Heroes - Lives to Learn From
February
Love of Country Loyalty Honesty & Justice
February
Love of Country Loyalty Honesty & Justice
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln
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It is hard to imagine an individual who embodies honesty, love of country, loyalty, and concern for justice more fully than Abraham Lincoln. Our blog post in February (Telling Our Stories) spotlights Lincoln's honesty. The books below showcase various aspects of this extraordinary man's life. Our sixteenth president came from humble beginnings and experienced a great deal of failure and tragedy in his life. He led the nation through its darkest hour (the Civil War) and signed the Emancipation Proclamation that would end of slavery. Lincoln persevered through his many trials, never losing his inner compass, nor his sense of humor. This February we celebrate his lifelong dedication to the ideals of the republic he helped create: liberty, equality, and justice. His personal credo:
"I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have. I must stand with anybody that stands right, and stand with him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong." |
Abraham Lincoln: A Man for All the People. Myra C. Livingston
Illustrated by Samuel Byrd. Holiday, 1993. (K-2)
A poetic retelling of the life that embodied perseverance, courage, and devotion to the ideals of his country.
Illustrated by Samuel Byrd. Holiday, 1993. (K-2)
A poetic retelling of the life that embodied perseverance, courage, and devotion to the ideals of his country.
Abe Lincoln Remembers. Ann Turner.
Illustrated by Wendell Minor. Harper Collins, 2001. (2-4) Courage, Humility, Kindness This deceptively simple book yields profound insight into our nation's 16th president. On the night that Lincoln will attend Ford's Theater with his wife, he looks back on his life from log-cabin childhood to the presidency. Emerging from its beautifully illustrated pages is the story of a kind, humble, forgiving man, who loved his country, led it in hard times, and grieved over the deaths of the Civil War, even while he rejoiced in freedoms won. This is not a history text, but a personal portrait of a man who learned from his frontier boyhood, sought his own freedom (from his father as a young man), read voraciously, studied and worked hard, loved his wife ("bright and brave, like a flag crackling in the wind") and children ("though I didn't like it when Tad drove his cart and goats down the White House hall.") and most of all the nation he served. A wonderful way for US to remember Abe Lincoln. Excellent fit with the Core Knowledge Civil War units in second grade. |
Vinnie and Abraham. Dawn Fitzgerald
Illustrated by Catherine Stock. Charlesbridge, 2009. (2-5) Inspiring picture-book biography of Vinnie Ream, the self-taught artist and accomplished American sculptress, who never gave up. Born (1847) and raised in the Wisconsin territory, she was admiring of, and eager to sculpt, Abraham Lincoln. When she and her family moved to DC during the Civil War, Vinnie managed to convince the President to sit for her. After Lincoln's assassination, she became (at 18) the youngest artist and first woman to receive a federal commission. She sculpted, from marble, the Lincoln statue that now stands in the Capitol (statuary hall). The book is a tribute to her persistence, courage to step outside prescribed bounds, and great love for a great man. |
Honest Abe’s Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln. Doreen Rappaport.
Illustrated by Kadir Nelson. Hyperion Books, 2008 (2-4) A poetic and beautifully illustrated presentation of Lincoln’s life and accomplishments. Rappaport weaves Lincoln’s own words into her text, which follows him from lanky backwoods boy to leader of the nation locked in a deadly civil war to end slavery. Compellingly told, an outstanding introduction to the work of Lincoln, slavery, and the Civil War. The Gettysburg Address closes the book. |
The Gettysburg Address. Abraham Lincoln.
Illustrated by Michael McCurdy. Houghton Mifflin, 1995. (2) Haunting black and white drawings illustrate one of the simplest and most direct statements of our nation’s meaning. |
Abe Lincoln at Last! (Magic Treehouse Book: Merlin Mission) Mary Pope Osborne. Illustrated by Sal Murdocca. Chapter book, 144pages. Random House, 2013 (2-5)
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Abraham Lincoln: A Nonfiction Companion to Magic Treehouse Abe Lincoln at Last! Mary Pope Osborne, Natalie Pope Boynce. Random House , 2011
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In February, when we celebrate Presidents’ Day and Black History Month,
the Core Virtues program showcases a variety of American heroes and heroines.
