Additional June Book Recommendations for Grades 3-6
Lives to Learn From
Curlee, Lynn. Rushmore.
Scholastic Press, 2000. (5-6) Lives to Learn From
Ostensibly about Mount Rushmore, this breathtakingly beautiful book is much more about stone sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, and his most important work, Mount Rushmore. Gutzon could have been nicknamed “Gutsy” for the project he undertook between 1927 and 1941. He was charged with blasting and carving the faces of four major presidents into the Black Hills of South Dakota. This is an amazing story of vision, perseverance, and just plain chutzpah.
DePaola, Tomie. Francis: The Poor Man of Assisi.
Holiday, 1982. (4-6) Lives to Learn From
The gentle saint’s quest for holiness and a life in harmony with the will of God.
Duggleby, John. Story Painter: The Life of Jacob Lawrence.
Chronicle Books, 1998. (4-6) Lives to Learn From
A giant of contemporary American painting, Jacob Lawrence endured poverty, a fatherless home, endless childhood mobility, and a less than stimulating education at Public School 68 before finding his way as a major artist. This book profiles his family’s move from the south, life in Harlem, and his mother’s lack of confidence in her son’s abilities. The vitality and energy of his work shine through in this story of remarkable perseverance.
Fisher, Leonard Everett. Galileo.
Macmillan, 1992. (5) Lives to Learn From
Dramatically illustrated biography of the intellectual maverick who sought truth and paid for his intellectual courage.
Fisher, Leonard Everett. Gandhi.
Atheneum Books, 1995. (5-6) Lives to Learn From
Starkly illustrated, this is the dramatic story of Gandhi’s non-violent fight for India’s freedom from colonial rule. “Non-violence is a weapon for the brave.” For older students.
Fisher, Leonard Everett. Marie Curie.
Macmillan, 1994. (4-6) Lives to Learn From
Another of Fisher’s dramatic and substantial picture book portrayals of individuals who changed the world. Curie came from an accomplished and learned Polish family. Hers was a driven life. A woman who worked often to exhaustion, she changed science, receiving Nobel prizes in both chemistry and physics. But her life and work raise the question when is “persistence” too much of a good thing?
Fisher, Leonard Everett. Prince Henry the Navigator.
Macmillan, 1990. (5)Lives to Learn From
Excellent biography of the Portuguese Prince whose quest for knowledge prompted him to found a school of navigation, which was in large part responsible for the Age of Exploration.
Fritz, Jean. The Double Life of Pocahontas.
Puffin, 2002. (2-4) Lives to Learn From
Fritz retells the story of the heroine of two worlds.
Giblin, James Cross. George Washington: A Picture Book Biography.
Illustrated by Michael Dooling. Scholastic Inc, 1998. (3-6) Lives to Learn From
Rich illustrations in this substantive picture book biography of the nation’s first president. The biography traces Washington from his boyhood earnestness (copying over 100 rules of deportment) through his military and political careers. A volume that truly explains why Washington was “first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.”
Giblin, James Cross. Thomas Jefferson: A Picture Book Biography.
Illustrated by Michael DoolingScholastic Inc, 1994. (3-6) Lives to Learn From
Rich illustrations in this substantive picture book biography of the soft-spoken Virginian who penned the Declaration of Independence, served America in France, was witness to revolution there, and then as president doubled the size of this nation with a single stroke of his quill.
Gollub, Matthew. Cool Melons—Turn to Frogs! The Life and Poems of Issa.
Illustrated by Kazuko G. Stone. Lee and Low Books, 2004. (2-5) Lives to Learn From
Brother Issa, the renowned Japanese master of Haiku (1763-1827), delighted from an early age in the cries of insects and the songs of farmers as they worked. In this beautifully illustrated volume the poet comes to life through his haiku and his wide-open wonder at the world around him. Particularly good for use with Japan unit in 2nd grade or Feudal Japan in 5th grade.
Harness, Cheryl. Young Abe Lincoln: The Frontier Days, 1809-1837.
