It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 3.18.19

This weekly post comes from Jen at Teach Mentor Texts

 and Kellee and Ricki at Unleashing Readers.  

It's a great source to find new books to use with your students.

Last Week's Adventures

I'm celebrating National Women's Month - take a look at part 2 of picture book biographies featuring women!

Some new chapter book series for readers who are just starting to read chapters!


Picture Books


Going Down Home with Daddy
written by Kelly Starling Lyons
illustrated by Daniel Minter
Family traditions, family heritage, family past.
This book celebrates all of that in a beautifully told and beautifully illustrated book.  A family sets out to road trip to Granny's house where all the relatives meet up once a year to celebrate family.  All of the youngsters offer up a special tribute to family history for Granny and the rest of the family in a time honored tradition.  However, young Alan doesn't know what to create, make or do.  It's after listening to his father tell more of their history does Alan come up with an idea.
Publishes April 1st.



Maybe Tomorrow?
written by Charlotte Agell
illustrated by Ana Ramírez
A quiet book about healing from grief.  This story about two unexpected friends - one who is dealing with grief, the other who is upbeat and bubbly - and how that friendship can slowly help one of them start healing.  
The book uses a large box as a metaphor for grief and it is quietly implied, readers will have some inferring to do in order to understand the meaning behind the book.
Look for this one next week - March 26th!


Bark in the Park!  Poems for Dog Lovers
written by Avery Corman
illustrated by Hyewon Yum
Young dog lovers will love this collection of poems!  Each poem is quick, short and in rhyming format.  Readers will enjoy reading about the different dogs featured in this book.
Look for this one next week - March 26th!


Hope
by Matthew Cordell
I hope you've seen the other books in this series of books.  This one is a love letter from a grandparent to a grandchild.  I love the lion and African safari landscape and animals used to convey this beautiful message about a grandparent's hopes, dreams and words of wisdom that are passed down to a grandchild.


The Piñata That The Farm Maiden Hung
written by Samantha R. Vamos
illustrated by Sebastiá Serra
I love the colors in this book!  Using a format similar to "the house that Jack built", each page also builds Spanish vocabulary.  A glossary is also included at the end of the book.


Bear Needs Help
by Sarah S. Brannen
This is such a cute story with a funny surprise at the end.  Bear needs help with his shoelaces, but because he is a polar bear, the other animals are afraid (legitimately so, they are lower on the food chain...) and won't help.  Finally some help arrives from an unlikely source! 


Crab Cake
by Andrea Tsurumi
This book carries a message about not offloading garbage into our oceans.  
We meet many sea creatures happily living together and/or in the ocean life food chain!  And while we're meeting them, we also see crab who likes to bake cakes.  All of this comes together when a huge pile of garbage is dumped into the ocean.  Crab is able to get all of the sea creatures together by baking cakes for all to eat.  Once they are together they can form a plan.


Mary Wears What She Wants
by Keith Negley
This is the narrative story of Dr. Mary Walker, who is one of the first women known to have worn pants.  The book weaves the story of what might have happened to Mary when she decided to have worn pants.  She faced discrimination and name calling for her decision.
When I first started the story, I wondered if it was based on real events.  I was glad to have read the author's note that explained Dr. Walker's story and her many accomplishments.  
I'm glad to see the library has this catalogued as fiction.  Although based on a real woman and based on her story, the events themselves were imagined by the author.  I can see this needing to be explained to young readers.
I really love the endpages that change "boy clothes" to just "clothes"!


The Good Egg
written by Jory John
illustrated by Pete Oswald
Well.  It's not The Bad Seed, but readers of that one will still appreciate this book.
I really appreciate the message - it's ok to not be perfect all of the times and everyone needs some "me" time!
I thought the ending was quick.  It needed one more page to wrap it all up.
With the popularity of The Bad Seed, no doubt this one will have lots of readers!


Ten Rules of the Birthday Wish
written by Beth Ferry
illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
This story is so sweet!  I love the rules - you've probably heard or thought of them all - but they are written in such a way that makes them unique, humorous and a delight to read.  Tom Lichtenheld's illustrations are perfect for this celebratory book. 
Keep this on your gift books list - it would make such a fun book to read on a birthday!

