Additional June Book Recommendations for Grades K-3
Lives to Learn From
Adler, David. A Picture Book of Eleanor Roosevelt.
Illustrated by Robert Casilla. Holiday, 1995. (K-3)Lives to Learn From
Excellent biography for young children of one of America’s most active and intelligent first ladies.
Adler, David A. A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Illustrated by Robert Casilla. Holiday House, 1989. (K-2)Lives to Learn From
A good introductory biography of Martin Luther King for younger students.
Aliki. William Penn.
S&S Trade, 1994. (K-3) Lives to Learn From
Simple picture book biography of the founder of Pennsylvania, his determined efforts to establish
a safe haven for Quakers, and his respect for the Native American people he encountered.
Brighton, Catherine. The Brontes: Scenes from the Childhood of Charlotte, Branwell, Emily, and Anne. Chronicle Books, 1994. (2-4)Lives to Learn From
This delightful childhood biography of the Bronte sisters captures their wonder at the richness of life and their unique gifts of imagination. Calling themselves the four genii, they begin to create fantasy kingdoms in their minds and on paper.
Brighton, Catherine. Mozart: Scenes from the Childhood of the Great Composer.
Doubleday, 1990. (2-4) Lives to Learn From
Told through the eyes of Mozart’s older sister, Nannerl, this is a fictional recreation of the extraordinary life of young Mozart. His early musical genius and unwavering devotion to his art took him to royal palaces and allowed him to meet the most important people of his time. Mozart composed his first symphony at nine. His colorful life and times are chronicled in rich and vibrant watercolors.
Cary, Barbara. Meet Abraham Lincoln. Random, 2001. (2-4)Lives to Learn From
Excellent summary of Lincoln’s life from log cabin childhood to his first encounter with slavery to his life-long striving on behalf of his country.
Crew, Gary. Bright Star.
Illustrated by Anne Spudvilas. Kane Miller Book Publishers, 1997. (1-3)Lives to Learn From
Set in Australia in the 1880s, Bright Star is the story of a young girl who longs to study the stars. Bright in math but not enthusiastic about needlepoint she is raised by parents who do not celebrate her accomplishments in school. Alicia nonetheless receives the encouragement of Australian astronomer, John Tebbutt who discovered the “Great Comet” of 1861. He teaches her not just to follow her dreams, but that she alone must choose the path that she will follow.
Fischetto, Laura. Michael the Angel. Doubleday, 1993. (K-3)
Michelangelo’s boyhood search for beauty is lightly and charmingly retold in this wonderful picture book introduction.
Fritz, Jean. The Double Life of Pocahontas. Puffin, 1987. (2-4)Lives to Learn From
Fritz retells the story of the heroine of two worlds.
Graves, Charles P. Annie Oakley: The Shooting Star.
Illustrated by Louis F. Cary. Chelsea House, 1991. (2-4) Lives to Learn From
A delightful read-aloud about a woman eager and determined to use her talents, even when those talents were not the “womanly” variety. This is a marvelous story of young Annie, who worked diligently and followed her heart. Her ability with a rifle won her a husband, a career, and ultimately international fame.
Greene, Carol. Albert Schweitzer, Friend of All Life. Rookie Biography.
Children’s Press, 1994. (K-3) Lives to Learn From
An inspiring introductory biography of the distinguished German physician who dedicated his life to attending the poor and sick in Africa. Greene shows that young Albert came from a privileged background and had many interests, but had a life-long concern for those in need. First as a pastor, then as a physician, he reached out to the less fortunate. His reverence for life won him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952.
Greene, Carol. Margaret Steiff: Toymaker.
Children’s Press, 1994. (K-3) Lives to Learn From
This Rookie Biography provides the inspiring true story of Margaret Steiff. Crippled by polio at 18 months of age, she never walked. Her parents worry about how she will take care of herself when they are gone. From a wheelchair in the 1800s she began the world famous toy factory we know today and ended up providing jobs for all her family.
Greene, Carol. John Muir: Man of the Wild Places.
Children’s Press, 1991. (K-3)Lives to Learn From
Muir actually walked from Canada to South America: a man of patience, perseverance and great love of the outdoors.
Greene, Carol. Ludwig Van Beethoven.
