Autobiographies - fourth instalment-below Fantasy, Bibliographies, and Historical Fiction choices
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/reviews/category/book/genre/autobiography-160
I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World
AGE 10
Inspiring memoir of teen Nobel laureate shot by Taliban. By Malala Yousafzai, Patricia McCormick
(2014)
Gus & Me: The Story of My Granddad and My First Guitar
AGE 4
Rolling Stones guitarist's warm, inspiring childhood memoir. By Keith Richards
(2014)
Sisters
AGE 9
Funny, moving memoir should appeal to younger comics fans. By Raina Telgemeier
(2014)
The Dumbest Idea Ever
AGE 10
Funny, affecting memoir of growing up crazy for comics. By Jimmy Gownley
(2014)
The Boy on the Wooden Box
AGE 11
Moving memoir of boy Holocaust survivor on Schindler's list. By Elisabeth B. Leyson, Leon Leyson, Marilyn J. Harran
(2013)
Grace, Gold & Glory: My Leap of Faith
AGE 10
Inspiring autobiography by Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas. By Gabrielle Douglas, Michelle Burford
(2012)
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl
AGE 11
Inspiring wartime journal reveals teen's inner life. By Anne Frank
(1982)
Dear Bully: 70 Authors Tell Their Stories
AGE 13
Kids', teens' authors share personal bullying experiences. By Carrie Jones, Megan Kelley Hall
(2011)
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
AGE 14
Poetic autobiography reveals impact of racial prejudice. By Maya Angelou
(1969)
Black Boy
AGE 14
Moving autobiography reveals brutality of Jim Crow South. By Richard Wright
(2007)
Miles to Go
AGE 8
Miley shares her life "so far." Fluffy, but fun for fans. By Hilary Liftin, Miley Cyrus
(2009)
Three Little Words: A Memoir
AGE 15
Harrowing foster child memoir for mature readers. By Ashley Rhodes-Courter
(2008)
The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain
AGE 8
Award-winner shows child's view of the Cold War. By Peter Sis
(2007)
Little House in the Big Woods
AGE 9
Classic view of pioneer life through a little girl's eyes. By Laura Ingalls Wilder
(2007)
My Thirteenth Winter
AGE 13
Honest story of life with learning disability. By Samantha Abeel
(2005)
A Christmas Memory
AGE 7
This tale deserves to be shared every holiday. By Truman Capote
(1969)
Opal: The Journal of an Understanding Heart
AGE 9
The real-life diary of a child of nature. By Opal Whiteley
(2005)
Go Ask Alice
AGE 14
Authentic, tragic portrayal of teen drug use - a classic. By Anonymous
(1971)
Bill Peet: An Autobiography
AGE 9
Former Disney illustrator shares his life story. By Bill Peet
(1989)
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/reviews/category/book/genre/autobiography-160
I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World
AGE 10
Inspiring memoir of teen Nobel laureate shot by Taliban. By Malala Yousafzai, Patricia McCormick
(2014)
Gus & Me: The Story of My Granddad and My First Guitar
AGE 4
Rolling Stones guitarist's warm, inspiring childhood memoir. By Keith Richards
(2014)
Sisters
AGE 9
Funny, moving memoir should appeal to younger comics fans. By Raina Telgemeier
(2014)
The Dumbest Idea Ever
AGE 10
Funny, affecting memoir of growing up crazy for comics. By Jimmy Gownley
(2014)
The Boy on the Wooden Box
AGE 11
Moving memoir of boy Holocaust survivor on Schindler's list. By Elisabeth B. Leyson, Leon Leyson, Marilyn J. Harran
(2013)
Grace, Gold & Glory: My Leap of Faith
AGE 10
Inspiring autobiography by Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas. By Gabrielle Douglas, Michelle Burford
(2012)
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl
AGE 11
Inspiring wartime journal reveals teen's inner life. By Anne Frank
(1982)
Dear Bully: 70 Authors Tell Their Stories
AGE 13
Kids', teens' authors share personal bullying experiences. By Carrie Jones, Megan Kelley Hall
(2011)
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
AGE 14
Poetic autobiography reveals impact of racial prejudice. By Maya Angelou
(1969)
Black Boy
AGE 14
Moving autobiography reveals brutality of Jim Crow South. By Richard Wright
(2007)
Miles to Go
AGE 8
Miley shares her life "so far." Fluffy, but fun for fans. By Hilary Liftin, Miley Cyrus
(2009)
Three Little Words: A Memoir
AGE 15
Harrowing foster child memoir for mature readers. By Ashley Rhodes-Courter
(2008)
The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain
AGE 8
Award-winner shows child's view of the Cold War. By Peter Sis
(2007)
Little House in the Big Woods
AGE 9
Classic view of pioneer life through a little girl's eyes. By Laura Ingalls Wilder
(2007)
My Thirteenth Winter
AGE 13
Honest story of life with learning disability. By Samantha Abeel
(2005)
A Christmas Memory
AGE 7
This tale deserves to be shared every holiday. By Truman Capote
(1969)
Opal: The Journal of an Understanding Heart
AGE 9
The real-life diary of a child of nature. By Opal Whiteley
(2005)
Go Ask Alice
AGE 14
Authentic, tragic portrayal of teen drug use - a classic. By Anonymous
(1971)
Bill Peet: An Autobiography
AGE 9
Former Disney illustrator shares his life story. By Bill Peet
(1989)
Fantasy - third instalment-below Bibliographies, and Historical Fiction choices
1 The Hobbit (J.R.R. Tolkien)
From the Inside Flap
Bilbo Baggins was a hobbit who wanted to be left alone in quiet comfort. But the wizard Gandalf came along with a band of homeless dwarves. Soon Bilbo was drawn into their quest, facing evil orcs, savage wolves, giant spiders, and worse unknown dangers. Finally, it was Bilbo alone and unaided who had to confront the great dragon Smaug, the terror of an entire countryside ...
J.R.R Tolkien's grand fantasy masterpiece and precursor to Lord of the Rings: An utterly magical adventure that appeals to both kids and "grown up" kids. Tolkien wrote this fantasy book for his kids -- and for your kids too. This book is especially great when you read it to your kids: the magical, far away look in a child's eyes as you read this story out loud is worth every penny the book costs. This is one of the best children's fantasy books you can get!
2 His Dark Materials (Philip Pullman)
A series that appeals to both children and adults – there’s a story for each contained. Parallel universes smash together when Lyira, a young girl, seeks to rescue a friend who was abducted, uncovering a secret conspiracy that centers on the nature of existence and what it means to be alive. There’s a lot of elements that the kids will love, with talking bears, angels, ghosts, and more unique creatures. There’s also a lot of complexity to the novel including a take on existence and an attack on the role of God. You might not like this one if you are religious.
3 Peter Pan (J.M. Barrie)
Another classic book that features a story for all ages and genders. Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up. Peter Pan is one of those stories that stays with you forever; it’s written for a child, but there’s a message behind the words for adults too, another layer to the story.
