I still love picture books, especially picture book biographies. The four pictures books I read last night are all fantastic. I learned something in each of the books, was inspired by the people in each book, and am already thinking of groups of students I can share these with. Despite the fact that many people think picture books are for younger kids, I can guarantee that my middle school students will still find these stories fascinating.
Nothing Stopped Sophie: The Story of Unshakable Mathematician Sophie Germain by Cheryl Bardoe, illustrated by Barbara McClintock is an inspiring story of a young woman who loved math and despite the fact that no one believed a girl could be a mathematician, went on to prove people wrong. Sophie grew up in France during the time of the French Revolution, and initially had to submit work she did under a man's name. She did work on mathematical equations to help explain vibrations, information needed for construction of bridges, and has a group of numbers named Sophie Germain Prime Numbers after her. In addition to this story of Germain's life being fascinating, the illustrations are colorful, and the information in this book is something a wide audience will enjoy. Additional information at the end provides more for older readers as well.
Between the Lines: How Ernie Barnes Went from the Football Field to the Art Gallery by Sandra Neil Wallace, illustrated by Bryan Collier - I love learning about new people and the contributions they've made to the world. Ernie Barnes was a sensitive, shy kid who loved art. He was also a pretty good football player - playing for three pro teams - before he turned to his real love, painting pictures of African Americans. As a child he visited an art gallery and noticed there were no pictures of African Americans. As an adult, Barnes painted African Americans, as well as pictures of sporting events. Additional biographical information help round out this story, which will appeal to readers as young as first grade and up. Collier's illustrations alternate between watercolors and collage, and provide detailed pictures on each page.
Carter Reads The Newspaper by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Don Tate - Carter Woodson is another person who I'd never heard of, but loved learning about. His story is also inspiring. Carter was born shortly after the Civil War ended, both parents had been slaves. He enjoyed school, but because his family needed money, worked instead to help them. Eventually he finishes high school, college, and earns a PhD from Harvard (the second black man to do so). He was inspired to pursue an education by a man named Oliver Jeffers, who was unable to read himself, but who valued books and education and invited young men to come to his house after work where they could read and discuss news and books. When Carter is told by a professor that black people have no history, he spends his life proving this professor wrong. Black History Month, which we celebrate each February, can be credited to Carter Woodson and his quest to make people aware of the rich history of African Americans.
Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13 by Helaine Becker, illustrated by Dow Phumiruk - Katherine is one of the women featured in Hidden Figures. This picture book version focuses solely on Katherine's story, beginning in childhood and moving through her career with NASA. The story is one I already knew, but I enjoyed this version of Johnson's life, which is perfect for readers grades K-3. Children interested in the Hidden Figures story, but too young to read the book at this point, should start with Counting on Katherine.
What picture book biographies have you read recently that I need to add to my list?
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