Mrs. D’s Reads

Road to Oz

by Kathleen Krull

Grades 3-5

There are few biographies of this beloved author written for this age group.  How wonderful that Kathleen Krull would be the one to write this engaging picture book biography.  Kevin Hawkes’ illustrations are a great fit for images of Baum’s life, both the realistic parts and the flights of imagination.

As Good As Anybody

by Richard Michelson

Grades 2-4

This wonderful book tells the stories of Martin Luther King Jr. and Abraham Joshua Herschel, a Jewish Rabbi.  They were friends, and were both working for civil rights at the same time. This book addresses both their differences, their common experiences with discrimination, and their work together for tolerance in America.

Helen Keller: Her Life in Pictures

by George Sullivan

Grades 4-6

This is an interesting take on Helen Keller’s life, and one of the first I’ve seen that really shows her as a complex, interesting human being beyond her amazing accomplishments.  The photos really lend her a humanity and personality many biographies miss.

Sisters & Brothers

by Steve Jenkins

Grades 2-5

This is another of Jenkins’ wonderful books about the natural world.  This one examines some amazing facts about how siblings interact in the natural world.  It ranges from animals who stay allies with brothers or sisters throughout their lives, to species who eat their unlucky siblings as soon as they are born.  Fascinating, and wonderfully illustrated.

Bees, Snails & Peacock Tails

by Betsy Franco

Grades K-3

This is a great concept book, illustrated by Steve Jenkins.  It looks at patterns and shapes as they are found in nature.  Good informative text and beautiful illustrations.