What makes Peter Pan particularly interesting is that there is a tiny wee bit of darkness to it; the story features real characters who are flawed. Peter is quite selfish and this has consequences, even in the perfect never-grow-up world he lives in. The tale of Peter Pan is the perfect childhood story and one that’s hit on an essential element of the human psyche
4 Chronicles of Narnia (C.S. Lewis)
This is the ultimate series for younger readers. It's got talking animals, children protagonists, evil witches, adventures galore, and the clash between good and evil. This classic is completely safe for the kiddies and can be appreciated by all ages. I grew up on this series as a kid and I've been a fantasy book reader ever since. These are the ultimate children's fantasy books.
5 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Rohald Dalh )
When it comes to children’s classics (and fantasy classics at that), it’s hard not to include this book at or near the top. Like Dahl’s other seminal classic, James and the Giant Peach, this is a story full of imagination, adventure, zany characters, and a moral lesson for children and adults alike. It’s a novel that’s inspired not one movie, but two. This is a surely one of the best children’s books ever written and deserves a prominent spot on every child’s reading list.
6 Watership Down (Richard Adams )
A well written and imaginative adventure yarn that will keep both the kids and adults captivated. It’s a “simple” tale about talking rabbits fighting to save their home but there’s a lot going on beneath the hood. You can read this as a child, then read it as an adult and experience a completely different tale. The book was first published in 1972 and is now considered a classic – but it’s one that your kids will love.
7 Un Lun Dun (China Meiville)
This was Mieville’s first foray into YA fantasy and boy was it a good one; he manages to subvert the standard fantasy formula, giving the reader a story that’s both new and completely unexpected in some ways. There is a subtle message here to the reader: don’t wait for someone to save you, seize the initiative and challenge the authority if you have your doubts about the veracity of something. Un Lun Dun is a strange, wonderfully wacky world with vivid characters and creatures popping out of every page – from the omni present evil “smog” seeking to destroy the world, to the flying buses that sail through the air, to the umbrella wielding hero that floats in and out of the story like the sentient umbrellas he commands. Highly recommended for readers of any age, though it’s particularly cute for young readers who’ll get a kick out of the whole zany story.
8 Harry Potter (J.K. Rowling)
This is one of those series that appeals to all ages. For the one person out there who has not read it, do yourself a favor and find out just what all that hype was about. The series starts off pretty light-hearted, but gradually gets darker as Harry ages.
9 Princess Bride (William Goldman)
An awesome movie, but an even better book. It’s a delightful book for children and adults too – a true tale for all ages. What’s specifically awesome about this story is that it gently mocks the traditional fairy tale, yet still keeps the charm of the "happily ever after" fairy tale. You won’t go wrong reading this one to the kids – that is, if they don’t grab it out of your hands to finish reading it themselves!
10 Alice in Wonderland (Lewis Carroll)
If there is one children’s classic your kids should read and only one, than it should be Alice in Wonderland. It’s a book that’s influenced an entire generation of pop culture – including movies, video games, books, language, and more. To NOT read this book is to deprive yourself of a strong cultural point of reference. What is there to say about the story other than a girl goes through a rabbit hole and finds herself in a wonderland. Like many of the best children’s classics, this book can be read on two different levels entirely – a simple child’s adventure story in a magical land or a metaphorical journey of double meanings, symbolisms and clever wordplays. There is a hidden story behind the story itself. This is why the book is so brilliant. It offers something to everyone; as a child you enjoy the wonderful and imaginative tale of a girl saving a magical kingdom, and as an adult you read into a story that’s more than a story.
11 A Wrinkle in Time (Madeleine L'Engle)
A children’s fantasy that explores the idea of human limitations through the adventure of the two children protagonists. This is “kid lit” through and through; it’s intelligent, complex, and there are a lot of relevant themes explored in the book. Of course, all that stuff is for the adults. On the kid’s side of things, it’s got all the requirements for a five-star read: drama, action, adventure, humor, a bit of romance, richly drawn characters, a strange yet fascinating plot, and heartwarming story underpinning the whole thing: a pair of kids searching time and space for their father. This is a classic that you might read when in 4th grade but you will still remember 50 years later.
12 Keys to the Kingdom (Garth Nix)
Seven days. Seven keys. Seven virtues. Seven sins. One mysterious house is the doorway to a very mysterious world -- where one boy is about to venture and unlock a number of fantastical secrets. This is another thrilling, triumphantly imaginative series from Garth Nix, the best-selling author of THE SEVENTH TOWER, SABRIEL, and LIRAEL.
Garth Nix in his Abhorsen, tells the chilling story of a girl’s search for her father, a search that will take her into the very heart of death’s realm. The Keys to the Kingdom is a very different sort of tale, a wild adventure that spans the very fabric of space and time.
In this tale, an 11-year old boy accidentally becomes master of the universe and wild adventures proceed. With a rich, slightly weird world and great cast characters, this is a fantasy series that every kid will love. The world is extremely imaginative and the writing is superb.
Fans of imaginative fantasy (especially fantasy that merges the fantastical, magical word with the familiar world) will find plenty to love about this series. It’s a non-stop adventure that gets more interesting and gripping the further you get into the series. There’s a bit of a dark, gritty edge to the series too. One of the best young adult / children’s fantasy series currently out there and one that can certainly be enjoyed by the adults too
Less dark than the Abhorson trilogy, this children's fantasy series is great for adults and kids.
13 Chronicles of Prydain (Lloyd Alexander)
This series is a rung lower than Lord of the Rings and maybe a few notches under Chronicles of Narnia; think of it as a light epic fantasy geared specifically to kids. These books were first published over 30 years ago and won buckets full of awards. The novels set a standard of excellence in fantasy literature for children. The best way to explain this series is to take Lord of the Rings, toss in a shade more comedy, inject a bit of Welsh mythology into the story, throw in a coming-of-age theme and aim the whole thing at kids. And while the series targets kids, adults will also quite enjoy the series too. Like all good literature, it’s a story that can appeal to all ages. There’s a cast of interestingly quirky characters and a fast-paced plot that will keep you turning the pages without pause. Your children will fall in love with these adventures.
14 The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (L. Frank Baum)
A true classic and not at all like the movie. Because of the popularity of the movie, many assume the book and the movie are the same; but this is not so. The book is far superior to the movie and is a thoroughly entertaining read. It makes for perfect reading to your kids right before bedtime and hey, you might even find yourself slipping off to read it on your own time. With quite a few of the current crop of children’s fantasy books tending towards the dark side of things, it’s nice to have a fun, entertaining read that makes you feel good at the end of the day. Appropriate for all ages.
15 The Neverending Story (Michael Ende)
A story that your children will wish never ends. The movies are based on the books, but only follow the books loosely (and sometimes, not at all). Basically, reading the books is a completely different experience. Like other children’s classics (Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan), there are themes in the stories that apply to life, regardless of age. The Neverending Story is literally a story within a story, and behind this story is the story itself. It’s a story of vast imagination and colorful characters of adventures and magic and saving the world and maybe a princess as well. A lovely and enduring story that’s entertained a generation of children.
