biographies

Choosing Biographies: Practical Considerations

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 17, 2024

Before we look at some practical considerations for choosing biographies, have you already answered the most important question before choosing biographies? That might seem like ...

Choosing Biographies: Start with Your “Why”

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 5, 2024

Deshawn comes home from school with a dreaded school book report assignment: biographies. Leyla needs to diversify her fantasy reading, and Dad thinks biographies are ...

*Granny Smith was Not an Apple by Sarah Glenn Fortson

By Hayley Morell | Aug 30, 2024

A beautiful picture book chronicling the origin of the Granny Smith apple variety through the life of one determined woman. *Granny Smith was Not An ...

World More Beautiful by Angela Burke Kunkel

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 19, 2024

World More Beautiful brings to life the world and art of Barbara Cooney, creator of beloved picture book classics like Roxaboxen and Miss Rumphius. World ...

*Because Barbara: Barbara Cooney Paints Her World by Sarah Mackenzie

By Megan Saben | May 29, 2024

Barbara Cooney's passion for beauty still inspires many, and the result is this lovely picture book honoring her legacy. *Because Barbara: Barbara Cooney Paints Her ...

Wicked History Series: Henry VIII, Leopold II, and Rasputin

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 13, 2023

A Wicked History: A nonfiction book about a historical figure who was, well, wicked! Nonfiction series for the middle school age-range vary quite a bit ...

The Brilliant Calculator: How Mathematician Edith Clarke Helped Electrify America by Jan Lower

By Megan Saben | Oct 12, 2023

The Brilliant Calculator is a good introduction to a woman engineer whose work allows us to communicate better. For that, I am grateful. The Brilliant ...

Mr. Lincoln Sits for His Portrait by Leonard S. Marcus

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 8, 2023

Mr. Lincoln Sits for His Portrait is an unusual and touching look at our nation's 16th president through the then-new medium of photography. Mr. Lincoln ...

Agent Most Wanted by Sonia Purnell

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 14, 2022

Virginia Hall, one of history’s most effective spies, is the subject of this engrossing biography. Agent Most Wanted: The Never-before-Told Story of the Most Dangerous ...

Murder on the Baltimore Express by Suzanne Jermain

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 11, 2022

Plotted like a step-by-step thriller, Murder on the Baltimore Express tells how Abraham Lincoln almost didn't become president. Murder on the Baltimore Express: The Plot ...

*Carved in Ebony by Jasmine Holmes

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 7, 2022

Carved in Ebony profiles 10 inspiring Black women, looking at their lives, their callings, and their faith. *Carved in Ebony: Lessons from the Black Women ...

The Vast Wonder of the World by Mélina Mangal

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 10, 2021

The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just by Mélina Mangal. Millbrook Press, 2018, 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Book, ages 4-8Recommended for: ...

Teaching Kids Church History

By Betsy Farquhar | May 24, 2021

Today, we're happy to welcome a friend of mine and fellow writer, Christina Fox, to RR. Christina is a real life friend of mine, as ...

Beatrix Potter, Scientist by Lindsay H. Metcalf

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 13, 2021

Her scientific ambitions were dashed, but Beatrix Potter turned the natural world into beloved art. Beatrix Potter, Scientist by Lindsay H. Metcalf, illustrated by Junyi ...

Becoming Muhammad Ali by James Patterson and Kwame Alexander

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 5, 2021

In verse and prose, Becoming Muhammad Ali traces the early life of Cassius Clay, "The greatest" heavyweight boxer ever. Becoming Muhammad Ali by James Patterson ...

Courageous World Changers by Shirley Rae Redmond

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 10, 2020

Courageous World Changers briefly covers the lives of 50 women throughout the world and history who lived for Christ. Courageous World Changers: 50 True Stories ...

A Hopeful Heart by Deborah Noyes

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 8, 2020

A Hopeful Heart engagingly presents the life of one of America's first best-selling authors: Louisa May Alcott. A Hopeful Heart: Louisa May Alcott before Little ...

3 Picture Book Biographies: Beatrix Potter, Edmund Hillary and Tensing Norgay, and … a Horse

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 16, 2020

Picture book biographies are one of my favorite categories of picture books. Today, I have three new ones for you: a childlike look at Beatrix ...

*Through the Wardrobe by Lina Maslo.

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 28, 2020

This C.S. Lewis biography, accessible to 5-year-olds, includes fascinating details for Narnia fans of all ages *Through the Wardrobe: How C. S. Lewis Created Narnia ...

Gyo Fujikawa: It Began With a Page….

