Tallchief: America's Prima Ballerina

Tallchielf: American's Prima Ballerina

Written by: Rosemary Wells
Illustrated by: Gary Kelley

Elementary Grades

"Music flowed through young Maria Tallchief as naturally as the wind in her hair. She had only to hear a melody and out it came under her fingers on the piano or through her body in dance. But it was soon clear that she would have to make a choice. "Piano or dance," her father told her when she was twelve. "One or the other, but follow that one star." So Maria chose from the heart--and she chose dance. It was a decision that would change not only the course of her life, but the face of classical ballet in America forever. From her early years on an Indian reservation in Oklahoma to her dance training in Los Angeles to her departure for New York and a professional career, the fascinating story of Maria Tallchief, America's prima ballerina, is sure to captivate the hearts of young readers and dance lovers alike."

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
http://www.valdosta.edu/~blbrothers/global.html
http://www.greatwomen.org/women-of-the-hall/search-the-hall/details/2/154-Tallchief

At Her Majesty's Request: An African Princess in Victorian England

At Her Majesty's Request: An African Princess in Victorian England

Written by: Walter Dean Myers

Upper Elementary, Junior High Grades

"Myers pieces together bits of history and letters to form a unique and dramatic mosaic: the life of Sarah Forbes Bonetta, a seven-year-old African (Egbado) princess saved by an English naval officer from a rival tribe's ritual sacrifice in 1850. Sarah is brought to England, where Queen Victoria puts the girl under her protection until Sarah's marriage. The queen also acted as godmother to Sarah's first child and met and corresponded with Sarah throughout her life. Through Sarah's story, Myers offers insights into Victorian attitudes and society and examines the flow of people and ideas between England and Africa during the period. The inclusion of passages from Sarah's correspondence helps bring her to life, and Sarah's photo on the jacket brings readers face-to-face with this remarkable young woman. An intriguing biography as well as an unusual source for those interested in British or African history."

Booklist Review

Online Resources:
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/collateral.jsp?id=1036_type=Book_typeId=3965
http://www.scholastic.ca/titles/athermajestysrequest/

A Good Night for Freedom

A Good Night for Freedom

Written by: Barbara Olenyik Morrow
Illustrated by: Leonard Jenkins

Upper Elementary Grades

"In the winter of 1839, Hallie discovers two runaway slave girls in the cellar of Quaker abolitionist Levi Coffin. She finds herself in a predicament when slave hunters arrive and her Pa advises her not to meddle in their business. As she struggles with her conscience, she weighs the concepts of freedom and obedience, and eventually offers wrong directions to the men in an attempt to save the fugitives, despite her father's warning. Hallie is a spunky heroine, and the story is thrilling. The well-written text smoothly blends fact and fiction. Levi and his wife are real, and their Indiana homestead can be visited today. The first-person narrative adds a personal touch and helps to bring this piece of history to life. In an author's note, Morrow describes her research and lists useful print resources and Web sites. Jenkins's mixed-media illustrations capture the emotions of the characters as well as the details of pre-Civil War life."

School Library Journal Review

Online Resources:
http://www.whispersofangels.com/opposing.html

Nothing but Trouble: The Story of Athena Gibson

Nothing but Trouble: The Story of Athena Gibson

Written by: Sue Stauffacher
Illustrated by: Greg Couch

Elementary Grades

"ALTHEA IS NOTHING BUT TROUBLE! Everyone agrees: her mama, her daddy, her teacher, even the policeman. But when Buddy Walker, the play leader on Althea's street in Harlem, watches her play paddle tennis, he sees something more: pure possibility. Buddy buys Althea her very own stringed tennis racket, and before long, she's on her way to becoming a great athlete—and to proving that she's more than just trouble.

Althea Gibson was the first African American ever to compete in and win the Wimbledon Cup. Sue Stauffacher's lively text, paired with vibrant paintings by artist Greg Couch, captures the exuberance, ambition, and triumph of this remarkable woman."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.suestauffacher.com/pages/books/altheagibson.html

Bessie Smith and the Night Riders

Bessie Smith and the Night Riders

Written by: Sue Stauffacher
Illustrated by: John Holyfield

Upper Elementary Grades

This story is told by a young girl living in the south during the 1920's who is excited about the famous blues singer Bessie Smith coming to her town. When Bessie puts on a concert in a big tent with a grand party young Emmarene is listening from the bushes and trying to catch a glimpse of her favorite singer. Emmarane notices a group of Ku Klux Klan members approaching the tent and she bursts inside the tent to warn everyone of the danger. Bessie comes out and scares off the Night Riders using her booming voice and larger then life personality. This story contains an author's note at the end explaining the historical and social truths contained in this work of fiction. Further reading on Bessie Smith is discussed as well.

Jennie's Review

Online Resources:
http://www.suestauffacher.com/pages/books/bessiesmith_lk.html

Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution

Red Scarf Girl

Written by: Ji Li Jiang

Junior High and High School

This is a very personal and deeply movingstory about the author's childhood growing up during the Chinese Communist Revolution in the 1960's. Ji Li excels in school, art, and leadership at her school until the day that she is forced to strip herself of all the things that interested her while she and her school mates and family are forced to denounce everything they own and possess to show their loyalty to Chairman Mao and the communist ideals. The determination and character that Ji Li and her family show as their world is being torn apart shows just how strong the human spirit can be in spite of horrible political and social forces.

Jennie's Review

Online Resources:
http://www.jilijiang.com/school-visits/guide.htm
http://factsanddetails.com/china.php?itemid=66&catid=2&subcatid=6

Weedflower

Weedflower

Written by: Cynthia Kadohata

Upper Elementary and Junior High Grades

Set in California and Arizona during the 1940's Kadohata introduces us to Sumiko and her Japanese-American family who enjoy spending time together working on their flower farm. Sumiko and her family's life changes forever when Japan bombs Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1944. They are taken to a Japanese internment camp in Arizona where Sumiko and her family begin living life as prisoners in their own country. Sumiko is a strong character who students who have ever felt discriminated because of their race or National origin will be able to identify. This piece of historical fiction is an important read for teachers and students.

Jennie's Review

Online Resources:
http://suzyred.com/2007weedflower.html
http://www.pbs.org/childofcamp/history/index.html

Riding Freedom

Riding Freedom

Written by: Pam Munoz Ryan
Illustrated by: Brian Selznick

Upper Elementary and Junior High Grades

This work of historical fiction recounts the life of Charlotte Parkhurst, known as Charley, who spent most of her life disguised as a man. Set in the mid-19th century "Charley" has no fear as she takes on tasks such as rounding up horses and stage coach driving, tasks that a woman during her time would never be allowed to do. This story is well researched and written and will leave readers feeling connected to a strong female character who lived her life with passion, humor, and confidence. Excellent audio book that could be used in the classroom as well.

Jennie's Review

Online Resources:
http://www.pammunozryan.com/free.html