16 Howl's Moving Castle (Diana Wynne Jones)
A clever spoof on the classic fairy tale clichés and one done in such a way that it will have your kids laughing all the way through. Jones’s story is a rather funny twist on some of the conventions and she’s not above poking fun at them from time to time. Her characters are an elderly heroine, an evil wizard that’s actually not so evil, and a bumbling apprentice. Beneath the hood of this funny fantasy there is quite a lot of depth. The heroine Sophie is a complex character; as the story progresses, you begin to see the full picture of who she is and you understand her behavior.
17 So You Want To Be A Wizard (Diane Duane)
A compelling book that touches on a lot of issues that face kids. It’s also a pretty damn exciting story about two kids learning how to be wizards. It’s a cozy story with some great characters doubling in as some strong role models for kids.
18 James and the Giant Peach (Rohald Dalh)
From the Inside Flap. Roald Dahl's children's classic will be rediscovered with wonder and delight in this handsome gift edition with all-new black-and-white illustrations by Caldecott Honor Book artist Lane Smith (who also designed the characters for the Disney animated film).
How James escapes from his miserable life with two nasty aunts and becomes a hero to his new insect family, including Miss Spider, the Old-Green-Grasshopper, the Centipede (with his 21 pairs of gorgeous boots), is Dahl-icious fantasy at its best." I first heard this story, read to me by my 1st grade teacher, when I was five; it's stuck with me ever since. This is a classic tale that reaches out to all ages, races, and religions. Even after two decades, it's left an impression on me. It's not the standard children's fantasy book that you may be used to, but it's still a great read that every kid will love. Get a copy of this book and read it to your kids; it's a tale worth sharing and a memory that your children will have for the rest of their lives! If only all children's fantasy books could be as good!
19 Where the Wild Things Are (Maurice Sendak)
A strong series for kids looking for a bit of adventure fantasy. It’s not deep or particularly complex; it’s not a classic that tries to teach you something grand as you read. But what it is a wild action-packed adventure that will keep the kids coming back for more.
20 The Weirdstone of Brisingham (Alan Garner )
This is a spellbinding tale in the tradition of Tolkien. The author crafts the story as a retelling of the legend of the cave of the sleeping king – an ancient Scandinavian folklore tale. It’s a story that is reminiscent of Lord of the Rings with wizards, dwarves, goblins, and even elves. Garner draws heavily from Norse and Celtic mythology, infusing quite a bit of it into the backstory of the novel. There’s even a bit of Narnia in here as well with the story incorporating the “British school kids transported to a magical world to save the day” conceit. But this is no copy of Tolkien or Narnia – it’s a fantasy tale that’s completely unique in its own right.
21 Inkheart (Cornelia Funke)
A young adult novel with an ample amount of charm. Inkheart is through and through a very character-driven novel and one that takes a bit of reading to get into. It’s not as action packed as some fantasy with splashy magical effects and giant battles thrown around every few pages. But the strong characters more than make up for the slower paced reading. Fans of Harry Potter will enjoy this story.
22 Artemis Fowl (Eoin Colfer)
Amazon Book Description
From a strikingly original voice in fiction comes the story of Artemis Fowl, a very unusual hero. Artemis combines the astuteness of Sherlock Holmes with the sangfroid of James Bond and the attitude of Attila the Hun. But even Artemis doesn't know what he's taken on when he kidnaps a fairy, Captain Holly Short of LEPrecon Unit. These aren't the fairies of bedtime stories. These fairies are armed and they're dangerous. Artemis thinks he's got them just where he wants them, but then they stop playing by the rules ...
Someone described this series as Harry Potter meets Die Hard -- an apt description indeed. But parents fear not: this is not Harry Potter with bloody effects turned on, it's a rip roaring tale that sucks you in. As an anti-hero, Artemis is an unusual character in children's fantasy. It's the bad guy's turn to win for once and in this book, you will find yourself rooting for the spoiled, imperious, but somehow likable boy-genius criminal Artemis Fowl. Darker then Harry Potter and hilariously funny (at times), The Artemis Fowl series is a must read.
23 Redwall (Brian Jacques)
Action, sword fighting and adventures but with the heroes and villains of the tale mice, badgers, and other talking animals. Redwall is a fast-paced action series for kids that’s wonderfully entertaining.
24 Septimus Heap (Angie Sage and Mark Zugy)
This one takes place in the fictional city of The Castle which is surrounded by a great wall.
The books are light reading and don’t take themselves too seriously. A good amount of action and adventure and a great mix of fun characters. Lots of magic, cloak and dagger plot stuff, and a whole range of unique creatures populating the world.
25 Ranger's Apprentice (John Flanagan)
A strong series for kids looking for a bit of adventure fantasy. It’s not deep or particularly complex; it’s not a classic that tries to teach you something grand as you read. But what it is a wild action-packed adventure that will keep the kids coming back for more.
1 The Hobbit (J.R.R. Tolkien)
From the Inside Flap
Bilbo Baggins was a hobbit who wanted to be left alone in quiet comfort. But the wizard Gandalf came along with a band of homeless dwarves. Soon Bilbo was drawn into their quest, facing evil orcs, savage wolves, giant spiders, and worse unknown dangers. Finally, it was Bilbo alone and unaided who had to confront the great dragon Smaug, the terror of an entire countryside ...
J.R.R Tolkien's grand fantasy masterpiece and precursor to Lord of the Rings: An utterly magical adventure that appeals to both kids and "grown up" kids. Tolkien wrote this fantasy book for his kids -- and for your kids too. This book is especially great when you read it to your kids: the magical, far away look in a child's eyes as you read this story out loud is worth every penny the book costs. This is one of the best children's fantasy books you can get!
2 His Dark Materials (Philip Pullman)
A series that appeals to both children and adults – there’s a story for each contained. Parallel universes smash together when Lyira, a young girl, seeks to rescue a friend who was abducted, uncovering a secret conspiracy that centers on the nature of existence and what it means to be alive. There’s a lot of elements that the kids will love, with talking bears, angels, ghosts, and more unique creatures. There’s also a lot of complexity to the novel including a take on existence and an attack on the role of God. You might not like this one if you are religious.
3 Peter Pan (J.M. Barrie)
Another classic book that features a story for all ages and genders. Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up. Peter Pan is one of those stories that stays with you forever; it’s written for a child, but there’s a message behind the words for adults too, another layer to the story.
What makes Peter Pan particularly interesting is that there is a tiny wee bit of darkness to it; the story features real characters who are flawed. Peter is quite selfish and this has consequences, even in the perfect never-grow-up world he lives in. The tale of Peter Pan is the perfect childhood story and one that’s hit on an essential element of the human psyche
4 Chronicles of Narnia (C.S. Lewis)
This is the ultimate series for younger readers. It's got talking animals, children protagonists, evil witches, adventures galore, and the clash between good and evil. This classic is completely safe for the kiddies and can be appreciated by all ages. I grew up on this series as a kid and I've been a fantasy book reader ever since. These are the ultimate children's fantasy books.
