Biographies

Biographies

I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark

Biography

This book tells the story of Ruth Badger Ginsburg, a Supreme Court justice. In I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark, we learn the story of Ruth Badger Ginsburg and how her life has been full of disagreements. This book is broken into long paragraphs and short illustrated pages which offers something to a variety of readers depending on their skill level. The illustrations are wonderfully done. It is a cute book with such an informational background.

Lesson Ideas: Discuss the branches of government with heavy talk on the Supreme Court. Discuss Supreme court and Supreme court Justices. Give children their own “issues” to argue and set up a mock Supreme Court.

Author Information: http://debbielevybooks.com @debbielevybooks

The Story of Ruby Bridges

Biographies

The Story of Ruby Bridges, tells of Ruby Bridges, being that she was the first black student to desegregate in an  all white elementary school. Ruby faces many changes as parents demand she not be around their children and result in children not being sent to school because they did not want them to be near her. This story tells such a heartbreaking historical story that reminds us all to be more kind. I adore this story and it’s illustrations that appeal to students.

Lesson Ideas: Teach students about segregation and immigration. Set up a mock segregation experience allowing students to experience a small fraction of what students went through years ago.

Read Aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8D4ldGY41s

I am Helen Keller

Biography

I am Helen Keller tells the story of a young girl who was born with a rare disease which caused her to become deaf and blind. With the help of her teacher she is able to communicate via sign-language and braille. Once she has gained the ability to express herself Helen Keller then becomes a social activist for those with disabilities.

Lesson Idea: Practice learning braille activities on not being able to speak or see, and sign language practice. All of these activities are done to teach children the importance of understanding that all are different but able to overcome these differences.

Author Information: http://bradmeltzer.com/  @bradmeltzer

Read Aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opdDTU37_ZE

Boy Tales of Childhood

Biography

Boy tells the story of Roald Dahl, author of many books (Matlida, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and The BFG). This book tells his story from life to leaving school discussion on the public school system and ends with his first job. Boy is such an interesting read for those in the upper reading levels.

Lesson Ideas: Compare and contrast today’s public education system versus the system described by Dahl. Have children write their own biographies and ask them to expand into what they imagine their future will look like.

Author Information: https://www.roalddahl.com/