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When Sue Found Sue: Sue Hendrikson Discovers Her T-Rex
By Toni Buzzeo, Illustrated by Diana Sudyka
From a very young age, Sue Hendrickson was meant to find things: lost coins, perfume bottles, even hidden treasure. Her endless curiosity eventually led to her career in diving and paleontology, where she would continue to find things big and small. In 1990, at a dig in South Dakota, Sue made her biggest discovery to date: Sue the T. Rex, the largest and most complete T. Rex skeleton ever unearthed. Named in Sue’s honor, Sue the T. Rex would be placed on permanent exhibition at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. When Sue Found Sue inspires readers to take a closer look at the world around them and to never lose their brave, adventurous spirits. 4-8 years
Barnum Brown: How Barnum Brown Discovered the Most Famous Dinosaur in the World
By Tracey Fern, Illustrated by Boris Kulikov
Barnum Brown’s parents named him after the circus icon, P.T. Barnum, hoping that he would do something extraordinary — and he did! As a paleontologist for the American Museum of Natural History, he discovered the first documented skeleton of the Tyrannosaurus Rex, as well as most of the other dinosaurs on display at the museum today. A fun picture book biography, with zany illustrations by Boris Kulikov, that captures the spirit of this remarkable man. 5-9 years
Digging Up Dinosaurs
By Aliki
How did those enormous dinosaur skeletons get inside the museum? Long ago, dinosaurs ruled the Earth. Then, suddenly, they died out. For thousands of years, no one knew these giant creatures had ever existed. Then people began finding fossils — bones and teeth and footprints that had turned to stone. Today, teams of experts work together to dig dinosaur fossils out of the ground, bone by fragile bone. Then they put the skeletons together again inside museums, to look just like the dinosaurs of millions of years ago. 4-8 years
How the Dinosaur Got to the Museum
By Jessie Hartland
Author/illustrator Jessie Hartland presents the fascinating 145-million-year journey of a dinosaur: a Diplodocus longus, from its discovery in 1923 in Utah to its arrival in the hallowed halls of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. 6-9 years
Mister Bones: Dinosaur Hunter
By Jane Kurtz, Illustrated by Mary Haverfield
Barnum Brown loves to dig in the dirt. He pokes and he sifts and he picks through the dirt. What is he looking for? Not gold, but something just as valuable: Bones! Dinosaur bones! And what he finds is an amazing thing. 4-6 years
A Dinosaur Named Sue
By Faye Robinson, Illustrated by Portia Sloan
A Dinosaur Named Sue follows the amazing story of Sue, the largest and most complete T-Rex fossil ever found, from her discovery in the Badlands of South Dakota in 1990, to the exciting restoration work leading up to her Spring 2000 public debut. 4-8 years
Dinosaur Hunters
By Kate McMullan, Illustrated by John R. Jones
Less than 200 years ago, nobody knew that dinosaurs had ever existed. Now, scientists who study fossils know about many kinds of dinosaurs and where they lived. The hunt is on for new information about our favorite prehistoric reptiles! 7-9 years
Dinosaur Hunters: A Big Dig Adventure
By Catherine Chambers
In DK Adventures: Dinosaur Hunters, our time travelers find themselves caught up in the rivalry between dinosaur bone hunters Othniel Marsh and Edward Cope. They have to use critical thinking and historical knowledge to decide whether to interfere with scientific discovery or leave well enough alone. 8-12 years
The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins
By Barbara Kerley, Illustrated by Brian Selznick
Can you imagine a time when almost no one in the world knew what a dinosaur looked like? That was true until the mid-nineteenth century, when a Victorian artist, Waterhouse Hawkins, built the first life-size models of dinosaurs, first in his native England and later in New York City, and dazzled the world with his awe-inspiring creatures. 4-8 years
The book descriptions are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Blue Sky White Stars
By Sarvinder Naberhaus, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
An inspiring and patriotic tribute to the beauty of the American flag, a symbol of America’s history, landscape, and people. Each spread depicts a stirring tableau, from the view of the Statue of Liberty at Ellis Island, to civil rights marchers standing shoulder to shoulder, to a spacecraft at Cape Canaveral blasting off, this book is an ode to America then and now. 4-8 years
Our Flag Was Still There: The True Story of Mary Pickersgill and the Star-Spangled Banner
By Jessie Hartland
If you go to the Smithsonian in Washington, DC, you can see a massive American flag: thirty feet tall and forty-two feet long. That’s huge! But how did it get there? And where did it come from? Well…The story of this giant flag begins in 1812 and stars a major on the eve of battle, a seamstress and her mighty helpers, and a poet named Francis Scott Key. This isn’t just the story of one flag. It’s the story of “The Star Spangled-Banner,” a poem that became our national anthem, too. 4-8 years
America’s Flag Story
By Karen S. Robbins, Illustrated by J. James
The American flag waves in reverence for many—for the immigrants who came and built a nation with hard work and ingenuity and for all who continue to defend and serve our nation. The flag represents the freedom, the endurance, and the indomitable courage that makes America the home of the free and brave. 5-8 years
F is For Flag
By Wendy Cheyette Lewison, Illustrated by Barbara Duke
June 14 is Flag Day, but with so many American flags proudly displayed, every day seems like Flag Day. F is For Flag shows in simple terms how one flag can mean many things: a symbol of unity, a sign of welcome, and a reminder that in good times and in bad everyone in our country is part of one great big family. 3-5 years
Our American Flag
By Mary Firestone, Illustrated by Matthew Skeins
Its stars and stripes ripple and wave. It is the United States flag and Americans have flown it for more than 200 years. Join seamstress Mary Pickersgill for a trip through time to see how this symbol of freedom came to be. 5-7 years
I’m Your Flag So Please Treat Me Right
By Julia Cook
I’m Your Flag So Please Treat Me Right! is a story told by the American flag. It explains through the eyes of our flag what the red, white and blue stand for, and what the flag means to all Americans. 5-8 years
“I stand for freedom when I wave in the air,
so proud of my stars and stripes.