Middle Grade


Mostly the Honest Truth
by Jody J. Little
This one took me by surprise.  With such a colorful cover, I did not expect it to carry such a powerful punch!  
Jane and Pop.  That's how it's supposed to be.  But Pop has landed himself in rehab (again) and Jane is with another foster family (again) while Pop takes the 12 mandatory days to get cleaned up.  But being out in the boonies of the interesting town of Three Boulders ends up being more home than Jane thought it ever could be.
This one will pull on your heart strings so bad, it's a book you'll want to own.  Looking forward to having this one in my class library!


The Lost Girl
by Anne Ursu
I read this one in two sittings, but I had a hard time falling into the book.  It's a story about twins who are being separated in class for the first time.  It's hard for both, perhaps even more difficult for one of them.  
The premise of that story alone is one that usually would hook me, but I had trouble caring for the twin that was mostly telling the story.  I liked the other twin more, but I thought her storyline was going to be more about mental health and then it didn't go that way.  The first 7/8 of the story was character driven, very realistic fiction, with this small thread of fantasy that would appear.  Then, the last 1/8 of the story became plot driven with a huge fantasy part, that just threw me for a loop.
I am definitely in the minority for my feelings of this book.  It's just my opinion.  I am going to put it out for our current fourth graders to read, I'm interested in seeing what kids think about this book.


Babysitting Nightmares: The Phantom Hour
by Kat Shepherd
I am such a wimp - this book, with all of the visualizations it gave me... yeah, had to read it in the daylight!
This time the four girls find themselves closing a portal to the Nightmare Realm, yet a ghostly appearance keeps coming at a home that one of them is babysitting at... With the help of a new friend, they all team up together to make sure another babysitting client is phantom free!
Perfect series for those kids who like a little scare in their stories!


Revenge of the EngiNerds
by Jarrett Lerner
The EngiNerds are back, and this time there is a girl trying to infiltrate their group!  But Ken won't allow her amazing and fun gadgets win them over.... or will they?  While trying to capture a robot and piece together a mystery that may be out of this world, the EngiNerds have to fight to remain a team or they'll never accomplish their goals!
Another fun read for kids!

Currently Reading


The Missing Piece of Charlie O'Reilly
by Rebecca Ansari
Definitely a fantasy storyline!  I am really looking forward in seeing how all of the threads weave together!


It's Spring Break time in the midwest so I'll be taking next week off from blogging while I spend time with family.  Hopefully we're all starting to get a touch of spring outside!

#road2reading Challenge - new chapter book series for independent readers - 3.14.19

All journeys have a starting place.

This is a weekly place to find books and tools

that you may use with readers 

at the start of their independent reading journey.

Join in the conversation at #road2reading.

The #road2reading Challenge was born out of a discussion that Alyson and I had about books that support readers who are beginning their independent reading journey.  Part of that subset are readers who are starting to read chapter books.  They are ready for chapters, but even traditional transitional chapter books are a bit too long for them.  This group of readers need books that are under 100 pages, have illustrations that support the words, and are straight forward in their telling of the story.  Here are two series that are pretty new that I found at my library.  



Big Idea Gang: Everybody Needs a Buddy
by James Preller
Preller certainly knows a few things about writing for this age of readers - he's the author of the Jigsaw Jones Mysteries!  This new series (currently three titles in the series) has a new problem for the characters to solve - coming up with ideas to help others within their school and community.  In this first book I read, the group learns about Buddy Benches, a designated bench that is used on playgrounds where students who are looking for a friend/buddy to play with can go to.  Instead of wandering around alone, the Buddy Bench is a way to show you are looking for someone to play or talk to without having to approach a person or group.
A series I found a couple of years ago is the Fix-It Friends series by Nicole C. Kear.  I love the premise of both series because it shows kids being problem solvers.  This new series, the Big Idea Gang, is a perfect ladder for the Fix-It Friends.  It's a little bit shorter and has more illustrations.  
I think this series will be enjoyed by young readers!

