Tag Archives: biography

The Indestructible Tom Crean: Heroic Explorer of the Antarctic

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by Jennifer Thermes

This is the incredible story of the life of Tom Crean, an explorer in the Antarctic during the ‘golden age’ of exploration in that area. He was part of three expeditions to the Antarctic, two with Robert Scott and one with Ernest Shackleton. His first trips were with Captain Scott – one on the Discovery to set up camps and later on the Terra Nova, Scott’s final ill-fated voyage. This expedition was a race to the South Pole which ended with Scott and two men dying and Tom saving the lives of two others by hiking thirty five miles back to base camp for help. Tom joined Ernest Shackleton on his exploration of Antarctica aboard the Endurance, which was crushed by ice and sank, leaving the crew stranded. They hunkered down on Elephant Island and Shackleton chose five men (including Tom) to accompany him in a small lifeboat to South Georgia Island where there was a whaling station. This island was over 800 miles away through strong seas and winds. But, they had not choice. They made it to the island and Shackleton, Tom and one other man hiked over the mountains to the whaling station. Because of their bravery, ALL the sailors from the Endurance were rescued. Tom then spent several years in the Navy and retired to Ireland. He was a quiet and humble man, who was a brave hero.

An afterward gives more details along with a timeline and additional resources. A map on the front endpapers and illustrations of Antarctic animals on the back endpapers add to the wealth of information.

This book is a true gem. While the focus of many books are on the leaders of these expeditions, Scott and Shackleton, there were truly brave men that accomplished great things alongside them. Tom’s story needs to be shared and Jennifer Thermes has created a beautiful piece that will enthrall the readers. Told in present tense and illustrated in colored pencil and watercolor, this book needs to be on library shelves everywhere. Interestingly, I shared this book with a Falkland Islander and folks there are very well aware of Tom Crean’s story and he felt that the book was a good representation of his life.

You Should Meet Yayoi Kusama

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This leveled book is at the top of the Ready-to-Read difficulty level with longer, more complex sentences; wider, more challenging vocabulary; and up to a paragraph of text on a page. It includes a table of contents, two one-page bios of other famous women artists, a list of areas of study involving art, information about Japan, and a quiz about the text.

The text does a great job of conveying a straightforward summary of the life of Yayoi Kusama highlighting her struggles over the course of her long life, and how she eventually became regarded as a celebrity with her exhibitions selling out instantly. The theme focuses on how dedication and belief in yourself can lead to dreams coming true.

As Kusama is famous for her extensive use of polka dots in her art, the illustrations have polka dots on many pages. The bright palette of her artwork is reflected in the illustrations.

This book could be an inspiration to young girls who want to pursue an art career.

Sarah Bernhart The Divine and Dazzling Life of the World’s First Superstar

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For high school theatre lovers, this is a must read biography of Sarah Bernhart, the superstar of the stage on both sides of the Atlantic during the late nineteenth century. She is still considered to be one of the greatest performers of all time. This fast paced biography tells the story of her life (1844-1923) in France, and her explosive rise to immeasurable fame as an actress on the stage. Small of stature, with wild hair, and “too thin” by the norms of beauty at that time, Bernhart did not fit the expectations of what directors and writers expected. But hearing her angelic voice reading for auditions wiped away any doubts. Not only was she known for incredible acting ability, but also for her sculptures and writing in her adult life. She was renowned for her death scenes, and she studied for these roles by visiting hospitals to watch the dying and the dead (there certainly were no HIPAA laws to protect patient privacy in those days). She slept in a coffin and allowed photographs to be taken of her sleeping in it.

Her personal life was absolutely shocking for the time: she had a son at age 20 without benefit of a husband. She had affairs with many of her leading men. When she finally married, it was to a dashing want-to-be actor who was a womanizer and heroine addict. In fact, author Bram Stoker said he used Bernhart’s husband, with his white “near death” complexion and glassy eyes, as a model for his most famous character, Count Dracula.

She kept and traveled with exotic animals, including a cheetah, a collection of chameleons, and even a tiger cub she received as a gift. She was friends with author Victor Hugo (author of The Hunchback of Notre-Dame and Les Misérables), she visited Thomas Edison at his laboratory in New Jersey, and meet with world famous magician Harry Houdini. She raised funds for French soldiers of WWI and earned the Legion of Honor medal, France’s highest commendation.

