Grades 3-5

H. Holt, 2009
Illustrator: Julia Breckenreid
40 pages
Reading Level: 3.0

Inspired by the abstract art of Mexico, Josef began experimenting with color in the form of squares and rectangles. Through experimentation, he discovered he could "change" colors simply by allowing them to interact with other colors. In addition to the story of Josef's experimentation with color, Author's Notes, "More About Josef Albers", a Glossary, and bibliographical references are included.

Raintree, 2009
32 pages
Reading Level: 3.4
Naturalists, Herpetologists

"Profiles the life and achievements of naturalist Steve Irwin, discussing his childhood, love of nature, interaction with animals, family, television career, death, and other related topics; and includes time lines, a glossary, an index, bibliographical references, and a list of resources. Be sure to visit The Crocodile Hunter's website! http://www.crocodilehunter.com/crocodile_hunter/about_steve_terri/index.html

Amistad/Katherine Tegen Books, p2009
Illustrator: Kadir Nelson
32 pages
Reading Level: 4.4
Civil rights workers.
African Americans Biography, Martin Luther King, Jr., 1929-1968, African Americans Civil Rights History, Civil Rights Movements History

Coretta Scott King's childhood in the segregated south, marriage to Martin Luther King, Jr., and her involvement in the civil rights movements are described and beautifully illustrated. Visit http://aalbc.com/authors/ntozake.htm to learn more about books related to African Americans. The aalbc site is claimed to be the best site for African American Literature.

ABDO, 2010
32 pages
Reading Level: 4.6
Women Biography, Country Music Stars

Recounts the life Taylor Swift has experienced, from growing up on a Christmas Tree farm in Pennsylvania to becoming a famous country music star. This picture book provides a glossary of important words as well as a website where readers can learn more about Taylor.

Enslow Publishers, 2009
48 pages
Reading Level: 4.7
Actors and Actresses

Watson provides readers with a brief biography of Radcliffe, describing how he became Harry Potter, his likes and dislikes, and what he does with his free time. Includes a filmography, index, and biographical references.

Enslow, 2008
32 pages
Reading Level: 4.8
Engineers, Ferris Wheel History

"Discusses the life of Ferris wheel inventor George Ferris, explains what inspired him to create the wheel and how it was built, and describes its debut. Includes an index and bibliographical references." (Titlewave)

PowerKids Press, 2006
24 pages
Reading Level: 4.9
Authors, American Women

In picture book format with large print, Lowry's life is chronicled. As the daughter of an army office, Lowry lived in exotic places. Her education, marriage and children, decision to pursue a writing career, and the sources of her inspiration are included. Photographs, headings, page-by-page timeline, glossary, index, and a website are included.

Grosset & Dunlap, 2010
Illustrator: John O'Brien
105 pages
Reading Level: 4.9
Presidents, Racially Mixed People

Provides a chronological account of Barack Obama's life. Black and white illustrations. Includes a time line of Barack Obama, a time line of World Events, and a Bibliography.

ABDO, 2010
32 pages
Reading Level: 5.0
President's Children

"A brief biography of Sasha and Malia Obama that discusses their family, life on the campaign trail, experiences as daughters of the president of the United States, and other related topics." (Titlewave)

Rigby, 2008
48 pages
Reading Level: Grade 5, guided reading level U

At 56 years old, teacher and athletic coach, Bill Holden, walked across America--from Arizona to Illinois--to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.

Illustrator: Frank Morrison
Lee & Low Books, 2006
32 pages
Reading Level 5.7
History: George Crum, potato chips, Native/African American

Learn about the accidental invention of one of America's favorite snacks--the potato chip!

Mondo Publishing, 2007
31 pages
Reading Level: 5.1, Guided Reading Level S
Business, Business Partners, Internet

"As a boy in Taiwan, Jerry Yang—co-founder of the Yahoo! Internet site—faces hardship when his father dies. His family immigrates to the United States, and when Jerry is a student at Stanford University, he and a friend find themselves spending more and more time on the Internet. Eventually they start the world-famous Yahoo! site. This biography tells the story of how they did it. Includes Table of Contents, Introduction and conclusion, Photographs with captions, Glossary, Endnotes and sources." (Mondo)

Picture Window Books, 2004
Illustrator: Jeff Yesh
24 pages
Reading Level: 3.3

Some of the most important events in George Washington's life are presented. Includes an index and bibliographical references.

HarperCollinsPublishers, 2004
Illustrator: Leonard Jenkins
34 pages
Reading Level: 4.2

Martin Luther King, Jr., Civil rights workers, Clergy
Civil rights movements History, African Americans Biography

Text and vivid, bold two-page spread illustrations focus on Martin Luther King Jr.'s public image.

Children's Press, 2004
32 pages
Reading Level: 4.9
Presidents

Provides an introduction to George Washington, the first president of the United States of America. Large print. Includes photographs, captions, and comics.

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 1999
32 pages
Reading Level: 5.0
African Americans, Segregation in Transportation, Montgomery, AL, Women Biographies

The bus in this story can talk! As a young girl, Marcie, rides the bus, she meets Rosa Parks and is therefore anxious to tell her classmates about the experience.