Henry the Navigator to Magellan. Illustrated by Anthony Bacon Venti. New York: Putnam, 1994.

An uncensored history of the 15th century European explorers and their contributions to more accurate world maps.  (SH)

Gherman, Beverly. Norman Rockwell: Storyteller with a Brush. New York: Atheneum, 2000.

A heart-warming biography of one of America’s most recognized and loved illustrators, Norman Rockwell, is accented by his own paintings.  (SH)

Giblin, James Cross. The Mystery of the Mammoth Bones. New York: HarperCollins, 1999. 97 p.

In 1801, Charles Wilson Peale received a letter and embarked on the biggest adventure of his life, searching for mammoth bones. Hee and his sons investigated peat bogs in search of bones and then put two sets of bones together.  Information about his life and sociology of the times is mixed in with the scientific adventure. (KG)

  Giblin, James Cross.  Thomas Jefferson:  A Picture Book Biography.  New York:   Scholastic, 1994.

As a child, Thomas Jefferson was a quiet boy who spent his days and nights reading.  His love of books and thirst for knowledge carried him through college and into his vice-presidency, and ultimately to the White House.   Jefferson’s contributions to American democracy remind us of his intelligence and generous human spirit.  Giblin’s text along with the beautiful oil paintings create a moving biography that captures Thomas Jefferson’s humble character.  (MJ)

  Giff, Patricia Reilly. Diana:  Twentieth Century Princess.  Illustrated by Michele  Laporte. New York: Scholastic, 1997. 

 On August 30, 1997, the world was shocked to hear of the death of Princess Diana in a tragic car accident.  In this newly revised biography, the reader is introduced to the shy, young Diana Spencer who becomes the fairy-tale bride of Prince Charles. She then becomes a devoted mother and troubled princess as her marriage grows more difficult.  After her divorce, she changes the face of British royalty forever and becomes a tireless worker for charities and victims of AIDS and land mines.  Giff’s style will appeal to young readers as she gives an account of the life of a woman whose beauty, grace, and work are still fresh in the minds and hearts of the people of the world. (CG) 

Hamilton, Virginia. Many Thousand Gone: African Americans from Slavery to Freedom.  Illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon. New York: Knopf, 1993.

A history of slavery in the United States from its beginnings to slave rebellions and escapes to its ending through the Civil War.  (SH)

Hansen, Joyce. Women of Hope: African Americans Who Made a Difference. New York: Scholastic, 1998.

Thirteen African American women, including Maya Angelou, Ruby Dee, and Mae C. Jemison (the first African American woman astronaut), are portrayed through photos and simple text. (KG)

Harness, Cheryl.  Mark Twain and the Queens of the Mississippi.  New York: Simon and Schuster, 1998.

When Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) was a little boy growing up in Hannibal Missouri, he dreamed of being able to ride the great steamboats down the Mississippi.  Trace the life and times of Samuel Clemens, and the rise an fall of the great steamboats he loved. (DA)

Haskins, Jim. Black, Blue & Gray. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1998. 154 p.

When the Civil War broke out, African Americans were excluded from the fighting.  As the war wore on, and after much persuasion from Frederick Douglass, it became clear that it was necessary for them to fight. This story includes unusual anecdotes and pictures of various African American soldiers. (KG)

Howe, James. Playing with Words. New York: Richard C. Owen Publishers, Inc., 1994, 34 pgs.

James Howe never dreamed of becoming an author, he wrote his first book Bunnicula just for fun. Howe advises that daydreaming and reading are the most important thing a writer does, he claims to do both frequently. Read this biography about James Howe to learn what he means by saying that writing for him all started as just playing with words. (DAH) 

Kerby, Mona.  Beverly Sills: America's Own Opera Star.  New York: Viking, 1989. 

Beverly struggled for recognition in the beginning of her singing career. When personal tragedy strikes her immediate family, Beverly falters but never loses sight of her goal. Her next challenge was the successful financial management of The New York City Opera. (JHP) 

Kerby, Mona.  Frederick Douglass.  New York: Watts, 1994. 

Born in 1818 on a plantation in Maryland, Frederick Douglass learned all too quickly what it meant to be a slave.  He could be beaten, sold, and separated from his family.  In spite of the laws prohibiting the education of blacks, Frederick learned to read.  He refused to accept his slavery, and after one failed attempt, he escaped to the North.  It is there that he became an important voice in the anti-slavery movement, speaking out for the rights of blacks.  Period photographs and illustrations give the reader a flavor for the time in which this great leader lived. (CG) 

Kerby, Mona.  Samuel Morse.  New York: Watts, 1991. 