George Washington, Molly Pitcher and Jane Addams join Benjamin Banneker, Sojourner Truth, and many other African-Americans who have enriched our nation.
A Picture Book of George Washington. David Adler.
Illustrated by John and Alexandra Wallner. Holiday House, 1990. (K-3)
A simple and clear introduction to “the indispensable man." his youth, commander of American forces in the Revolutionary War and the first President.
Illustrated by John and Alexandra Wallner. Holiday House, 1990. (K-3)
A simple and clear introduction to “the indispensable man." his youth, commander of American forces in the Revolutionary War and the first President.
Steamboat School. Deborah Hopkinson. Illustrated by Ron Husband. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2016 (K-2) Courage, Perseverance, Justice, Black History Month
Set in Missouri 1847 and inspired by the life of freed slave Rev. John Berry Meachum. James and his sister Tassie attend class secretly in the basement of a church. Even though the children are not enslaved, schools in Missouri were not allowed to teach ‘Negroes or mulattoes’. When the basement school is discovered and closed, Rev. John is able to continue teaching the children on a steamboat he builds and anchors in the river, which is federal property, and not subject to Missouri law. Ron Husband’s evocative and detailed drawings show the life of the children and convey their deep desire to learn despite the obstacles. A marvelous book.
Set in Missouri 1847 and inspired by the life of freed slave Rev. John Berry Meachum. James and his sister Tassie attend class secretly in the basement of a church. Even though the children are not enslaved, schools in Missouri were not allowed to teach ‘Negroes or mulattoes’. When the basement school is discovered and closed, Rev. John is able to continue teaching the children on a steamboat he builds and anchors in the river, which is federal property, and not subject to Missouri law. Ron Husband’s evocative and detailed drawings show the life of the children and convey their deep desire to learn despite the obstacles. A marvelous book.
Sojourner Truth’s Step-Stomp Stride Andrea Pinkney.
Illustrated by Brian Pinkney. Hyperiond, 2009. (K-3)
An outstanding read-aloud, this true story of Belle Baumfree traces her youth in slavery, her escape to freedom, and her new life in freedom when she took the name Sojourner Truth, speaking out against slavery. The husband-wife team of Andrea and Brian Pinkney bring the spirit of this hopeful, fiery, and deeply religious woman to life, as she stepped, stomped, and strode her way across the United States to advocate for freedom and women's rights.
Illustrated by Brian Pinkney. Hyperiond, 2009. (K-3)
An outstanding read-aloud, this true story of Belle Baumfree traces her youth in slavery, her escape to freedom, and her new life in freedom when she took the name Sojourner Truth, speaking out against slavery. The husband-wife team of Andrea and Brian Pinkney bring the spirit of this hopeful, fiery, and deeply religious woman to life, as she stepped, stomped, and strode her way across the United States to advocate for freedom and women's rights.
Founding Mothers: Remembering the Ladies and
Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation. Cokie Roberts.
Illustrated by Diane Goode. Harper Collins, 2014 and Harper Collins, 2016.
(Love of Country, 1-4)
In this pair of lively, well-written books journalist Cokie Roberts introduces children to the women who built and bettered our nation. Her Founding Mothers book (2014) highlights the lives and accomplishments of quintessential Founding Mothers, Abigail Adams and Martha Washington, but also spotlights lesser known figures such as Mercy Otis Warren, the first person to write a comprehensive history of the American Revolution. The expected and unexpected combine in both volumes. In Ladies of Liberty (2017) Roberts heroines include explorer Sacajawea, African-American poet Lucy Prince, educator Mother Elizabeth Seton, reformers and defenders of the orphaned, widowed, and poor: Eliza Hamilton and Rebecca Gratz. And many more!
Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation. Cokie Roberts.
Illustrated by Diane Goode. Harper Collins, 2014 and Harper Collins, 2016.
(Love of Country, 1-4)
In this pair of lively, well-written books journalist Cokie Roberts introduces children to the women who built and bettered our nation. Her Founding Mothers book (2014) highlights the lives and accomplishments of quintessential Founding Mothers, Abigail Adams and Martha Washington, but also spotlights lesser known figures such as Mercy Otis Warren, the first person to write a comprehensive history of the American Revolution. The expected and unexpected combine in both volumes. In Ladies of Liberty (2017) Roberts heroines include explorer Sacajawea, African-American poet Lucy Prince, educator Mother Elizabeth Seton, reformers and defenders of the orphaned, widowed, and poor: Eliza Hamilton and Rebecca Gratz. And many more!