When she died at the age of 79, the doctor opened the window of her bedroom and shouted out “Mademe Sarah Bernhardt is dead”. News rapidly spread to her theatre and when the actors heard the news, they walked off the stage and to her home in full costume and makeup. Paris went into three days of mourning, as thousands of Parisians filed past her bed. Thousands of mourners lines the streets on the day of her funeral. She was laid to rest in her own coffin bed.

Sarah Bernhart: The Divine and Dazzling Life of the World’s First Superstar is well researched with extensive source notes, a bibliography, timeline, photo credits, and an index. The books contains over 65 photographs of Bernhart and of events of her era.

You Should Meet: Shirley Chisholm by Laurie Calkhoven, a Ready to Read Level 3

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The world needs more books about Shirley Chisholm. This Ready to Ready book gives a solid background of the activist from her childhood in Barbados to her first run for Congress and her first run for President. The details and explanations were easy to follow and presented in a relatable way for even kids below a Level 3 who may have the book read to them. It contains all the important parts of Shirley’s life and quotes she is famous for.

The illustrations by Kaitlyn Shea O’Connor are great, colorful and eye-catching.

My one complaint is that the text is very close together and there are alot of words on one page. This is difficult for our leveled readers who might pick up the book.

I recommend this book if you don’t have any other biographies about Shirley Chisholm. It definitely has great information. It is not one that will fly off the shelf and the text spacing will make it harder to read for the younger kids.

Chris Pratt

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This slim, yet informative biography details the life and career of movie star, Chris Pratt. We learn that he was born in Minnesota and grew up in WA State, dropped out of college his freshman year and lived in his van, working at restaurants until his movie career took off. From there, we learn about his movie and television career and his legacy in public service, specifically his volunteerism with terminally ill children.

One of Abdo Zoom’s Star Biography series, it has all the typical nonfiction features – table of contents, index, glossary, further internet information and a nice mixture of color photographs and short paragraphs (unfamiliar words in red). The text is fairly simple, and the content is engaging for the older elementary/middle school reader. So, this is a good purchase for struggling readers as well as other fans. While I typically don’t buy many ‘trendy’ biographies, I would pick this one up for its local connection, since he grew up in the Lake Stevens area and the fact that he appears to be continuing his rise in fame.

Thoreau: A Sublime Life

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This graphic novel illustrates the life of Henry David Thoreau, the American who “went into the woods because I wished to live deliberately…” Thoreau was a man of many interests – ecology, abolitionism, pacifism, Native American culture. While most people are aware of his life in the woods and his short incarceration for refusing to pay his taxes, fewer might be aware of work on the Underground Railroad and his support for John Brown. The illustrations are incredible; the lush greenery of the forests and ponds are inviting. There are full page illustrations with no words at all, which seems fitting for the story of a man who “wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life.”  The six page essay at the end provides further information about Thoreau’s philosophy. Highly recommended addition for libraries with a nonfiction graphic novel collection.

Zora!: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston

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Zora Neale Hurston(1891-1960) was confident, charismatic and determined to be extraordinary.  She grew up in Eatonville, Florida, an all-black community.  She loved the arts and writing and became a writer.  Her life story is one of ups and downs and many attempts at writing with some good success.  She was mostly forgotten as an author until 10-15 years after her death when she was written about in Ms. Magazine .  Her book, Their Eyes Were Watching God, was rediscovered and interest in her as a writer has sparked.  I loved the authors’ information, humor and candor in writing this biography and I did not put  it down until finished!  Includes a timeline of her life, bibliography, index, and photographs. Measures 10 1/2″ x 8″.  Would be excellent for Black History Month.

Hacksaw: The Jim Duggan Story

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Jim Duggan (1954-), a wrestler, was inducted into the World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Fame.  This book tells his story from childhood to becoming a professional wrestler and entertaining crowds around the world for 30 years.  Includes a few pictures.  A good biography with his personal values of family, hard work, appreciation for his fans and audiences and strong American patriotism come out as the story is told.

Jennifer Lawrence: Star of the Hunger Games

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Biography of the 25-year-old actress explaining her past, her previous acting, her major part in “Hunger Games,” her supportive family, and her aspirations for the future.     Includes:  index, bibliography, source notes, chronology of her life, and many photographs throughout the book.  Well-written and shows the very human side of Miss Lawrence.