National Geographic Society, 2008. (4-6) Lives to Learn From
Lyrical prose and vivid illustrations bring young Abe to life. Harness provides an engaging retelling of Lincoln’s Midwestern boyhood, the hardships of frontier life, and the pain of much personal loss (mother dying at nine; sister at 18). Born with no social advantages, Lincoln shines for his love of learning, drive to improve himself, and extraordinary perseverance. Could be used in conjunction with the Civil War unit in 5th grade.
Harness, Cheryl. Abe Lincoln Goes to Washington, 1837-1865.
National Geographic Society, 1997. (4-6) Lives to Learn From
The continuation and conclusion of Lincoln’s story, as he begins to nurse political ambitions, denounces slavery, seeks the presidency, and is determined to save the Union through the Civil War. The reader cannot fail to be impressed by Lincoln’s profound strength and charity throughout this most difficult of times. He leads the country through the deadly war, endures the death of his youngest son, and dares to hope “for a just and lasting peace.” Could be used in conjunction with the Civil War unit in 5th grade.
Harness, Cheryl. Young Teddy Roosevelt.
National Geographic Society, 1998. (4-6) Lives to Learn From
Curiosity, courage in adversity, determination, and love of country shine in this colorful biography of Teddy Roosevelt. Harness chronicles TR’s life from his youth (early adventures as a naturalist, and struggles with his health) to his manhood (police commissioner, assistant secretary of the Navy) to his inauguration as president. Born into social privilege, Roosevelt nonetheless endured great loss and hardship, with the death of his father, mother and wife. In each case he emerged stronger from his sufferings, learning to ride the range, shoot, and hunt. His many interests and his inclination to still “seize the day” are revealed here.
Kroll, Steven. Robert Fulton: From Submarine to Steamboat.
Illustrated by Bill Farnsworth. Holiday House, 1999. (2-4) Lives to Learn From
Ingenuity, restlessness, and perseverance all combine in the life of one of America’s consummate inventors. Famous for his invention of the steamboat, Fulton’s early life shows radical openness to the many paths before him and a keen desire to find the best use of his own gifts. He made his home in the United States, Europe, and America again. Among the many avenues he pursued were painting, jewelry making, canal design, submarine design (which he imagined would end warfare), and finally steamboat design. He suffered derision and scoffing (his steamboat was nick- named “Fulton’s Folly”), but lived to see the success of his work. He died helping a friend. Because of the relative complexity of the chronicle, 4th grade is probably a better placement than 2nd, but Fulton is featured in both grades.
Lantier, Patricia and James Bentley. Albert Schweitzer.
Gareth Stevens Children’s Books, 1991. (4-6) Lives to Learn From
This is a lengthier and more substantive biography (than Carol Greene’s) of the extraordinary German physician from a privileged background who left Europe for a practice in Africa. Lantier and Bentley capture the strivings and struggles of a devout, brilliant man who was deeply touched by human suffering, and who devoted himself to eradicating it. This sixty-page biography can be read over two or three days.
Lasky, Kathryn. A Brilliant Streak: The Making of Mark Twain.
Illustrated by Barry Moser. Harcourt Brace, 1998. (5-6) Lives to Learn From
With grace and wit, Lasky recounts the youth and young adulthood of one who may not be considered a “moral exemplar” by all. He didn’t care much for organized religion and he admitted to being a “truth-stretcher” and at times "remembering” things that might not have happened. But Twain’s disdain for religion was generally directed at its practitioners who lost sight of deeper moral realities (the wrongness of slavery, for example) and his truth-stretching was generally in the interest of telling a good tale. “I was born excited,” he wrote and this rich account traces the events that made him a great storyteller with a huge heart. Excellent tie-in to Twain study in 5th grade.
Lasky, Kathryn. The Librarian Who Measured the Earth.
Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes. Little, 1994. (4-6)Lives to Learn From
Excellent older reader picture book biography of Eratosthenes whose intellectual curiosity prompted unrelenting (and successful) efforts to measure the earth. Works well with 6th grade review of Greece.
Lasky, Kathryn. The Man Who Made Time Travel.
Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2003. (5-6) Lives to Learn From
This is a challenging but rewarding science biography for fifth and sixth graders. It is a story of perseverance and extraordinary intellectual virtue. We learn of the life-long efforts of English clockmaker John Harrison, to solve the problem of measuring longitude at sea with a clock that would not lose time. (The relationship of time to longitude is the challenging scientific concept in this book.) Harrison developed the first accurate chronometer, which became an invaluable guide for modern navigators. But the process was painstaking. Responding to a competition and prize offered by England’s Board of Longitude in the early 1700s, Harrison spent his life developing a series of clocks that would ensure maritime safety. He faced his own inner determination to constantly improve the device’s precision and accuracy and he faced great professional skepticism about the clearly proven results of his work. A quest that began when he was a young man dominated his life. In June 1773, after five trials, numerous improvements, and changes in concept, 79 year old Harrison was awarded the prize money, but never the actual prize! This is a model of scientific virtue in action.
Quackenbush, Robert. Benjamin Franklin and his Friends.
Pippin Press, 1991. (3-5)Lives to Learn From
Franklin’s resourcefulness, diligence, and intellectual courage come to life in Quackenbush’s light but accurate biography.
Quackenbush, Robert. Once Upon a Time: A Story of the Brothers Grimm.
Simon and Schuster, 1985. (4-6)Lives to Learn From
Devotion to country, love of learning, and strong brotherly cooperation are all themes in this light and accurate biography of the Brothers Grimm, whose early 19th-century career was spent collecting folk and fairy tales. As Napoleon overran Prussia and Germany fell to French domination, the Brothers Grimm worked to preserve their cultural heritage.
Raimondo, Lois. The Little Lama of Tibet.
Scholastic, 1994. (2-5) Lives to Learn From
A great introduction to one of the spiritual leaders of Tibetan Buddhism: six year old Ling Rinpoche, the little lama. This book showcases universal human values: discipline, study, respect, kindness. Through photos and simple text children learn of the spiritual training, dress, and daily activity of the lama. They are also treated to his words of advice to American children: “Number one: Everyone should study very hard. Number two: you should respect your teachers and take action according to the teachers’ advices. Number three: children should always obey their mother and father and listen to what they say.” Don’t miss his advice for big people: “mother and father, when you have your child, you must be very very kind to the child . . . and thus we create great kindness in the world.” Use with 2nd grade unit on Buddhism.
Rockwell, Anne. They Called Her Molly Pitcher.
Illustrated by Cynthia von Buhler. Knopf, 2002. (3-5)Lives to Learn From
The only female sergeant in the American Revolutionary army? Probably. This is a vivid recounting of the story of Molly Pitcher, feisty wife of a revolutionary soldier. She accompanied her husband to Valley Forge and helped troops endure the winter there. Molly stayed with them through the blistering summer on the battlefield where she brought water to the wounded (they called “Molly – pitcher!” and she came), and secured her own place in history when she manned the cannon of her wounded husband. Von Buhler’s illustrations are clean and strong, evoking images of American primitivism. The book is a triumph and fills a big gap. (The Core Knowledge Sequence has featured this heroine since 1991, but few books tell her story well.)
Ross, Stewart. Shakespeare and Macbeth: The Story Behind the Play.
Illustrated by Tony Karpinski. Viking, 1994. (4-6)Lives to Learn From
This is a rich and substantial book, more a biography than a chronicling of Macbeth. In it we see Shakespeare’s many faceted life, his resourcefulness (figuring out which plays would have broad appeal, how he could continue to support his troupe), and his imagination. A fascinating biography. Use with 5rd grade unit on Elizabethan England.
Ryan, Pam Munoz. When Marian Sang.
Illustrated by Brian Selznick. Scholastic Press, 2002. (2-5) Lives to Learn From
This is a splendid picture book biography of Marian Anderson, the early twentieth century African-American singer whose “range of notes caused all the commotion. With one breath she sounded like rain, sprinkling high notes in the morning sun. And with the next she was thunder resounding deep in a dark sky.” This is the story of her gifts and her quest to sing professionally in the face of prejudice in 1920s America. She went overseas, where she became a sensation. Returning to the United States in 1939, her performance was blocked (ironically) at Constitution Hall, which had a “white performers only” policy. Eleanor Roosevelt intervened, and Marian Anderson sang “My Country ‘tis of Thee” to 75,000 people at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial instead. This is a story of triumph and ultimately happy endings. In the lyrics of her songs, reprinted throughout, the themes of faith and courage are never far from the surface.
