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History

On a Beam of Light

October 26, 2017 by Sara Leave a Comment

Submitted by Ms. Tess!

On a Beam of Light by Jennifer Berne, with illustrations by Vladimir Radunsky, is a biography of Albert Einstein for children. Einstein lead a remarkable life. As a child he was intrigued by mysteries and asked so many questions his teachers told him he was a distraction to the rest of the class, and he’d never amount to anything! But he continued to learn and read and imagine. Some of his greatest contributions to the world were the discovery of atoms – tiny stuff that everything is made of – and the realization that we are all constantly moving through space and time – even when we are standing still. He was always thinking, and doing things to make himself happy so that he could think better, like eating ice cream, playing his violin, and not wearing socks. Einstein hated socks. I think it’s important to encourage young people to think, and to question, and to investigate the world. Because of Einstein’s dreams, and thoughts, and questions, we’ve accomplished amazing things, like traveling to space. What will your child’s questions lead us to one day understand about the universe? See this book listed in our catalog

Filed Under: Recommended for Kids Tagged With: Biography, History, Picture Book, True Stories

I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark

March 29, 2017 by Sara Leave a Comment

Submitted by Ms. Tess!

I Dissent by Debbie Levy, with illustrations by Elizabeth Baddeley, is a great book for Women’s History Month, as it is the biography of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a history making woman in many respects! You could say Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s life has been one disagreement after another. She has been disapproving, objecting, resisting, and, yes, dissenting her whole life, to old ideas, unfairness, and inequality. As a child she disagreed that girls should not go out into the world and do big things. As a young woman she disagreed that women should not go to college and become lawyers. As a lawyer she fought many cases against inequality because she disagreed that women and men shouldn’t have the same opportunities. And as Supreme Court Justice she has written many dissenting opinions. In fact, she has a special collar she wears over her judges robes especially for when she dissents! She most often disagreed with Justice Antonin Scalia, but though they often had conflicting views, that didn’t stop them from having a long fun-filled friendship! Justice Ginsburg is a hero to many people, paving the way, affecting change, and fighting for equality. This would be a great book to share with an elementary school aged child in your life. See this book listed in our catalog

Filed Under: Recommended for Kids Tagged With: History, Jobs, Picture Book, True Stories

Real Cowboys

March 23, 2017 by Sara Leave a Comment

Submitted by Mr. Eric!

When you see a cowboy in the movies they are usually hootin’ and a hollerin’, causing a ruckus, and generally shooting at people outside of old timey saloons. In Real Cowboys, by Kate Hoefler and illustrated by Jonathan Bean, we get to learn how cowboys really were. Cowboys worked hard every day to help drive massive herds of cattle towards the next town. They couldn’t be very loud because that would frighten the cattle and maybe cause a stampede. They couldn’t cause a ruckus because then one of the calves might run off and get lost. And they certainly didn’t shoot at anyone. They worked outside all day, in the blazing sun and in the freezing rain, and often had to make their way through prickly cacti and sharp bushes. Being a cowboy was also very lonely. Cowboys usually didn’t work with many other people, and because of that their dogs were often their best friends. Real Cowboys is a beautifully illustrated book that perfectly captures how tough and lonely it was to be a real life cowboy. See this book listed in our catalog

Filed Under: Recommended for Kids Tagged With: History, On the Farm, Picture Book, True Stories

Diana’s White House Garden

July 18, 2016 by Sara Leave a Comment

Submitted by Ms. Sue!

Diana’s White House Garden by Elisa Carbone and illustrated by Jen Hill. Diana who is ten years old lives in the “white house.” Her dad Harry Hopkins was the president’s chief adviser in 1943. She lived there with lots of other people that worked there including President Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor. President Roosevelt wanted every citizen to help with the war effort. When he asked that everyone plant a garden to grow food for our soldiers, Diana wanted to help too. The gardens were called “Victory Gardens.” Diana worked with George the grounds keeper to turn the soil, fertilize, and plant the seeds. She went every day before and after school to tend the garden. When the plants were almost grown reporters came to see it. They asked Diana “how does it feel to inspire the whole country and help with the war effort?” “It feels very good,” she said. An article went out a few days later and the headline read “Diana Farms Her White House Plot”. It explained how the president’s plan was working and how she was an important part! See this book listed in our catalog

Filed Under: Recommended for Kids Tagged With: Go Green, History, Picture Book, Presidents, True Stories

Game Changer

June 10, 2016 by Sara Leave a Comment

Submitted by Ms. Cassie!

Game Changer: John McLendon and the Secret Game by John Coy. In 1944 there was a secret basketball game played. Why was it a secret? Because in North Carolina, 19 years before Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech, segregation was the norm. In fact this game, featuring white and black players, was illegal at the time. But courageous coach John McLendon and this group of players were willing to defy the law to break down prejudice and racism. This is a story of bravery and strength. It is a great introduction to a difficult portion of American history, told through the lens of basketball, the American-invented sport. See this book listed in our catalog

Filed Under: Recommended for Kids Tagged With: African American, Biography, History, Picture Book, Sports, Tough Stuff, True Stories

President Taft Is Stuck in the Bath

December 5, 2014 by Sara Leave a Comment

Submitted by Ms. Tess!

We at the Kid’s Book Blog think Mac Barnett is pretty swell. Looks like he’s hit another one out of the park with President Taft Is Stuck in the Bath. We’ve all heard the rumors: President Taft had a special bath tub put in the White House to accommodate his size. This is true! And that prior to this he once found himself lodged in the White House tub, and 2 or 4 men had to free him with a gallon of butter. This is probably not true. But it makes for a great story! In this book, Taft, our beloved 27th President, gets stuck in the bath. 2 hours later the first lady, Nellie Taft, comes to check on him. “It’s a disaster!” the President exclaims, “Call the Vice President!” When the veep arrives he says he’s ready to be sworn in. “Blast that!” bellows Taft. “Call the secretary of state!” The secretary of state suggests some diet and exercise may be helpful to President Taft. “I need something fast!” says the President. “Call the secretary of agriculture!” Taft continues to summon more and more advisers until practically the whole Cabinet is working on a solution to get Taft out of the bath! This hilarious story will have your kiddo rolling in the aisles. Thanks Mac Barnett for this story that needed to be told! See this book listed in our catalog

Filed Under: Recommended for Kids Tagged With: History, Humour, Picture Book, Presidents

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