In the book Charlotte Huck's Children's Literature, a biography is described as "a bridge between historical fiction and nonfiction books. A biography is a well-documented, carefully researched account of a person's life."
In short, a biography is a nonfiction book written about somebody else's life.
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Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reaves, Deputy U.S. Marshal
By Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 5.2
In a time where many African Americans were experiencing slavery, Bass Reaves escaped and made his way west, where he became recognized for his fearlessness in confronting common criminals. He was an honorable and ethical man in a world where rules were broken, and Bass often found himself in situations where his quick-draw skills and wit would help him bring in the lawless. Readers will enjoy the bravery and adventure of Bass's world, and the illustrations are a fantastic part of this story.
Reviewed by Robin Hosemann
Me, Frida
Writen by Amy Novesky
Illustrations by David Diaz
After she marries Diego Rivera, a famous painter, the couple leaves their homeland of Mexico to live in San Fransisco where Diego can finish a large commission. At first, Frida is shy and timid living in a foreign city. She feels small and overlooked as her husband is lavished with attention by the bourgeois of San Fransisco society. Eventually, Frida opens her self up, finds her confidence and becomes one of the most celebrated artists of her time. This book not only tells the story of how Frida Kahlo became a great artist but the illustrations in this book are out of this world! You must simply read this book!
Suggested Grade Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 3.6
Abe's Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln
by Doreen Rappaport
Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Interest level: 3-6
Reading level: 4.5
Simply told with detailed illustrations, young readers will gain much knowledge of Abraham Lincoln as a child and his struggles at becoming president and later his determination to end slavery. Most informative and interesting are Lincoln's own words that accompany the story told on each page. A must-have resource for any classroom!
Reviewed by Lesley Hermann
Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith
By Deborah Heiligman
Can science and religion co-exist? How could a scientist who is working on a theory of evolution possibly marry his beloved, a devout Christian? In this extremely well-researched biography, readers will come to know fascinating details about the lives of Charles Darwin and Emma Wedgewood, two very different individuals who put their love and devotion for each other and their children above their differences in belief. Readers will also come to understand the difficulties of life in Victorian England and the grief that Charles and Emma would endure over the loss of two of their children. Heiligman based this book on Darwin's notebooks and letters between Charles and Emma throughout their lives. There is a reason this book sports three medals on its cover: don't miss it! Includes photographs, suggestions for further research and helpful resources.
Enthusiastically Reviewed by Robin Hosemann
Frederick Douglass: A Noble Life
By David A. Adler
Frederick Douglass was born into slavery in 1818 on a tobacco farm in Maryland. As a result of the atrocities that Douglass experiences as a slave, he defiantly runs away to the north where he can be a freeman. Later, he becomes a very respected speaker/writer, civil rights leader, abolitionist and politician. He once wrote " It is not the height to which I have risen, but the depth from which I have come that amazes me." Frederick Douglass lived in a very turbulent time in our country's history. He was a man who fought until his dying day for the freedom and rights of African Americans in our country. Truly, he led "A Noble Life".
Suggested Grade Level: 5-8
Reading Level: 5.8
Reviewed by Lorisa Harvey
Anne Frank
Her life in words and pictures
From the archives of The Anne Frank House
Menno Metselaar
Interest level: 5-8
Reading level: 5.3
This attractive book of the life of Anne Frank is an excellent resource for any classroom discussing the Holocaust. Excerpts from Anne's diary and many, many photographs of herself, her family, her diary and the secret annex are intriguing and thought-provoking. The book is organized chronologically describing the events that led to hiding in the secret annex, life in the annex, and her death in Bergen-Belsen. A must-have resource.