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 13, 2020

Gyo Fujikawa When you grow up with an author/illustrator's books, they become part of your definition of "home" or "reading" or "friend." Gyo Fujikawa is ...

A Ben of All Trades by Michael J. Rosen

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 26, 2020

A Ben of All Trades: the Most Inventive Boyhood of Benjamin Franklin by Michael J. Rosen, illustrated by Matt Tavares. Candlewick, 2020, 30 pages. Reading ...

*The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh by Candace Fleming

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 26, 2020

From hero to pariah: the life of Charles Lindbergh is a fascinating study. *The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh by Candace Fleming. Schwartz + ...

*John Ronald's Dragons: The Story of J. R. R. Tolkien by Caroline McAlister

By Hayley Morell | Dec 11, 2019

Lovely illustrations and beautiful narrative prose tell the story of Tolkien, from boyhood to The Hobbit. *John Ronald's Dragons: The Story of J. R. R. ...

*Finding Narnia by Caroline McAlister

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 11, 2019

Finding Narnia takes us into the lives of two brothers whose childhood inspired one of the world’s greatest fantasy series. *Finding Narnia: the Story of ...

Martin Luther and the Reformation by Lou Hunley

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 28, 2019

A great middle grades-level look at both Martin Luther in particular and the Protestant Reformation in general. Martin Luther and the Reformation by Lou Hunley. ...

*Sparky & Spike by Barbara Lowell

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 10, 2019

Sparky & Spike is about a boy and his dog and the genesis of the world's best-loved comic strip. *Sparky & Spike: Charles Schulz and ...

*O Captain, My Captain by Robert Burleigh

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 5, 2019

O Captain, My Captain encapsulates the Civil War through the eyes of its most famous poet. *O Captain, My Captain: Walt Whitman, Abraham Lincoln, and ...

30+ Women in Church History: A Book List

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 1, 2019

Did you know that March is Women's History Month? Or that the theme for Women's History Month 2019 is "Visionary Women: Champions of Peace & ...

It’s Up to You, Abe Lincoln by Tom and Leila Hirschfeld

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 12, 2019

This unusual biography of Abraham Lincoln frames his life as a series of ten decisions, in which the reader is invited to participate. It’s Up ...

2019 Newbery Buzz #7: The Girl Who Drew Butterflies by Joyce Sidman

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 23, 2019

The Girl Who Drew Butterflies is a truly beautiful work of art, isn’t it, Megan? For readers who haven’t seen this gem yet, the book chronicles ...

2019 Newbery Buzz #4: The Faithful Spy

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 15, 2019

Janie and Megan talk over one of the most impressive books we read this year: The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoffer and the Plot to Kill ...

Missionary Biographies and Prayer: Love Your Neighbor Book Club Edition

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 14, 2019

The Biographies and Discussion Questions To start our year off for the Love Your Neighbor Book Club, everyone read a missionary biography of their ...

10 Favorite Christian Biographies

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 7, 2019

Heaven: A Family Reunion? I don't know what heaven will be like, but I imagine it as one big family reunion at a feast table. ...

*Picturing America by Hudson Talbot

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 23, 2018

Picturing America is an appealing picture-book biography of one of the originators of distinctive American Art. *Picturing America: Thomas Cole and the Birth of American ...

By Megan Saben | Nov 9, 2018

What if God took the very instrument that caused your suffering and turned it into a tool of blessing for many? Six Dots: A Story ...

Heroes of WWII: A Book List for Tweens and Teens

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 24, 2018

World War II is perennially interesting and not just to history buffs! We've focused on church history the past couple of years during October, first ...

*The Faithful Spy by John Hendrix

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 17, 2018

*The Faithful Spy is an outstanding biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer—and one of the best biographies for kids ever. The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the ...

*John Newton by Simonetta Carr

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 9, 2018

John Newton’s colorful life is a welcome addition to the Reformation Heritage series of Christian biographies. *John Newton by Simonetta Carr. Reformation Heritage, 2018, 63 ...

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 1, 2018

John McCain had more guts and more patriotism than most of his American contemporaries--read all about him in this detailed young adult biography. John McCain: ...

Can You Identify the Five Nonfiction Categories?

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 21, 2018

The Juvenile nonfiction designation has exploded, especially since the push for Common Core standards was supposed to increase factual reading. Common Core seems to be ...

House of Dreams: the Life of L.M. Montgomery by Liz Rosenberg

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 3, 2018

L.M. Montgomery's life was overshadowed by sadness, but this biography shows how she was able to give the world one of its most beloved literary ...