Red, White, and Blue: The Story of the American Flag
By John Herman, Illustrated by Robin Roraback
Some people call the American flag Stars and Stripes or Old Glory. But did you know that it hasn’t always looked the same? This Level 3 readers tells the history of the American flag. 6-8 years
Our Flag
By Carl Memling, Illustrated by Stephen Cook
The youngest readers will enjoy this concise but informative history of the American flag with beautiful and exciting illustrations of colonial life, Betsy Ross, George Washington, and Fort McHenry. Included are illustrated instructions on flag etiquette, as well as the Pledge of Allegiance. 3-7 years
The Flag We Love
By Pam Munoz Ryan, Illustrated by Ralph Masiello
This spirited tribute to Old Glory will inspire readers, young and old, to take a new look at the greatest emblem of the United States of America. With patriotic verse and historical fact, The Flag We Love explores how our flag has become an enduring part of our nation’s proud history and heritage. From its earliest designs to its role in peace-time and war, the Star-Spangled Banner will take on a new meaning for all readers. 5-8 years
The Rocket’s Red Glare: Celebrating the History of the Star-Spangled Banner
By Pete Alderman, Illustrated by Bea Moritz
Join Francis Scott Key on the choppy waters of the Chesapeake Bay in this picture book that transports readers to one of the most important days in U.S. history. This book brings to life the perilous yet triumphant day during the War of 1812 that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words to America’s national anthem. 7-12 years
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publisher.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Eleanor
By Barbara Cooney
Though she came from a wealthy and privileged family, Eleanor Roosevelt grew up in a cheerless household that left her lonely and shy. Years passed before Eleanor began to discover in herself the qualities of intelligence, compassion, and strength that made her a remarkable woman. Barbara Cooney captures the essence of the little girl whose indomitable spirit would make her one of the greatest and most beloved first ladies of all time. 5-8 years
Eleanor, Quiet No More
By Doreen Rapport, Illustrated by Gary Kelley
Eleanor Roosevelt was raised in a privileged but stern Victorian household, with an affectionate but mostly absent father and a critical mother who made fun of her daughter’s looks. Alone and lonely for much of her childhood, Eleanor found solace in books and in the life of her lively and independent mind. Her intellectual gifts and compassionate heart won her the admiration of many friends and the love of her future husband, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. While other young women of her class were spending time at dances and parties, Eleanor devoted her energies to teaching children in New York City’s poorest neighborhoods. Later, she became the most socially and politically active, and the most controversial first lady America had ever seen. Ambassador, activist, and champion of civil rights, Eleanor Roosevelt changed the soul of America forever. 5-8 years
Hot Dog! Eleanor Roosevelt Throws a Picnic
By Leslie Kimmelman, Illustrated by Victor Juhasz
In June of 1939, the United States played host to two very special guests, British King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. It was the first visit ever by reigning British royalty and a chance for America to build a stronger relationship with the British, especially in those challenging times. On the domestic side, many people didn’t have jobs, housing, or enough food. Internationally, Adolph Hitler, Germany’s leader, was threatening the countries around him and war loomed on the horizon. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt saw the visit as an opportunity for America to set aside its cares for a while and extend a warm welcome and hand of friendship to the royal guests. As part of the festivities, Eleanor hosted an all-American picnic that included hot dogs, a menu item that seemed to shock some people. 8-11 years
Who Was Eleanor Roosevelt?
By Gare Thompson, Illustrated by Elizabeth Wolf
For a long time, the main role of first ladies was to act as hostesses of the White House…until Eleanor Roosevelt. Born in 1884, Eleanor was not satisfied to just be a glorified hostess for her husband, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Eleanor had a voice, and she used it to speak up against poverty and racism. She had passion, energy, and a way of speaking that made people listen. Eleanor Roosevelt changed the role of the first lady forever. 8-12 years
Eleanor Roosevelt (My Itty-Bitty Biography)
By Emma E. Haldy, Illustrated by Jeff Bane
The My Itty-Bitty Bio series are biographies for the earliest readers. This book examines the life of Eleanor Roosevelt in a simple, age-appropriate way that will help children develop word recognition and reading skills. Includes a timeline and other informative backmatter. 4-6 years
I Am Eleanor Roosevelt (Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum)
By Brooke Vitale
A leveled Reader based on an episode from the PBS KIDS animated television series Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum starring Eleanor Roosevelt. Eleanor Roosevelt helps Xavier learn to take every chance he has to help others when he gets assigned the most boring job in the museum–handing out maps. 6-8 years
Amelia and Eleanor Go For a Ride
By Pam Munoz Ryan
Amelia Earhart and Eleanor Roosevelt were birds of a feather. Not only were they two of the most admired and respected women of all time, they were also good friends. On a brisk and cloudless evening in April 1933, Amelia and Eleanor did the unprecedented, they stole away from a White House dinner, commandeered an Eastern Air Transport plane, and took off on a glorious adventure – while still dressed in their glamorous evening gowns. 7-10 years
Eleanor Everywhere
By Monica Kulling
This inspiring Step Into Reading book tells the true story of how Eleanor Roosevelt, a shy little girl was able to conquer her fears and lead a life full of adventure. From flying with Amelia Earhart and hosting her own radio show to becoming First Lady of the United States, Eleanor Roosevelt did it all and became one of the most admired women in the world. 7 and up
Eleanor Roosevelt, A Photographic Story of a Life
By Kem Knapp Sawyer
DK’s biography series for young readers features one of the best-known and most inspiring women of the 20th century — Eleanor Roosevelt. This is a biography of the first lady who, despite her shyness, followed her conscience and devoted her life to helping others and working for peace. 10 and up
Our Eleanor: A Scrapbook Look at Eleanor Roosevelt’s Remarkable Life
By Candace Fleming
No matter how the question is answered, one thing is clear: there has hardly been a life in the last century that Eleanor Roosevelt has not affected. From securing safe, low-cost housing for Kentucky’s poor, to representing America as the first female delegate to the United Nations, Eleanor rarely kept a second of her life for herself — and she wouldn’t have had it any other way. Filled with photographs of everything from Eleanor’s speech at the 1940 Democratic National Convention to her high school report card, as well as fascinating stories about life in and out of the White House. Teen and YA
Eleanor Roosevelt, Fighter For Justice
By Ilene Cooper
Eleanor Roosevelt, Fighter for Justice shows young readers a different side of the former first lady. Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962) was a politician, activist, diplomat, and the longest-serving first lady of the United States. But she was more than that. She was a protector and advocate for those without a voice, speaking out on the labor movement and civil rights. Though now seen as a cultural icon, she was a woman who was deeply insecure about her looks and her role in the world. She recognized her own prejudices and constantly strove to overcome them. 10-14 years
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
BOOKS FOR KIDS: GREAT DEPRESSION
Born and Bred in the Great Depression
By Jonah Winter, Illustrated by Kimberly Bulchen Root
East Texas, the 1930s — the Great Depression: Award-winning author Jonah Winter’s father grew up with seven siblings in a tiny house on the edge of town. Winter shares his father’s story in a lyrical text that is a celebration of family and making do with what you have. 5-9 years
Ruby’s Hope: The Story of How the Famous “Migrant Mother” Photograph Became the Face of the Great Depression
By Monica Kulling, Illustrated by Sara Dvojack
Dorothea Lange’s Depression-era “Migrant Mother” photograph is an icon of American history. Behind this renowned portrait is the story of a family struggling against all odds to survive.
