Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday 3-22-17

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday is hosted by Kid Lit Frenzy.

I noticed years back that my classroom library was heavy on fiction. Since noticing the imbalance of fiction to nonfiction, I've remained on the lookout for engaging and diverse nonfiction titles. Here are some recent finds!

There are certainly strong links that could be made between these books, though I didn't set out to choose a particular set of stories. They are all illustrated in strong and appealing ways, though each in their own.

Roaring Brook Press, 2010

36 pages

Born to former slaves, Jack, Arthur John Johnson, had a childhood that shaped him into the fighting champion he was to become. After being targeted by bullies Jack was urged to fight back. 

In lyrical lines that sometimes sooth, sometimes stir up a laugh, and sometimes make you feel like you're bouncing around the fighting ring, readers learn of Jack's journey to the top. 

Lines of color stop Jack from being a world champion fighter, until someone will agree to fight him.

Excellent read aloud!

Holiday House, 2014

32 pages

Have students loving Roller Girl? Hand them this story about the history of the sport, as it focuses on two of the early stars in this rough sport. Not only is this an interesting looking into roller derby and female athletes, but tells how roller derby (and other indoor sports) and TV had a relationship that benefitted both parties.

Another excellent read aloud.

Holiday House, 2017

36 pages

Tells the story of Gertrude Ederle swimming the English Channel in 1926. The first woman to swim the channel, while also beating the record held by the fastest male to swim the channel!

Again, not only an interesting look at a strong female athlete in American history, but also a look at how the field of athletics was gaining in popularity at the time.

And yes, an excellent read aloud.

Orchard Books, 2016

32 pages

A story of strength. Anthony and Douglass were brought together through similar feelings of inequality, but more so through their fierce passion to shift the balance of unequal rights.

Short, but packed with huge meaning. 

You guessed right, this would make for an excellent read aloud.

I was reminded of:

in which Anthony sits down with Tubman for tea, not Douglass. This story is an imagined meeting of the two great minds. The two stories might make for interesting comparison.

Thanks for stopping by!