Ordinary People Change the World

I have been a fan of Brad Meltzer for quite awhile. I have read a number of his adult bestsellers and love watching his television series Lost History and Brad Meltzer's Decoded.  His love for history is always clear in his delivery, whether through television or the written word. 

I am Abraham Lincoln
by Brad Meltzer

I am Jackie Robinson
by Brad Meltzer

I am Rosa Parks
by Brad Meltzer

I am Amelia Earhart
by Brad Meltzer

When I heard he was going to be writing a series of books for young children on historical figures I knew it was going to be great. I would expect nothing less. I have to say though, he far surpassed my expectations with his series of book geared to children from kindergarten to third grade. The series Ordinary People Change the World includes books about many famous historical figures including Amelia Earhart, Albert Einstein, Abraham Lincoln, Rosa Parks, & Jackie Robinson. Books about Lucille Ball and Helen Keller will be released later in 2015. They are perfect introductory biographies for this age group. The research and language used allows young children to understand the hardships overcome by each of the famous individuals, while encouraging the reader to follow their own dreams and aspirations. There is a clear sense of positivity in each of the books, even those whose life was cut short. Amelia Earhart’s story ends with a parade following one of her historical flights. Abraham Lincoln’s story ends following the historic Gettysburg Address. Each book ends with a two page spread of photographs of the historic figure and Jackie Robinson’s also includes a timeline with significant dates highlighted including: 1942 when he was drafted into the U.S. Army, April 15, 1947 – his first game with the major-league team the Brooklyn Dodgers, and other history making events. I highly recommend all of the titles in this wonderful series of biographies for young children. I can't wait to see the next set of historical characters he will present in this series.

Meltzer's website provides a few printable activities to go along with the book series. Activities include a page for children to draw a picture of their hero - "Who's Your Hero?", a chart with brave deeds where you must decide if the heroic deed was performed by Abraham Lincoln or Amelia Earhart - "Guess the Hero",  and "What Makes a Great Hero?" where the heroic traits of Abraham Lincoln and Amelia Earhart are listed and the child can list the traits of their personal hero. There is also a word search and a connect the dots activity.

**To comply with guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, Dial Publishing Company has provided a complimentary copy of the following titles for review purposes: I am Amelia Earhart, I am Abraham Lincoln, I Am Rosa Parks, and I am Jackie Robinson.

More Magic from Sylvie Desrosiers

Hocus Pocus Takes the Train
by Sylvie Desrosiers

I have always loved magic and magicians. Two years ago, when I was serving as the chair of the Texas 2x2 Reading List Committee, I remember opening a box of books from Kids Can Press. Inside was a copy of Desrosiers's first Hocus Pocus book. I fell in love with the adorable blue bunny (Hocus Pocus) and the four legged companion to the magician, a grumpy dog. Hocus Pocus lives in the magicians hat and causes quite a fuss when he spies a carrot in a grocery bag. You will have to read Hocus Pocus to enjoy the hillarity yourself.

The same fun can be had in Sylvie Desrosiers latest book Hocus Pocus Takes the Train. You are in luck because this book was released August 1st, so you don't have to wait to pick up this wonderful new graphic novel (wordless picture book) for young children. Non-readers will have a splendid time "reading" the bright pictures by Remy Simard. Once again Hocus Pocus finds himself in a predicament. The magician has purchased a ticket for the train. He has just enough time to grab a cup of coffee for himself and a bone for his dog before boarding. While the magician and his crumugeon canine enjoy a treat, Hocus Pocus is able to escape from his hat home. He quickly spots a stuffed purple rabbit dropped by a toddler at the next table and his adventure begins. Before he knows it the magician is gone and Hocus Pocus has to figure out how to get aboard the train with his new purple friend.

A heartwarming ending allows young children to see the lost can be found. Not only does this book provide a funny story anyone can read and enjoy, it also provides parents an opportunity to talk to their children about holding hands and staying together when out in public. I'm sure it is not the message Desrosiers intended, but one can never err on the side of safety, especially when it comes to our children.

*To comply with new guidelines introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, Kids Can Press, has provided a complimentary electronic copy of this book for review purposes. My review is in no way influenced by the author or publishing company and is solely my opinion.

Being the Best Me!

Cheri J. Meiners has written a number of great books for early childhood educators to share with their students, including twelve titles in the "Learning to Get Along" series. The latest two books I have had the pleasure of reading are no exception. Being Positive!  and  Feel Confident!, both to be released in September of this year, are titles in the new series "Being the Best Me!" At this time I cannot find any other titles for this series.

Feel Confident!to be released September 1, 2013
by Cheri J. Meiners

Feel Confident!,  is a cheerful book about having confidence in one's life. It is a delightful book to share with young children in order to help them understand they are an important person, not only in their own family, but in the world. Confidence is not always a strong character element in people. I see this book as a means of helping to build this area of self esteem.

At the end of this book there is a list of twelve ideas in order to remain confident in oneself. Also included are questions to ask as you read the book to create a dialogue between the reader and the child or children to whom they are reading. Eight activities / games with a confidence theme are provided in order to help promote a confident outlook on life.

Be Positive!
to be released September 30, 2013
by Cheri J. Meiners

Be Positive!, is a cheerful book about having a positive outlook on life. No matter what happens during the day, you have to remember the saying "this too shall pass". As I read the text for this book for young children, this quote kept running through my head. Like Fish! for young children, choose your attitude. I think this is a nice way to start  the day. Reminding everyone that if we are positive, we will feel much better about ourselves and the activities of the day.

At the end of this book there is a list of twelve ideas in order to keep a positive outlook on life. Also included are questions to ask as you read the book to create a dialogue between the reader and the child or children to whom they are reading. Eight activities / games with an optimism theme are provided in order to help promote a positive outlook.

I would recommend these titles to be added to an early childhood school library or public library serving young children and their families. This new series, along with Ms. Meiners's other character building books are a wonderful asset to any collection in order to help build children's self esteem and improve their social skills.

*To comply with new guidelines introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, Free Spirit Publishing has provided a complimentary electronic copy of these books through NetGalley.com.