Dust storms and dismal farming conditions force young Ruby’s family to leave their home in Oklahoma and travel to California to find work. As they move from camp to camp, Ruby sometimes finds it hard to hold on to hope. But on one fateful day, Dorothea Lange arrives with her camera and takes six photographs of the young family. When one of the photographs appears in the newspaper, it opens the country’s eyes to the reality of the migrant workers’ plight and inspires an outpouring of much needed support.
Children of the Great Depression
By Russell Freedman
Russell Freedman illuminates the lives of the American children affected by the economic and social changes of the Great Depression. Middle-class urban youth, migrant farm laborers, boxcar kids, children whose families found themselves struggling for survival…all Depression-era young people faced challenges like unemployed and demoralized parents, inadequate food and shelter, schools they couldn’t attend because they had to go to work, schools that simply closed their doors. Even so, life had its bright spots — like favorite games and radio shows — and many young people remained upbeat and optimistic about the future.
Drawing on memoirs, diaries, letters and other firsthand accounts, and illustrated with classic archival photographs, this book by one of the most celebrated authors of nonfiction for children places the Great Depression in context and shows young readers its human face. 10-12 years
What Was the Great Depression?
By Janet B. Pascal, Illustrated by Dede Putra
On October 29, 1929, life in the United States took a turn for the worst. The stock market — system that controls money in America — plunged to a record law. But this event was only the beginning of many bad years to come. By the early 1930s, one out of three people was not working. People lost their jobs, their houses, or both and ended up in shantytowns called “Hoovervilles” named for the president at the time of the crash. By 1933, many banks had gone under. Though the United States has seen other times of struggle, the Great Depression remains one of the hardest and most widespread tragedies in American history. 8-12 years
Dorothea Lange: The Photographer Who Found the Faces of the Depression
By Carole Boston Weatherford, Illustrated by Sarah Green
Before she raised her lens to take her most iconic photo, Dorothea Lange took photos of the downtrodden, from bankers in once-fine suits waiting in breadlines, to former slaves, to the homeless sleeping on sidewalks. A case of polio had left her with a limp and sympathetic to those less fortunate. Traveling across the United States, documenting with her camera and her fieldbook those most affected by the stock market crash, she found the face of the Great Depression. 5-8 years
Children of the Dust Bowl: The True Story of the School at Weedpatch Camp
By Jerry Stanley
Illustrated with photographs from the Dust Bowl era. This true story takes place at the emergency farm-labor camp immortalized in Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath. Ostracized as “dumb Okies,” the children of Dust Bowl migrant laborers go without school — until Superintendent Leo Hart and 50 Okie kids build their own school in a nearby field. 8-12 years
Potato: A Tale From the Great Depression
By Kate Lied, Illustrated by Lisa Campbell Ernst
Kate Lied tells the story of her grandparents during the Great Depression. After her grandfather Clarence loses his job and the bank takes his house, he and his family move to Idaho to harvest potatoes. They live in a tent and earn enough money to keep the family together through hard times. 6-10 years
The Great Depression: Hardship and Hope in the 1930s
By Cheryl Mullenbach
Have you ever wondered what it was like to live during the Great Depression? Perhaps you think of the stock market crash of 1929, unemployed workers standing in breadlines, and dust storms swirling around the Great Plains. But the 1930s was also a time when neighbors helped neighbors, librarians delivered books by horseback, an army of young men rebuilt the nation’s forests, roads and parks, and Shirley Temple, the curly-haired child star asked moviegoers to “stand up and cheer” in the darkest days. Twenty-one hands on activities included. 9 and up
Out of the Dust
By Karen Hesse
“Dust piles up like snow across the prairie…
A terrible accident has transformed Billie Jo’s life, scarring her inside and out. Her mother is gone. Her father can’t talk about it. And the one thing that might make her feel better, playing the piano, is impossible with her wounded hands.
