Heroes - Lives to Learn From
February
Love of Country Loyalty Honesty & Justice
February
Love of Country Loyalty Honesty & Justice
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, Abraham Lincoln, 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.
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.
A Picture Book of Harriet Tubman. David Adler .
Illustrated by Samuel Byrd. Holiday, 1992. (2)
For younger children, the life of the intrepid conductor of the underground railroad.
Illustrated by Samuel Byrd. Holiday, 1992. (2)
For younger children, the life of the intrepid conductor of the underground railroad.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Remember Valley Forge: Patriots, Tories, and Redcoats tell their Stories.
Thomas B. Allen. National Geographic Children's Books, 2015 (4-6)
For more than two centuries "Valley Forge" has evoked images of privation, suffering, hunger, endurance, and courage. When George Washington and the Continental Army hunkered down in this Pennsylvania camp to survive the brutal winter of 1778, they set an example for their countrymen and forged the character of the revolutionary army. This very readable overview of the winter they endured as they prepared for their next campaign against the British will rivet students. It provides fresh insight into the Revolutionary patriots' resourcefulness and sacrifices for their new nation. Though recommended for fourth grade and up, younger students may also find inspiration in these excerpts.
Thomas B. Allen. National Geographic Children's Books, 2015 (4-6)
For more than two centuries "Valley Forge" has evoked images of privation, suffering, hunger, endurance, and courage. When George Washington and the Continental Army hunkered down in this Pennsylvania camp to survive the brutal winter of 1778, they set an example for their countrymen and forged the character of the revolutionary army. This very readable overview of the winter they endured as they prepared for their next campaign against the British will rivet students. It provides fresh insight into the Revolutionary patriots' resourcefulness and sacrifices for their new nation. Though recommended for fourth grade and up, younger students may also find inspiration in these excerpts.
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.
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.