5 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Rohald Dalh )
When it comes to children’s classics (and fantasy classics at that), it’s hard not to include this book at or near the top. Like Dahl’s other seminal classic, James and the Giant Peach, this is a story full of imagination, adventure, zany characters, and a moral lesson for children and adults alike. It’s a novel that’s inspired not one movie, but two. This is a surely one of the best children’s books ever written and deserves a prominent spot on every child’s reading list.
6 Watership Down (Richard Adams )
A well written and imaginative adventure yarn that will keep both the kids and adults captivated. It’s a “simple” tale about talking rabbits fighting to save their home but there’s a lot going on beneath the hood. You can read this as a child, then read it as an adult and experience a completely different tale. The book was first published in 1972 and is now considered a classic – but it’s one that your kids will love.
7 Un Lun Dun (China Meiville)
This was Mieville’s first foray into YA fantasy and boy was it a good one; he manages to subvert the standard fantasy formula, giving the reader a story that’s both new and completely unexpected in some ways. There is a subtle message here to the reader: don’t wait for someone to save you, seize the initiative and challenge the authority if you have your doubts about the veracity of something. Un Lun Dun is a strange, wonderfully wacky world with vivid characters and creatures popping out of every page – from the omni present evil “smog” seeking to destroy the world, to the flying buses that sail through the air, to the umbrella wielding hero that floats in and out of the story like the sentient umbrellas he commands. Highly recommended for readers of any age, though it’s particularly cute for young readers who’ll get a kick out of the whole zany story.
8 Harry Potter (J.K. Rowling)
This is one of those series that appeals to all ages. For the one person out there who has not read it, do yourself a favor and find out just what all that hype was about. The series starts off pretty light-hearted, but gradually gets darker as Harry ages.
9 Princess Bride (William Goldman)
An awesome movie, but an even better book. It’s a delightful book for children and adults too – a true tale for all ages. What’s specifically awesome about this story is that it gently mocks the traditional fairy tale, yet still keeps the charm of the "happily ever after" fairy tale. You won’t go wrong reading this one to the kids – that is, if they don’t grab it out of your hands to finish reading it themselves!
10 Alice in Wonderland (Lewis Carroll)
If there is one children’s classic your kids should read and only one, than it should be Alice in Wonderland. It’s a book that’s influenced an entire generation of pop culture – including movies, video games, books, language, and more. To NOT read this book is to deprive yourself of a strong cultural point of reference. What is there to say about the story other than a girl goes through a rabbit hole and finds herself in a wonderland. Like many of the best children’s classics, this book can be read on two different levels entirely – a simple child’s adventure story in a magical land or a metaphorical journey of double meanings, symbolisms and clever wordplays. There is a hidden story behind the story itself. This is why the book is so brilliant. It offers something to everyone; as a child you enjoy the wonderful and imaginative tale of a girl saving a magical kingdom, and as an adult you read into a story that’s more than a story.
11 A Wrinkle in Time (Madeleine L'Engle)
A children’s fantasy that explores the idea of human limitations through the adventure of the two children protagonists. This is “kid lit” through and through; it’s intelligent, complex, and there are a lot of relevant themes explored in the book. Of course, all that stuff is for the adults. On the kid’s side of things, it’s got all the requirements for a five-star read: drama, action, adventure, humor, a bit of romance, richly drawn characters, a strange yet fascinating plot, and heartwarming story underpinning the whole thing: a pair of kids searching time and space for their father. This is a classic that you might read when in 4th grade but you will still remember 50 years later.
12 Keys to the Kingdom (Garth Nix)
Seven days. Seven keys. Seven virtues. Seven sins. One mysterious house is the doorway to a very mysterious world -- where one boy is about to venture and unlock a number of fantastical secrets. This is another thrilling, triumphantly imaginative series from Garth Nix, the best-selling author of THE SEVENTH TOWER, SABRIEL, and LIRAEL.
Garth Nix in his Abhorsen, tells the chilling story of a girl’s search for her father, a search that will take her into the very heart of death’s realm. The Keys to the Kingdom is a very different sort of tale, a wild adventure that spans the very fabric of space and time.
In this tale, an 11-year old boy accidentally becomes master of the universe and wild adventures proceed. With a rich, slightly weird world and great cast characters, this is a fantasy series that every kid will love. The world is extremely imaginative and the writing is superb.
Fans of imaginative fantasy (especially fantasy that merges the fantastical, magical word with the familiar world) will find plenty to love about this series. It’s a non-stop adventure that gets more interesting and gripping the further you get into the series. There’s a bit of a dark, gritty edge to the series too. One of the best young adult / children’s fantasy series currently out there and one that can certainly be enjoyed by the adults too
Less dark than the Abhorson trilogy, this children's fantasy series is great for adults and kids.
13 Chronicles of Prydain (Lloyd Alexander)
This series is a rung lower than Lord of the Rings and maybe a few notches under Chronicles of Narnia; think of it as a light epic fantasy geared specifically to kids. These books were first published over 30 years ago and won buckets full of awards. The novels set a standard of excellence in fantasy literature for children. The best way to explain this series is to take Lord of the Rings, toss in a shade more comedy, inject a bit of Welsh mythology into the story, throw in a coming-of-age theme and aim the whole thing at kids. And while the series targets kids, adults will also quite enjoy the series too. Like all good literature, it’s a story that can appeal to all ages. There’s a cast of interestingly quirky characters and a fast-paced plot that will keep you turning the pages without pause. Your children will fall in love with these adventures.
14 The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (L. Frank Baum)
A true classic and not at all like the movie. Because of the popularity of the movie, many assume the book and the movie are the same; but this is not so. The book is far superior to the movie and is a thoroughly entertaining read. It makes for perfect reading to your kids right before bedtime and hey, you might even find yourself slipping off to read it on your own time. With quite a few of the current crop of children’s fantasy books tending towards the dark side of things, it’s nice to have a fun, entertaining read that makes you feel good at the end of the day. Appropriate for all ages.
15 The Neverending Story (Michael Ende)
A story that your children will wish never ends. The movies are based on the books, but only follow the books loosely (and sometimes, not at all). Basically, reading the books is a completely different experience. Like other children’s classics (Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan), there are themes in the stories that apply to life, regardless of age. The Neverending Story is literally a story within a story, and behind this story is the story itself. It’s a story of vast imagination and colorful characters of adventures and magic and saving the world and maybe a princess as well. A lovely and enduring story that’s entertained a generation of children.
16 Howl's Moving Castle (Diana Wynne Jones)
A clever spoof on the classic fairy tale clichés and one done in such a way that it will have your kids laughing all the way through. Jones’s story is a rather funny twist on some of the conventions and she’s not above poking fun at them from time to time. Her characters are an elderly heroine, an evil wizard that’s actually not so evil, and a bumbling apprentice. Beneath the hood of this funny fantasy there is quite a lot of depth. The heroine Sophie is a complex character; as the story progresses, you begin to see the full picture of who she is and you understand her behavior.