Stanley, Diane. Michelangelo.
Harper Collins, 2000. (4-6)Lives to Learn From
Well researched and beautifully illustrated, Stanley has once again distilled a great deal and produced “essence.” Her moving biography of the mercurial and impatient sculptor (turned painter, architect, and poet), shows how a man who may not be perfect, but was still “excellent,” the root meaning of “virtue.” Michelangelo’s devotion to his craft, his painstaking effort to understand and to create are a powerful testimony to his gifts and the human spirit.
Stanley, Diane and Peter Vennema. Charles Dickens: The Man Who Had Great Expectations. Illustrated by Diane Stanley. Morrow, 1993. (4-6) Lives to Learn From
A richly illustrated biography for older readers, it begins with Dickens’s impoverished youth and early work experience in a blacking factory. Years later his stories drew attention to the social plight of industrial England—orphans, debtor’s prisons, workhouses, and degrading conditions of factory life—all culminating for children in A Christmas Carol.
Stanley, Diane and Peter Vennema. Good Queen Bess: The Story of Elizabeth I of England. Illustrated by Diane Stanley.Harper Collins, 2001. (4-6) Lives to Learn From
Another of Stanley’s superb biographies of famous rulers. Well educated, thoughtful, and resolute, Elizabeth provided strong and steady leadership for England at an uncertain time. Admired for her wisdom, her love of her people, and patronage of the arts, she also knew her politics, brought about the defeat of the Spanish Armada, and made England a power to be feared. A powerful biography engagingly told.
Stanley, Diane. Peter the Great.
Macmillan, 1986. (4-6) Lives to Learn From
Little Peter, future Czar of all Russia, began life as a spoiled child, who was given anything he desired. But the young boy’s boundless curiosity, zest for innovation, and intuitive sense that honor should be earned, made him more than just another spoiled monarch. Peter the Great thrived on learning. Traveling through Western Europe, disguised as a common soldier or laborer, he drank in improvements and new techniques. He would drag Russia kicking and screaming into the 18th century.
Tallchief, Maria and Rosemary Wells. Tallchief: America’s Prima Ballerina.
Illustrated by Gary Kelley. Puffin, 2001. (3-6) Lives to Learn From
Maria Tallchief had music in her heart and dancing in her dreams. Born and raised on the Osage Indian reservation in Oklahoma, her parents recognized her talent for music and passion for dance. They hired teachers to help realize her dreams. In this true story Tallchief recounts her family’s move to Los Angeles, her drive to dance with the best, and highlights the gift of music in our lives. The book ends with Tallchief heading for a career in New York City at age 17. Although this inspiring volume is in picture book format the length and complexity of the text require an older readership.
Wisdom
Goldin, Barbara Diamond. “The Fragrance of Paradise,” in Journeys with Elijah: Eight Tales of the Prophet. Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Harcourt Brace, 1999. (1-4) Wisdom
Elijah takes poor Rabbi ben Avuha on a visit to Paradise with its exotic perfumes and sweet smells. Elijah makes the hard-pressed rabbi a difficult offer: take some of the myrtle leaves back from Paradise and sell them to buy books for study. The rabbi is tempted, but a voice warns him “a person cannot take away part of Paradise without losing something later.” The rabbi makes the right choice and comes a little closer to understanding what things truly matter.
Mayer, Mariana. The Prince and the Pauper.
Illustrated by GaryA. Lippincott. SeaWolf Press, 2018. (3-6) Wisdom
What is it like to walk a mile in the shoes of another? In this lively retelling of Mark Twain’s classic tale, young beggar Tom Canty and Prince Edward VI discover their uncanny physical resemblance and decide to change places. Each comes away with an enriched understanding and new appreciation for their former state.
Russell, William. “The Gift of Athena.” in Classic Myths to Read Aloud.
See General Collections. (2, 5)
Athena shows her father what true wisdom in leadership means & is awarded the city named after her,Athens.
Russell, William. “The Sword of Damocles.” in Classic Myths to Read Aloud.
See General Collections.
Leadership is not all glory, wealth, and honor. A guest learns to be cautious about coveting power.
ordinary into the fantastical, which forces the king to reconsider the value of the material world. Fabulous illustrations.