       
Mia Mayhem is a Superhero! and Mia Mayhem Learns to Fly
written by Kara West 
illustrated by Leeza Hernandez
This new chapter book series will be a hit with readers.  Featuring Mia - when we first meet her she is just a kids who seems to find mayhem wherever she goes - who receives a letter from the Program For In Training Superheroes (PITS) that lets her know she's actually a superhero!  Not only that, she comes from a family of superheroes!  
However, her first day of school does not go exactly as planned.  She needs more help than she originally thought, but still, learning to be a superhero is pretty cool!
In the second book, she gets some much needed flying lessons.  However, just as we're coming to expect, things don't go as planned!  Mia accidentally lets some pets into the Superhero center and that creates the mayhem that Mia is used to seeing!  Mia learns that by working together, a lot more can get done.
This series is a little bit longer, coming in at just over 100 pages, but over half of the page features illustrations.  The books are pretty small and trim and the font is large, so readers will get the feel of a chapter book and holding a story over the course of chapters, but will be able to have enough stamina to get through the book.
Looks like this series will have a few more additions published over the course of the year.  Looking forward to introducing students to Mia and family!

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday - picture book biographies featuring women, part 2 - 3.13.19

Wednesdays I join Alyson Beecher from kidlitfrenzy and other

#kidlit bloggers to share wonderful nonfiction picture books.

The intention of today's blog post is to give professionals that work in the
education field new nonfiction reading material and ideas to use 

with students to promote a love of reading nonfiction materials.

Oh my, my nonfiction stacks have gotten OUT OF CONTROL!  I really need to read and post.  I'm hoping to have a month worth of new(er) nonfiction to share with you in the upcoming weeks.  Be sure to check back on Wednesdays, here's what's coming:
1.  books for little foodies! 
2.  picture book biographies featuring men
3.  picture book biographies featuring women, part 1
4.  picture book biographies featuring women, part 2
5.  celebrating baseball - Yogi Berra blog tour
6.  animal nonfiction books, part 1
7.  animal nonfiction books, part 2
8.  the world around us, part 1
9.  the world around us, part 2


What I love about picture book biographies is that so many of them introduce me to people I have never heard of before.  Today I have some amazing stories to share with you about women who have done it all!



Out of This World: The Surreal Art of Leonora Carrington
written by Michelle Markel
illustrated by Amanda Hall

I actually had not heard of the artist before this book.  Since then I have spent a lot of time on Google looking at some of her amazing work.  Carrington was a surrealist artist back when the art movement was beginning and back when it was not acceptable for a woman to be an artist.  This determined young woman continued to move towards her dream, even when it would have been easier to give up.
You'll want this book:
1.  to show readers that when you have pure determination, you can accomplish dreams
2.  to show hard work makes a difference
3.  perfect for talking about passion projects - what is something you feel passionately about?


A Song for Gwendolyn Brooks
written by Alice Faye Duncan
illustrated by Xia Gordon

Alice Faye Duncan has crafted a beautiful love letter in verse to the twenty-ninth poet laureate of the United States, Ms. Gwendolyn Brooks.  Lauded for her poetry and truths of the black community in Chicago's South Side neighborhood, Ms. Brooks' words live on in her collection of poetry.  Duncan has lovingly crafted chapters of Brooks' life that is perfect to share with readers.
You'll want this book:
1.  read before sharing some of Brooks' poetry - show the writer behind the craft!
2.  mentor text - look how Duncan crafts this book - repeated phrases, small vignettes, free verse writing


Gloria Takes a Stand: How Gloria Steinem Listened, Wrote, and Changed the World
written by Jessica M. Rinker
illustrated by Daria Peoples-Riley

Gloria Steinem is someone who I've learned a little about, but someone I should know a lot about!  Her message of listening and deciding what you believe in is a powerful one that needs to be heard today.  I really liked reading more about her and how she delivered this message to all women.
You'll want this book:
1.  talk about voice and ways your message can be heard
2.  talk about the importance of listening.  Her quote to discuss, "If you want people to listen to you, you have to listen to them."
3.  this book would be perfect to use when getting ready for opinion writing!


Sisters: Venus and Serena Williams
by Jeanette Winter

The past year has seen the arrival of three picture book biographies about the Williams sisters.  Each one is unique and brings its own set of information.  It's interesting to compare the three - looking at mood, tone, what information is shared, what is left out.
Out of the three, I feel like this one feels the most personal.  Written in a very narrative style, without actual quotes from the sisters, it seems to tell the story instead of facts.  However, I feel at the same time, that also allows readers to question what information was left out, how did the author decide what information to put in the story.  There is a long list of books in the biography section in the endpages, but at least in the advanced copy, there is not any additional backmatter.
publishes April 2nd
You'll want this book:
1.  So many picture book biographies are about people that young readers may not have ever heard about, so having some books about known people is important to have.  With this being the third book about the sisters in a year, it's nice to have them to compare.
2.  perfect when talking about rising above expectations and how hard work and determination make an impact.