Children’s Press, 1993. (K-3) Lives to Learn From
In this simple, but uplifting introduction to the life of Beethoven, Greene portrays a man who faces many hardships in youth and adulthood, including the loss of his hearing, but all the while renders beauty in the music he composes.
Isidora, Rachel. Young Mozart.
Viking, 1997. (K-3) Lives to Learn From
Mozart was a child prodigy, completing over 300 compositions before he was 21. In this charming and at times humorous text, we discover young Mozart in Salzburg and see him both as genius and driven artist. His commitment to realizing his immense talent led to a life of extraordinary creativity.
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.
Quackenbush, Robert. Don’t You Dare Shoot that Bear: A Life of Theodore Roosevelt.
Simon and Schuster, 1990.(2-6) Lives to Learn From
Humorous but accurate presentation of the life of a man who gave himself with gusto and
conviction to the service of his country.
Rumford, James. Seeker of Knowledge. The Man Who Deciphered Egyptian Hieroglyphics Houghton Mifflin, 2000. (1-4) Lives to Learn From
In this fascinating volume Rumford describes the untiring efforts of nineteenth century Frenchman, Jean-Francois Champollion to decode Egyptian hieroglyphics or picture writing. The scholar’s interest in Egypt was awakened as a boy when Napoleon marched into Egypt. The childhood fascination grew to an adult passion, as Champollion learned of the discovery of the Rosetta stone, and eventually cracked the code. Rumford’s illustrations and story are a complete delight. The book can be used with CK First Grade unit on Ancient Egypt.
Tompert, Ann. St. Patrick.
Illustrated by Michael Garland. Boyds Mills, 1998. (K-3)Lives to Learn From
St. Patrick’s Day offers every school the opportunity to learn about the courageous man who, as a young British shepherd, was sold into slavery in Ireland. This handsome volume chronicles the drama of his kidnapping, life in slavery, and the richness of his decision to return and preach to the Irish.
Venezia, Mike. George Gershwin.
Children’s Press, 1995. (K-4)Lives to Learn From
Amusing and accurate biography of a dynamic American composer who blended a love of symphonic music with a drive to innovate. The energizing results: “Rhapsody in Blue,” Porgy and Bess and more.
Venezia, Mike. Mary Cassatt.
Children’s Press, 2015. (K-4) Lives to Learn From
This extraordinary artist of the family sought to bring the tenderest human emotions to life in her work.
Wallner, Alexandra. Beatrix Potter.
Holiday House, 1995. (K-3) Lives to Learn From
“If I have done anything—even a little—to help small children on the road to enjoy...honest, simple pleasures, I have done a bit of good.” The life story of the lonely young woman writer who learned to share herself and life’s beauty in her famous Tales of Peter Rabbit.
Winter, Jeanette. Sebastian: A Book about Bach.
Harcourt, 1999. (K-3) Lives to Learn From
With spare text but vibrant illustrations, Winter dramatizes for young children the creative and fruitful life of Johann Sebastian Bach. An orphan at nine, but the father of a boisterous family of 20 children, Bach never stopped hearing music. He put the voices of the instruments on paper and they sounded “like good friends talking together.” This book captures his joy in composing and his delight in sound, as it chronicles his childhood, his creative adult years, his time in a jail cell, and his love of music even on his deathbed.
Wisdom
Bruchac, Joseph. The Arrow Over the Door.
Illustrated by James Watling. Puffin, 2002. (3-4) Wisdom
This slender chapter book tells the moving true story of an encounter between Quakers and Native Americans in Saratoga, New York in 1777. The Abenaki Indians have been recruited by the English to fight the Americans (or “Bostoniaks”) in the Revolution. The Quaker group these Indians first encounter are people of peace, who refuse to take up arms either against the Abenaki or the British. The Abenaki warriors visit a Quaker meeting, learn what is in the hearts of these people, and refuse to raid them. What could have been a politically correct novel for “peace at any price” is actually a profoundly moving story of two peoples who seek first to understand each other, and then choose a path based on what they know. Excellent reinforcement for the 3rd grade Native American unit.
Craft, Charlotte. King Midas and the Golden Touch.
Illustrated by K.Y. Craft. HarperCollins, 2003. (K-3)Wisdom
A gloriously illustrated retelling of the classic myth in which Midas discovers that some things, like love and family, are worth far more than gold.
