Classics, Nonfiction, and Children's Literature
Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers (illustrated by Shawn Harris; Chronicle Books, 2017) is a second-person picture book about the Statue of Liberty. As the title indicates, it focuses on the right foot of the statue, a foot that shows motion! As a whole, the book tells the history of the sculpture, from the idea
Young John Quincy by Cheryl Harkness (Bradbury Press, 1994) is a unique historical fiction story about John Quincy Adams in which events from his childhood during the Revolutionary era in America tell a story. Harkness provides age detailed illustrations and maps to accompany his story. Although the text is lengthy for young readers, Young John
The young boy narrating When Mr. Jefferson Came to Philadelphia: What I Learned of Freedom, 1776Â by Ann Turner (Harper Collins, 2003) is the child of a Pennsylvania lodging house owner that welcomes Thomas Jefferson during an important summer in American history. Ned’s first person story introduces Jefferson, as well as the core message of the
Give Me Liberty!: The Story of the Declaration of Independence by Russell Freedman (Holiday House, 2000) gives a thorough account of the early days of the Revolutionary War with a storytelling voice, making it a highly accessible and interesting middle grade nonfiction book. The title suggests that the book is about the Declaration of Independence,
The children’s picture book biography Her Name Was Mary Katharine by Ella Schwartz (illustrated by Dow Phumiruk; Christy Ottaviano Books, 2022) tells about the woman whose name is on The Declaration of Independence. As a woman in Revolutionary America, Mary Katharine Goddard had a unique opportunity to succeed as a printer, eventually securing the chance
At first, I thought Teaching Kids to Think by Darlene Sweetland and Ron Stolberg (Sourcebooks, March 2015) had a deceptive title. I had thought it would be about helping kids learn and logic through academics. Rather, Teaching Kids to Think is focused on helping parents raise children that think through the basics of everyday survival and life, emphasizing
Benjamin Franklin: An American Life by Walter Isaacson (Simon and Schuster, 2003) is a fantastic portrait of a complex man. I have always loved Ben Franklin (ever since I read Ben and Me by Robert Lawlor as a child). Reading Isaacson’s biography helped me to see why I liked it him so much: he was,
When the confident orphaned young American woman at the center of The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James (published 1881) receives a fortune, it seems she will be able to live her dream life of happiness. Yet, James’ portrait of Isabel Archer’s character, emotional development, and her choices is a complex one. As a
Leap Back Home to Me by Lauren Thompson and illustrated by Matthew Cordell (Margaret K. McElderry Books, April 2011) reminded me of Margaret Wise Brown’s Runaway Bunny: a young one goes out on his own, but always must come back home to his mama. The difference is that in Leap Back Home to Me, the
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