I am Billie Jean King
written by Brad Meltzer
illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos

Part of the "Ordinary People Change the World" series, Meltzer focuses this time on star tennis player, Billie Jean King.  The majority of the book was how on her rise to fame, she constantly championed women's equal rights in sports.  This ranged from equal pay, to all people regardless of background or color, should be allowed to play.  I was pleasantly surprised that there was a page included that has King explaining to readers that she is gay and a brief definition of what that means.  
You'll want this book:
1.  I like this series as an introduction to biographies.  With the graphic novel frames, it invites readers in to learn more about the person.  
2.  I also think we need to teach young readers how to be critical about their reading.  Use this series to show:  how do we know the subject said those words (talk about source quotes), sometimes we have to be critical about what we read and see (the subject is always illustrated as a young kid, even in their adult life - we have to determine what is true and what is interpreted).


Between last week's books and these, there are a lot of wonderful picture book biographies about some very strong women to share with all readers!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 3.11.19

This weekly post comes from Jen at Teach Mentor Texts

 and Kellee and Ricki at Unleashing Readers.  

It's a great source to find new books to use with your students.

Last Weeks' Adventures

Some new nonfiction picture book biographies about men who had an impact on our world.

Books for your young readers who are looking for some independent reading.

March is National Women's Month.  Here are some new picture book biographies celebrating some amazing women!



Picture Books


Tracks in the Snow
by Wong Herbert Yee
This is a book that was recommended at a conference to use when talking about close reading.  The presenter talked about likening it to being a detective and one of the things a detective has to do is look very closely at the clues around them.  


How to Give Your Cat a Bath in Five Easy Steps
written by Nicola Winstanley
illustrated by John Martz
Anyone who has a cat will relate to this story, no doubt.  A very humorous how to book about giving your cat a bath - what it doesn't say is how to give your cat a bath when it wants nothing to do with water!  Giggles will happen when reading this one out loud!


Long Shot: Never Too Small to Dream Big
written by Chris Paul
illustrated by Frank Morrison
I found this one in the Scholastic Book Club orders.  I'm always looking to add to my sports collection and when I saw it was illustrated by the great Frank Morrison I was sold!  This is NBA All-Star Chris Paul's story.  His passion for basketball was stronger than his height, which is smaller than a typical basketball player.  Fun story about motivation and determination.


Gittel's Journey: an Ellis Island Story
written by Lesléa Newman
illustrated by Amy June Bates
Perfect for older readers as this is a longer picture book.  Make sure to add it to your immigration/Ellis Island collection.
This is the story of young Gittel who is immigrating to the United States in the 1890s to escape Russia.  Facing hardships in the crossing, yet also receiving kindness from strangers, it's a good story that gives readers a glimpse of what immigrating was like more than a century ago.  Featuring illustrations that fit with the time period from Amy June Bates, this is a book that will long stay with readers.
Don't miss the author's note giving information about the origins of this fictional story.  Also included is a glossary and bibliography.


Be a Maker
written by Katey Howes
illustrated by Elizabet Vukovic'
With obvious connections to makerspace activities, this book is a treasure trove of hidden gems related to the STEAM field.  Young readers will love the rhyming text that is a love letter to exploring and creating, making and designing.  Vukovic (illustrator of the Jasmine Toguchi series) has left us little makerspace and designing clues throughout the story - from famous names to their works to design ideas - this book will inspire a new idea to all readers!


Circle
written by Mac Barnett
illustrated by Jon Klassen
This is the third book in the shape trilogy and by now, we know enough about the characters that we can make some predictions about the events.  Circle wants to play hide and seek but lays down the rule that you can't hide behind the waterfall because it is too dark.  Want to make a guess who goes back there?  
Of course, the use of eyes is big in this book illustrated by Jon "eyes" Klassen :)
Of course, you'll want to throw this book across the room when you're done reading it because it is written by Mac "open endings" Barnett.
Don't say I didn't warn you....


