Archive for August 30, 2013

Booker T. Washington: African-American Leader

Written by: Patricia and Fredrick McKissack

Buy on Amazon

When Booker T. Washington was a child, all he wanted to do was go to school. But he couldn’t. He was born a slave and put to work on a Virginia plantation as soon as he turned five years old. When slaves were freed during the Civil War, Booker and his family were left with no money and they didn’t know how to read or write. This book, part of the “Famous African Americans” series, tells the story of Booker’s determination to become educated.

When a school opened for black children, Booker jumped at the chance. He couldn’t go everyday because he had to work, too, but he read anything he could get his hands on. As he grew, he had a goal: he wanted to go to the first black college in Hampton, Virginia, even though it was 500 miles away. He walked, begged for rides, and hopped trains – it was a difficult journey, but he made it. He dedicated his whole life to education, first becoming a teacher, then principal, then community leader. In 1895, he landed on the national stage at the Atlanta Cotton Exposition and became a voice for a people that had to fight to be heard.

Themes of perseverance and overcoming all odds will leave a lasting impression with third grade readers. Authors Patricia and Fredrick McKissack present Washington’s story in short chapters mixed with archival photographs, mock-ups, and illustrations to support reading comprehension. The book fulfills common core standards for grades K-3 and provides a “Words to Know” section along with additional reading resources and age-appropriate websites. Other titles in this series can be found on the publisher’s website: www.enslow.com

  • Booker TTITLE: Booker T. Washington: African-American Leader
  • AUTHOR: Patricia and Fredrick McKissack
  • PUBLISHER: Enslow Elementary / Enslow Publishers, Inc.
  • REVIEWER: Lauren Abbey Greenberg
  • FORMAT: Paperback: 24 pages
  • ISBN: 978-1-4644-0194-7
  • GENRE: Non-Fiction / Biography
  • LEXILE SCORE: 490

 

July Titles

Pdf: July Titles 3rd Grade

 

Animal Tales by Terry Jones, ISBN 9781843651635

Animal Tales is a lovely collection of short stories, perfect for reading aloud to the third grade crowd.  …

 

Celebrating California: 50 States to Celebrate by Marion Dane Bauer, ISBN 978-0-547-89697-7

A new approach to state books in an easy-to-read format.  Mr. Geo is a hip geography teacher who explores new places and takes his young readers along. …

 

Children of the Tipi: Life in the Buffalo Days by Michael Oren Fitzgerald, ISBN 978-1-937786-09-0

A book of photos and quotes, the superb layout allows you to sneak into the camp with the Native American’s shown. …

 

Dozens of Cousins by Shutta Crum, ISBN 978-0-618-15874-4

… Most of us have experienced a family reunion where the adults enjoy each other’s company while the children are allowed a bit of freedom to run and roam and have “beastie delights”.  At least until the neighbors complain. …

 

Emma Dilemma, the Nanny, and the Wedding by Patricia Hermes, ISBN 978-0761462101

…What a shock when they found out, at almost the same time, that not only was Mom having another baby, but Annie was getting married.…

 

Let’s Visit Istanbul: The Adventures of Bella & Harry by Lisa Manzione, ISBN 978-1-937616-09-0

The Adventures of Bella and Harry series is … told through the eyes of two Chihuahua siblings, children of all ages will eagerly gobble up a big dose of geography without even realizing it’s good for them.…

 

Mister and Lady Day, Billie Holiday and the Dog Who Loved HererHer by Amy Novesky, ISBN 978-0-15-205806-7

… Mister and Lady Day has done an excellent job of grabbing the attention of young animal lovers and teaching them a little bit about the history of jazz.…

 

Nikki and Deja: Substitute TroubleerHer by Karen English, ISBN 978-0-547-61565-3

We are told … Nikki and Deja … are the best of friends. As in all satisfying series we see their friendship ripening as they grow in understanding. …

 

The Sleepwalkers by Viviane Schwarz, ISBN 978-0-7636-6230-1

A unique graphic novel for the younger set.  If you are plagued by nightmares, write a letter, put it under your pillow and help will come. …

 

A Squirrel’s Story: A True Tale by Jana Bommersbach, ISBN 978-1-58985-252-5

[This] is one of the best books for use in the 3rd or 4th grade classroom because of both the fun story line and the facts about squirrels the reader will absorb. …

 

Strange Foods by Michael J. Rosen & Ben Kassoy, ISBN 978-0-7613-8984-2

…  Do not read this review before breakfast!  Or any other meal for that matter! …