Sid Fleischman Biographies

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 31, 2018

Near the end of his prolific career, Newbery medalist Sid Fleischman published remarkable biographies of three remarkable men. Samuel Clemens (a.k.a. Mark Twain, 1835-1910), Ehrich ...

The Tragic Tale of Narcissa Whitman by Cheryl Harness

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 30, 2018

The Tragic Tale of Narcissa Whitman eloquently captures the hardships the early pioneers faced, the missionary ardor that inspired the Whitmans, and the unfortunate events ...

New Picture Book Biographies Round-up (2018)

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 17, 2018

We love picture book biographies here at Redeemed Reader, and, thankfully, publishers seem to love them, too! Below are several new picture book biographies, some ...

Diversity in Mini-Biographies: Refugees, African Americans, and More!

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 1, 2018

Diversity is a siren call these days, and, in regards to standard history book treatment of ethnic minorities and women, it's often needed. Check Your ...

*Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad by Ann Petry

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 14, 2018

A well-written, engaging middle grades biography of Harriet Tubman, conductor on the Underground Railroad, that tells young readers about her life from birth to death. ...

*How Sweet the Sound by Carole Boston Weatherford

By Janie Cheaney | May 29, 2018

How Sweet the Sound tells the story of "Amazing Grace" in rhyming couplets and dramatic illustrations. Ages 6-10 *How Sweet the Sound: the Story of ...

Chasing King’s Killer by James L. Swanson

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 4, 2018

The life-paths of Martin Luther King and James Earl Ray converge on a fatal day in Memphis, in this gripping account of a manhunt. Ages ...

Picture Book Biographies Booklist!

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 27, 2018

Picture Book Biographies = Fantastic, Diverse Resources Picture book biographies are one of the best ways to introduce a person from history. Why? They bring ...

The Girl Who Drew Butterflies by Joyce Sidman

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 19, 2018

A beautifully crafted middle grades biography of a girl who drew butterflies back in the 1600s, changing the study of natural history in the process. ...

*Betty Before X by Ilyasah Shabazz and Renée Watson

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 19, 2018

For middle grades: A compelling look into the life of Betty before X (Malcolm X) and the influence of the black church in the racially charged 1940s. ...

Becoming Madeleine by Charlotte Jones Voiklis and Lena Roy

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 13, 2018

This biography by Madeleine L’Engle’s granddaughters draws on the author’s scrapbooks, journals, and memories to recount her life. Ages 12-up Becoming Madeleine by Charlotte Jones ...

Nonfiction Picture Books Round-up: Biographies, Science, and Words

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 8, 2018

A round-up of 2018 nonfiction picture books on all sorts of subjects and for all sorts of ages! The Great Dictionary Caper by Judy Sierra and ...

*Abigail Adams: Witness to a Revolution by Natalie S. Bober

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 1, 2018

Starred review for this young adult biography that showcases a thoughtful--and thought-provoking--Abigail Adams against the backdrop of tumultuous American history. *Abigail Adams: Witness to a ...

Facing Frederick: The Life of Frederick Douglass by Tonya Bolden

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 15, 2018

Facing Frederick is a well written, nuanced biography for middle grades that sheds light on both Frederick Douglass and the tumultuous times in which he ...

Ordinary, Extraordinary Jane Austen by Deborah Hopkinson

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 5, 2018

This sweetly illustrated biography introduces young readers to the ordinary, extraordinary Jane Austen. Ordinary, Extraordinary Jane Austen by Deborah Hopkinson and illustrated by Qin Leng. ...

*Irenaeus by Simonetta Carr

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 16, 2018

Simonetta Carr continues her outstanding series of Christian-History biographies with Irenaeus of Lyon, a hero of the early church. Ages 8-12 Irenaeus (Christian Biographies for ...

5 New Nonfiction Picture Books

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 27, 2017

Nonfiction picture books are one of the best ways to introduce a subject/person, enrich your study of a topic, or just learn something new! Hot ...

Word Shapers: 4 Men Who Influenced the English Language

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 16, 2017

Word Shaper: Someone who shapes, and changes, words. We associate envy with the color green. Why? William Shakespeare. In America, we write "color" instead of ...

Reformers, Puritans, and Covenanters: Biography Anthologies by Hannula

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 9, 2017

*For Christ's Crown: Sketches of Puritans and Covenanters By Richard Hannula. Canon Press, 2014. 223 pages. Just as the title implies, this volume is all ...

Vincent and Theo: the Van Gogh Brothers by Deborah Heiligman

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 4, 2017

A fascinating dual biography captures the triumph and eventual tragedy of brothers who loved and fought fiercely. Vincent and Theo: the Van Gogh Brothers by ...