Curlee, Lynn. Rushmore.
Scholastic Press, 2000. (5-6) Lives to Learn From
Ostensibly about Mount Rushmore, this breathtakingly beautiful book is much more about stone sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, and his most important work, Mount Rushmore. Gutzon could have been nicknamed “Gutsy” for the project he undertook between 1927 and 1941. He was charged with blasting and carving the faces of four major presidents into the Black Hills of South Dakota. This is an amazing story of vision, perseverance, and just plain chutzpah.
DePaola, Tomie. Francis: The Poor Man of Assisi.
Holiday, 1982. (4-6) Lives to Learn From
The gentle saint’s quest for holiness and a life in harmony with the will of God.
Duggleby, John. Story Painter: The Life of Jacob Lawrence.
Chronicle Books, 1998. (4-6) Lives to Learn From
A giant of contemporary American painting, Jacob Lawrence endured poverty, a fatherless home, endless childhood mobility, and a less than stimulating education at Public School 68 before finding his way as a major artist. This book profiles his family’s move from the south, life in Harlem, and his mother’s lack of confidence in her son’s abilities. The vitality and energy of his work shine through in this story of remarkable perseverance.
Fisher, Leonard Everett. Galileo.
Macmillan, 1992. (5) Lives to Learn From
Dramatically illustrated biography of the intellectual maverick who sought truth and paid for his intellectual courage.
Fisher, Leonard Everett. Gandhi.
Atheneum Books, 1995. (5-6) Lives to Learn From
Starkly illustrated, this is the dramatic story of Gandhi’s non-violent fight for India’s freedom from colonial rule. “Non-violence is a weapon for the brave.” For older students.
Fisher, Leonard Everett. Marie Curie.
Macmillan, 1994. (4-6) Lives to Learn From
Another of Fisher’s dramatic and substantial picture book portrayals of individuals who changed the world. Curie came from an accomplished and learned Polish family. Hers was a driven life. A woman who worked often to exhaustion, she changed science, receiving Nobel prizes in both chemistry and physics. But her life and work raise the question when is “persistence” too much of a good thing?
Fisher, Leonard Everett. Prince Henry the Navigator.
Macmillan, 1990. (5)Lives to Learn From
Excellent biography of the Portuguese Prince whose quest for knowledge prompted him to found a school of navigation, which was in large part responsible for the Age of Exploration.
Fritz, Jean. The Double Life of Pocahontas.
Puffin, 2002. (2-4) Lives to Learn From
Fritz retells the story of the heroine of two worlds.
Giblin, James Cross. George Washington: A Picture Book Biography.
Illustrated by Michael Dooling. Scholastic Inc, 1998. (3-6) Lives to Learn From
Rich illustrations in this substantive picture book biography of the nation’s first president. The biography traces Washington from his boyhood earnestness (copying over 100 rules of deportment) through his military and political careers. A volume that truly explains why Washington was “first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.”
Giblin, James Cross. Thomas Jefferson: A Picture Book Biography.
Illustrated by Michael DoolingScholastic Inc, 1994. (3-6) Lives to Learn From
Rich illustrations in this substantive picture book biography of the soft-spoken Virginian who penned the Declaration of Independence, served America in France, was witness to revolution there, and then as president doubled the size of this nation with a single stroke of his quill.
Gollub, Matthew. Cool Melons—Turn to Frogs! The Life and Poems of Issa.
Illustrated by Kazuko G. Stone. Lee and Low Books, 2004. (2-5) Lives to Learn From
Brother Issa, the renowned Japanese master of Haiku (1763-1827), delighted from an early age in the cries of insects and the songs of farmers as they worked. In this beautifully illustrated volume the poet comes to life through his haiku and his wide-open wonder at the world around him. Particularly good for use with Japan unit in 2nd grade or Feudal Japan in 5th grade.
Harness, Cheryl. Young Abe Lincoln: The Frontier Days, 1809-1837.
National Geographic Society, 2008. (4-6) Lives to Learn From
Lyrical prose and vivid illustrations bring young Abe to life. Harness provides an engaging retelling of Lincoln’s Midwestern boyhood, the hardships of frontier life, and the pain of much personal loss (mother dying at nine; sister at 18). Born with no social advantages, Lincoln shines for his love of learning, drive to improve himself, and extraordinary perseverance. Could be used in conjunction with the Civil War unit in 5th grade.