Being You
written by Alexs Pate
illustrations by Soud
A powerful picture book that will have an understanding with an older audience.  Featuring children of color - black and brown - and how being you can mean different things.  It might mean being seen one way or another.  And how we need to see past surroundings and see the individual.  Lots to unpack in this picture book!


The Bear, the Piano, the Dog, and the Fiddle
by David Litchfield
The Bear and the Piano is a book I use every year.  It has a sweet message and it is so beautifully illustrated.
This follow up is pretty good too!  It definitely has its use when teaching Aha Moment and message/theme.  I'm glad I picked it up!


Because
score by Mo Willems
performance by Amber Ren
I did not know what to expect with this one, but wow, was I blown away.  I always think about what is it, that chance happening, occurrence, that can impact a life?
A young girl's life changes when because of many other events, it allows her to experience a night at the orchestra.  Because of that, because she fell in love with the music, it leads her to study and eventually write and conduct her own music.
Wonderful for cause and effect and theme lessons.  But really wonderful to talk about this with young readers!

Middle Grade


The Gemini Mysteries:  The North Star
by Kat Shepherd
This mystery ups the standard by adding illustrated scenes at the end of each chapter that leaves a needed clue that moves the storyline along.  I think middle grade readers will really enjoy the first book in this upcoming series.  It reminded me a lot of Varian Johnson's Great Greene Heist with its realistic characters that went on this outlandish adventure to solve a crime.  Looking forward to the next books in the series.


Wicked Nix
written by Lena Coakley
illustrated by Jaime Zollars
I came across this book when I found out about the Cartwheel Award (for more info about this click here).  It's a quick read (163 pgs) and I read it in one sitting.  I'm looking forward to getting this one in kids' hands because I'm interested in their thoughts.  Until I got to the twist in the story, I was rather bored.  While it was a bit predictable, it did make the book more fun.  
Anyone else read this one?  Thoughts?


Saint Louis Armstrong Beach
by Brenda Woods
I read Woods' The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA earlier this year and was in awe of the writing.  I've had this one checked out from the library for weeks and I finally got to it.
It's a story that takes place during Hurricane Katrina.  More than half of the story leads up to the hurricane, the last part is during and immediate aftermath.
I appreciate the length of the story (136 pgs) but also wonder if it had been longer could Woods' have gone into more depth with the story.  Parts seemed rushed, especially the Hurricane Katrina parts.  It wrapped up very quickly which made it seem unrealistic, a little too perfect.
There is also some mature content that can limit readers.  The next door neighbor, who is still pretty young - 8th grader?  High school freshman? - has a party that includes alcohol.  This is a set up for the character to get into big trouble and end up on house arrest as punishment from her parents.  Some mild language - many cases of ass being used.  
I liked the story but it's not my favorite Hurricane Katrina setting novel.

Graphic Novel


The Breakaways
by Cathy G. Johnson
A graphic novel that is perfect for middle school readers!  Readers of this age will see themselves within the pages - characters trying to fit in, figure out who they are and what they believe, and making choices for themselves!  Featuring a diverse cast of characters and a positive LGBTQ representation, this graphic novel will be well read!

Young Adult


Rayne and Delilah's Midnite Matinee
by Jeff Zentner
Let me start off by saying I will always read Jeff Zentner books.  He has this way of writing that brings you to your knees.  However, this was not my favorite of his.  It was the way the main characters spoke to each other - it's in the this sophisticated, yet teenage way, that I never used.  I find it in John Green novels, Rainbow Rowell's.... but it's the stuff readers love.  I've been told this is how teenagers speak, but it doesn't work for me.  That said, it works for everyone else, so don't take my word and read it yourself.
I did enjoy the romance for Josie and I thought the way that things played out between Delia and her dad were very real.
Read this one and let me know your thoughts!

Currently Reading


Babysitting Nightmares: The Phantom Hour
by Kat Shepherd
Kids love the first book in the series, need to get this read so I can pass it along!


Happy Spring Reading!

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday - picture book biographies featuring women, part 1 - 3.06.19

Wednesdays I join Alyson Beecher from kidlitfrenzy and other

#kidlit bloggers to share wonderful nonfiction picture books.

The intention of today's blog post is to give professionals that work in the
education field new nonfiction reading material and ideas to use 

with students to promote a love of reading nonfiction materials.