Isaac the Alchemist by Mary Losure

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 25, 2017

This biography for middle graders is an engaging introduction to Isaac Newton’s singular genius and his peculiar obsessions. Isaac the Alchemist: Secrets of Isaac Newton, ...

Elon Musk and the Quest for a Fantastic Future by Ashlee Vance

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 16, 2017

Elon Musk and the Quest for a Fantastic Future (Young Readers edition) by Ashlee Vance. HarperCollins, 2017, 273 pages Reading Level: Teens, ages 12-15 Recommended ...

*Answering the Cry for Freedom by Gretchen Woelfle

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 8, 2017

These brief biographies of 13 African Americans during the Revolutionary War demonstrate the power of self-determination as well as the power of faith. *Answering the ...

Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions by Chris Barton

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 19, 2016

A delightful picture book biography about a boy who loved to tinker and grew up to work on rockets and invent America's favorite water gun! ...

Pearl Harbor Child: an Interview with Dorinda Nicholson

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 7, 2016

Her father was from Kansas City; her mother was native Hawaiian, and Dorinda Makanaonalani Stagner grew up on Pearl City Peninsula, just around the bend ...

*Some Writer! by Melissa Sweet

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 21, 2016

A wonderfully engaging biography of E. B. White for children: full of photographs, collage-style art, and interesting details. *Some Writer! The Story of E. B. ...

The Plot to Kill Hitler: Dietrich Bonhoeffer by Patricia McCormick

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 7, 2016

Suspenseful prose and careful research make Bonhoeffer's brave actions come to life for teen readers. The Plot to Kill Hitler: Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Unlikely ...

Trial and Triumph/ *Radiant by Richard M. Hannula

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 24, 2016

Church history anthologies of men and women from all over the world in story format for middle grades and up! Trial and Triumph: Stories from ...

Heroes of the Faith Series by Sinclair Ferguson

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 17, 2016

Three imaginative picture book biographies of early church heroes. Heroes of the Faith Series by Sinclair Ferguson. Banner of Truth Books. Ignatius of Antioch: The ...

*Brother Andrew: Behind Enemy Lines by Nancy Drummond

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 10, 2016

Read the remarkable story of a man who helped smuggle millions of Bibles into restricted countries in this middle grades biography. Brother Andrew: Behind Enemy ...

Brother Andrew: Taking Bibles to the World by Renee Taft Meloche

By Megan Saben | Oct 10, 2016

Brother Andrew's life comes alive for young readers through the rhyming text in this picture book. Brother Andrew: Taking Bibles to the World (Heroes for ...

Brother Andrew: God’s Secret Agent by Geoff and Janet Benge

By Megan Saben | Oct 10, 2016

Andrew never expected that God would fulfill his desire for adventure by using him to smuggle Bibles to believers in communist countries. Brother Andrew: ...

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 16, 2015

Prolific author Jean Fritz turns 100 today! During her long life, she has written numerous books--mostly biographies--for children. Before picture book biographies were so prevalent, ...

*Gingerbread for Liberty! by Mara Rockliff and illustrated by Vincent X. Kirsch

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 2, 2015

*Gingerbread for Liberty! How a German Baker Helped Win the American Revolution by Mara Rockliff and illustrated by Vincent X. Kirsch. HMH Books, 2015. 32 ...

*Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 19, 2015

*Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot. Tenderly House, 1981 (reprint, orig. 1957). 274 pages. Reading Level: Young adult (ages 12 and up)Recommended For: ages 10 and ...

By Janie Cheaney | May 2, 2015

You have a Brain: a Teen’s Guide to THINK BIG by Ben Carson,M. D. (with Gregg and Deborah Lewis). Zondervan, 2015. 281 pages Reading Level: ...

Queen of the Diamond by Emily Arnold McCully

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 30, 2015

Queen of the Diamond: The Lizzie Murphy Story by Emily Arnold McCully. Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2015. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 8-10Recommended for: ...

Silent Star by Bill Wise, illustrated by Adam Gustavson

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 30, 2015

Silent Star: The Story of Deaf Major Leaguer William Hoy by Bill Wise, illustrated by Adam Gustavson. Lee and Low, 2012. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture ...

By Megan Saben | Feb 25, 2015

The Noisy Paint Box by Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by Mary GrandPré. Alfred A. Knopf, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8, ages 8-10 ...

By Megan Saben | Feb 18, 2015

George Washington’s Breakfast by Jean Fritz, illustrated by Paul Galdone (cover image by Tomie DePaola). Putnam & Grosset, 1969. 48 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ...