To make matters worse, dust storms are devastating the family farm and all the farms nearby. While others flee from the dust bowl, Billie Jo is left to find peace in the bleak landscape of Oklahoma and in the surprising landscape of her own heart. 8-12 years
Dust for Dinner
By Ann Turner, Illustrated by Robert Barrett
Jake and Maggy live on a farm where they love to sing and dance to mama’s radio. Then terrible dust storms come and ruin the land. The family has no choice but to auction off the farm and make the long hard journey west to California away from the dust storms, where the land is still green. Along the way, Papa tries to find work and Jake and Maggy try to help. But what if Papa can’t find work? What if California isn’t better after all. 4-8 years
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below! Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Timeless Thomas: How Thomas Edison Changed Our Lives
By Gene Barretta
What do record players, batteries, and movie cameras have in common? All these devices were created by the man known as “The Wizard of Menlo Park,” Thomas Edison. He is most famous for inventing the incandescent light bulb. But at his landmark laboratories in Menlo Park and West Orange, New Jersey, he developed other staples of modern technology. He persevered despite many failures. We are lucky that he did because it would be very difficult to go through a day without using one of his life-changing inventions. 6-10 years
A Wizard From the Start: The Incredible Boyhood and Amazing Inventions of Thomas Edison
By Don Brown
A wizard from the start, Thomas Edison had a thirst for knowledge, taste for mischief, and hunger for discovery—but his success was made possible by his boundless energy. At age fourteen he coined his personal motto: “The More to do, the more to be done,” and then went out and did: picking up skills and knowledge at every turn. When learning about things that existed wasn’t enough, he dreamed up new inventions to improve the world. From humble beginnings as a farmer’s son, selling newspapers on trains and reading through public libraries shelf by shelf, Tom began his inventing career as a boy and became a legend as a man. 4-7 years
When Thomas Edison Fed Someone Worms
By Mark Andrew Weakland, Illustrated by Thomas Radcliffe
Thomas Edison became a great American inventor and businessman. But do you know what he was like as a child? From exploring shipyards and pastures to feeding a girl worms, Thomas was a curious and creative child. This playful story of his childhood will help young readers connect with a historic figure and will inspire them to want to achieve greatness. 6-8 years
The Unexpected Light of Thomas Alva Edison
By Raymond Arroyo, Illustrated by Kristina Gehrmann
No one thought much of young Thomas Alva Edison. He couldn’t focus at school and caused trouble around the house. But where others saw a distracted and mischievous boy, his mother saw imagination and curiosity. At only seven years old, Al, as he was called as a young child, was educated by his mother, who oversaw his rigorous at-home education while also allowing him great freedom to explore and dream. Those early years of encouragement and loving guidance formed the man who would apply those valuable lessons as well as his rich imagination to inventing the phonograph, the motion picture camera, the light bulb, and more. 4-8 years
Thomas Edison and His Bright Idea
By Patricia Brennan Demuth, Illustrated by Jez Tuya
This nonfiction reader shines a light on Thomas Edison and his greatest invention — the light bulb! As a curious child who was always asking questions, it’s no wonder he grew up to become a famous, prolific inventor. This story follows Edison from his time in school to his career as full-time inventor. His discoveries will fascinate and inspire all curious young minds. 6-8 years
Who Was Thomas Edison?
By Margaret Frith, Illustrated by John O’Brien
One day in 1882, Thomas Edison flipped a switch that lit up lower Manhattan with incandescent light and changed the way people lived. The electric light bulb was only one of thousands of Edison’s inventions. As a boy, observing a robin catch a worm and then take flight, he fed a playmate a mixture of worms and water to see if she could fly. 8-12 years
Thomas Edison Lighting the Way
By Lori Haskins Houran, Illustrated by Gustavo Mazali
Most people today know Thomas Edison as the inventor of the light bulb—except, he isn’t! In Edison’s time, other inventors were working on the light bulb, but no one could figure out how to keep the light bulb lit. This is where Edison came in. Read and find out all about the real story of Thomas Edison’s life and his many amazing inventions, like the movie camera and the battery for an electric car! Biography reader includes a timeline and historical photos all about the life of this inspiring figure. 4-8 years
The Inventor’s Secret: What Thomas Edison Told Henry Ford
By Suzanne Slade, Illustrated Jennifer Black Reinhardt
Thomas Edison and Henry Ford started off as insatiably curious tinkerers. That curiosity led them to become inventors — with very different results. As Edison invented hit after commercial hit, gaining fame and fortune, Henry struggled to make a single invention, an affordable car, work. Witnessing Thomas’s glorious career from afar, a frustrated Henry wondered about the secret to his success. This little-known story is a fresh, kid-friendly way to show how they grew up to be the most famous inventors in the world and best friends, too. 6-9 years
Young Thomas Edison
By Michael Dooling
How did Thomas Edison grow up to be America’s greatest inventor? This book explores the beginnings of his genius from his difficulty in school, to his early years as a young scientist, to the man everyone called, “The Wizard of Menlo Park.” 7 and up
National Geographic Readers: Thomas Edison
By Barbara Kramer
Learn all about Thomas Edison, one of the most important figures in American history, in this leveled reader written in an easy-to-grasp style that will encourage the inventors of tomorrow! 5-8 years
DK Biography Thomas Edison: A Photographic Story of a Life
By Jan Adkins
Filled with archival photographs and amazing facts, this biography tells the story of the famous inventor, from his childhood as an “addled” student, to his reign as the “Wizard of Menlo Park,” where he developed the electric light bulb, the phonograph, and many other inventions still in use today. 10-17 years
Thomas Edison For Kids: His Life and Ideas, 21 Activities
By Laurie Carlson
Thomas Edison, one of the world’s greatest inventors, is introduced in this activity books. Children will learn how he ushered in an astounding age of invention with his unique way of looking at things and his refusal to be satisfied with only one solution to a problem. This books helps to inspire kids to be inventors and scientists, as well as persevere with their own ideas. Activities allow children to try Edison’s experiments: making a puppet dance, using static electricity, manufacturing a switch for an electric current, constructing a telegraph machine, and many more. 9-12 years.
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Satchmo’s Blues
By Alan Schroeder, Illustrated by Floyd Cooper
On hot summer nights in New Orleans, a boy named Louis Armstrong would peek under the big swinging doors of Economy Hall and listen to the jazz band. The best night was Friday, when Bunk Johnson would blow his cornet till the roof trembled. At moments like those, Louis could feel his toes tingle. He wanted to be like Bunk Johnson; aim his horn straight up at the night sky and set the stars spinning.
One day Louis saw a horn in a pawnshop window — a real brass cornet. The cardboard sign said $5.00. How could he ever come up with that much money? Every day Louis did what he could to earn that five dollars, and every day he practiced blowing his imaginary horn. It was a dream he would never give up. Louis Armstrong’s dynamic personality and amazing trumpet playing would cast a spell on millions of people around the world, to whom he will always be the one and only Satchmo, the Ambassador of Jazz. 3-7 years
Just a Lucky So and So
By Lesa Cline-Ransome, Illustrated by James E. Ransome
Louis Armstrong has been called the most important improviser in the history of jazz. Although his New Orleans neighborhood was poor in nearly everything, it was rich in superb music. Young Louis took it all in, especially the cornet blowing of Joe “King” Oliver. But after a run-in with the police, eleven-year-old Louis was sent away to the Colored Waif’s Home for Boys where he became a disciplined musician in the school’s revered marching band. Ultimately, he was to travel the world and transform jazz through his improvised singing (scatting) and masterful trumpet playing. 6-9 years
Who Was Louis Armstrong?
