Jackie Gaff

George Washington led a very full life but started out with a simple beginning as a self-taught surveyor who lost a father and a father figure early on in his life. He served his country in many capacities both military and political. Obviously, he was elected he first President but he accomplished so much more before that including planning very strategic battles against the British in the Revolutionary War, barely escaping death at times. He developed new fighting tactics to trick the show more British and Indians, including bush warfare. He was with his men every step of the way, even when there was no food, little clothing and no shelter from the cold. He didn’t take the easy road and had America’s interests best at heart.

Some of the things I learned in this were incredible. I didn’t realize the French were fighting for Britain’s land (America) before we ever fought Britain. I also didn’t know how humble and intelligent Washington was. He taught himself everything he needed to know. How I wish people would do that these days! This book had illustrations much like a comic book, which I appreciated. I think I absorbed more of the information thanks to the pictures. I also love the themes like patriotism and bravery. The mood is often times serious but the story of Washington is told in a great way.

In a classroom setting, we could act scenes of this book out as a play. We could also make a comic about whatever time period in history we may be studying (Civil War, World Wars.) The students could also be assigned two presidents and if everyone made a comic (12 frames or so), we could create a educational comic book about our presidents. show less

The graphic format in which this biography is written gives all readers, especially struggling readers, access to significant historical facts about this prominent Spanish Conqueror. The layout of this series is well organized in that the reader is first given important historical background information about the time period and a graphic index describing all the key historical characters included in the biography. The actual biography is presented in comic-strip form and includes very vivid show more but non-offensive illustrations. Cortes’ biography concludes with a brief account of important events following his conquest of the Aztecs. Overall, I would highly recommend this biography to all history and language arts teachers due to its “reader friendly” format which all students will appreciate. show less

Such a cute book, narrated by Aquaman himself that gives insight into Earth's oceans for kids. Loved it.

Grades 6-8. This book is a biography that is written in graphic novel form about Richard the Lionheart. Richard the Lionheart was a politician, military leader, crusader and the King of England. In his early years Richard had many wars with his brothers and his father. Richard was crowned king in 1189 and his goal was to lead a crusade to recapture the city of Jerusalem. Richard goes to war against the Saladin for control of Jerusalem, is imprisoned and then finally returns to the throne. show more Told in graphic novel form it keeps the reader interested though many wars and fights since you are able to view the information with words and pictures. show less