17 So You Want To Be A Wizard (Diane Duane)
A compelling book that touches on a lot of issues that face kids. It’s also a pretty damn exciting story about two kids learning how to be wizards. It’s a cozy story with some great characters doubling in as some strong role models for kids.
18 James and the Giant Peach (Rohald Dalh)
From the Inside Flap. Roald Dahl's children's classic will be rediscovered with wonder and delight in this handsome gift edition with all-new black-and-white illustrations by Caldecott Honor Book artist Lane Smith (who also designed the characters for the Disney animated film).
How James escapes from his miserable life with two nasty aunts and becomes a hero to his new insect family, including Miss Spider, the Old-Green-Grasshopper, the Centipede (with his 21 pairs of gorgeous boots), is Dahl-icious fantasy at its best." I first heard this story, read to me by my 1st grade teacher, when I was five; it's stuck with me ever since. This is a classic tale that reaches out to all ages, races, and religions. Even after two decades, it's left an impression on me. It's not the standard children's fantasy book that you may be used to, but it's still a great read that every kid will love. Get a copy of this book and read it to your kids; it's a tale worth sharing and a memory that your children will have for the rest of their lives! If only all children's fantasy books could be as good!
19 Where the Wild Things Are (Maurice Sendak)
A strong series for kids looking for a bit of adventure fantasy. It’s not deep or particularly complex; it’s not a classic that tries to teach you something grand as you read. But what it is a wild action-packed adventure that will keep the kids coming back for more.
20 The Weirdstone of Brisingham (Alan Garner )
This is a spellbinding tale in the tradition of Tolkien. The author crafts the story as a retelling of the legend of the cave of the sleeping king – an ancient Scandinavian folklore tale. It’s a story that is reminiscent of Lord of the Rings with wizards, dwarves, goblins, and even elves. Garner draws heavily from Norse and Celtic mythology, infusing quite a bit of it into the backstory of the novel. There’s even a bit of Narnia in here as well with the story incorporating the “British school kids transported to a magical world to save the day” conceit. But this is no copy of Tolkien or Narnia – it’s a fantasy tale that’s completely unique in its own right.
21 Inkheart (Cornelia Funke)
A young adult novel with an ample amount of charm. Inkheart is through and through a very character-driven novel and one that takes a bit of reading to get into. It’s not as action packed as some fantasy with splashy magical effects and giant battles thrown around every few pages. But the strong characters more than make up for the slower paced reading. Fans of Harry Potter will enjoy this story.
22 Artemis Fowl (Eoin Colfer)
Amazon Book Description
From a strikingly original voice in fiction comes the story of Artemis Fowl, a very unusual hero. Artemis combines the astuteness of Sherlock Holmes with the sangfroid of James Bond and the attitude of Attila the Hun. But even Artemis doesn't know what he's taken on when he kidnaps a fairy, Captain Holly Short of LEPrecon Unit. These aren't the fairies of bedtime stories. These fairies are armed and they're dangerous. Artemis thinks he's got them just where he wants them, but then they stop playing by the rules ...
Someone described this series as Harry Potter meets Die Hard -- an apt description indeed. But parents fear not: this is not Harry Potter with bloody effects turned on, it's a rip roaring tale that sucks you in. As an anti-hero, Artemis is an unusual character in children's fantasy. It's the bad guy's turn to win for once and in this book, you will find yourself rooting for the spoiled, imperious, but somehow likable boy-genius criminal Artemis Fowl. Darker then Harry Potter and hilariously funny (at times), The Artemis Fowl series is a must read.
23 Redwall (Brian Jacques)
Action, sword fighting and adventures but with the heroes and villains of the tale mice, badgers, and other talking animals. Redwall is a fast-paced action series for kids that’s wonderfully entertaining.
24 Septimus Heap (Angie Sage and Mark Zugy)
This one takes place in the fictional city of The Castle which is surrounded by a great wall.
The books are light reading and don’t take themselves too seriously. A good amount of action and adventure and a great mix of fun characters. Lots of magic, cloak and dagger plot stuff, and a whole range of unique creatures populating the world.
25 Ranger's Apprentice (John Flanagan)
A strong series for kids looking for a bit of adventure fantasy. It’s not deep or particularly complex; it’s not a classic that tries to teach you something grand as you read. But what it is a wild action-packed adventure that will keep the kids coming back for more.
Biographies - second instalment -below are Historical Fiction choices
Johnny Appleseed
A short article from About.com about Johnny Appleseed's life, religion, apples, death and how his story lives on today.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 4 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://cleveland.about.com/od/peopleandpets/p/johnnyappleseed.htm
Harriet Tubman Biography
From biography.com, a brief biography following Harriet Tubman's early life, escape from slavery, abolitionism, later life, and popular quotes.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 4 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://www.biography.com/people/harriet-tubman-9511430
MalcolmX.com
From the official Malcolm X website, access a short biography, quotes, or fast facts, or browse through the photo gallery.
Illustrations: many | Reading Level: 4 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://malcolmx.com/about/bio.html
The Wright brothers: Wilbur and Orville Wright
This website has extensive information about the Wright brothers including biographies, history of their first flights, photos, and much more.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://www.wright-house.com/wright-brothers/Wrights.html
About Martin Luther King Jr. (Seattle Times)
This site features audio clips of Martin Luther King Jr's most famous speeches along with a biography, photos, a time line, study guides and much more.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/special/mlk/king/speeches.html
Biography Channel Presents Black history
This website features full length episodes and numerous mini clips about many famous African American public figures such as Barack Obama, Queen Latifah, and Martin Luther King Jr.
Illustrations: many | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: African-Americans, Biography
http://www.biography.com/people/groups/black-history
Female Nobel Prize Laureates
This website contains information and plenty of links for every woman who has ever won a Nobel Prize. It also contains a hefty book list devoted to female Nobel prize winners.
Illustrations: no | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: Biography, Women
http://nobelprizes.com/nobel/women.html
Jonas Salk Biography
Jonas salk was the developer of the Polio vaccine. Read his biography and learn all about him at the Academy of Achievement.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: Biography, Scientists
http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/sal0bio-1
Barack Obama Biography
This page features an extensive biography of America's first racial minority president, Barack Obama. Learn all about his childhood, his teen years, his early days as a politician, and his days as president. There are numerous quotes, pictures, videos of his speeches, and much more.