Demi. The Greatest Treasure.
Harcourt Brace, 2001. (K-2)Wisdom
In this Chinese folk tale, Pang, the wealthy neighbor of Li, learns that friendship, music, and peace of mind are greater treasures than wealth. Pang spends his days counting his coins annoyed at the song and laughter of his poor neighbor Li, who, after a day of farming is always playing the flute and singing with his children. To keep his neighbors quiet, Pang gives Li some coins. Li quickly decides that it is Pang who needs a flute in his life! Demi’s Chinese line drawings are a perfect accompaniment.
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.
Greenberg, Blu and Linda Tarry. King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.
Pitspopany Press, 1998. (K-3)Wisdom
Through clever riddles, Queen Makeda of Sheba tests the wisdom of Israel’s King Solomon and is enchanted by what she finds. Solomon’s wit and wisdom shine through in this charming presentation for young children.
Russell, William. “The Gift of Athena.” in Classic Myths to Read Aloud.
See General Collections. (2, 5) Wisdom
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.Wisdom
Leadership is not all glory, wealth, and honor. A guest learns to be cautious about coveting power.
Thompson, Colin. The Last Alchemist.
Knopf, 1999. (3-5) Wisdom
At the turn of the first millennium, Spiniflex, the king’s alchemist, rushes to do the King’s bidding - invent a machine that will turn any substance into gold. When the deadline nears and the King demands results, Spiniflex has instead made a machine that washes any room it inhabits with sunlight and a golden glow. Instead of transforming stuff into wealth, Spiniflex’s invention transforms the ordinary into the fantastical, which forces the king to reconsider the value of the material world. Fabulous illustrations.
Wiesel, Elie. King Solomon and His Magic Ring.
Greenwillow, 1999. (3-5)Wisdom
A playful retelling of many of the stories of King Solomon’s wisdom drawn from the Old Testament, the Talmud, and the Midrashim. Wiesel spotlights King Solomon’s wisdom, but shows some of his mistakes and failings as well. Wiesel draws the reader in and gives him much to think about. Each page of text is paired with a fine illustration.
Adler, David. A Picture Book of Eleanor Roosevelt.
Illustrated by Robert Casilla. Holiday, 1995. (K-3)Lives to Learn From
Excellent biography for young children of one of America’s most active and intelligent first ladies.
Adler, David A. A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Illustrated by Robert Casilla. Holiday House, 1989. (K-2)Lives to Learn From
A good introductory biography of Martin Luther King for younger students.
Aliki. William Penn.
S&S Trade, 1994. (K-3) Lives to Learn From
Simple picture book biography of the founder of Pennsylvania, his determined efforts to establish
a safe haven for Quakers, and his respect for the Native American people he encountered.
Brighton, Catherine. The Brontes: Scenes from the Childhood of Charlotte, Branwell, Emily, and Anne. Chronicle Books, 1994. (2-4)Lives to Learn From
This delightful childhood biography of the Bronte sisters captures their wonder at the richness of life and their unique gifts of imagination. Calling themselves the four genii, they begin to create fantasy kingdoms in their minds and on paper.
Brighton, Catherine. Mozart: Scenes from the Childhood of the Great Composer.
Doubleday, 1990. (2-4) Lives to Learn From
Told through the eyes of Mozart’s older sister, Nannerl, this is a fictional recreation of the extraordinary life of young Mozart. His early musical genius and unwavering devotion to his art took him to royal palaces and allowed him to meet the most important people of his time. Mozart composed his first symphony at nine. His colorful life and times are chronicled in rich and vibrant watercolors.
Cary, Barbara. Meet Abraham Lincoln. Random, 2001. (2-4)Lives to Learn From
Excellent summary of Lincoln’s life from log cabin childhood to his first encounter with slavery to his life-long striving on behalf of his country.
Crew, Gary. Bright Star.
Illustrated by Anne Spudvilas. Kane Miller Book Publishers, 1997. (1-3)Lives to Learn From
Set in Australia in the 1880s, Bright Star is the story of a young girl who longs to study the stars. Bright in math but not enthusiastic about needlepoint she is raised by parents who do not celebrate her accomplishments in school. Alicia nonetheless receives the encouragement of Australian astronomer, John Tebbutt who discovered the “Great Comet” of 1861. He teaches her not just to follow her dreams, but that she alone must choose the path that she will follow.
