Biography: Gives factual information about the lives of actual people, including their experiences, influences, and accomplishments.
Duke Ellington Written by Andrea Davis Pinkney Illustrated by Brian Pinkney
Award: Coretta Scott King Award and Caldecott Award Reading Level: 5th and 6th Grade Summary: This is a true story about the life of Duke Ellington, a forerunner in the evolution of jazz. It speaks of Duke’s journey from a boy who refused to play the piano to a man who became one of the most talented pianists in jazz history. The Duke became known for even more than his piano skills, he was the most famous for his amazing jazz music writing abilities. Interdisciplinary Uses: This is a great book to use in Music in order to learn about the evolution of Jazz and other prominent music genres in the United States. It could also be used in a History and Social Studies lesson that explores the time period that this story is set in and the social customs of that time.
The Man who Walked between the Towers Written and Illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein
Award: Caldecott Award Reading Level: 3rd and 4th Grade Summary: This is a true story about a man named Phillipe who walked across the twin towers in New York City on a tightrope. It was Phillipe’s life goal to do this and nothing was going to stop him. The story is full of adventure and suspense, engaging the reader as it unfolds. Interdisciplinary Uses: This book is great to use as a Social Studies lesson on the Twin Towers. It could lead into a lesson on their origin and construction, their purpose, and what happened to them. It could also be used in a math lesson on measurement by looking at the high, width, length, and area of the twin towers, as well as how far apart they were.
Paul Revere’s Ride Written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Illustrated by Ted Rand
Award: Christopher Book Award Reading Level: 5th and 6th Grade Summary: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s famous poem, Paul Revere’s Ride, is brought to life through the illustrations in this captivating book which is sure to engage the reader in a new and exciting way. Interdisciplinary Uses: This book could be used in a History lesson on the story of Paul Revere. It could also be used in a Geography lesson by examining the places and distances of Paul Revere's Ride.
Reaching for the Moon By Buzz Aldrin and Illustrated by Wendell Minor Award: Parent’s Choice Award Reading Level: 5th and 6th Grade Summary: In this book, Buzz Aldrin writes about his life story leading up to him being one of the first men to set foot on the moon. The story starts from his childhood and moves through his years at West Point and then Air Force and beyond. The book is inspiring for young children and encourages them to follows their dreams, even if it seems impossible. Interdisciplinary Uses: This book could be used in a Earth & Space science lesson where the students are learning about NASA, its achievements and its influence on the world. It could also be used in an English Language Arts lesson by having students write their own autobiography.
Snowflake Bentley Written by Jacqueline Briggs Martin Illustrated by Mary Azarian
Award: Caldecott Award Reading Level: 4th and 5th Grade Summary: This story describes the life of Wilson Bentley who had a fascination with snowflakes. From it the reader can learn various facts about snowflakes and the methods Bentley used to photograph them. Bentley is still known today as Snowflake Bentley, the farmer scientist who revealed the mysteries of the snowflake. Interdisciplinary Uses: This book would be fantastic to use in a unit on the seasons. Students can learn so much about winter and snowflakes from this book. This book could also be used in a lesson that looks at the history and development of cameras and photography.