Illustrations: many | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: African-Americans, Biography
http://barackobamabiography.org/
Oprah Winfrey Biography-Academy of Achievement
This is a brief biography about the
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: African-Americans, Biography
http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/win0bio-1
International Women's Air & Space Museum
The International Women's Air and Space Museum, located in Centerville Ohio, celebrated its ten year anniversary in March. The Museum was originally the plan of a group of Ninety-Nines to preserve the achievements of women in aviation through personal artifacts and archives.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: Biography, Women
http://www.iwasm.org/wp-blog
Biographies of Women Mathematicians
Welcome to the web page for biographies of women in mathematics. These pages are part of an on-going project by students in mathematics classes at Agnes Scott College, in Atlanta, Georgia, to illustrate the numerous achievements of women in the field of mathematics. There are biographical essays or comments on most of the women mathematicians and some photos (which look best at more than 256 colors).
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: Biography, Women
http://www.agnesscott.edu/lriddle/women/women.htm
Harriet Tubman Facts
From About.com, a brief biography from her life in slavery, to her abolitionism, to her work during the Civil War.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 4 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://womenshistory.about.com/od/harriettubman/p/harriet_tubman.htm
Alton Museum of History and Art - Robert Pershing Wadlow
This site tracks the growth and life of Robert Pershing Wadlow, the world's tallest man.
Illustrations: many | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://www.altonweb.com/history/wadlow/
Patricia S. Cowings, Ph.D.
Background information on Patricia Cowings, who works at NASA as a psychophysiologist.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: African-Americans, Biography
http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/smore/team/pcowings.html
Quincy Jones Biography
The all-time most nominated Grammy artist with a total of 76 nominations and 26 awards, Quincy Jones has also received an Emmy Award, seven Oscar nominations, and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
Illustrations: no | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: African-Americans, Biography
http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/jon0bio-1
Harmon Collection: Breaking Racial Barriers
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: African-Americans, Biography
http://www.npg.si.edu/exh/harmon/
Biography.com
They're all in here... Just waiting to be found! Search the Biography.com database for over 25,000 of the greatest lives, past and present.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://www.biography.com/people
Eric Weisstein's World of Biography
Biographies of noteworthy people in physics, astronomy, chemistry, and math.
Illustrations: no | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: Biography, Scientists
http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/biography/
American Women in Uniform, Veterans Too!
Biographies of American women veterans from each major military conflict introduced in the context of time.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: Biography, Women
http://userpages.aug.com/captbarb/
Notable Women Ancestors
Biographies of women from adventurers, pioneers, emigrants, African-Americans, authors, religious leaders, heroines, royalty and more.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: Biography, Women
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nwa/
Famous Hispanics in the World and History
Short biographies of over 200 famous Hispanics, arranged by name. Sources for the information are indicated.
Illustrations: no | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://coloquio.com/famosos/alpha.html
Children's Encyclopedia of Women
This encyclopedia was written in March 1998 by third and fourth grade students at Pocantico Hills School. We are adding to it during March and April of 1999. We hope to continue adding to the collection every year.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: Biography, Women
http://www2.lhric.org/pocantico/womenenc/womenenc.htm
National Women's Hall of Fame
Portraits and profiles of the close to two hundred notable women of the United States (living and deceased)inducted into the Hall of Fame since its founding in 1969. Some of the women so honored include Helen Keller, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucy Stone, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Maria Tallchief, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Edith Wharton, and Mildred
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: Biography, Women
http://www.greatwomen.org/
Louis Pasteur
Pasteur's work gave birth to many branches of science, and he was singlehandedly responsible for some of the most important theoretical concepts and practical applications of modern science. Learn more about him with this biographical look at his life and contributions to the medical society
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: Biography, Scientists
http://www.accessexcellence.org/RC/AB/BC/Louis_Pasteur.php
Nat Turner's Rebellion
Biography of Nat Turner from PBS.
Illustrations: no | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: African-Americans, Biography
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part3/3p1518.html
George Washington Carver
Agricultural chemist George Washington Carver developed crop-rotation methods for conserving nutrients in soil and discovered hundreds of new uses for crops such as the peanut, which created new markets for farmers, especially in the South. Born of slave parents in Diamond Grove, Missouri, Carver was rescued from Confederate kidnappers as an infant.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: African-Americans, Biography
http://www.invent.org/hall_of_fame/30.html
Einstein Revealed
Welcome to the companion Web site to the NOVA program
Illustrations: many | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: Biography, Scientists
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/einstein/
The Hiding Place
The history of The Hiding Place, the home of Corrie ten Boom.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: Biography, Women
http://www.corrietenboom.com/index.html
The Secret Room, The story of Corrie ten Boom by David Wallington
A longish narrative version of the Corrie ten Boom story, with pictures and test questions at the end.
Illustrations: many | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: Biography, Women
http://www.soon.org.uk/true_stories/holocaust.htm
Colonial Punic Wars and Hannibal
Hannibals life is explained with emphasis on the wars and his famous Alpine crossing.
Illustrations: no | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://phoenicia.org/punicwar.html
Women's Adventures in Science
Explore biographies of women scientists, interactive games, fun science facts, and opportunities to ask questions about science.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 4 | Subject: Science (general), Biography (General)
http://www.iwaswondering.org/
Academy of Achievement
Explore a wide range of biographies, interviews and profiles, organized originally by category.
Illustrations: many | Reading Level: 5 | Subject: Biography (General)
http://www.achievement.org/galleryachieve.html
Eleanor Roosevelt
Short biography of this first lady from the National Woman's Hall of Fame.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: Biography, Women
http://www.greatwomen.org/component/fabrik/details/2/127
Meet Amazing Americans
Discover the inventors, politicians, performers, activists and other everyday people who made this country what it is today. Includes information on Buffalo Bill Cody, Frederick Douglass,Thomas Alva Edison, Duke Ellington, Harry Houdini,Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln,Theodore Roosevelt, Elizabeth Cady Stanton,Harriet Tubman, and George Washington.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://www.americaslibrary.gov/aa/index.php
American Visionaries: Frederick Douglass
This exhibit features items owned by Frederick Douglass and highlights his achievements.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: African-Americans, Biography
http://www.cr.nps.gov/museum/exhibits/douglass/index.htm
Biographies for Kids
Selected biographies of presidents, inventors, educators, scientists and more. Each biography features a free printable study sheet, online game, worksheet, word search, and crossword puzzle.
Illustrations: many | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://gardenofpraise.com/leaders.htm
Infoplease Biography
More than 30,000 biographies from our almanacs, dictionary, and encyclopedia.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://www.infoplease.com/people.html
Charles Goodyear and the Strange Story of Rubber
This is the story of how Charles Goodyear invented useful rubber products.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: Biography, Scientists
http://www.goodyear.com/corporate/history/history_story.html
Charles Goodyear
A short biography of Charles Goodyear from the Invent.org Hall of Fame.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: Biography, Scientists
http://www.invent.org/hall_of_fame/68.html
The Willie O'Ree Story
The story of the first black player in the National Hockey League. Willie O'Ree grew up in New Brunswick, Canada, and made his NHL debut with the Boston Bruins in 1958.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: African-Americans, Biography
http://www.missioncreep.com/mw/oree.html
Catholic Encyclopedia: Amerigo Vespucci
An entry in Catholic Encyclopedia describes the life of this well-known Italian navigator. Also examines Vespucci's role in the discovery of the New World.