Young  Samuel Morse did not always please his parents, but still, he goes all the way to Yale College. As an artist,  Samuel struggled to support himself. Rejected by former President John Quincy Adams as an artist for the U.S. Capitol, Samuel Morse devoted his energy to perfecting the telegraph.  The book includes instructions on how to make a telegraph. (JHP) 

Krull, Kathleen. Lives of the Presidents, Fame, Shame (and What the Neighbors Thought). Illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt. New York: Harocourt-Brace, 1998. 96 p.

Presidents are presented humorously as regular people. Accompanied by caricatures, each snippet about the president includes information about their favorite foods, activities, hairstyles and fears. (KG)

Lasky, Kathryn. A Brilliant Streak.  Illustrated  by Barry Moser. New York: Harcourt-Brace, 1998. 41 p.

Sam Clemens’ boyhood adventures included exploring caves, finding dead bodies and working as a typesetter. As an adult, he became a steamboat captain, mined for silver and reported for the newspaper. When he realized he was a better liar than truth teller, he became Mark Twain. (KG)

Maestro, Betsy. The Story of Clocks and Calendars: Making a Millenium.  New York: Lothrop, 1999.

The history of clocks and calendars and how we came to use the systems of time measurement that are standard today. Includes information on other calendars and the different ways of measuring time.  (SH)

McKissack, Patricia. Can You Imagine?. New York: Richard C. Owens, Publishers, 1997, 32 pgs.

Patricia McKissack credits her active imagination for her start as a writer and for the many books she has written. Most of her stories reflect her rich rural Southern heritage. She writes a wide variety of styles, fiction and non-fiction. Find out who helps her write and research her books in this biography. (DAH) 

McKissack, Patricia and Frederick.  Langston Hughes: Great American Poet.  New York: Enslow, 1992.

Here is a great introduction to the man known as "Harlem's Poet."  Langston Hughes used his neighborhood way of life to write poetry about his large black family.  His work shows the joy and pain of the black experience.   (JD)

Meltzer, Milton.  Mary McLeod Bethune.  New York: Puffin Books, 1987. 

Mary McLeod Bethune was different.  The neighbors believed that when she was born, “her eyes were wide open.”  She worked her whole life changing what people expected of America and helped change how they treated black Americans. (KM) 

Meltzer, Milton.  Ten Queens Portraits of Women of Power. New York: Dutton, 1998. 

Meet ten powerful women including Esther, Boudicca, Maria Theresa, and Zenobia. (JM) 

Myers, Walter Dean. At Her Majesty’s Request: An African Princess in Victorian England.  New York: Scholastic Press, 1999. 

This is the story of Sarah Forbes Bonetta, a child of royal African descent who was rescued by a British naval officer from a sacrificial death, taken to England, and placed under the protection of Queen Victoria.  Sarah’s short but extraordinary life is pieced together from letters, excerpts from diary pages, prints and photographs. (LB)

Myers, Walter Dean. The Journal of Joshua Loper: A Black Cowboy.  New York: Scholastic, 1999. 

Black cowboys played an important role in American history.  This journal describes the experiences of sixteen year old Joshua Loper while making his first  cattle drive to Abilene, Kansas in 1871. (LB)

  Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds.  How I Came To Be a Writer.  New York: Aladdin, 1987.

Phyllis Reynolds Naylor shares her successes, failures, reviews, and rejection slips were all a part of her growth as a writer.  When she was growing up, she never thought she would become a writer because writing was too much fun.  (JD)

  Peet, Bill.  Bill Peet:  An Autobiography.  Boston:  Houghton, 1989.

Bill Peet tells us his story--as a young child, as a top-illustrator for Walt Disney, and as a well-loved children’s author and illustrator.  From early childhood through high school, Bill Peet struggled with academics.  It all did not seem to make sense to him.  But as he struggled, he stumbled upon his special talent.  Although reprimanded by his teachers for doodling all over his work, Peet took his passion for drawing all the way to the top (MJ)

Pinkney, Andrea.  Bill Pickett: Rodeo-Ridin’ Cowboy.  New York: Harcourt, 1996. 