By Megan Saben | Jan 14, 2015

Jonathan Edwards by Simonetta Carr, illustrated by Matt Abraxas. Reformation Heritage, 2014. 64 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, Ages 8-10 Recommended For: Ages 8-10 Simonetta ...

Hymns for a Kid’s Heart, Vol. 1-4 by Bobbie Wolgemuth and Joni Eareckson Tada

By Megan Saben | Jan 5, 2015

Hymns for a Kid’s Heart, Vol. 1-4 by Bobbie Wolgemuth and Joni Eareckson Tada. Crossway, 2003-2004. 96 pages. (Audio CD included) Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages ...

By Megan Saben | Oct 16, 2014

Noah Webster and His Words by Jeri Chase Ferris and illustrated by Vincent X. Kirsch. Houghton Mifflin, 2012. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8, ...

National Geographic Kids Biographies: George Washington

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 13, 2014

George Washington by Caroline Crosson Gilpin. National Geographic Society, 2014. 128 pgs. Reading Level: Early reader, leveled reader (ages 4-8) Recommended for: Ages 4-8 National ...

cover of Queen Victoria's Bathing Machine

Queen Victoria’s Bathing Machine by Gloria Whelan and illustrated by Nancy Carpenter

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 13, 2014

Queen Victoria's Bathing Machine by Gloria Whelan and illustrated by Nancy Carpenter. Simon and Schuster, 2014. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8Recommended for: ...

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 9, 2014

Shackleton: Antarctic Odyssey by Nick Bertozzi. First Second, 2014. 125 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Maturity Level: 4 (ages 11-12) and up This ...

cover of The Pilot and the Little Prince

The Pilot and the Little Prince by Peter Sis

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 8, 2014

The Pilot and the Little Prince: The Life of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry by Peter Sis. Farrar, Straux, and Giroux, 2014. 48 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages ...

The Extraordinary Mark Twain (According to Susy) by Barbara Kerley and illustrated by Edward Fotheringham

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 8, 2014

The Extraordinary Mark Twain (According to Susy) by Barbara Kerley and illustrated by Edward Fotheringham. Scholastic, 2010. 48 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-10Recommended for: Ages ...

Picture Book Biographies

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 6, 2014

Picture Book Biographies Picture book biographies are excellent choices for introducing students of all ages to a particular author or historical figure. Many times they ...

Corrie Ten Boom by Kaylena Radcliff

By Megan Saben | Oct 1, 2014

The Torchlighters Biography Series: Corrie Ten Boom by Kaylena Radcliff. Christian History Institute, 2014. 93 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10, ages 10-12 Maturity Level: 3, 4 ...

National Geographic Kids Biographies: Thomas Edison

By Megan Saben | Sep 24, 2014

Thomas Edison by Barbara Kramer. National Geographic Kids, 2014, 32 pages. Reading Level: Early reader, leveled readerMaturity Level: 2 (ages 4-8) and up National Geographic ...

Shakespeare: life, theater and historical context

By Megan Saben | Apr 16, 2014

Here are some resources that weave together the life of William Shakespeare with the world he lived in, how the plays were produced, and what ...

November 22, 1963

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 22, 2013

Fifty years ago a president was violently assassinated. John F. Kennedy’s place in history is mostly emblematic: baby-boomers remember his ease and charm and clever ...

Anselm: An Interview with Simonetta Carr

By emily | Oct 16, 2013

Anselm of Canterbury (Christian Biographies for Young Readers) by Simonetta Carr. Reformation Heritage Books, 2013. 64 pgs. Ages 8-up. Simonetta Carr recently published Anselm of ...

*A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin by Jen Bryant and illustrated by Melissa Sweet

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 10, 2013

*A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin by Jen Bryant and illustrated by Melissa Sweet. Knopf, 2013. 32 pages. Reading Level: ...

Solving Mysteries with Science (and a disappointing collective biography)

By Megan Saben | Sep 19, 2013

One Minute Mysteries: 65 More Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! by Eric Yoder and Natalie Yoder. Science Naturally, 2013. When I was growing up, ...

Interesting Picture Book Biographies (Librarians’ List)

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 5, 2013

Many people think picture books should be left behind in the preschool years. Megan and I heartily disagree with that sentiment, and we invite you ...

American Lives

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 3, 2013

“There is properly no history, only biography,” wrote Ralph Waldo Emerson—an exaggeration with a lot of truth in it. When I was growing up, I ...

The Real George Washington

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 21, 2013

When did history get so complicated? Not too long ago, “The father of his country” was a monumental figure deserving nothing but praise. Now, depending ...