Essential Lives: Malala Yousafzai

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This biography begins with the assassination attempt on Malala on her way home from school in 2012. The next few chapters provide background information: on Pakistan, Islam, the Taliban, and Malala’s childhood. The author does a good job illustrating how committed Malala and her father were to her education despite the obstacles they faced. The dangers they faced and the living conditions they endured when they had to flee their province are mentioned; however, the book seems to be targeting a young audience. It describes the living conditions in refugee camps as “less than ideal,” which I am sure is grossly understated. I do think kids will be interested in how Malala got started as an activist, with her diaries, blogs and documentaries. There is no mention of her Nobel Prize; the book was published in 2013. However, many students might already be aware of her award. The book ends with a timeline of events, important facts, a glossary and a list of resources for those wanting more information. This is a good overview, but there is not a lot of in-depth information or analysis of Malala’s life, beliefs or actions.

Walter Dean Myers

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Washington Post reporter Jim Naughton called Walter Dean Myers a “one man movement.” Myers told stories about the lives of African American youth at a time when literature for youth was “monochromatic,” written by white authors about white characters. This book tells Myers’ story, from his troubled childhood and lack of success in school, to his time in the military to his career as a writer.  Fans of his writing will see the roots of many of his characters in his childhood. His struggle to  achieve and his perseverance in becoming a writer is inspirational. There is also a chapter on his efforts to reach children, especially troubled youth, through his writing.  Myers is such a popular writer that this biography is bound to circulate well, especially after his recent death. The book is appealing, with many sidebars and photographs, and ends with a timeline of important events and a list of resources for further information.

A Marked Man: The Assassination of Malcom X

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Challenging the racial status quo in America could get you killed during the 1960s.  Among the martyrs who died trying to change society was Malcolm X.    The slim volume by Matt Doeden, A Marked Man:  The Assassination of Malcom X, documents the transformation of Malcolm Little, street hustler, into Malcolm X, a “marked man.”

Doeden sets Malcolm’s story in the context of the broader Black American narrative of racism, slavery, and racism after slavery, Jim Crow segregation.  As important to Malcolm X’s biography is Malcolm Little’s conviction for burglary and sentencing to prison.  There he learns about and is attracted to the teachings of Elijah Mohammad and his Nation of Islam (NOI), a combination of self-discipline and a virulent racism toward whites. 

Converting to Islam, Little, emerges from prison in 1952 with a greater sense of purpose and starts life anew as Malcolm X.  He quickly established himself as an effective spokesman for the NOI, inspiring blacks who listen to him speak and frightening some whites who note his depiction of them as “white devils.”

Going on a haj to Saudi Arabia, Malcolm is emotionally moved by the multi-ethnic and social nature of Islam.  He returns from this road to Mecca experience understanding that “all men are brothers.”  This puts him on a collision course with Elijah Mohammed  and the NOI which leads to his striking out on his own mission.

Doeden cover this story quickly, but effectively.  With an outstanding set of pictures and select quotes the author captures the complicated rise of Malcolm X.

The final third of the book is about Malcolm’s assassination which he evocatively captures in detail, picture, quotes, and prose.  Doeden also does an outstanding job separating what we know and what we don’t know, in particular, who ordered the Malcolm’s murder.

A handy chronology about Malcolm’s life and a final “Where Are They Now” section about the major players in the story round out this satisfying volume.

(Submitted by the Washington State Civics Educator of the Year, Ed Bergh)

Darkness Everywhere: The Assassination of Mohandas Gandhi

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While this book does provide a biography of Gandhi, it does not focus solely on his life. Half of the book provides the history of the group of conspirators who plotted and carried out the execution of “Mahatmaji.” Gandhi’s evolution as a proponent of nonviolent civil disobedience, from his time in South Africa to his return to British-controlled India, is juxtaposed with the growing movement for a Hindu controlled India. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was the leader of a group of Hindu nationalists who saw Gandhi’s vision of an independent India with freedom for both Muslims and Hindus as a betrayal of all Hindus. One of Savarkar’s followers, Nathuram Godse, decided that there was only one way to prevent Gandhi from further weakening India: Gandhi had to die, and Godse was willing to implement the solution. The book follows the conspirators through the assassination and the trial, and wraps up with more about Gandhi’s message and others who were inspired to action by it. The book is colorful; it includes many interesting sidebars, photos, and direct quotations from the major players in the events that occurred. Prime Minister Nehru’s speech to his nation after the assassination of Gandhi is included along with a few good ideas for a lesson connected to the speech. The book concludes with a timeline, a who’s who section with short biographies, a very short glossary, and a list of resources for further information. I see many uses for this book in the classroom to support both history and English curriculums and I highly recommend it.

