Let me learn!

Hopkinson, Deborah. Steamboat School: Inspired by a True Story. Los Angeles: Disney•Hyperion, 2016. 

A law against educating African Americans was established in Missouri in 1847. But a minister – John Meachum – found a way around this restriction by creating a school in the middle of the Mississippi River. Ron Hubbard, the first African American animator at Disney Studios, provides vivid illustrations for this moving story useful as a read-aloud for readers 9 years old and up. An afterward provides additional information including recommended websites and books. [African Americans; Historical fiction; Missouri;  Racism; Schools]

More stories about people of African heritage HERE

More historical fiction stories HERE

Mysteries for all ages

Wenzel, Angela. 13 Art Mysteries Children Should Know. Munich: Prestel, 2011.
Who invented oil painting? Why does the Mona Lisa have a smile on her face? What did Jesus look like? These questions and 10 more are all answered in this 45-page book filled with colour illustrations. A time line on each page adds historical context. Recommended for art lovers 11 years old and up.

Find more art books HERE.

I Wonder…

Hopkinson, Deborah. The Humblebee Hunter. New York: Disney Hyperion Books, 2010.
Charles Darwin’s children help him study bumblebees in this fictional account of the life of the famous scientist who changed our understanding of science. Biographical information is provided at the end of the story. A picture book recommended for readers 8 to 14 years old. 

Meyer, Carolyn. The True Adventures of Charley Darwin.Boston: Graphia, c2009. 
Charles Darwin was born to a well-to-do family in 19th century England. But he didn’t have a childhood filled with happiness. He knew what he enjoyed – spending time outdoors – but how could he turn that into a career?  Based on the diaries and correspondence of the great naturalist, this novel will appeal to readers who enjoy true stories of adventure. Great for readers eleven years old to adult. [Darwin, Charles; Adventure and adventurers; Voyages and travels; Evolution (Biology); Historical fiction; Naturalists]

More historical fiction HERE 

Five biographies of Darwin HERE

Do maps tell the truth?

Elliot, David. Henry’s Map. New York: Philomel Books, 2013.
Henry is organized. Everything has its own place. And should stay in its place. But then he makes a map and confusion reigns over the farm yard. This cheerful story will have readers – and listeners – laughing as Henry discovers maps don’t always match what his eyes see. Recommended for ages 4 to 10.

More stories about country life HERE

 

How did everything begin?

Schutten, Jan Paul. The Mystery of Life: How Nothing Became Everything. New York : Aladdin; Hillsboro, Oregon: Beyond Word, 2015.

How did the universe begin? How old is the earth? Where did the first creature come from? Why do all creatures start out alike? Can the cells in your body talk to one another? Can you see evolution for yourself? Is there life on other planets? Do scientists conceal the facts? These – and many other – questions are all answered in this 230-page book highly recommended for readers 11 years old and up.

Read this book slowly. A few pages per day. So much fascinating information explained in such a simple, easy-to-understand way that you will want to own this book and not just borrow it from a library.

If you really want to learn a lot, draw coloured illustrations to help you remember all the facts you will discover. Put your illustrations into a little booklet that you can read again later.

(On the last page, the author asks, ‘What should you do with this information?’ Decide for yourself, he answers. Talk to religious people, to religious scientists and atheist scientists. Do some research and decide for yourself.)

Read MORE books on evolution.

Living Through War

McMullan, James. Leaving China: An Artist Paints His World War II Childhood. Chapel Hill, North Carolina: Algonquin, 2014.

Do you ever feel like you’re not quite good enough? That you can’t ever please your parents? That you don’t belong anywhere? Read this memoir about an artist who grew up moving from country to country – from China to Canada to India and finally to the U.S.A. – and who is now a highly acclaimed designer and illustrator. This 113-page autobiography with full-page illustrations is recommended for readers 10 years old and up.

More picture book memoirs HERE

More stories about moving HERE  

More stories about World War II HERE

I want to read!

Bryant, Jen. Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2016.
Energetic, impetuous, determined, brilliant. This picture book biography – illustrated by Boris Kulikov – of the young boy who grew up to invent a way for blind people to read is highly recommended for readers of all ages. An author’s note, additional information about Louis Braille, and a bibliography and list of websites are provided at the end of the story.

More biographies HERE