Moses:When Harriet Tubman Led her People to Freedom
Carole Boston Weatherford.
Illustrated by Kadir Nelson. Hyperion, 2006. (Justice, K-4)
A model of faith and courage, Harriet Tubman gazes at the night sky and hears the voice of the Lord, calling her to freedom. Confident of God's faithfulness, she escapes the harsh reality of slavery, and dedicates herself to freeing others. She became for slaves their "Moses," leading them out of oppression on the Underground Railroad. Stark, dramatic, and beautiful illustrations trace this humble woman's journey.
Carole Boston Weatherford.
Illustrated by Kadir Nelson. Hyperion, 2006. (Justice, K-4)
A model of faith and courage, Harriet Tubman gazes at the night sky and hears the voice of the Lord, calling her to freedom. Confident of God's faithfulness, she escapes the harsh reality of slavery, and dedicates herself to freeing others. She became for slaves their "Moses," leading them out of oppression on the Underground Railroad. Stark, dramatic, and beautiful illustrations trace this humble woman's journey.
Adler, David. A Picture Book of Frederick Douglass.
Illustrated by Samuel Byrd. Holiday, 1993. (2-4)
Life story of one of the first African-American publishers and most important spokesmen for black Civil Rights.
Illustrated by Samuel Byrd. Holiday, 1993. (2-4)
Life story of one of the first African-American publishers and most important spokesmen for black Civil Rights.
Tiny Stitches. The Life of Medical Pioneer Vivien Thomas. Gwendolyn Hooks. Illustrated by Colin Bootman. Lee & Low Books, 2016 (2-4) Perseverance, Diligence, Black History Month
Vivien Thomas had dreamed of becoming a doctor since he was young. He saved his money, but in 1929 when the banks collapsed, Vivien had to start saving all over again. He took a job as a research assistant to a surgeon, Dr. Blalock. Thomas was a meticulous researcher. When Dr. Blalock was offered the position of Chief of Surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital, he insisted that Vivien be his assistant there. Despite many challenges of moving to Baltimore and the racism he confronted, the young researcher did extremely well in his work. A pediatric cardiologist asked for his help in developing a surgery for babies with heart problems. Thomas not only figured out how to do the surgery, but fabricated special, tiny needles for the operations. He continued to work at the medical school his whole career, but it was not until 1971 that Vivien Thomas was publicly acknowledged for his ingenuity and skill. An amazing story of determination and brilliance, illustrated with glowing watercolors.
Vivien Thomas had dreamed of becoming a doctor since he was young. He saved his money, but in 1929 when the banks collapsed, Vivien had to start saving all over again. He took a job as a research assistant to a surgeon, Dr. Blalock. Thomas was a meticulous researcher. When Dr. Blalock was offered the position of Chief of Surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital, he insisted that Vivien be his assistant there. Despite many challenges of moving to Baltimore and the racism he confronted, the young researcher did extremely well in his work. A pediatric cardiologist asked for his help in developing a surgery for babies with heart problems. Thomas not only figured out how to do the surgery, but fabricated special, tiny needles for the operations. He continued to work at the medical school his whole career, but it was not until 1971 that Vivien Thomas was publicly acknowledged for his ingenuity and skill. An amazing story of determination and brilliance, illustrated with glowing watercolors.
Dear Benjamin Banneker Andrea Davis Pinkney.
Illustrated by Brian Pinkney. Hougton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015. (2-5)
A model of intellectual perseverance, accomplishment, and an advocate for equality, free black Benjamin Banneker was the first African-American to write an almanac. An against-all-odds story, Banneker had to discard a complete first draft when publishers refused to print it because he was black. His second attempt was successful. Banneker sent the almanac to Thomas Jefferson, along with a query as to how the author of the Declaration of Independence could continue to own slaves.
