June 20th-- Picture Books for Older Readers, Historical Fiction, and Biographies in Picture Book Format

 

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne. Grade level: 9-12.

This tragic story is about a boy, Bruno who befriends another boy Shmuel. It takes place during the Nazi domination of West Europe, along the border of Out-With; a place that the readers soon realizes is the concentration camp Auschwitz. The naivety of both boys, sheltered by their families, also depicts how many people of various countries did not realize the horrible tragedies that the Nazis were undertaking. Although incredibly depressing, the story gives readers a pure and honest child's point of view of the time period; something that any high school student should now read.

Pink and Say by: Patricia Polacco. Grade level: 3-5.

This tale, set during the American Civil War, follows the friendship of Pink, an African American Union Soldier, and Say and  a White Union Soldier. Pink finds Say and takes him to his Mother's home. The boys soon become good friends and bonded over Say shaking President Lincoln's hand. Unfortunately, Marauders visit Moe Moe Bay's home before does the boys leave, and is killed. The boys are soon captured by Confederate soldiers and separated. Pink does not survive the war, Say lived to be a very old man and this story, has been passed down by his descendants in memory of Pink. I think that this story gives a great perspective of children during the Civil War and the true power of friendship and love.

The Help by:  Kathryn Stockett. Grade level: 9-12.

Before becoming a major motion picture, The Help was a book! The book follows the story of African American maids working in Jackson, Mississippi during the 1960s; at the cusp of the Civil Rights Movement in America. Skeeter, the daughter of a wealthy white family that employs many African American workers in the field and the house, dreams of being a writer and soon realizes the story of inequality that is right in front of her. The story sheds light race relations in the 1960s in the American South, and the struggles that African Americans had to face. I love this story and recommend it to anyone!


John, Paul, George, & Ben by: Lane Smith. Grade level: K-2.

This great story for kids sheds some light on the childhoods of some of America's Founding Fathers! It documents how John Hancock always wrote his name largely, Paul Revere was  a loudmouth, George Washington was honest, Ben Franklin was clever, and Thomas Jefferson was independent. I think its a great way to introduce kids into some American history, before jumping into more historical (factual) data; I loved it!


Abe's Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln by: Doreen Rappaport. Grade level: 3-5.

This book documents the early life into the presidency of Abraham Lincoln. Along with beautiful illustrations by Kadir Nelson and direct quotes from Lincoln himself, Rappaport documents how Lincoln's perspective was always progressing and he always remained honest. It also captures how he was adamant about preserving the Union and ending Slavery. I think this book gives students a great view into Lincoln's early life while giving them some American history!


 
Me, Frida by: Amy Novesky. Grade level: K-3.

Frida Khalo is one of the most popular artists of our time. This book documents her early life with husband Diego Rivera. They left Mexico in 1930 for San Fransisco, and it was her first time leaving the country. The book documents hoe the adjustment was very hard for her but her work Frieda and Diego Rivera soon became very popular. The illustrations in the book are great and its a great beginning biography for children to learn about Frida!


Rosa by Nikki Giovanni. Grade level: 3-5.


Rosa Parks is one of the most well known and influential figures of the American Civil Rights Movement. By refusing to give up her seat on the bus in Montgomery, Alabama she further fueled civil rights activists to stand up for their rights. This fantastically illustrated book, educates students not only on the importance of this movement but the major role that she had it in!



Ellington Was Not A Street by: Ntozake Shange. Grade level: Pre-K- 3. 


In this book, Shange documents the many famous African American artists and elite ( i.e- Du Bois) that often visited her home. During their time, they were still struggling for equality but she just remembers them being at her home and enjoying each others company. The back of the book also contains tiny biographies for some of the important figures she discusses like Duke Ellington and Virgil Atkins. I think that this book is a beautiful tribute to them and also educates children about some of the most influential African American in American culture.




Eleanor, Quiet No More by: Doreen Rappaport. Grade 3-5. 


Another beautifully illustrated book by Rappaport, documents the life of one of the most influential first lady's in American History, Eleanor Roosevelt. Using her own words, the books follows Eleanor's early years into her more robust political voice. I think that his is another great book for an American history discussion of for Women's History Month!








The Crucible by: Arthur Miller. Grade level: 9-12.


This classic by Arthur Miller, is based off the Salem Witch Trials that occurred in America during the late 1600s. One of the main characters, Abigail and her friends are found dancing in the woods and lie that they were possessed. The trials that begin due to their lies leave a few people dead and even more lives changed forever. Miller wrote this play during the McCarthy era in America (the 1950s), another time when many people believed false accusations out of fear. It is still something that students can relate to and enjoy because of the many other times in world history when fear was used to brainwash others; and it's also a great story!