Showing posts with label history. Show all posts
Showing posts with label history. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Book Talk Tuesday: Books About Lincoln


The 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, was born on February 12th, 1809, and we celebrate his contributions to our nation each year in February on Presidents Day.  In honor of President Lincoln, here are some great books about the man under the stovepipe hat!

 Legend has it that a tall, thin ghost in a tall black hat wanders the halls of the White House every February 12th.  During an everyday tour, Quincy meets the ghost himself and fills him in on what's been going on since his death!

 The year is 1816. Abe is only seven years old, and his pal, Austin, is ten. Abe and Austin decide to journey down to Knob Creek. The water looks scary and deep, and Austin points out that they don’t know how to swim. Nevertheless, they decide to traverse it. I won’t tell you what happens, but let’s just say that our country wouldn’t be the same if Austin hadn’t been there to help his friend.

Tad and Willie Lincoln were mischievous pranksters who treated the White House as their personal playground. They tormented nearly everyone they encountered-except their doting father. Even when they demanded a full presidential pardon for their soldier doll, he was happy to oblige. For him, the boys were a welcome distraction from the looming Civil War. Based on true events, Mr. Lincoln's Boys reveals a playful side of one of history's greatest presidents.

 Are you ready for a presidential adventure?  Jack and Annie are! When the magic tree house whisks them back to Washington, D.C., in 1861, Jack can’t wait to meet Abraham Lincoln himself! But the new president is too busy to see them, as he is desperately trying to save a nation in crisis.

A description of the boyhood, marriage, and young professional life of Abraham Lincoln includes his presidential years and also reflects on the latest scholarly thoughts about our Civil War president. 

The sixteenth president's life from birth to assassination.


And, okay, this one's not really about Lincoln, but it's so funny that I had to include it!
 Benjy has an unusual problem. He looks just like Abraham Lincoln-right down to the wart and beard. Needless to say, his life isn't easy. He gets gifts of Lincoln Logs and stovepipe hats on every birthday. He gets stuck playing Lincoln in every school play-whether he's part of the story or not. And the teasing is unrelenting. When school ends he plans on spending another summer sitting inside alone, but his parents have a surprise. They're sending him to Camp What-cha-ma-call-it-The Camp for Kids Who Look Like Things! Benjy learns that he's not unusual-he's unique! And when he realizes what's special about himself, it doesn't take long for others to realize it as well.


Monday, October 17, 2011

This Week in the Library...

We are continuing to explore biographies in all grades!

3rd Graders are listening to The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau by Dan Yaccarino. Here's a great book trailer for the book, featuring some of Dan Yaccarino's awesome illustrations!


4th Graders are continuing to listen to Queen of the Falls by Chris Van Allsburg. Click here to learn more about Annie Edson Taylor's heroic trip over Niagara Falls in a barrel!

5th Graders will be listening to excerpts of Prairie Visions: The Life and Times of Solomon Butcher by Pam Conrad, and will be learning about photographer Solomon Butcher, who documented Nebraska history when he traveled the prairie photographing pioneer families and their homes. Click here to learn more about Solomon Butcher and to see some of his photos. And here's a great documentary about Solomon Butcher and the people he photographed:

Monday, October 3, 2011

The Storm in the Barn

The Storm in the Barn
by Matt Phelan

Eleven-year old Jack Clark is beginning to think he may have dust dementia, a new disorder in 1937 Kansas where it hasn’t rained for so
long people are starting to see strange things. There is water and a presence in the barn that he cannot explain. Is his imagination playing
tricks on him? By combining history and fantasy, this original graphic novel explores the hardships of the Dust Bowl era in a distinctive magical way.
[Summary from Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List]


Black Elk's Vision: A Lakota Story

Black Elk's Vision: A Lakota Story
by S.D. Nelson

“Everyone must choose to walk with the water of life or the weapon of destruction.” These are the words Black Elk receives from the Six Grandfathers to share with his people. Told from Black Elk’s point of view, S.D. Nelson vividly describes the plight of the Lakota and their struggles to maintain their way of life. His message of hope is further brought to life by historical photographs and dynamic illustrations.
[Summary from Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List]


Louisa: The Life of Louisa May Alcott

Louisa: The Life of Louisa May Alcott
by Yona Zeldis McDonough

Louisa May Alcott loved to have strawberry parties with her sisters andenjoyed their frequent pillow fights. But, her first love was writing. She
spent the majority of her time outdoors where she composed poetry and stories that grew quickly in popularity. Discover little-known facts about
the well-known author of Little Women in this intriguing biography of Louisa’s complicated rags-to-riches story.
[Summary from Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List]


The Extraordinary Mark Twain (According to Susy)

The Extraordinary Mark Twain (According to Susy)
by Barbara Kerley

According to Susy Twain, her father Mark is “perfect except he hasn’t extraordinary teeth.” And so begins this innovative biography partially written by thirteen-year old Susy. Complete with energetic illustrations and instructions on how to write your own biography, this book shows a whole other side of a beloved American author.
[Summary from Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List]


Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Turtle In Paradise

Turtle In Paradise
by Jennifer L. Holm

Life for Turtle in 1935 is no day at the beach. Her mother's new job means that she gets shipped off to live with family members she has never met. Life in Key West, Florida is definitely not like those annoying Shirley Temple movies. Her new encounters and adventures help her come out of her shell. Photos and notes at the back of the book show what life was really like for author Jennifer Holm's great grandmother, whose memories inspired this humorous historical novel.
[Summary from The Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List]


Imogene's Last Stand

Imogene's Last Stand
by Candace Fleming

"I have not yet begun to fight!" quotes Imogene Tripp when the town Mayor wants to tear down the historical museum in order to build a shoelace factory. Imogene begins her own battle of presidential proportions to save the museum.
[Summary from The Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List]