Harness, Cheryl. Abe Lincoln Goes to Washington, 1837-1865.
National Geographic Society, 1997. (4-6) Lives to Learn From
The continuation and conclusion of Lincoln’s story, as he begins to nurse political ambitions, denounces slavery, seeks the presidency, and is determined to save the Union through the Civil War. The reader cannot fail to be impressed by Lincoln’s profound strength and charity throughout this most difficult of times. He leads the country through the deadly war, endures the death of his youngest son, and dares to hope “for a just and lasting peace.” Could be used in conjunction with the Civil War unit in 5th grade.
Harness, Cheryl. Young Teddy Roosevelt.
National Geographic Society, 1998. (4-6) Lives to Learn From
Curiosity, courage in adversity, determination, and love of country shine in this colorful biography of Teddy Roosevelt. Harness chronicles TR’s life from his youth (early adventures as a naturalist, and struggles with his health) to his manhood (police commissioner, assistant secretary of the Navy) to his inauguration as president. Born into social privilege, Roosevelt nonetheless endured great loss and hardship, with the death of his father, mother and wife. In each case he emerged stronger from his sufferings, learning to ride the range, shoot, and hunt. His many interests and his inclination to still “seize the day” are revealed here.
Kroll, Steven. Robert Fulton: From Submarine to Steamboat.
Illustrated by Bill Farnsworth. Holiday House, 1999. (2-4) Lives to Learn From
Ingenuity, restlessness, and perseverance all combine in the life of one of America’s consummate inventors. Famous for his invention of the steamboat, Fulton’s early life shows radical openness to the many paths before him and a keen desire to find the best use of his own gifts. He made his home in the United States, Europe, and America again. Among the many avenues he pursued were painting, jewelry making, canal design, submarine design (which he imagined would end warfare), and finally steamboat design. He suffered derision and scoffing (his steamboat was nick- named “Fulton’s Folly”), but lived to see the success of his work. He died helping a friend. Because of the relative complexity of the chronicle, 4th grade is probably a better placement than 2nd, but Fulton is featured in both grades.
Lantier, Patricia and James Bentley. Albert Schweitzer.
Gareth Stevens Children’s Books, 1991. (4-6) Lives to Learn From
This is a lengthier and more substantive biography (than Carol Greene’s) of the extraordinary German physician from a privileged background who left Europe for a practice in Africa. Lantier and Bentley capture the strivings and struggles of a devout, brilliant man who was deeply touched by human suffering, and who devoted himself to eradicating it. This sixty-page biography can be read over two or three days.
Lasky, Kathryn. A Brilliant Streak: The Making of Mark Twain.
Illustrated by Barry Moser. Harcourt Brace, 1998. (5-6) Lives to Learn From
With grace and wit, Lasky recounts the youth and young adulthood of one who may not be considered a “moral exemplar” by all. He didn’t care much for organized religion and he admitted to being a “truth-stretcher” and at times "remembering” things that might not have happened. But Twain’s disdain for religion was generally directed at its practitioners who lost sight of deeper moral realities (the wrongness of slavery, for example) and his truth-stretching was generally in the interest of telling a good tale. “I was born excited,” he wrote and this rich account traces the events that made him a great storyteller with a huge heart. Excellent tie-in to Twain study in 5th grade.
Lasky, Kathryn. The Librarian Who Measured the Earth.
Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes. Little, 1994. (4-6)Lives to Learn From
Excellent older reader picture book biography of Eratosthenes whose intellectual curiosity prompted unrelenting (and successful) efforts to measure the earth. Works well with 6th grade review of Greece.
Lasky, Kathryn. The Man Who Made Time Travel.
Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2003. (5-6) Lives to Learn From
This is a challenging but rewarding science biography for fifth and sixth graders. It is a story of perseverance and extraordinary intellectual virtue. We learn of the life-long efforts of English clockmaker John Harrison, to solve the problem of measuring longitude at sea with a clock that would not lose time. (The relationship of time to longitude is the challenging scientific concept in this book.) Harrison developed the first accurate chronometer, which became an invaluable guide for modern navigators. But the process was painstaking. Responding to a competition and prize offered by England’s Board of Longitude in the early 1700s, Harrison spent his life developing a series of clocks that would ensure maritime safety. He faced his own inner determination to constantly improve the device’s precision and accuracy and he faced great professional skepticism about the clearly proven results of his work. A quest that began when he was a young man dominated his life. In June 1773, after five trials, numerous improvements, and changes in concept, 79 year old Harrison was awarded the prize money, but never the actual prize! This is a model of scientific virtue in action.
Quackenbush, Robert. Benjamin Franklin and his Friends.
Pippin Press, 1991. (3-5)Lives to Learn From
Franklin’s resourcefulness, diligence, and intellectual courage come to life in Quackenbush’s light but accurate biography.
Quackenbush, Robert. Once Upon a Time: A Story of the Brothers Grimm.
Simon and Schuster, 1985. (4-6)Lives to Learn From
Devotion to country, love of learning, and strong brotherly cooperation are all themes in this light and accurate biography of the Brothers Grimm, whose early 19th-century career was spent collecting folk and fairy tales. As Napoleon overran Prussia and Germany fell to French domination, the Brothers Grimm worked to preserve their cultural heritage.
Raimondo, Lois. The Little Lama of Tibet.
Scholastic, 1994. (2-5) Lives to Learn From
A great introduction to one of the spiritual leaders of Tibetan Buddhism: six year old Ling Rinpoche, the little lama. This book showcases universal human values: discipline, study, respect, kindness. Through photos and simple text children learn of the spiritual training, dress, and daily activity of the lama. They are also treated to his words of advice to American children: “Number one: Everyone should study very hard. Number two: you should respect your teachers and take action according to the teachers’ advices. Number three: children should always obey their mother and father and listen to what they say.” Don’t miss his advice for big people: “mother and father, when you have your child, you must be very very kind to the child . . . and thus we create great kindness in the world.” Use with 2nd grade unit on Buddhism.
Rockwell, Anne. They Called Her Molly Pitcher.
Illustrated by Cynthia von Buhler. Knopf, 2002. (3-5)Lives to Learn From
The only female sergeant in the American Revolutionary army? Probably. This is a vivid recounting of the story of Molly Pitcher, feisty wife of a revolutionary soldier. She accompanied her husband to Valley Forge and helped troops endure the winter there. Molly stayed with them through the blistering summer on the battlefield where she brought water to the wounded (they called “Molly – pitcher!” and she came), and secured her own place in history when she manned the cannon of her wounded husband. Von Buhler’s illustrations are clean and strong, evoking images of American primitivism. The book is a triumph and fills a big gap. (The Core Knowledge Sequence has featured this heroine since 1991, but few books tell her story well.)
Ross, Stewart. Shakespeare and Macbeth: The Story Behind the Play.
Illustrated by Tony Karpinski. Viking, 1994. (4-6)Lives to Learn From
This is a rich and substantial book, more a biography than a chronicling of Macbeth. In it we see Shakespeare’s many faceted life, his resourcefulness (figuring out which plays would have broad appeal, how he could continue to support his troupe), and his imagination. A fascinating biography. Use with 5rd grade unit on Elizabethan England.
Ryan, Pam Munoz. When Marian Sang.
Illustrated by Brian Selznick. Scholastic Press, 2002. (2-5) Lives to Learn From
This is a splendid picture book biography of Marian Anderson, the early twentieth century African-American singer whose “range of notes caused all the commotion. With one breath she sounded like rain, sprinkling high notes in the morning sun. And with the next she was thunder resounding deep in a dark sky.” This is the story of her gifts and her quest to sing professionally in the face of prejudice in 1920s America. She went overseas, where she became a sensation. Returning to the United States in 1939, her performance was blocked (ironically) at Constitution Hall, which had a “white performers only” policy. Eleanor Roosevelt intervened, and Marian Anderson sang “My Country ‘tis of Thee” to 75,000 people at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial instead. This is a story of triumph and ultimately happy endings. In the lyrics of her songs, reprinted throughout, the themes of faith and courage are never far from the surface.
