Who Was Ronald Reagan? Written by Joyce Milton, Illustrated by Elizabeth Wolf

Who Was Ronald Reagan?

Written by Joyce Milton

Illustrated by Elizabeth Wolf

Grades 3-5

This is about Ronald Reagan the 40th president of the United States. It starts off with his early life as a life guard. He often said that was the happiest time of his life. It goes through all the parts of his life until his death. It even includes the farewell letter he wrote when he was diagnosed with Alzheimers. One of my favorite Presidents and who my son Reagan is named after. I love these books! They are written by different authors and have so much information that is easy to read for elementary students. They also include great pictures!

Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream, Written by Deloris Jordan & Roslyn M. Jordan; Illustrated by Kadir Nelson

Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream

Written by Deloris Jordan & Roslyn M. Jordan

Illustrated by Kadir Nelson

Grades: PreK-3

Awards:

Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Award (2002)

North Carolina Children's Book Award (2002)

This book is written by Michael Jordan's mom and aunt. It tells how Michael Jordan as a child was upset because he thought he would never grow tall enough to play basketball. Everyone was always taller and would shoot above his head. He asked his mom what he should do to grow taller faster. She told him to put salt in his shoes and pray every night. He thought she was kidding with him but, she did get her flowers in her garden to grow so he tried it. After a few months, nothing really changed and Michael was upset. He talked with his dad about it and his dad told him that it is not his height that will help him play basketball. His height would help but, it is hard work and determination that would make him the best player. Michael takes that to heart and goes on to play the next game with his friends. In that game he makes the winning shot and wins the game. Michael goes on to be a six foot six inch basketball player for the Chicago Bulls. Maybe the salt did work a little. 

Who Was Sacagawea? Written by Judith Bloom Fradin, Illustrated by Nancy Harrison & Val Paul Taylor

Who Was Sacagawea?

Written by Judith Bloom Fradin

Illustrated by Nancy Harrison & Val Paul Taylor

Grades: 3-7

Without Sacagawea the Lewis and Clark expedition would have been a failure. The western United States would have taken a lot longer to map. Sacagawea was sixteen years old and had a baby on her back when she made her remarkable journey. She would lead the team on a 4500 mile trek by foot, canoe, and horse. America remembers her in many ways and over 200 years later on a gold coin. 

This book gives a wonderful background to Sacagawea before she lead the expedition with Lewis and Clark. It is written in a way that the elementary students can understand and take interest in.  

Who Was Marie Curie? Written by Megan Stone, Illustrated by Nancy Harrison & Ted Hammond

Who Was Marie Curie?

Written by Megan Stone

Illustrated by Nancy Harrison & Ted Hammond

Grades: 3-7

Marie Curie was born in Poland in 1867. She was not allowed to go to University with the boys. It was forbidden. Marie had to move to France. She enrolled to study Physics and Mathematics.  She also met her husband, Professor Pierre Curie. They became one of the best scientific teams. They found two elements and won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1903. Marie won another by herself in 1911. She died in 1934 because she was exposed to so much toxic radiation. 

In the classroom these books are wonderful! What would have happened if she would not have gone to France and enrolled in school? What if she would have given up her dream? The things the world would have missed out on. These books are great for upper elementary. They make biographies and history great to read.

Who Was Amelia Earhart? Written by Kate Boehm Jerome, Illustrated by: Nancy Harrison & David Cain

Who Was Amelia Earhart?

Written by Kate Boehm Jerome

Illustrated by Nancy Harris & David Cain

Grades: 3-7

Amelia Earhart was one of the first women pilots. In 1932, she became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. In 1935, she became the first woman to fly across the Pacific Ocean. This book documents her early years to her mysterious disappearance in 1937 while attempting to fly around the world. 

This book can be used in the classroom to teach upper elementary students about Amelia Earhart. It is written in a style very easy for them to read and understand.