By Yona Zeldis McDonough, Illustrated by John O’Brien
If not for a stint in reform school, young Louis Armstrong might never have become a musician. It was a teacher at the Colored Waifs Home for Boys who gave him a cornet and saw talent in the kid from the tough New Orleans neighborhood called Storyville. But it was Louis’s own passion and genius that pushed jazz into a new and exciting direction with his amazing, improvisational trumpet playing. 8-12 years
A Horn for Louis: Louis Armstrong as a Kid
By Eric A. Kimmel, Illustrated by James Bernardin
How did famous New Orleans jazz trumpet player Louis Armstrong get his first horn? Seven-year-old Louis was too poor to buy a real instrument. He didn’t even go to school. To help his mother pay the rent, every day he rode a junk wagon through the streets of New Orleans, playing a tin horn and collecting stuff people didn’t want. One day, he passed a pawn shop with a gleaming brass trumpet in the window… 7-10 years
Play, Louis, Play! The Story of a Boy and His Horn
By Muriel Harris Weinstein, Illustrated by Frank Morrision
The childhood of Louis Armstrong was as fascinating as the great musician himself. This chapter book biography is written from the point of view of Louis’s closest companion throughout his youth: his horn! In an exuberant voice, this unusual narrator tells Louis’s story beginning with the small New Orleans hock shop where he bought his first trumpet for five hard-earned dollars. He goes from a street quartet to the marching band of the Colored Waif’s Home to the big sounds of New Orleans. 7-10 years
Louis Armstrong Jazz Legend
By Terry Collins, Illustrated by Richie Pope
Louis Armstrong, also known as Satchmo and Pops, became an American jazz legend in the 1920s. His voice and skill with instruments helped him become a popular musician in the racially divided country. Watch as this skilled musician learns to play, buys his first instrument, and becomes one of the best music makers ever. 8-14 years
If I Only Had a Horn: Young Louis Armstrong
By Roxanne Orgill, Illustrated by Leonard Jenkins
This book tells the story of Louis Armstrong who grew up to be a giant of jazz. As a poor boy in New Orleans, where music was everywhere, he longed to play a horn. 9-12 years
Louis Armstrong: King of Jazz
By Patricia and Frederick McKissack
“Music has been in my blood from the day I was born,” Louis Armstrong said. He rose from a troubled childhood and a life of poverty to set the music world on fire. Armstrong’s lively trumpet playing, trademark “scat” singing, and natural talent for showmanship dazzled audiences for more than fifty years. 6-9 years
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
The Geisel Award, in honor of, Theodor Geisel (Dr. Suess,) is given each year to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished American book for beginning readers by the American Library Association.
2022
Fox at Night
By Corey R. Tabor
Fox is up late in the night. There are shadows and noises everywhere. Fox is sure the night is full of monsters! Then he meets the real creatures of the night and realizes they are not so scary after all. Carefully crafted using basic language, word repetition, sight words, and whimsical illustrations, Fox at Night is ideal for sharing with your emergent reader. The active, engaging My First I Can Read stories have appealing plots and lovable characters, encouraging children to continue their reading journey.
2021
See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog
By David LaRochelle, Illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka
Move over, Spot. . . . Spoofing classic primers, Max the Dog talks back to the book in a twist that will have fans of funny early readers howling.
See Max. Max is not a cat—Max is a dog. But much to Max’s dismay, the book keeps instructing readers to “see the cat.” How can Max get through to the book that he is a DOG? In a trio of stories for beginning readers, author David LaRochelle introduces the excitable Max, who lets the book know in irresistibly emphatic dialogue that the text is not to his liking. Illustrator Mike Wohnoutka hilariously depicts the pup’s reactions to the narrator and to the wacky cast of characters who upend Max’s—and readers’—expectations as the three stories build to an immensely satisfying conclusion. Hooray, Max, hooray!
2020
Stop! Bot!
By James Yang
In this very young picture book mystery, a little boy out for a walk with his family stops to show a building doorman his new “bot”: “I have a bot!” Only he doesn’t have it for long, because it floats up out of his hands like an escaped balloon. “Stop! Bot!” Springing to action, the kind doorman runs up to each floor of the building to try and catch it — along with the help of each floor’s resident. But while everything looks normal at first, every floor (and resident) is a little more wacky and unusual than the last! Musicians, baseball players, zoo animals, and finally a very large monkey all play a part — but will they rescue the Bot before it’s too late?! Children will love all the funny details in this very playful picture book!
2019
Fox the Tiger
By Corey R. Tabor
Fun-loving, mischievous Fox wishes he were a tiger. Tigers are big and fast and sneaky. So he decides to become one! Soon, Turtle and Rabbit are joining in the fun. But will Fox want to be a tiger forever?
2018
Charlie and Mouse
By Laurel Synder, Illustrated by Emily Hughes
Four hilarious stories, two inventive brothers, one irresistible book! Join Charlie and Mouse as they talk to lumps, take the neighborhood to a party, sell some rocks, and invent the bedtime banana. With imagination and humor, Laurel Synder and Emily Hughes paint a lively picture of brotherhood that children will relish in a format perfect for children not quite ready for chapter books.
2017
We Are Growing
By Laurie Keller
Walt and his friends are growing up fast! Everyone is something- est. But what about Walt? He is not the tallest, or the curliest, or the silliest. He is not the anything-est. As a Big surprise inches closer, Walt discovers something special of his own.
2016
Don’t Throw to Mo!
By David A. Adler, Illustrated by Sam Ricks
Mo is the youngest kid on the Robins, his football team. His classmates don’t mind, but the kids on their rival team tease him for being a “butterfingers” who’s too tiny to catch the ball. But Mo’s coach has a plan to turn Mo’s little size into a big win for the Robins!
2015
You Are (Not) Small
By Anne Kang, Illustrated by Christopher Weyant
Two fuzzy creatures can’t agree on who is small and who is big, until a couple of surprise guests show up, settling once and for all! The simple text of Anna Kang and bold illustrations of cartoonist Christopher Weyant tell an original and very funny story about size — it all depends on who’s standing next to you.