Stanley, Diane. Michelangelo.
Harper Collins, 2000. (4-6)Lives to Learn From
Well researched and beautifully illustrated, Stanley has once again distilled a great deal and produced “essence.” Her moving biography of the mercurial and impatient sculptor (turned painter, architect, and poet), shows how a man who may not be perfect, but was still “excellent,” the root meaning of “virtue.” Michelangelo’s devotion to his craft, his painstaking effort to understand and to create are a powerful testimony to his gifts and the human spirit.
Stanley, Diane and Peter Vennema. Charles Dickens: The Man Who Had Great Expectations. Illustrated by Diane Stanley. Morrow, 1993. (4-6) Lives to Learn From
A richly illustrated biography for older readers, it begins with Dickens’s impoverished youth and early work experience in a blacking factory. Years later his stories drew attention to the social plight of industrial England—orphans, debtor’s prisons, workhouses, and degrading conditions of factory life—all culminating for children in A Christmas Carol.
Stanley, Diane and Peter Vennema. Good Queen Bess: The Story of Elizabeth I of England. Illustrated by Diane Stanley.Harper Collins, 2001. (4-6) Lives to Learn From
Another of Stanley’s superb biographies of famous rulers. Well educated, thoughtful, and resolute, Elizabeth provided strong and steady leadership for England at an uncertain time. Admired for her wisdom, her love of her people, and patronage of the arts, she also knew her politics, brought about the defeat of the Spanish Armada, and made England a power to be feared. A powerful biography engagingly told.
Stanley, Diane. Peter the Great.
Macmillan, 1986. (4-6) Lives to Learn From
Little Peter, future Czar of all Russia, began life as a spoiled child, who was given anything he desired. But the young boy’s boundless curiosity, zest for innovation, and intuitive sense that honor should be earned, made him more than just another spoiled monarch. Peter the Great thrived on learning. Traveling through Western Europe, disguised as a common soldier or laborer, he drank in improvements and new techniques. He would drag Russia kicking and screaming into the 18th century.
Tallchief, Maria and Rosemary Wells. Tallchief: America’s Prima Ballerina.
Illustrated by Gary Kelley. Puffin, 2001. (3-6) Lives to Learn From
Maria Tallchief had music in her heart and dancing in her dreams. Born and raised on the Osage Indian reservation in Oklahoma, her parents recognized her talent for music and passion for dance. They hired teachers to help realize her dreams. In this true story Tallchief recounts her family’s move to Los Angeles, her drive to dance with the best, and highlights the gift of music in our lives. The book ends with Tallchief heading for a career in New York City at age 17. Although this inspiring volume is in picture book format the length and complexity of the text require an older readership.
Wisdom
Goldin, Barbara Diamond. “The Fragrance of Paradise,” in Journeys with Elijah: Eight Tales of the Prophet. Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Harcourt Brace, 1999. (1-4) Wisdom
Elijah takes poor Rabbi ben Avuha on a visit to Paradise with its exotic perfumes and sweet smells. Elijah makes the hard-pressed rabbi a difficult offer: take some of the myrtle leaves back from Paradise and sell them to buy books for study. The rabbi is tempted, but a voice warns him “a person cannot take away part of Paradise without losing something later.” The rabbi makes the right choice and comes a little closer to understanding what things truly matter.
Mayer, Mariana. The Prince and the Pauper.
Illustrated by GaryA. Lippincott. SeaWolf Press, 2018. (3-6) Wisdom
What is it like to walk a mile in the shoes of another? In this lively retelling of Mark Twain’s classic tale, young beggar Tom Canty and Prince Edward VI discover their uncanny physical resemblance and decide to change places. Each comes away with an enriched understanding and new appreciation for their former state.
Russell, William. “The Gift of Athena.” in Classic Myths to Read Aloud.
See General Collections. (2, 5)
Athena shows her father what true wisdom in leadership means & is awarded the city named after her,Athens.
Russell, William. “The Sword of Damocles.” in Classic Myths to Read Aloud.
See General Collections.
Leadership is not all glory, wealth, and honor. A guest learns to be cautious about coveting power.
ordinary into the fantastical, which forces the king to reconsider the value of the material world. Fabulous illustrations.