Judith E. Harper

Summary: This biography gives information on the life and influence of the famous, Maya Angelou. Starting with her early life, the book covers struggles, successes, influences, and writings of the African American woman. The biography also includes details about her personal life, her son, her travel, and success as an actress and writer.

Personal Reaction: I thought this was a great book for young readers. Maya Angelou is such a great influence, especially for young women. I learned a lot of details that I never knew about Maya Angelou. This book offers photographs of the woman's life and the reading is simple and easy to understand.

Extension Ideas:
Have students write a short essay on what they think are the highlights of Maya Angelou's life. Remind them to use facts and check for accuracy in dates and important details.

Have students chose another influential person in American history. They should thoroughly research the person and summarize the most important details. Encourage students to share their findings with one another.… (lisätietoja)

This biography covers the entire life of John F. Kennedy, from his childhood to his service during WWII to his presidency. The book is divided into four chapters that cover Kennedy’s formative years, his first steps in politics and his presidential campaign, crises he faced as president, and finally his support of the civil rights movement and his assassination. The book is filled with archival photographs (mostly black-and-white, but also color) of Kennedy, his family, other politicians and world leaders, places and events that are discussed. Each photograph is accompanied by a detailed caption. Frequent margin notes give additional details about more personal events of Kennedy’s life such as his life-long struggle with pain and illness, leisure occupations he liked, or details about his wife Jackie, his father Joseph, and his famous brothers Robert and Edward.

This book is an easy read that is well thought-out for an upper-elementary audience. It gives a good overview of the life of America’s thirty-fifth president, but it also shows some of his personal struggles and hopes. Meaningful quotations help bring Kennedy to life. Difficult words are highlighted in red in the text, and explained in a glossary at the end. A timeline, index and short bibliography are provided as well as interesting facts about being a president of the United States, the White House and the three branches of government. Grades 4-7.… (lisätietoja)