2014
The Watermelon Seed
By Greg Pizzoli
With perfect comic pacing, Greg Pizzoli introduces us to one funny crocodile who has one big fear: swallowing a watermelon seed. What will he do when his greatest fear is realized? Will vines sprout out his ears? Will his skin turn pink? This crocodile has a wild imagination that kids will love.
2013
Up, Tall and High!
By Ethan Long
In three laugh-out-loud situations, an irresistible cast of colorful birds illustrate the concepts of “up,” “tall” and “high.” First, a short peacock proves that he may not be tall, but he definitely isn’t small. Then, a resourceful bird helps his penguin friend find a way to fly. Finally, two birds want to live in the same tree, but what goes up must come down! Each short story features a flap that reveals a surprise twist.
2012
Tales for Very Picky Eaters
By Josh Schneider
James is a very picky eater. His dad has to get creative — very creative — in order to get James to eat foods he thinks he doesn’t like. He presents James with a series of outlandish scenarios packed with fanciful and kid friendly details like pre-chewed gum as an alternative to broccoli and lumpy oatmeal it grows so big it eats the dog — in an effort to get James to eat. But it is eventually James himself who discovers that some foods aren’t so bad if you give them a try.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Moses: When Harriet Tubman Let Her People to Freedom
By Carole Boston Weatherford, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
This poetic book is a resounding tribute to Tubman’s strength, humility, and devotion. With proper reverence, Weatherford and Nelson do justice to the woman who, long ago, earned the name Moses. 5-8 years
Before She Was Harriet
By Lesa Cline-Ransome, Illustrated by James E. Ransome
We know her today as Harriet Tubman, but in her lifetime she was called many names. As General Tubman, she was a Union spy. As Moses, she led hundreds to freedom on the Underground Railroad. As Minty, she was a slave whose spirit could not be broken. And as Araminta, she was a young girl whose father showed her the stars and the first steps on the path to freedom.
She Persisted: Harriet Tubman
By Andrea Davis Pinkney, Illustrated by Alexandra Boiger and Gillian Flint
Born enslaved, Harriet Tubman rose up to become one of the most successful, determined and well-known conductors of the Underground Railroad. With her family’s love planted firmly in her heart, Harriet looked to the North Star for guidance–and its light helped guide her way out of slavery. Her courage made it possible for her to help others reach freedom too.
Harriet Tubman: A Little Golden Book Biography
By JaNay Brown-Wood, Illustrated by Robert Paul, Jr.
Inspire and educate your little one with this Little Golden Book biography. It’s the perfect introduction to nonfiction for preschoolers. This Little Golden Book tells the story of a true hero who helped to free enslaved Black people as a conductor on the Underground Railroad.
Harriet Tubman Conductor on the Underground Railroad
By Ann Petry
Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad was praised by the New Yorker as “an evocative portrait,” and by the Chicago Tribune as “superb.” It is a gripping and accessible portrait of the heroic woman who guided more than 300 enslaved people to freedom.
She was born in slavery and dreamed of being free. She was willing to risk everything—including her own life—to see that dream come true. After her daring escape, Harriet became a conductor on the secret Underground Railroad, helping others make the dangerous journey to freedom.
Escape North! The Story of Harriet Tubman
By Monica Kulling, Illustrated by Teresa Flavin
This book is an easy-to-read page-turning account of Harriet Tubman’s life. It follows her childhood in slavery, to her years as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, to her later work as a suffragette and as a spy in the Civil War. This remarkable true story brings to life one of America’s greatest female role models.
An Apple For Harriet Tubman
By Glennette Tilley Turner, Illustrated by Susan Keeter
Like other enslaved African American children, young Harriet Tubman had to work hard. She spent long hours in her master’s orchard picking the juicy apples she was forbidden to eat. Harriet vowed to one day be free and grow apple trees of her own. As an adult, she made her escape to the North. She then repeatedly returned south, risking her life, to lead slaves to freedom.
Who Was Harriet Tubman?
By Yona Zeldis McDonough, Illustrated by Nancy Harrison
Born a slave in Maryland, Harriet Tubman knew first-hand what it meant to be someone’s property. She was whipped by owners and almost killed by an overseer. It was from other field hands that she heard about the Underground Railroad. After her escape to Philadelphia, she returned to the South again and again to help slaves escape to freedom.
Minty: A Story of Young Harriet Tubman
By Alan Schroeder, Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
They called her “Minty.” When she grew up, she became known as Harriet Tubman. She was the courageous and heroic woman who helped hundreds of slaves escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad. But she was a little girl once too. Minty, short for Araminta, was a headstrong young slave whose rebellious spirit often got her into trouble. When her father taught her the skills necessary to escape, she listened carefully and learned what to do.
The Story of Harriet Tubman: A Biography For New Readers
By Christine Platt
Discover the life of Harriet Tubman―a story about courage, bravery, and freedom
Harriet Tubman became a celebrated leader in the fight to free people from slavery. Before that, she was a determined young girl who believed that everyone deserved to be free. Harriet Tubman bravely used the Underground Railroad―a network of secret routes and safe houses―to free herself and many other enslaved people. Explore how Harriet Tubman went from being a slave on a plantation in Maryland to one of the most important figures in American history. How will her courageous spirit inspire you?
Harriet Tubman Freedom Fighter
By Nadia L. Hohn, Illustrated by Gustavo Mazali
Harriet Tubman was a brave woman who was born enslaved in Maryland in the 1800s. After risking everything to escape from her slave master and be free, she went on to lead many people to freedom on a journey known today as the Underground Railroad.
This book covers some of the amazing aspects of her life: She led 13 escapes—all successful and at great personal risk—between 1850 and 1860. This book also covers some of the lesser-known amazing aspects of her life: During the Civil War, Harriet Tubman enlisted African American men to be soldiers. She served as a spy and led a battle under the command of a Union Army colonel!
Beginning readers will learn about the milestones in Harriet Tubman’s life in this Level Two I Can Read biography. This biography includes a timeline and historical illustrations all about the life of this inspiring figure, as well as a rare historical photograph of her. Much mythology and conflicting lore exists about Harriet Tubman. This book was carefully vetted by noted expert Dr. Kate Larson.