Fischetto, Laura. Michael the Angel. Doubleday, 1993. (K-3)
Michelangelo’s boyhood search for beauty is lightly and charmingly retold in this wonderful picture book introduction.
Fritz, Jean. The Double Life of Pocahontas. Puffin, 1987. (2-4)Lives to Learn From
Fritz retells the story of the heroine of two worlds.
Graves, Charles P. Annie Oakley: The Shooting Star.
Illustrated by Louis F. Cary. Chelsea House, 1991. (2-4) Lives to Learn From
A delightful read-aloud about a woman eager and determined to use her talents, even when those talents were not the “womanly” variety. This is a marvelous story of young Annie, who worked diligently and followed her heart. Her ability with a rifle won her a husband, a career, and ultimately international fame.
Greene, Carol. Albert Schweitzer, Friend of All Life. Rookie Biography.
Children’s Press, 1994. (K-3) Lives to Learn From
An inspiring introductory biography of the distinguished German physician who dedicated his life to attending the poor and sick in Africa. Greene shows that young Albert came from a privileged background and had many interests, but had a life-long concern for those in need. First as a pastor, then as a physician, he reached out to the less fortunate. His reverence for life won him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952.
Greene, Carol. Margaret Steiff: Toymaker.
Children’s Press, 1994. (K-3) Lives to Learn From
This Rookie Biography provides the inspiring true story of Margaret Steiff. Crippled by polio at 18 months of age, she never walked. Her parents worry about how she will take care of herself when they are gone. From a wheelchair in the 1800s she began the world famous toy factory we know today and ended up providing jobs for all her family.
Greene, Carol. John Muir: Man of the Wild Places.
Children’s Press, 1991. (K-3)Lives to Learn From
Muir actually walked from Canada to South America: a man of patience, perseverance and great love of the outdoors.
Greene, Carol. Ludwig Van Beethoven.
Children’s Press, 1993. (K-3) Lives to Learn From
In this simple, but uplifting introduction to the life of Beethoven, Greene portrays a man who faces many hardships in youth and adulthood, including the loss of his hearing, but all the while renders beauty in the music he composes.
Isidora, Rachel. Young Mozart.
Viking, 1997. (K-3) Lives to Learn From
Mozart was a child prodigy, completing over 300 compositions before he was 21. In this charming and at times humorous text, we discover young Mozart in Salzburg and see him both as genius and driven artist. His commitment to realizing his immense talent led to a life of extraordinary creativity.
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.
Quackenbush, Robert. Don’t You Dare Shoot that Bear: A Life of Theodore Roosevelt.
Simon and Schuster, 1990.(2-6) Lives to Learn From
Humorous but accurate presentation of the life of a man who gave himself with gusto and
conviction to the service of his country.
Rumford, James. Seeker of Knowledge. The Man Who Deciphered Egyptian Hieroglyphics Houghton Mifflin, 2000. (1-4) Lives to Learn From
In this fascinating volume Rumford describes the untiring efforts of nineteenth century Frenchman, Jean-Francois Champollion to decode Egyptian hieroglyphics or picture writing. The scholar’s interest in Egypt was awakened as a boy when Napoleon marched into Egypt. The childhood fascination grew to an adult passion, as Champollion learned of the discovery of the Rosetta stone, and eventually cracked the code. Rumford’s illustrations and story are a complete delight. The book can be used with CK First Grade unit on Ancient Egypt.
Tompert, Ann. St. Patrick.
Illustrated by Michael Garland. Boyds Mills, 1998. (K-3)Lives to Learn From
St. Patrick’s Day offers every school the opportunity to learn about the courageous man who, as a young British shepherd, was sold into slavery in Ireland. This handsome volume chronicles the drama of his kidnapping, life in slavery, and the richness of his decision to return and preach to the Irish.
Venezia, Mike. George Gershwin.
Children’s Press, 1995. (K-4)Lives to Learn From
Amusing and accurate biography of a dynamic American composer who blended a love of symphonic music with a drive to innovate. The energizing results: “Rhapsody in Blue,” Porgy and Bess and more.