Illustrations: no | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15384b.htm
Wilson A. Bentley: The Snowflake Man
This site is dedicated to the Vermont farmer who discovered that
Illustrations: many | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://www.snowflakebentley.com
Astor House Museum
Site includes a short history of the house, location and contact information, upcoming events and membership information for the Astor House Museum in Golden, Colorado.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://www.astorhousemuseum.org/
Born in the Wake of Freedom
A biography of John Mitchell, Jr., who became the editor of the Richmond Planet.
Illustrations: many | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: African-Americans, Biography
http://www.lva.virginia.gov/exhibits/mitchell/
Ludwig Von Beethoven The Magnificant Master
This site is dedicated to cultivating knowledge about Beethoven and his music, by the Raptus Association for Music Appreciation. The site features detailed biographical information, works list, extensive collection of images and interesting background information for individual works. Additionally, the site contains articles on Beethoven's relationships to, and with, other composers.
Illustrations: many | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://www.raptusassociation.org/
Professor Stephen W. Hawking
This site about physicist Stephen Hawking features biographical information, transcripts of lectures, list of publications by Hawking, and more.
Illustrations: many | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: Biography, Scientists
http://www.hawking.org.uk/
The von Trapp Family Story
The history of the family from Austria that the musical
Illustrations: many | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://www.trappfamily.com/story
Johnny Appleseed
A short article from About.com about Johnny Appleseed's life, religion, apples, death and how his story lives on today.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 4 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://cleveland.about.com/od/peopleandpets/p/johnnyappleseed.htm
Harriet Tubman Biography
From biography.com, a brief biography following Harriet Tubman's early life, escape from slavery, abolitionism, later life, and popular quotes.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 4 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://www.biography.com/people/harriet-tubman-9511430
MalcolmX.com
From the official Malcolm X website, access a short biography, quotes, or fast facts, or browse through the photo gallery.
Illustrations: many | Reading Level: 4 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://malcolmx.com/about/bio.html
The Wright brothers: Wilbur and Orville Wright
This website has extensive information about the Wright brothers including biographies, history of their first flights, photos, and much more.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://www.wright-house.com/wright-brothers/Wrights.html
About Martin Luther King Jr. (Seattle Times)
This site features audio clips of Martin Luther King Jr's most famous speeches along with a biography, photos, a time line, study guides and much more.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/special/mlk/king/speeches.html
Biography Channel Presents Black history
This website features full length episodes and numerous mini clips about many famous African American public figures such as Barack Obama, Queen Latifah, and Martin Luther King Jr.
Illustrations: many | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: African-Americans, Biography
http://www.biography.com/people/groups/black-history
Female Nobel Prize Laureates
This website contains information and plenty of links for every woman who has ever won a Nobel Prize. It also contains a hefty book list devoted to female Nobel prize winners.
Illustrations: no | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: Biography, Women
http://nobelprizes.com/nobel/women.html
Jonas Salk Biography
Jonas salk was the developer of the Polio vaccine. Read his biography and learn all about him at the Academy of Achievement.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: Biography, Scientists
http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/sal0bio-1
Barack Obama Biography
This page features an extensive biography of America's first racial minority president, Barack Obama. Learn all about his childhood, his teen years, his early days as a politician, and his days as president. There are numerous quotes, pictures, videos of his speeches, and much more.
Illustrations: many | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: African-Americans, Biography
http://barackobamabiography.org/
Oprah Winfrey Biography-Academy of Achievement
This is a brief biography about the
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: African-Americans, Biography
http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/win0bio-1
International Women's Air & Space Museum
The International Women's Air and Space Museum, located in Centerville Ohio, celebrated its ten year anniversary in March. The Museum was originally the plan of a group of Ninety-Nines to preserve the achievements of women in aviation through personal artifacts and archives.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: Biography, Women
http://www.iwasm.org/wp-blog
Biographies of Women Mathematicians
Welcome to the web page for biographies of women in mathematics. These pages are part of an on-going project by students in mathematics classes at Agnes Scott College, in Atlanta, Georgia, to illustrate the numerous achievements of women in the field of mathematics. There are biographical essays or comments on most of the women mathematicians and some photos (which look best at more than 256 colors).
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: Biography, Women
http://www.agnesscott.edu/lriddle/women/women.htm
Harriet Tubman Facts
From About.com, a brief biography from her life in slavery, to her abolitionism, to her work during the Civil War.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 4 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://womenshistory.about.com/od/harriettubman/p/harriet_tubman.htm
Alton Museum of History and Art - Robert Pershing Wadlow
This site tracks the growth and life of Robert Pershing Wadlow, the world's tallest man.
Illustrations: many | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://www.altonweb.com/history/wadlow/
Patricia S. Cowings, Ph.D.
Background information on Patricia Cowings, who works at NASA as a psychophysiologist.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: African-Americans, Biography
http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/smore/team/pcowings.html
Quincy Jones Biography
The all-time most nominated Grammy artist with a total of 76 nominations and 26 awards, Quincy Jones has also received an Emmy Award, seven Oscar nominations, and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
Illustrations: no | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: African-Americans, Biography
http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/jon0bio-1
Harmon Collection: Breaking Racial Barriers
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: African-Americans, Biography
http://www.npg.si.edu/exh/harmon/
Biography.com
They're all in here... Just waiting to be found! Search the Biography.com database for over 25,000 of the greatest lives, past and present.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://www.biography.com/people
Eric Weisstein's World of Biography
Biographies of noteworthy people in physics, astronomy, chemistry, and math.
Illustrations: no | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: Biography, Scientists
http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/biography/
American Women in Uniform, Veterans Too!
Biographies of American women veterans from each major military conflict introduced in the context of time.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: Biography, Women
http://userpages.aug.com/captbarb/
Notable Women Ancestors
Biographies of women from adventurers, pioneers, emigrants, African-Americans, authors, religious leaders, heroines, royalty and more.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: Biography, Women
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nwa/
Famous Hispanics in the World and History
Short biographies of over 200 famous Hispanics, arranged by name. Sources for the information are indicated.
Illustrations: no | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://coloquio.com/famosos/alpha.html
Children's Encyclopedia of Women
This encyclopedia was written in March 1998 by third and fourth grade students at Pocantico Hills School. We are adding to it during March and April of 1999. We hope to continue adding to the collection every year.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: Biography, Women
http://www2.lhric.org/pocantico/womenenc/womenenc.htm
National Women's Hall of Fame
Portraits and profiles of the close to two hundred notable women of the United States (living and deceased)inducted into the Hall of Fame since its founding in 1969. Some of the women so honored include Helen Keller, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucy Stone, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Maria Tallchief, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Edith Wharton, and Mildred
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: Biography, Women
http://www.greatwomen.org/
Louis Pasteur
Pasteur's work gave birth to many branches of science, and he was singlehandedly responsible for some of the most important theoretical concepts and practical applications of modern science. Learn more about him with this biographical look at his life and contributions to the medical society
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: Biography, Scientists
http://www.accessexcellence.org/RC/AB/BC/Louis_Pasteur.php
Nat Turner's Rebellion
Biography of Nat Turner from PBS.
