I was surprised and delighted to see not one but two children’s biographies of Jane Austen pop up in 2018. Being a thorough Austen fan, I introduced my kids to her at fairly young ages, setting out tea and plenty …
Tag: biography

she inspires me…stories of women in history
March is Women’s History Month and I’m happy once again to alert you to a raft of books full of stories about capable, strong, intelligent, talented, persevering, curious, courageous, visionary women. I’ve also recently indexed all the women’s history titles …

contagious courage…Black History
I sat down to read a stack of Black History titles on a day my heart was weary and sad. I don’t often not feel like reading, but that day, even reading felt gray and blah. In store for me …
yes, Gracie, girls can be heroes, too!
A friend of mine recently related that she had been stopped cold one day when her four-year-old daughter declared, “Girls can’t be heroes. Only boys can.” This shocked young mama promptly sewed her daughter a cape and held a Hero …
Some Writer! The Story of E.B. White
Some Writer: The Story of E.B. White, written and illustrated by Melissa Sweet published in 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 132 pages E.B. White. His name instantly evokes a response of warmth and nostalgia; of miracles and true friends; of …
Women’s History Month…marching to our own heart-beats
So many women are told their dreams “simply can’t be done.” Today, meet a drummer, a mathematician, a primatologist and others, who persisted and realized their dreams. Plus a tribute to mothers: In our heart of hearts, we often feel overwhelmed …
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six gorgeous books about six spectacular artists
A feast for the eyes today! Learn about a few great artists while soaking in the masterful work of these authors and illustrators. Jake Makes a World: Jacob Lawrence, a Young Artist in Harlem, by Sharifa Rhodes-Pitts, illustrated by Christopher …
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first mothers, first ladies, first daughters…hail to them on Presidents Day!
I’ve covered a number of titles on U.S. presidents over the years. You can find them in the Subject Index if you wish. This year, I felt weary of New Angles on Abe and Words about Washington. I decided to go spelunking for …
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truth, freedom, change…three history titles for all of us
February is long gone, but does this mean we don’t read black history titles? No, it does not. March is Women’s History Month. And what do you know — there’s a sweet overlapping of these emphases… … in these three …
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