Picture Books

Picture Books
(Lisa Schaff)

Adler, D.A. (1994) A Picture Book of Anne Frank. Holiday House

During World War II, when Jews throughout Europe were being sent to concentration camps, the Frank family went into hiding in a tiny apartment in Amsterdam. Anne, one of the daughters, kept a diary that detailed what life was like from before the war began to the time she was sent to the concentration camp where she eventually died. Anne’s diary has been published in more than fifty languages and put a personal face on the horror that was the Holocaust.


Adler, D.A. (1990) A Picture Book of George Washington. Holiday House.

This book teaches children about the first president of the United States, George Washington. It talks about his childhood hobbies, and follows him through his victory of the Colonial War.


Adler, D. A. (1991) A Picture Book of John F. Kennedy. Holiday House.

This book chronicles the life of John F. Kennedy through his childhood, to his years spent in the Navy, and his career in politics. Important details are remembered, such as his famous quote of, “ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country,” and his devastating assassination.


Boone-Jones, M. (1986) Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Picture Story. Childrens Pr.

This story illustrates how Martin Luther King, Jr. lived his life with the best intentions for everyone from the time he was a boy until the time of his death. His purpose in life was to help everyone learn to love and to get along without hate or violence.


Brown, D. (2004) Odd Boy Out: Young Albert Einstein. New York: Houghton Mifflin.

Odd boy out: Young Albert Einstein is the story of Albert Einstein’s life, with a special focus on his early years. The story of Albert’s mother worrying about his extra large head upon his birth, the details of Albert’s isolation from his peers in school, and the concentration he devoted to pursuits that interested him not only paint a detailed picture of this important figure, they make him memorable, human, and most importantly, relatable.


Cline-Ransome, L. (2003) Satchel Paige. New York: Aladdin.

Satchel Paige was the first African American baseball player honored by the Baseball Hall of Fame. This story details his journey through life, including how he attained the nickname “Satchel,” how he named each of his pitches, and the history of the teams that he played for.


Coles, R. (2004) The Story of Ruby Bridges. Scholastic Paperbacks.

Ruby Bridges was the first African American child to attend an all-white school. Met by angry protestors, Ruby was escorted into school daily by federal marshals, and ultimately was the only student in the classroom. With much courage, Ruby prayed to God to forgive all of the people who had protested her being there.


Greene, C. (1988) Benjamin Franklin: A Man with Many Jobs. Childrens Pr.

This book illustrates how Benjamin Franklin worked very hard for the things he eventually came to enjoy. He led a life of work, sacrifice and disappointment, not a life of privilege and aristocracy. The moral of the story is that, in the face of setbacks, one must endure and strive for the things of one’s desire.


Jassem, K. (1979) Chief Joseph, Leader of Destiny. Troll Communications.

Joseph was the son of the chief of the Naz Perce Indian tribe, and had hopes of one day becoming the leader himself. Upon his father’s death, Joseph became the chief, and as settlers approached his land, Joseph did all he could to protect his people. He led his tribe to freedom, but in the process, many members were killed, and the land was ravaged.


Jordan, D. & Jordan, R. M. (2000) Salt in his Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream. New York: Aladdin.

This is a story about chasing a dream and overcoming obstacles by hard work, determination and perseverance. When Michael Jordan was a child, he dreamed of being tall so that he could be a great basketball player. With the support of his family, Michael learned to believe in himself, and as a result he knew he could accomplish anything.


Kerley, B. (2001) The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins. Scholastic Press.

Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins constructed life-size dinosaurs during a time when many people couldn’t even imagine what one might have looked like. His massive sculptures drew much attention, and he spent a number of years educating people about his work. His sculptures are still exhibited at the Crystal Palace to this day.


Mora, P. (2002) A Library for Juana: The World of Sor Juana Ines. Knopf Books for Young Readers.

This book tells the life story of Sor (Sister) Juana Ines, one of the most brilliant writers and poets in Mexico’s history. Growing up in a time when women were thought to be unintelligent and girls were not allowed to go to school, Sor Juana fought for an education.


Pingry, P. A. (2002) Meet Abraham Lincoln. Ideals Children’s Books.

Meet Abraham Lincoln is a biography that allows young readers to explore the life of Abraham Lincoln. The author uses pleasant humor and simple words to share Lincoln’s early childhood through his years as an American president. In this book, Lincoln has a sense of humor along with a strong work ethic.


Venezia, M. (2004) George Washington: First President 1789-1797. Connecticut: Children’s Press.

Written in comic book style, this book tells the story of George Washington as a child, a surveyor, a British officer, a Colonist Revolutionary, and as the first United States President. This book will entertain all with its vibrant pictures and humorous jokes.


Wells, R. (1999). Streets of Gold. New York, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers.

This story is based on the true story of Mary Antin, a young Jewish girl who left Russia to live in America. She describes how scary and confusing her travels were, from her train ride across Europe to her boat ride to Boston, and ultimately her arrival in America. Trying to fit in with the other kids in her class, she changed her name to Mary, and she made it a point of learning English quickly.


Winter, J. (2000) Once Upon a Time in Chicago: The Story of Benny Goodman. Hyperion.

Benny Goodman was a clarinet player who fell in love with jazz. After being discovered at an amateur night in downtown Chicago, this child prodigy was soon in high demand. Tragedy struck, his father passed away, and Benny drowned his sorrows in his music and played and played until the whole world knew of him.