Suggested Biographies by Grade Level

September 27, 2020 | strande

 

Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction. Explore these fascinating stories about real people. Grade levels are suggested, but remember that each Reader is different, and might find something interesting at another level. Under each grade is a link for even more titles, or you can try our May We Suggest service for more recommendations.

Kindergarten

Before she was Harriet by Lesa Cline-Ransome
Also available in: video | e-video

A lyrical biography of Harriet Tubman honors the woman of humble origins whose courage and compassion make her larger than life, discussing her roles as a slave, a conductor on the Underground Railroad, a nurse, a Union spy, and a suffragist.

Suggested Scary Stories by Grade Level

September 27, 2020 | strande

 

Searching for something spooky, strange, or downright scary? Try one of these titles. Some are more silly than spine-tingling, but you'll find your fill of ghosties, ghoulies, and long-legged beasties.  Grade levels are suggested, but remember that each Reader is different, and might find something interesting at another level. Under each grade is a link for even more titles.

Kindergarten

Bone dog by Eric Rohmann

Sam, very sad after his dog Ella dies, is persuaded to go out trick-or-treating and is surprised and delighted when Ella -- his very own bone dog -- comes to save him from a group of rowdy skeletons.

Suggested Biographies for Sixth Grade

September 27, 2020 | strande

 

Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction. Explore these fascinating stories about real people. Books are suggested for Sixth Grade, but remember that each Reader is different, and might find something interesting at another level.

Becoming Kareem : growing up on and off the court by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Also available in: e-audiobook

At one time, Lew Alcindor was just another kid from New York City with all the usual problems: He struggled with fitting in, with pleasing a strict father, and with overcoming shyness that made him feel socially awkward. But with a talent for basketball, and an unmatched team of supporters, Lew Alcindor was able to transform and to become Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Isaac the alchemist : secrets of Isaac Newton, reveal'd by Mary Losure
Also available in: e-audiobook

An account of the life of the famous physicist describes how, as a young genius growing up in the home of an apothecary, he read everything he could, built handmade machines, and performed chemical experiments that seemed magical.

Suggested Biographies for Fifth Grade

September 27, 2020 | strande

 

Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction. Explore these fascinating stories about real people. Books are suggested for Fifth Grade, but remember that each Reader is different, and might find something interesting at another level.

Answering the cry for freedom : stories of African Americans and the American Revolution by Gretchen Woelfle

Biographical sketches chronicle the contributions of enslaved and free blacks during the Revolutionary War, including Prince Hall, who organized the first branch of black Freemasons, and Richard Allen, who founded the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Finish the Fight! : The Brave and Revolutionary Women Who Fought for the Right to Vote by Veronica/ The Staff of the New York Times Chambers

Who was at the forefront of women's right to vote? We know a few famous names, like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, but what about so many others from diverse backgrounds--black, Asian, Latinx, Native American, and more--who helped lead the fight for suffrage? 

Suggested Biographies for Fourth Grade

September 27, 2020 | strande

 

Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction. Explore these fascinating stories about real people. Books are suggested for Fourth Grade, but remember that each Reader is different, and might find something interesting at another level.

The extraordinary Suzy Wright : a colonial woman on the frontier by Teri Kanefield

Introduces Suzy Wright, a Quaker who helped settle the Pennsylvania frontier, defended the rights of Native Americans, and provided legal counsel to her neighbors.

Library on wheels : Mary Lemist Titcomb and America's first bookmobile by Sharlee Mullins Glenn

A biography of librarian Mary Lemist Titcomb describes her concern that the library was not reaching as many people as it could she devised the first bookmobile.

Suggested Biographies for Third Grade

September 27, 2020 | strande

 

Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction. Explore these fascinating stories about real people. Books are suggested for Third Grade, but remember that each Reader is different, and might find something interesting at another level.

The amazing age of John Roy Lynch by Chris Barton

John Roy Lynch spent most of his childhood as a slave in Mississippi, but all of that changed with the Emancipation Proclamation. Suddenly people like John Roy could have paying jobs and attend school. While many people in the South were unhappy with the social change, John Roy thrived in the new era.

Black Elk's vision : a Lakota story by S. D. Nelson

The story of Black Elk brings to life what it was like to be Native American in the mid-to-late 19th century and early 20th century. The Native people found their land overrun by the Wha-shi-choos, or White Man, the buffalo slaughtered for sport and to purposely eliminate their main food source, and their people gathered onto reservations. Through it all, Black Elk clung to his childhood visions that planted the seeds to help people understand their place in the circle of life.

Suggested Biographies for Second Grade

September 27, 2020 | strande

 

Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction. Explore these fascinating stories about real people. Books are suggested for Second Grade, but remember that each Reader is different, and might find something interesting at another level.

26 Fairmount Avenue by Tomie De Paola

Tomie dePaola's stories from the momentous year his family built their new house at 26 Fairmount Avenue highlight his wit, sense of humor, and strong family bonds. Continue the memoir with the rest of the 26 Fairmount Avenue series.

Ballots for Belva : the true story of a woman's race for the presidency by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen

Recounts the life and accomplishments of Belva Lockwood, the first woman to practice law before the Supreme Court and to officially run for the presidency of the United States in 1884 and 1888.

Suggested Biographies for First Grade

September 27, 2020 | strande

Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction. Explore these fascinating stories about real people. Books are suggested for First Grade, but remember that each Reader is different, and might find something interesting at another level.

Balderdash! : John Newbery and the boisterous birth of children's books by Michelle Markel

Learn about the pioneer of children's books--John Newbery himself. Most children's books in the 18th century contained lessons and rules, but Newbery imagined them with entertaining stories and games. He believed that every book should be made for the reader's enjoyment. 

The crayon man : the true story of the invention of Crayola crayons by Natascha Biebow

Celebrating the inventor of the Crayola crayon! This gloriously illustrated picture book biography tells the inspiring story of Edwin Binney, the inventor of one of the world's most beloved toys.

Suggested Biographies for Kindergarten

September 27, 2020 | strande

 

Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction. Explore these fascinating stories about real people. Books are suggested for Kindergarten, but remember that each Reader is different, and might find something interesting at another level.

Aretha Franklin by Ma Isabel (María Isabel) Sánchez Vegara

Discover the life of Aretha Franklin, The Queen of Soul. The fourth of five children, Aretha was born in Tennessee and took the stage at an early age in her fathers church choir. She went on to become the bestselling rhythm and blues singer of all time, and the first woman to be installed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 

Balloons over Broadway : the true story of the puppeteer of Macy's Parade by Melissa Sweet

Tells the story of puppeteer Tony Sarg, the man who first invented the helium balloons that have become the trademark of the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Suggested Titles for First Grade

September 27, 2020 | strande

 

The following titles may be enjoyed by First Graders. All readers are at different levels and have different interests, so not all titles will appeal to, or be appropriate for, all readers. For additional recommendations ask at the Children's Reference Desk or try our May We Suggest service.

Fiction

Fiction books for First Grade can be found in a variety of locations, including J PICTURE BOOK, J READER, and KIDS GRAPHIC NOVEL. Click on each title for location and availability.

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