Hank Aaron: Groundbreaking Baseball Slugger

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This is an excellent biography of the man often called “Bad Henry” because no one pitcher could stop him. It begins with the story of his life before baseball, back to the time when his father played for a local team. Aaron played both football and baseball in high school, but it was when he saw Jackie Robinson play for the first time that Aaron told his father that he would play professional baseball while Robinson was still playing ball. It goes on to describe Aaron’s career, particularly when he approaching Babe Ruth’s home run record. Instead of it being a time of joy, it was one of the most stressful times in his life because of the hate mail and death threats he received.  The work he considered even more important was opening doors for others, helping African Americans move into management and executive positions in baseball. Filled with pictures and sidebars, this is an excellent addition to the sports section in any school library.

Shaun White: A Snowboarder and Skateboarder Who Cares

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This biography profiles the life and career of Shaun White.  It starts with the medical troubles he faced as an infant and continues his life story up to the present.

Shaun White is a positive role model and the writer does an apt job of highlighting all of Shaun’s good qualities – perseverance, compassion, determination, generosity and friendliness. Most upper elementary students will enjoy this book, with career stats, a glossary, additional reading titles, available websites for further reading, contact information for writing to Shaun and even his Twitter page.

The writing is on level for 4th-6th graders, told in third person.  One section makes an unexpected transition to first person and seems a bit jarring.  It will make the reader look to see if a page was overlooked.  Other than that, this is an interesting read.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton: “Woman Knows the Cost of Life

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This solid biography begins with s short description of the defining moment in Cady Stanton’s life – the Seneca Falls Convention. Chapter Two goes back to her childhood and then on to her marriage, giving the reader a clear picture of how and why Cady Stanton developed such a passion for the women’s suffrage movement. While we see Cady Stanton and her close friend Susan B. Anthony as the founders of the suffrage movement, this book shows that their opinions were often opposed by many of their contemporaries, even within the movement, as too radical. The book ends with a chapter on Cady Stanton’s legacy, followed by a chronology of events, a glossary and additional resources. This would be an excellent reference for information on Elizabeth Cady Stanton in particular and the women’s rights movement in general.

Sigmund Freud

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Gillam begins with a brief overview of free association, Freudian slips, dream analysis, repressed sexual urges and other ideas developed by Freud and then launches into his childhood. Freud was the favorite son and received the best of everything in his family. Never lacking confidence, after he began studying medicine and psychology he believed that his theories and proposed treatments would rival the discoveries of Copernicus and Darwin. However, he was often ridiculed by his contemporaries, some because they felt threatened by his radical ideas and others because of anti-Semitism. The two World Wars had both positive and negative effects on Freud research and practice; he began the treatment of what was then termed “war neuroses” and is now known as PTSD. His personal life, including his interest in cocaine, is almost as interesting as his career. Although some of his theories have been rejected, some have been modified and are still practiced today. The book includes a timeline, glossary, a list of essential facts, and additional references. The use of excerpts from primary source documents, photos and sidebars give the book visual appeal. I highly recommend the Essential Lives series.

Sonia Sotomayor

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Gale’s People in the News Series provides 80-100 page biographies on newsmakers of the day. Emert’s book on Sonia Sotomayor portrays her in a realistic view, as a woman who has lived through good and bad times and not just as a role model or icon. Her childhood in New York City projects is detailed, including her juvenile diabetes, love of Nancy Drew and more. Her hard work and education set her on the path to a career in law. There are a lot of interesting details and insights that should appeal to students.

 

Brothers at bat: the true story of an amazing all-brother baseball team

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Summary:  Here’s a story that seems almost impossible to believe, but yet it is a true story about an American family.  The Acerra family had 16 children.  Twelve were boys, just enough to field a baseball team!  This was the 1930s, and times were tough, but they stuck together as a family.   They had one passion: baseball!  It brought them a lot of joy and a lot of fun! And they were really good players!  In 1938, the brothers ranged in age from seven to thirty-two.  The oldest nine brothers formed a semi-pro team!  They played around on the East Coast and the always drew a crowd!   In the 1940s six of the brothers went to war, but they all came back and played in a baseball league another six years.  They played their last game in 1952.

 

What I liked about it: It’s a positive story about a family working together.  Salerno’s illustrations have a retro feel from the period from the 40s and 50s that match the time period perfectly.   Author and Illustrator add historical detail on the last page.

 

Who would like it:  The picture book format would suggest a younger audience:  K-3rd grade, but anyone would enjoy this all-American story.  Highly recommended.