With various teachers, librarians, and bloggers posting about #classroombookaday or beginning of the year picture book read alouds, I realized that the titles were predominately fiction. As a result, I wanted to share my favorite nonfiction read alouds. I am sharing this in two parts. This week, I am sharing 5 biographical picture books. Next week, I will share 5 of my favorite science themed read alouds. In picking books, I decided to limit titles to books released in 2016 and 2017.
Here are my picks in no particular order....
Tiny Stitches: The Life of Medical Pioneer Vivien Thomas by Gwendolyn Hooks; Illustrated by Colin Bootman (Lee & Low Books, 2016) - This story of Vivien Thomas and the work he did to create surgical tools and to be able to perform heart surgery on babies was inspiring and one that children need to learn about.
I, Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsberg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy; Illustrated by Elizabeth Baddedley (Simon & Schuster, 2016) - Learning about the life work of Supreme Court Justice RBG is another example of hard work, and perseverance and so much more.
Ada's Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay by Susan Hood; Illustrated by Sally Wern Comport (Simon & Schuster, 2016) -This story fascinated and inspired me. I struggle to play a regular instrument and in Paraguay there are students who have learned to play instruments created from recycled materials. Learning about how this program has changed the lives of students is powerful.
Whoosh!: Lonnie Johnson's Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions by Chris Barton; Illustrated by Don Tate (Charlesbridge, 2016) - I don't know how many children think about the inventor behind the Super-Soaking but Whoosh! provides children with a fun topic and a look again at hard work and perseverance.
Malala: Activist for Girls' Education by Raphaële Frier; Illustrated by Aurélia Fronty (Charlesbridge, 2016) - Malala is an inspiration to me and to many others. Her story is a powerful one about standing up for what is right despite opposition.
Look for all of these titles at your public library or independent bookstores.
Artwork by Sarah S. Brannen ©2017
Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews...