Her name means “playful one” and her beauty is beyond words, yet she longed for peace between the Native Americans and the new settlers in her home land. In this book, Pocahontas is described as being the bridge that kept harmony between two people whose paths were bound to cross and clash. Through her love of people, Pocahontas showed her natural ability to communicate, help, and negotiate for what was right and fair. Readers will walk away with a better understanding of who the young Native American woman really was and how she changed a possibly bloody course. This book is appropriate for children ages 3 – 10 and most appropriate for all wanting a better understanding of the life of Pocahontas. 

The wife of the President of the land of the free and home of the brave and mother of two beautiful daughters, Michelle Obama, is one lady worth taking notice. Michelle’s life growing up is gracefully articulated from her competing with her older brother with school grades to her meeting and marrying President Barack Obama. It is refreshing to see a woman that worked hard, obeyed her parents, and strived to be the best she could be without being coerced. The life of Michelle Obama is admired by many, most particularly her husband, because of her desire to serve and help people. Plus, she has the brains and looks to accompany it. In this intriguing book for young people ages 8 – 13, readers will learn about a woman that has broken many barriers and paved many new roads by changing the fashion world and becoming the first African American First Lady of the United States America.

The man on the penny and the sixteenth president of the United States is the very tall man featured in this book. With details from birth to mourning of his demise, this book offers readers a rare glimpse into the mind and heart of one of history’s most talked about individuals. With one of his passions being reading books, Abraham Lincoln proved to all that if you can read, you can do anything. Not only does his life exemplify persistence and courage, but Mr. Lincoln demonstrated morals and character. The stylized water colored drawings give life to this must read for all ages, especially children in Grades 2 – 6.

Jackie Robinson’s daughter, Sharon Robinson, does a great job sharing her personal accounts of her legendary father’s life and work on and off the baseball field. In this photographic biography of Jackie Robinson, readers get to witness first hand how the man behind breaking the color barrier in baseball, lived as a family man, a teammate, a national figure, and a superstar changes America. Sharon Robinson also gives insight into the treatment and successes her father endured during his years as major-league baseball's first African American player, his life as a youth, and his life outside of the sport that made his famous. Readers will witness first hand the commitment Jackie Robinson had to his family, his nation, his team, his race and his fans.

Carmen Bredson brings to the American public the life of Douglas Mawson and his many expeditions that proved scientifically helpful. Although an Australian geology teacher, Mawson wanted to explore the Antarctica. He proved to be a true scientist after and survivor, after a life threatening expedition that cost the life of two of his comrades. Mawson is a team player, family man and a polar explorer that should be remembered.

The acclaimed author, Russell Freedman makes the reader aware of a voice that is considered the finest voice heard only once in a hundred years. Besides that Marian Anderson loved singing. Her deep, rich voice thrilled audiences throughout the world. Though Ms. Anderson did not seek to be the center of controversy, she soon came to stand for all black artists and all Americans of color so that racial barriers and unfair treatment based on the color of one’s skin would be broken. Not only will the reader find joys and pains of her personal life, third grade and older will appreciate the commitment Ms. Anderson had to her career and family and race. I recommend this book for personal, mental, and spiritual growth of all who seek it. Noted: It has won the Robert F. Silent metal and the Newberry Honor Award.

This biographic story tells the life and times of Cesar Chavez, one of America’s most ingoing civil rights leaders in the Hispanic community. From age 10 (ten) when he and his family lived happily on their Arizona ranch , to age thirty-eight (38) when he leg a peaceful protest against California migrant workers miserable working conditions Cesar Chavez proved to be an inspirational real-life character. He wasn’t always a leader, but he was smart. Chavez knew he wanted to change a bad condition for migrant workers. He followed the league of his heroes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., leader of the African American civil rights moment; and Mahatma Gandhi, who led the nonviolent fight for India’s independence from Great Britain. A family man and father to 8 children, Chavez won many fights on behalf of migrants-including the banning of the short-handled hoe (which caused back injury to thousands of workers). I recommend this book because of the qualities that rest in the main character.

Reviews by Shiela Martina Keaise

Children’s Librarian of the COLLETON COUNTY MEMORIAL LIBRARY