When Harriet Met Sojourner
By Catherine Clinton, Illustrated by Shane W. Evans
Two women with similar backgrounds. Both slaves and both fiercely independent. Both great women in different ways. Harriet Tubman was the brave pioneer who led her fellow slaves to freedom. Sojourner Truth was a strong woman who spoke up for African American rights. One day in 1864, the lives of these two women came together.
DK Biography: Harriet Tubman
By Kem Knapp Sawyer
Harriet Tubman tells the story of the famous abolitionist, from her childhood as a slave on a Maryland plantation, to her dramatic escape, to her tireless work as an organizer of the Underground Railroad. This book is full of archival photographs and amazing facts.
Aunt Harriet’s Underground Railroad in the Sky
By Faith Ringgold
Cassie and her brother Be Be meet a train full of people. Be Be joins them. The train departs before Cassie can climb aboard. With Harriet Tubman as her guide, Cassie retraces the steps escaping slaves took on the real Underground Railroad and is reunited with her brother.
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
To Dare Mighty Things: The Life of Theodore Roosevelt
By Doreen Rappaport, Illustrated by C.F. Payne
President Theodore Roosevelt is known as “the man with a plan,” and the “rough rider.” His figure stands tall in American history. And his legacy stretches him to larger-than-life proportions. But before his rise to fame, he was just “Teedie,” a boy with ambitious dreams to change the world, and the conviction to see his stupendous imaginings brought to fruition.
As an American president, he left an impressive mark upon his country. He promised a “square deal” to all citizens, he tamed big businesses, and protected the nation’s wildlife and natural beauty. His fearless leadership assured that he would always be remembered, and his robust spirit now dares others to do mighty things. 6 and up
A Fine Little Bad Boy: Quentin Roosevelt in the White House
By Barbara Lowell, Illustrated by Antonio Marinoni
Based on the true escapades of Quentin Roosevelt, this bighearted picture book is about a boy full of mischief who craves his famous father’s attention.
Quentin may be the “littlest Roosevelt,” but he soon rivals his father, the famous Teddy, as the biggest personality in the White House of the early 1900’s. From roller skating in the halls to shooting spitballs at Andrew Jackson’s portrait. From swimming in the fountains to taking a pony for an elevator ride. This “fine little bad boy” takes full advantage of his father’s long tenure as president, believing the good times will never end. 4-8 years
You’re on Your Way, Teddy Roosevelt
By Judith St. George, Illustrated by Matt Faulkner
Before Teddy Roosevelt became famous as a statesman, naturalist, colonel in the Spanish-American War, and twenty-sixth president of the United States, he was a young boy called “Teedie” who struggled with terrible asthma. Overcoming his illness was a major battle in his young life. With determination to make himself strong and healthy, he set the course for his amazing accomplishments to come. 5-9 years
Teedie: The Story of Young Teddy Roosevelt
By Don Brown
Teedie was not exactly the stuff of greatness: he was small for his size. Delicate. Timid. Nervous. By the time he was ten years old he had a frail body and weak eyes. He was deviled by asthma, tormented by bullies. His favorite place to be was at home. Some may think that because of these things, Teedie was destined for a ho-hum life. But they would be wrong. For Teedie had a strong mind, as well as endless curiosity and determination. Is that all? No. Teedie had ideas of his own — lots of them. It wasn’t long before the world knew him as Theodore Roosevelt, the youngest president of the United States. 4-7 years
Teddy Roosevelt Was a Moose?
By Dan Gutman, Illustrated by Allison Steinfeld
Did you know that Theodore Roosevelt was shot before a rally, and went on to give his speech with the bullet in his chest? Or that he skinny-dipped in the Potomac River? Bet you didn’t know that he had a zebra, a lion, and a one-legged rooster at the White House! Siblings Paige and Turner have collected some of the most unusual and surprising facts about the larger-than-life president, from his childhood and his Rough Rider days to his rise to politics and his complicated presidential legacy. 6-8 years
Who Was Teddy Roosevelt?
By Michael Burgan, Illustrated by Jerry Hoare
He was only 42 years old when he was sworn in as president of the United States in 1901 — making him the youngest president ever. He was also the first sitting president to win the Nobel Peace Prize, to ride in a car, and to fly in an airplane. Theodore Roosevelt’s achievements as a naturalist, explorer, author, and soldier are as much a part of his fame as any office he held as a politician. 8-12 years
I Am Theodore Roosevelt
By Brooke Vitale
Based on the children’s book series Ordinary People Change the World by New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer and illustrator Christopher Eliopoulos, the series will introduce kids to inspiring historical figures and the character virtues that helped them succeed.
Brad does not like creepy crawly things and has marked the entire playground as a No-Go Zone! The Secret Museum sends him, Xavier, and Yadina to meet Theodore Roosevelt who helps them learn that creepy crawly things need space to live, too. 3-5 years
Teddy! The Remarkable Tale of a President, a Cartoonist, a Toymaker, and a Bear
By James Sage, Illustrated by Lisk Feng
James Sage uses a playful blend of fact and fiction to tell this entertaining tale. The story goes that on a hunting trip in 1902, President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear. “Me? Shoot that little fellow?” he said. “Why, if I so much as ruffled his fur, I’d never be able to look my children in the eyes again!” When a political cartoonist shared the story in the newspaper, New York shopkeepers Rosie and Morris Michtom were impressed by the president’s big, warm heart. So, they decided to create a Teddy bear in his honor to sell in their store. The bear was so popular, they made another one. And another. Before they knew it, they had to build a factory to accommodate the demand. It seemed every child wanted a teddy bear of their own! 4-8 years
Bully For You Teddy Roosevelt
By Jean Fritz, Illustrated by Mike Wimmer
Newbery Honor-winning author and preeminent biographer for young people, Jean Fritz, brings to life our colorful 26th president. Conservationist, hunter, family man, and politician, Teddy Roosevelt commanded the respect and admiration of many who marveled at his energy, drive and achievements. 8-12 years
Take a Hike, Teddy Roosevelt
By Frank Murphy, Illustrated by Richard Walz
A Step 3 Step into Reading Biography Reader about Theodore Roosevelt, America’s 26th president — and his efforts to protect our environment and establish national parks. Roosevelt battled asthma all his life, and the list of things he shouldn’t do was long. But when people told him “you can’t” he set about proving them wrong. This book focuses on his inexhaustible enthusiasm and his commitment to preserving America’s natural resources. 5-8 years
The Camping Trip That Changed America
By Barb Rosenstock, Illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein
Caldecott medalist Mordicai Gerstein captures the majestic redwoods of Yosemite in this little-known but important story from our nation’s history. In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt joined naturalist John Muir on a trip to Yosemite. Camping by themselves in the uncharted woods, the two men saw sights and and held discussions that would ultimately lead to the establishment of our national parks. 6-9 years
What to do About Alice?