Illustrated by Brian Pinkney. Hougton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015. (2-5)
A model of intellectual perseverance, accomplishment, and an advocate for equality, free black Benjamin Banneker was the first African-American to write an almanac. An against-all-odds story, Banneker had to discard a complete first draft when publishers refused to print it because he was black. His second attempt was successful. Banneker sent the almanac to Thomas Jefferson, along with a query as to how the author of the Declaration of Independence could continue to own slaves.
They Called Her Molly Pitcher. Anne Rockwell.
Illustrated by Cynthia von Buhler. Dragonfly Books, 2006. (3-5)
She was the only female sergeant in the American Revolutionary army. This is a vivid account of how Mary Hays, the feisty wife of a revolutionary soldier, accompanied her husband to Valley Forge, helping troops endure the bitter winter there, then stayed on with the soldiers through the blistering summer on the battlefield. She brought water to the wounded and heat-stricken (and acquired her nickname “Molly Pitcher”). She secured her own place in history when she took charge of the cannon when her husband was wounded in the middle of battle. George Washington made her a sergeant for her efforts. A story of faithfulness to husband, country, and ideals, as well as incredible courage.
Illustrated by Cynthia von Buhler. Dragonfly Books, 2006. (3-5)
She was the only female sergeant in the American Revolutionary army. This is a vivid account of how Mary Hays, the feisty wife of a revolutionary soldier, accompanied her husband to Valley Forge, helping troops endure the bitter winter there, then stayed on with the soldiers through the blistering summer on the battlefield. She brought water to the wounded and heat-stricken (and acquired her nickname “Molly Pitcher”). She secured her own place in history when she took charge of the cannon when her husband was wounded in the middle of battle. George Washington made her a sergeant for her efforts. A story of faithfulness to husband, country, and ideals, as well as incredible courage.
Jane Addams: Pioneer Social Worker. Charnan Simon.
Children’s Press, 1998. (3-6)
An amply illustrated presentation of the civic heroine, Jane Addams, who was devoted to helping those in need. This third to sixth grade treatment introduces young readers to the remarkable woman who founded Chicago’s Hull House, aiding immigrants and other laborers through education, day care for their children, self-help clubs and even an introduction to American art and culture.
Children’s Press, 1998. (3-6)
An amply illustrated presentation of the civic heroine, Jane Addams, who was devoted to helping those in need. This third to sixth grade treatment introduces young readers to the remarkable woman who founded Chicago’s Hull House, aiding immigrants and other laborers through education, day care for their children, self-help clubs and even an introduction to American art and culture.
Memphis, Martin and the Mountaintop: The Sanitation Strike of 1968.
Alice Faye Duncan. Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie. Calkins Creek, 2018.
40 pgs. (4-6) Justice, Perseverance, Courage, Black History Month
Compellingly told and vividly illustrated, this is a rich read-aloud for older students. Two black sanitation workers die in Memphis, their tragic deaths linked to unsafe working conditions, and a strike ensues. Told in first person format by the daughter of a sanitation worker, this book gives a clear picture of what it took to ensure justice for the sanitation workers of Memphis. Martin Luther King Jr.'s visit to the city and his support for the striking laborers instills hope. Simple but striking illustrations show the long hours marching, protests, speeches, and the many sacrifices by families of workers (now without pay), who never gave up hope for a just outcome. Finally, after the tragic death of Martin Luther King, Jr, the sixty-five day strike was settled in their favor. Well researched and riveting, this story exemplifies justice, courage, and perseverance.
Alice Faye Duncan. Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie. Calkins Creek, 2018.
40 pgs. (4-6) Justice, Perseverance, Courage, Black History Month
Compellingly told and vividly illustrated, this is a rich read-aloud for older students. Two black sanitation workers die in Memphis, their tragic deaths linked to unsafe working conditions, and a strike ensues. Told in first person format by the daughter of a sanitation worker, this book gives a clear picture of what it took to ensure justice for the sanitation workers of Memphis. Martin Luther King Jr.'s visit to the city and his support for the striking laborers instills hope. Simple but striking illustrations show the long hours marching, protests, speeches, and the many sacrifices by families of workers (now without pay), who never gave up hope for a just outcome. Finally, after the tragic death of Martin Luther King, Jr, the sixty-five day strike was settled in their favor. Well researched and riveting, this story exemplifies justice, courage, and perseverance.