Venezia, Mike. Mary Cassatt.
Children’s Press, 2015. (K-4) Lives to Learn From
This extraordinary artist of the family sought to bring the tenderest human emotions to life in her work.
Wallner, Alexandra. Beatrix Potter.
Holiday House, 1995. (K-3) Lives to Learn From
“If I have done anything—even a little—to help small children on the road to enjoy...honest, simple pleasures, I have done a bit of good.” The life story of the lonely young woman writer who learned to share herself and life’s beauty in her famous Tales of Peter Rabbit.
Winter, Jeanette. Sebastian: A Book about Bach.
Harcourt, 1999. (K-3) Lives to Learn From
With spare text but vibrant illustrations, Winter dramatizes for young children the creative and fruitful life of Johann Sebastian Bach. An orphan at nine, but the father of a boisterous family of 20 children, Bach never stopped hearing music. He put the voices of the instruments on paper and they sounded “like good friends talking together.” This book captures his joy in composing and his delight in sound, as it chronicles his childhood, his creative adult years, his time in a jail cell, and his love of music even on his deathbed.
Wisdom
Bruchac, Joseph. The Arrow Over the Door.
Illustrated by James Watling. Puffin, 2002. (3-4) Wisdom
This slender chapter book tells the moving true story of an encounter between Quakers and Native Americans in Saratoga, New York in 1777. The Abenaki Indians have been recruited by the English to fight the Americans (or “Bostoniaks”) in the Revolution. The Quaker group these Indians first encounter are people of peace, who refuse to take up arms either against the Abenaki or the British. The Abenaki warriors visit a Quaker meeting, learn what is in the hearts of these people, and refuse to raid them. What could have been a politically correct novel for “peace at any price” is actually a profoundly moving story of two peoples who seek first to understand each other, and then choose a path based on what they know. Excellent reinforcement for the 3rd grade Native American unit.
Craft, Charlotte. King Midas and the Golden Touch.
Illustrated by K.Y. Craft. HarperCollins, 2003. (K-3)Wisdom
A gloriously illustrated retelling of the classic myth in which Midas discovers that some things, like love and family, are worth far more than gold.
Demi. The Greatest Treasure.
Harcourt Brace, 2001. (K-2)Wisdom
In this Chinese folk tale, Pang, the wealthy neighbor of Li, learns that friendship, music, and peace of mind are greater treasures than wealth. Pang spends his days counting his coins annoyed at the song and laughter of his poor neighbor Li, who, after a day of farming is always playing the flute and singing with his children. To keep his neighbors quiet, Pang gives Li some coins. Li quickly decides that it is Pang who needs a flute in his life! Demi’s Chinese line drawings are a perfect accompaniment.
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.
Greenberg, Blu and Linda Tarry. King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.
Pitspopany Press, 1998. (K-3)Wisdom
Through clever riddles, Queen Makeda of Sheba tests the wisdom of Israel’s King Solomon and is enchanted by what she finds. Solomon’s wit and wisdom shine through in this charming presentation for young children.
Russell, William. “The Gift of Athena.” in Classic Myths to Read Aloud.
See General Collections. (2, 5) Wisdom
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.Wisdom
Leadership is not all glory, wealth, and honor. A guest learns to be cautious about coveting power.
Thompson, Colin. The Last Alchemist.
Knopf, 1999. (3-5) Wisdom
At the turn of the first millennium, Spiniflex, the king’s alchemist, rushes to do the King’s bidding - invent a machine that will turn any substance into gold. When the deadline nears and the King demands results, Spiniflex has instead made a machine that washes any room it inhabits with sunlight and a golden glow. Instead of transforming stuff into wealth, Spiniflex’s invention transforms the ordinary into the fantastical, which forces the king to reconsider the value of the material world. Fabulous illustrations.
Wiesel, Elie. King Solomon and His Magic Ring.
Greenwillow, 1999. (3-5)Wisdom
A playful retelling of many of the stories of King Solomon’s wisdom drawn from the Old Testament, the Talmud, and the Midrashim. Wiesel spotlights King Solomon’s wisdom, but shows some of his mistakes and failings as well. Wiesel draws the reader in and gives him much to think about. Each page of text is paired with a fine illustration.