Illustrations: no | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: African-Americans, Biography
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part3/3p1518.html
George Washington Carver
Agricultural chemist George Washington Carver developed crop-rotation methods for conserving nutrients in soil and discovered hundreds of new uses for crops such as the peanut, which created new markets for farmers, especially in the South. Born of slave parents in Diamond Grove, Missouri, Carver was rescued from Confederate kidnappers as an infant.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: African-Americans, Biography
http://www.invent.org/hall_of_fame/30.html
Einstein Revealed
Welcome to the companion Web site to the NOVA program
Illustrations: many | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: Biography, Scientists
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/einstein/
The Hiding Place
The history of The Hiding Place, the home of Corrie ten Boom.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: Biography, Women
http://www.corrietenboom.com/index.html
The Secret Room, The story of Corrie ten Boom by David Wallington
A longish narrative version of the Corrie ten Boom story, with pictures and test questions at the end.
Illustrations: many | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: Biography, Women
http://www.soon.org.uk/true_stories/holocaust.htm
Colonial Punic Wars and Hannibal
Hannibals life is explained with emphasis on the wars and his famous Alpine crossing.
Illustrations: no | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://phoenicia.org/punicwar.html
Women's Adventures in Science
Explore biographies of women scientists, interactive games, fun science facts, and opportunities to ask questions about science.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 4 | Subject: Science (general), Biography (General)
http://www.iwaswondering.org/
Academy of Achievement
Explore a wide range of biographies, interviews and profiles, organized originally by category.
Illustrations: many | Reading Level: 5 | Subject: Biography (General)
http://www.achievement.org/galleryachieve.html
Eleanor Roosevelt
Short biography of this first lady from the National Woman's Hall of Fame.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: Biography, Women
http://www.greatwomen.org/component/fabrik/details/2/127
Meet Amazing Americans
Discover the inventors, politicians, performers, activists and other everyday people who made this country what it is today. Includes information on Buffalo Bill Cody, Frederick Douglass,Thomas Alva Edison, Duke Ellington, Harry Houdini,Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln,Theodore Roosevelt, Elizabeth Cady Stanton,Harriet Tubman, and George Washington.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://www.americaslibrary.gov/aa/index.php
American Visionaries: Frederick Douglass
This exhibit features items owned by Frederick Douglass and highlights his achievements.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: African-Americans, Biography
http://www.cr.nps.gov/museum/exhibits/douglass/index.htm
Biographies for Kids
Selected biographies of presidents, inventors, educators, scientists and more. Each biography features a free printable study sheet, online game, worksheet, word search, and crossword puzzle.
Illustrations: many | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://gardenofpraise.com/leaders.htm
Infoplease Biography
More than 30,000 biographies from our almanacs, dictionary, and encyclopedia.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://www.infoplease.com/people.html
Charles Goodyear and the Strange Story of Rubber
This is the story of how Charles Goodyear invented useful rubber products.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: Biography, Scientists
http://www.goodyear.com/corporate/history/history_story.html
Charles Goodyear
A short biography of Charles Goodyear from the Invent.org Hall of Fame.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: Biography, Scientists
http://www.invent.org/hall_of_fame/68.html
The Willie O'Ree Story
The story of the first black player in the National Hockey League. Willie O'Ree grew up in New Brunswick, Canada, and made his NHL debut with the Boston Bruins in 1958.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 3 | Subject: African-Americans, Biography
http://www.missioncreep.com/mw/oree.html
Catholic Encyclopedia: Amerigo Vespucci
An entry in Catholic Encyclopedia describes the life of this well-known Italian navigator. Also examines Vespucci's role in the discovery of the New World.
Illustrations: no | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15384b.htm
Wilson A. Bentley: The Snowflake Man
This site is dedicated to the Vermont farmer who discovered that
Illustrations: many | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://www.snowflakebentley.com
Astor House Museum
Site includes a short history of the house, location and contact information, upcoming events and membership information for the Astor House Museum in Golden, Colorado.
Illustrations: some | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://www.astorhousemuseum.org/
Born in the Wake of Freedom
A biography of John Mitchell, Jr., who became the editor of the Richmond Planet.
Illustrations: many | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: African-Americans, Biography
http://www.lva.virginia.gov/exhibits/mitchell/
Ludwig Von Beethoven The Magnificant Master
This site is dedicated to cultivating knowledge about Beethoven and his music, by the Raptus Association for Music Appreciation. The site features detailed biographical information, works list, extensive collection of images and interesting background information for individual works. Additionally, the site contains articles on Beethoven's relationships to, and with, other composers.
Illustrations: many | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://www.raptusassociation.org/
Professor Stephen W. Hawking
This site about physicist Stephen Hawking features biographical information, transcripts of lectures, list of publications by Hawking, and more.
Illustrations: many | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: Biography, Scientists
http://www.hawking.org.uk/
The von Trapp Family Story
The history of the family from Austria that the musical
Illustrations: many | Reading Level: 7 | Subject: Biography (general)
http://www.trappfamily.com/story
Here is the first installment of GRiL (Genre Read it List) enjoy!
Historical Fiction
Castle Diary: The Journal of Tobias Burgess, Page
Author: Richard Platt
Overview: With an oversize format and wonderfully detailed illustrations, young readers get a firsthand view of daily life in a medieval castle in 1285 as Tobias Burgess, who is 11 years old, recounts his experiences as a new page.
Moon Over Manifest Random House
Author: Clare Vanderpool
Overview: The story, which is set in southeast Kansas during the Depression, moves between 1936 when 12-year-old Abilene Tucker comes to Manifest, Kansas, and 1918 during her father's youth there and includes mysteries and the search for home.
Countdown, Book 1 The Sixties Trilogy: 3 Novels of the 1960s for Young Readers
Author: Deborah Wiles
Overview: The first in a trilogy, this novel is about an 11-year-old girl and her family in 1962, during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Photos and other artifacts from the time period add to the book's appeal.
Breaking Stalin's Nose
Author: Eugene Yelchin
Overview: Breaking Stalin's Nose is set in 1930s Moscow where 10 year old Sasha is eagerly looking forward to the next day when he will become a Young Pioneer, demonstrating his loyalty to his country and to Joseph Stalin, his hero. Over the tumultuous course of two days, Sasha's life, and his perception of Stalin, change as members of Stalin’s Secret Service take his father away and Sasha finds himself rejected by those he goes to for help. It's up to him to decide what he should do next.
The Dreamer
Author: Pam Munoz Ryan
Overview: This novel by Pam Munoz Ryan is based on the life of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda (1904-1973) and tells how a sickly boy whose father wants him to go into business becomes, instead, a beloved poet.