Washington at Valley Forge. Russell Freedman.
Holiday House, 2008 (4-8)
Loyalty to and love of country is often tested under the direst of circumstances, and George Washington was up to the task. Russell Freedman pens this compelling, amply illustrated account of the brutal winter at Valley Forge (1777). Deprived of food, supplies, and even clothing, the revolutionary army endured enormous privation but was led by the tireless and resourceful George Washington. His efforts to rebuild supply lines, lift morale, maintain discipline and reward his men’s faithfulness to ideals were a lasting and cherished legacy.
Holiday House, 2008 (4-8)
Loyalty to and love of country is often tested under the direst of circumstances, and George Washington was up to the task. Russell Freedman pens this compelling, amply illustrated account of the brutal winter at Valley Forge (1777). Deprived of food, supplies, and even clothing, the revolutionary army endured enormous privation but was led by the tireless and resourceful George Washington. His efforts to rebuild supply lines, lift morale, maintain discipline and reward his men’s faithfulness to ideals were a lasting and cherished legacy.
A Voice of Her Own: A Story of Phillis Wheatley, Slave Poet. Kathryn Lasky.
Illustrated by Paul Lee. Candlewick, 2012. (4-6)
Extraordinary story of the enslaved African-American poet, who found a voice of her own even in servitude to the Boston-based Wheatley family. The Wheatley family encouraged her education, and Phillis knew Latin and Greek by the age of twelve. At fourteen, she wrote original verse, and in 1773 became the first published African-American female poet. She was emancipated after the publication of her book, and while the American Revolution with its ideas of equality raged around her. Kathryn Lasky's lyrical prose and Paul Lee's vibrant illustrations bring this improbable story to life.
Illustrated by Paul Lee. Candlewick, 2012. (4-6)
Extraordinary story of the enslaved African-American poet, who found a voice of her own even in servitude to the Boston-based Wheatley family. The Wheatley family encouraged her education, and Phillis knew Latin and Greek by the age of twelve. At fourteen, she wrote original verse, and in 1773 became the first published African-American female poet. She was emancipated after the publication of her book, and while the American Revolution with its ideas of equality raged around her. Kathryn Lasky's lyrical prose and Paul Lee's vibrant illustrations bring this improbable story to life.
Pathfinders. The Journeys of 16 Extraordinary Black Souls. Tonya Bolden.
Harry N. Abrams, 2017 (5-8) Perseverance, Black History Month. 128 pgs.
“Grit. Guts. Goals.” So begins the stories of sixteen souls you probably haven’t heard of, but are unforgettable once introduced. Mathematician, Banker, Pilot, Race Car Driver, Filmmaker, Cartoonist, Architect: these are fascinating biographies of little known African Americans, accompanied by lots of historical context as well as photographs of the era and people they knew. One of these could be read at morning gatherings over a single or two days.
Harry N. Abrams, 2017 (5-8) Perseverance, Black History Month. 128 pgs.
“Grit. Guts. Goals.” So begins the stories of sixteen souls you probably haven’t heard of, but are unforgettable once introduced. Mathematician, Banker, Pilot, Race Car Driver, Filmmaker, Cartoonist, Architect: these are fascinating biographies of little known African Americans, accompanied by lots of historical context as well as photographs of the era and people they knew. One of these could be read at morning gatherings over a single or two days.
Jane Addams: Champion of Democracy. Dennis Brindell Fradin and Judith Bloom Fradin. Clarion, 2006. (5-6)
This young adult biography introduces students to the tireless and resourceful civic heroine, Jane Addams (1860-1935), whose life was devoted to helping others realize the American promises of opportunity and possibility. She is primarily remembered for her work to aid immigrants with the establishment of Hull House in Chicago. She also advocated for women’s suffrage and then civil rights (helping to found the NAACP), and worked for international peace in the early twentieth century, receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1935.
This young adult biography introduces students to the tireless and resourceful civic heroine, Jane Addams (1860-1935), whose life was devoted to helping others realize the American promises of opportunity and possibility. She is primarily remembered for her work to aid immigrants with the establishment of Hull House in Chicago. She also advocated for women’s suffrage and then civil rights (helping to found the NAACP), and worked for international peace in the early twentieth century, receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1935.