This biography describes the life of Willie “Bill” Pickett.  Born the son of a freed slave, Bill grew up in Texas watching cowboys roping steer and braking ponies.  Bill was inspired to make the rodeo and cowboy life his career.  But do you know what he was most famous for?  Read to find out! (SR) 

Polacco, Patricia.  Firetalking.  Katonah, New York: Owen, 1994. 

Children’s book author, Patricia Polacco was raised by great storytellers and soon became one herself.  She introduces us to her husband and children and gives the background of some of her books.  She also talks about how she writes and draws and where she gets her ideas and inspirations. (CS) 

Poole, Josephine. Joan of Arc. New York: Knopf, 1998. Unpaged.

In France during the 1400’s Joan hears heavenly voices saying God has chosen her to save the city of Orléans.  The young girl leads an army to defeat the English, but later, Joan is taken prisoner by the English and burned to death for witchcraft. (DR)

Richards, Norman. Monticello. Chicago: Children’s Press, 1995, 32 pgs.

The life of former President Thomas Jefferson is examined through his home, Monticello, that he designed and lived in Virginia. This non-fiction book reveals Jefferson by using drawings and photos of his designs and the inventions he used in the house as it follows the course of his life. The text is easy to read and timeline, glossary, and index are included. (DAH) 

Ripken, Cal, Jr. and Mike Bryan. Cal Ripken, Jr.:  Play Ball!   Illustrated by Stan Silver.  New York:  Dial, 1999. 

Cal Ripken, Jr. is a baseball player for the Baltimore Orioles who broke the record for the number of consecutive games record.   The story of his childhood, his family and his career are described.  Contains large print and photographs.(DLM) 

  Rylant, Cynthia.  Best Wishes.  Ketonah, New York: Richard C. Owen Publishers,  1992.

This Meet the Author book lets the reader "hear" Cynthia Rylant's voice as she tells us about her life and her very own writing process.   Whether it is visiting her grandmother's house in When I Was Young in the Mountains or having the relatives come visit in The Relatives Came, she captures her childhood and makes it a part of our lives.   (JD)

Rylant, Cynthia.  Margaret, Frank, and Andy: Three Writers Stories.  NewYork: Harcourt, 1996. 

The stories of the lives of children’s authors Margaret Wise Brown, L. Frank Baum, and E.B. White are described in this volume of biographies.  The three are linked together as fabulous children’s writers in this overview of their lives.  Discover what the “L” in L. Frank Baum stands for, and when E.B. White knew he wanted to be a writer. (SR) 

  St. George, Judith.  Dear Dr. Bell . . . Your friend, Helen Keller.  New York: Putnam, 1992.

Helen Keller and Alexander Graham Bell crossed paths.  Bell, a teacher of the deaf, is responsible for Helen having a private teacher.  Their friendship recognized those in need of help. (JD)

St. George, Judith.  Sacagawea.  New York: Putnam, 1997. 

Thanks to President Jefferson, Sacagawea was discovered.  She helped Lewis and Clark—the two explorers sent to explore the land.  Sacagawea helped Lewis and Clark battle harsh blizzards, rapids, hunger, illness, and hostile animals.  (JW) 

Stanley, Diane and Vennema, Peter.  Charles Dickens.  New York: Morrow, 1993. 

Charles Dickens, beloved author of many books, lived in England during the 1800’s.  This is a beautifully illustrated account of his life.  From the blacking factory, where he worked twelve-hour days at age 12, to the beautiful home he owned after becoming a successful author, you will discover who Charles Dickens was and why people loved him and his books so much. (JS) 

Stanley, Diane. Joan of Arc. New York: Morrow, 1998. Unpaged.

In the 1400’s Joan, an illiterate peasant girl from Domremy, France has visions that God has a mission for her.  In the name of France she must escort Prince Charles to the cathedral at Reims where he will be crowned king.  Dressed in men’s clothing she accompanies the French into battle against the English.  In a later battle, Joan is taken prisoner and eventually burned at the stake. (DR)

Stanley, Diane.  Leonardo da Vinci.  New York: Morrow, 1996. 

Diane Stanley’s richly illustrated biography of Leonardo da Vinci, introduces the reader to one of the great artists of the Italian Renaissance.  Born in 1452, Leonardo was more than a great artist and sculptor; he was also an accomplished musician, scientist, and inventor.  Although he had a hard time finishing many of his projects, he did give the world great works of art such as The Last Supper and the Mona Lisa.  He was a solitary man and loved to record his thoughts in notebooks, some of which survive to this day and are used in the illustrations of this book.  When Leonardo died on May 2, 1519, he left behind great contributions to worlds of art and science. (CG) 

Szabo, Corinne. Sky Pioneer: A Photobiography of Amelia Earhart. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Society, 1997. 63 pgs.