By Barbara Kerley, Illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham
Theodore Roosevelt had a small problem. Her name was Alice. Alice Lee Roosevelt was hungry to go places, meet people, do things. Father called it running riot. Alice called it eating up the world. Whether she was entertaining important White House visitors with her pet snake or traveling the globe, Alice bucked convention and turned every new experience into an adventure! Brimming with affection and wit, this spirited biography gives readers a peek at family life inside the White House. 7-10 years
The Remarkable Rough-Riding Life of Theodore Roosevelt
and the Rise of Empire America
By Cheryl Harness
How did a sickly boy transform himself into one of the country’s boldest leaders? Through the lively narrative and engaging artwork, readers will see Teddy riding the range in South Dakota, charging up San Juan Hill in the Spanish-America War, and climbing the political ladder all the way to the White House. 8-12 years
Being Teddy Roosevelt, a Boy, A President, and a Plan
By Claudia Mills, Illustrated by R.W. Alley
Riley O’Rourke is writing his report on President Teddy Roosevelt in preparation for the fourth grade biography tea. But he has a far more important goal: to get a saxophone so he can take instrumental music. His mother can’t afford to rent a sax. He’s sure he’ll never save up enough money to buy one. But as Riley learns more about Roosevelt’s “bully” spirit, he realizes that there just might be a way to solve his problem after all. 7-10 years
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Pompeii Lost and Found
By Mary Pope Osborne, Illustrated by Bonnie Christensen
The famous eruption of Mount Vesuvius that ended life in Pompeii and buried the town has long been a fascinating moment in history for children. This book presents that dramatic story with brief text and stunning frescoes using the same colors, style, and technique as the ancient frescoes unearthed there. In addition to the destruction of the city and the rediscovery of the ruins nearly 1,700 years later, this book shows what daily life was like in this prosperous Roman town in the year 79 A.D.
What Was Pompeii?
By Jim O’Connor, Illustrated by John Hinderliter
The morning of August 24, A.D. 79, seemed like any other in the Roman city of Pompeii. So, no one was prepared when the nearby volcano Mount Vesuvius suddenly erupted, spouting ash that buried the city and its inhabitants. The disaster left thousands dead, and the city was no more than a memory for almost 1,700 years. In 1748, explorers rediscovered Pompeii with intact buildings and beautiful mosaics. This easy-to-read account is gripping and includes photos of the ruins.
Escape From Pompeii
By Christina Balit
Tranio, like most Roman boys, likes to watch whatever is going on: tradesmen selling their goods, ships unloading their exotic cargoes, politicians making speeches in the forum. But one hot August day a very different scene unfolds. The ground begins to shake, the sky to darken. People run gasping for air. Heading for the harbor. Tranio and his friend Livia hide on a boat and witness one of the most terrifying moments in recorded history — the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and the destruction of their beloved city, Pompeii.
Pompeii Buried Alive
By Edith Kunhardt, Illustrated by Michael Eagle
A Step 4 history reader, “The drama of natural disasters provides prime material to entice young independent readers. In this book, the account of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius describes village life 2,000 years ago, the eruption itself and its aftermath, and the excitement when the buried town is rediscovered centuries later — Publishers Weekly
You Wouldn’t Want to Live in Pompeii
By John Malam, Illustrated by David Antram
Get ready…as a trusted slave in a quiet Roman town in 79 CE, you’re about to undergo the most terrifying experience of your life. You’ll never forget what its like to live in Pompeii. Find out all about the horrible fate of the residents, what remains of the town today, and how Vesuvius’s victims were preserved for eternity.
The Pompeii Disaster
By Dan Gutman
Eccentric billionaire Miss Z is sending Luke, Julia, David, and Isabel on another mission back in time to capture one of history’s most important events.
This time, the Flashback Four are headed to AD 79 to photograph the eruption of Mount Vesuvius! Can the Flashback Four get their photo and get back home before they become ancient history?
With real photographs from Pompeii to help put young readers right in the action, plus back matter that separates fact from fiction, The Pompeii Disaster tells the story of one of the world’s most devastating natural disasters like you’ve never seen it before.
Explore 360° Pompeii: Be Transported Back in Time With Breathtaking 3D Tour
By Peter Crisp and Dr. Hannah Platts
More than 1,900 years ago, the Roman city of Pompeii was frozen in time when the massive eruption of Mt. Vesuvius buried the city, and everyone in it, under layers of ash. Millions are gripped by this dramatic story of the sudden destruction of the town, and the fascinating preservation of the people and animals who were there when it happened. This book offers an in-depth look at life there before, during, and after the eruption.
Pompeii
By Peter Connolly
This book is a comprehensive look at the ancient city of Pompeii that begins with scientific facts: How was it destroyed? How did Mount Vesuvius become an active volcano? What happened during the eruption? How long did Pompeii lay buried and how was it finally rediscovered? What was its history before the disaster? The author rebuilds the past in words and pictures, allowing us to imagine what it was like to live in old Pompeii. Like an archaeological detective, he sifts through the ruins and artifacts to reconstruct one area of the town in minute detail.
Bodies From the Ash: Life and Death in Ancient Pompeii
By James M. Deem
In ancient times, Pompeii was one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire. Its 20,000 inhabitants lived in the shadow of Vesuvius, which they believed was nothing more than a mountain. But Vesuvius was a volcano. And on the morning of August 24, A.D. 79, Vesuvius began to erupt. Within twenty-four hours, the entire city and many of its citizens had been utterly annihilated. It was not until hundreds of years later that Pompeii saw daylight again as archaeological excavations began to unearth what had been buried under layers of volcanic rubble. Digging crews expected to find buildings and jewelry and other treasures, but they found something unexpected, too: the imprints of lost citizens, their deaths captured as if by photographic images in volcanic ash.
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author