Pocahontas, meaning 'playful little girl' played an important role in American History. Although she had a very short life, living only to the age of 22, she accomplished great things. She was responsible for helping the 1st settlers of Jamestown survive their first year, she might have saved John Smith's life, and she helped keep peace between the Native Americans and the English settlers. Pocahontas by Lucia Raatma, is an easy to read, yet remarkably complete biography of the highlights of Pocahontas' life. This is a perfect non-fiction book for the young reader.

Similar authors: Anddrew Santella; Elizabeth Dana Jaffe; Vicky Franchino

Similar books: Pocahontas by Joseph Bruchac; Pocahontas: Bridging 2 Worlds by Larry Dane Brimner; Pocahontas: Peacemaker by Anne Holler

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 7/3/2010

ISBN-10: 0756501156

ISBN-13: 9780756501150

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Have you ever had a great idea that just didn't work out the way it should have? This is what happened to Annie Edson Taylor. At age 62, she decides she needs money to live on in her old age. She thinks about it and comes up with a great way to 'strike it rich.' Her plan is to go over the Niagara Falls in a barrel, live to tell about it, and capture fame and fortune. The year is 1901 and no one has ever done this. On October 24th, she goes over the falls. She is indeed the first person ever to do this and she is still the only woman to have gone over the falls alone. Read this account to see just where her plan goes wrong.

Reviewed by: mec

Date read: 6/1/2011

ISBN-13: 9780547315812

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Abigail Adams (1744-1818) was a woman ahead of her time. Even as a child, she believed that girls were the equal of boys. Although she wasn't allowed to go to school, she read every book she could get her hands on and expressed her opinion on everything. She married John Adams who wasn't afraid of a woman with brains. While John was away starting the new country, Abigail ran their farm and handled their business affairs. She wrote many letters about their children and the concerns of everyday people, but always reminded him that women should be able to go to school, vote, and own property. You'll enjoy reading about this very independent woman.

Reviewed by: hap

Date read: 1/28/2011

ISBN-10: 1575055589

ISBN-13: 9781575055589

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Before there was 'WICKED,' there was L. Frank Baum. Lyman (no one called him that) had a happy childhood, growing up on a lovely estate called Rose Lawn, where tutors from England were brought to teach the rather frail boy. He often entertained himself with imaginative stories, full of adventure and fantasy. When he grew up, he had four sons, and found that he loved nothing better than to invent and tell them stories. He took careful note of what they enjoyed: unexpected danger, clever escapes, and resourceful heroes. He also noted what they disliked: too long descriptions of nature, goody-goody characters, or tales in which the girls always had to be rescued. Finally, his mother-in-law encouraged him to write the best loved ones down. When The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was published in 1900, it was considered the first 'American' children's novel. He is best known for his 14 Oz books.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/14/2009

ISBN-10: 0375832165

ISBN-13: 9780375832161

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Robert Frost had a difficult life. From his childhood through his adulthood, he had a constant struggle with shyness and depression. Books and poems that he wrote are mentioned in this book, but it is mostly about his life and thoughts. There are black and white photographs and research sidebars that help interpret the text. This is a good choice for students who would like to know more about Robert Frost.

Reviewed by: cjones

Date read: 2/14/2011

ISBN-10: 0766026272

ISBN-13: 9780766026278

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