Biographies

I am Ruby Bridges

This book shows that children can indeed make a difference. Ruby Bridges was only a child, but she showed so much courage and helped to make change for the better. It also helps students understand history in a way they can connect to emotionally. I like this book because it helps students understand fairness, equality, bravery, and that even children can make a difference.
Lesson Idea: Students can create a T-chart with "fair and unfair" and keep track of they see during the day, then share.
Author Website: Ruby Bridges / Instagram

YouTube: Read Aloud

I am Neil Armstrong

This is a cute little book that shows the life of Neil Armstrong. It shows that no matter how small of a background you come from, you can make it big, the sky's the limit (or space). I liked learning about more about Neil Armstrong that I didn't when I was in school. 
Lesson Idea: Students can design their own astronaut and create a mission.
Author Website: Brad Meltzer / Instagram / Twitter

YouTube: Read Aloud

The Story of Jane Goodall

I like this book because it shows that Jane Goodall followed her passion from childhood. She loved animals and never gave up on her dream even when people told her she couldn’t do it. I think this is a great message for students because it shows that your interests as a child can turn into your career.
Lesson Idea: Students can create a nature observation journal where they observe something outside and write/draw what they see.
Author Website: Suzan B. Katz / Twitter

YouTube: Read Aloud

Who Says Women Can't be Doctors? The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell

I really enjoyed this book because of how inspiring and empowering it is to young girls. Elizabeth Blackwell’s determination and her refusal to accept “no” even when society made it clear that women were not welcome in the medical field, is truly inspiring. I like the message of women/girls are able to do the same things men/boys can.
Lesson Idea: Students can research other jobs that women were frown upon having, and write an opinion paper on it.
Author Website: Tanya Stone / Instagram / Twitter

YouTube: Read Aloud

Who was Walt Disney

I like this book because its that you can start from somewhere small, fail over and over, and still succeed. It's a book that not only tells about the life of Walt Disney, but also has the message of resilience and perseverance. 
Lesson Idea: Students design their own theme park/invention and write about it.
Author Website: Whitney Stewart / Instagram

YouTube: Read Aloud

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