Veda Boyd Jones

A young adult biography of Nicole Bobek, the 1995 U.S. Figure Skating Champion and World Bronze Medallist. Typical of skating books that try to be "everything to everyone", the book squeezes in explanations of Axels, Lutzes, spirals, toe picks and figure eights, which ruins the flow of the book. Too much time is spent trying to explain the rudimentary basics of skating, making for an awkward read. Really a shame, because Nicole was a tremendously interesting skater and I would love to see show more her come out with an autobiography! show less

I actually started this early this morning. I wanted to read a chapter, then do other things, but the book got read first! Interesting info on cholera & how they believed it was spread. Dr. Daniel Drake is a historical figure in this book, who's theory on "invisible bugs" spreading the disease was very close to the truth. The children & their concerns & actions at this time are very realistic.

This is a biography about Sacagawea’s incredible journey. She served as a translator for the Corps of Discovery and worked alongside Lewis and Clark. Even though she had just given birth, she was still chosen to be the translator for the Lewis and Clark expedition with her baby traveling with her across half a continent. Sacagawea was the only female member with the explorers and managed to endure illness, hunger, and flash floods.

I thought this book did a great job of telling the story of show more Sacagawea’s life. I liked that the book was broken down into small chapters that covered different topics. There were also lots of pictures on each page with helpful descriptions underneath.

The children could use this book to help with a research project over Sacagawea. Another idea is to assign a chapter to groups of student and have them present that chapter using visual aids or dramatic play. show less

This is an excellent book for students looking for information about the life and accomplishments of Thomas Jefferson. This biography gives an insight into this industrious founding father while giving students historical context. The book is divided into clear, easily digestible chapters. There are also pictures to accompany the content of the book. Important names, dates, and events are explained. There is also helpful glossary, timeline, and index at the back of the book. This book is show more helpful for history classes and research. show less