biography

Interview with Kwame Alexander About His New Book, Becoming Muhammad Ali

Do you love Kwame Alexander’s books? His latest book, Becoming Muhammad Ali, is written with James Patterson, and one of his BEST EVER. After I read an early review copy, I had a chance to interview Alexander via Zoom. In our chat, we talk about the book, figurative language, collaborating with James Patterson, and more! […]

New Biography Books for Elementary and Middle School

A reading strategy I like to use with children reading nonfiction is connecting to background knowledge. As you read these biographies, both picture books for preschool and elementary ages as well as biographical story collections for upper elementary and middle school, help your kids connect to what they’re reading. Start with prompts like: How are […]

The Latest Nonfiction Picture and Chapter Book Biographies (2019)

We can learn so much from reading biographies. Walking in the shoes of another makes us more empathetic, self-reflective, and knowledgeable. Which is why it’s important for kids (and us bigger kids) to find good biographies like these new titles that open a window into the life of another person. Find more books on my […]

Informative Biographies for Children Ages 7 – 17 (New in 2018)

Many kids need encouragement to read biographies but do it — it’s a valuable thing to do. Why? Because biographies show that ordinary people can have extraordinary lives. It helps children be self-reflective, particularly if parents and teachers use biographies for discussion and reflection. Not to mention, reading nonfiction is an important part of developing […]

Don’t Miss These Nonfiction Standouts for Ages 6 – 11

From sports facts to dinosaur poop and historical biographies, these latest nonfiction books give readers (ages 6 – 11) plenty to learn and read. Don’t Miss These Nonfiction Standouts for Ages 6 – 12 Book of Bones: 10 Record-Breaking Animals by Gabrielle Balkan, illustrated by Sam Brewster Oversized, dramatic white on black pictures […]

Nonfiction Biography Picture Books

You’ll want to read these 2016 nonfiction picture book biographies, especially those of you who are teachers who can use them in the classroom. They’ll inspire and educate, illuminate and celebrate. For more biography titles, visit: Picture Book Nonfiction Biographies That Read Like Narrative Stories. Nonfiction Biography Picture Books Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis […]

Books about Jane Goodall

I love the new picture book about Jane Goodall‘s early life titled Me . . . Jane. The book made me think more about Goodall’s life and her work with animals. Books about Jane Goodall Me . . . Jane is about Jane’s early life in England. The Watcher starts with Jane’s early life in […]