Biography

Biographies are one of my favorite genres.

For early elementary, I would recommend young biography versions of:
(1)Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I think children in Minnesota really relate to the historical value of the triumphs and struggles of life on the praire. In addition, the book centers around a young family that young children can relate to.
(2) Many historic biographies, my Scholastic Book Order has two packs of books on historical figures including: Young Amelia Earhart, young Helen Keller, Young Rosa Parks, Young Pocahontas, Paul Revere, Lewis & Clark, Davy Crockett, The Wright Brothers, Thomas Edison, Benjamin Frankiln, Sitting Bull & Sojourner Truth.

Form upper elementary, I would recommend
(1) the original series of Little House on the Prairie, by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
(2) Wilson Rawls books: Where the Red Fern Grows and Summer of the Monkeys. I was lucky enough to meet Wilson Rawls when i was in 5th grade. He told our school that the books were reflections on his childhood. In addition, an interesting side note, he could not write. His wife wrote down his dictation. He is a wonderful story teller.
(3) Harriet Tubman; Conductor of the Underground Railroad by Kate McMullan is geared towards the older elementary aged student. The story does a wonderful job of telling Harriet's role in the underground railroad which is very topical in the 5th graders social studies lessons.
(4) My Life by Helen Keller is an excellent book. In my opinion, if you want to hook your student onto biographies, this is the book to do it. Helen Keller lead an amazing life, her story, told in her words, is amazing. I think so many times the average person does not want to pry into the life of someone with a disability. Helen Keller invites the student into her world and recreates the struggles and perspective of her life with her challenges. This is especially poigntant for the child who is emerging into the empathetic stages of development.