Oh my, my nonfiction stacks have gotten OUT OF CONTROL!  I really need to read and post.  I'm hoping to have a month worth of new(er) nonfiction to share with you in the upcoming weeks.  Be sure to check back on Wednesdays, here's what's coming:
1.  books for little foodies! 
2.  picture book biographies featuring men
3.  picture book biographies featuring women, part 1
4.  picture book biographies featuring women, part 2
5.  celebrating baseball - Yogi Berra blog tour
6.  animal nonfiction books, part 1
7.  animal nonfiction books, part 2
8.  the world around us, part 1
9.  the world around us, part 2


What I love about picture book biographies is that so many of them introduce me to people I have never heard of before.  Today I have some amazing stories to share with you about women who have done it all!


Away With Words: The Daring Story of Isabella Bird
written by Lori Mortensen
illustrated by Kristy Caldwell

Here is a woman whose story I had not been introduced to before - her younger years were full of illness that often kept her homebound.  It wasn't until a doctor suggested plenty of fresh air did her health start improving.  As she grew older, Isabella went on amazing adventures all around the world and then returned home to write about them.  These books were bestsellers at the time, bringing readers on amazing adventures.
The illustrations by Caldwell stand out because of the different frames she includes in a layout that give the feel of a graphic novel.
You'll want this book:
1.  the backmatter - full of information and I love the inclusion of sources of the quotes used
2.  to show how women don't have to let constraints stop them from what they believe is right


Hedy Lamarr's Double Life: Hollywood Legend and Brilliant Inventor
written by Laurie Wallmark
illustrated by Katy Wu

Another person from history I did not know anything about, but as soon as I found out it was a story being written by the duo that gave us Grace Hopper's story, I knew I would want to check it out.  Hedy Lamarr was a famous Hollywood actress in her time.  She was able to use her fame to help the United States during WWII by selling war bonds and volunteering at a club for American servicemen.  However, what Hedy was not immediately known for was her incredible skills for inventing.  Along with a partner, Hedy helped create the technology that we still use today in electronics to avoid hacking.
You'll want this book:
1.  to share in STEAM lessons - wonderful to have female representation to show the amazing accomplishments in technology and electronics by females
2.  this is a perfect longer nonfiction book that will have many uses in a 3rd-7th grade classroom - with uses in science and history, this is a picture book you'll want to own.


Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Blepré
written by Anika Aldamuy Denise
illustrated by Paola Escobar

Oh, this is a gorgeous book!  The illustrations I poured over for a long, long time.  And then the story - I am so glad we have this to share with readers!  I've followed the Pura Belpré Award for awhile now, but to understand the person behind the award is really special.  I loved learning that she was a librarian.  I loved learning about the way she brought culturally relevant stories to her readers.  Simply, a must-have!
You'll want this book:
1.  when you talk about whose stories are being represented
2.  to talk about the importance of all stories being told
3.  when you talk about people making a difference


Secret Engineer: How Emily Roebling Built the Brooklyn Bridge
by Rachel Dougherty

Again, another book about a woman in history whose story has been buried, probably because she was a woman.  Emily Roebling played a huge part in the creation of the Brooklyn Bridge after her husband, who was the chief engineer, fell sick.  What a wonderful book to show girls today that they can do anything when they are determined to get it done.
You'll want this book:
1.  to show readers that careers in math, science and engineering are for everyone
2.  talk about the character trait of determination


Brave Ballerina: The Story of Janet Collins
written by Michelle Meadows
illustrated by Ebony Glenn

This picture book biography is written in a lyrical, rhyming text that flows just like you imagine the dancing of Janet Collins does.  An interesting choice of writing for a picture book biography but it absolutely works with this story.
In the age where more and more people know about the racism black athletes have had to face, here is another story of an African American who worked hard and persevered over the injustices in front of her to become a star.  Janet Collins, who I'm assuming was a ballerina who paved the way for Misty Copeland, knew she wanted to dance at a young age and worked hard to achieve her goals.  Meadows' words and Glenn's illustrations make the story come alive in front of us and leaves us wanting even more details about this strong female.
You'll want this book:
1.  because you want to make sure your picture book biographies are representative of all gender and races
2.  it seems like most books that talk about athletes are about men - here's one for the girls!


Since it's Women's History Month, it is a great time to celebrate these amazing picture book biographies.  Be sure to check back next week and I have more to share!