Amelia Earhart  became the first woman passenger to fly across the Atlantic to Europe.  to come.  Her dream was to become the first woman to fly around the world.  After traveling 22,000 miles her plane went down in the Pacific Ocean and was never found. (DR) 

Thorne-Thomson, Kathleen.  Frank Lloyd Wright for Kids.  Chicago:  Chicago Review Press, 1994. 

Following a comprehensive biography of the life and ideas of Frank Lloyd Wright, there is a listing and description of twenty-one activities in the field of Math and Science.  Experiments in symmetry, balance and shapes based on the fundamental ideas of the American architect are included, as well as instructions for designing floor plans and creation of a city. (SR) 

Tillage, Leon Walter. Leon’s Story. New York: Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 1997. 107 p.

Leon Tillage, born to sharecroppers in 1936 in Fuqua, North Carolina, was the second to the oldest of nine children.  He describes the cruelty he experienced from very prejudiced white people during his childhood.  In the 1950s, he proudly participated in the civil rights movement. (DR)

Van de Rol, Rudd, and Verhoeven, Rian.  Anne Frank:  Beyond the Diary.  New York:  Viking, 1993.

This book is filled from cover to cover with precious family photos of the famous Anne Frank—photos that were taken of a real-life, normal little girl, living, laughing, growing, playing on the edge of a horrible and desperate time in history.  Come to know her as the girl she was before having to hide from the Nazis, before she died.  As you read, you will remember her life, and she will live again in your heart. (KS) 

Van Steenwyk, Elizabeth. Matthew Brady: Civil War Photographer. New York: Franklin Watts, 1997. 64 p.

Matthew Brady learned about early photography, then called “daguerreotypes,” from Samuel Morse, and it changed the course of his life. Illustrated with historical photographs, this is the story of how Brady visually recorded the Civil War. (KG)

Venezia, Mike. Getting to Know the World’s Greatest Artists: Jacob Lawrence. New York: Children’s Press, 1999.

A biography of the great African American artist Jacob Lawrence. The story is accompanied by some of his famous paintings of historical events.  (SH)

Warren, Andrea. Pioneer Girl: Growing Up on the Prairie. New York: Morrow, 1998. 96 pgs.

Grace McCance was born in 1882 in Missouri.  When she was three years old her family moved to Nebraska and lived in a small sod house.  The family faced hard times, drought, storms, grasshoppers, and blizzards.  She became a teacher, and married a handsome cowboy.  Grace loved life on the prairie and lived to be 100 years old. (DR)

Winter, Jeanette.  My Name Is Georgia: A Portrait. San Diego: Harcourt Brace/Silver Whistle, 1998. 

Brief text and colorful illustrations present the life of painter, Georgia O’Keeffe. Born on a Wisconsin farm in 1887, Georgia was content to be by herself much of the time.  She was a nonconformist who knew from an early age that she wanted to be an artist.  Her painting style turned out to be as unconventional as she was. (LB)

  Yates, Elizabeth.  Amos Fortune, Free Man.  New York: Dutton, 1950. 

Based on the original Amos Fortune papers in the library at East Jaffrey, New Hampshire, the reader learns of the inner strength of Amos Fortune.  Deemed inferior because of his color, Amos overcomes one hardship after another. Through hard work, Amos, an African prince, takes care of his people in the hostile environment of 18th century America. (JHP) 

Yolen, Jane.  A Letter from Phoenix Farm.  Photographs by Jason Stemple. Katonah, New York: Richard C. Owens, Publisher, 1992. 

In this autobiographical letter to her reader, Jane Yolen describes her home in Western Massachusetts, as well as the creative process she goes through when writing.  Jane’s work and daily life are interwoven into her writing style and techniques. (SR)

Younger, Barbara. Purple Mountain Majesties. New York: Dutton, 1998, 32 pgs.

This biography describes Katherine Lee Bates poet of “America the Beautiful.” The story traces her train trip across the country. Each stop is captured in lively illustrations, accompanied by a short text and quotes from her poetry. Find out why so many people wanted Bates’ poem chosen as our national anthem.
(DAH)