Have you been picked on by bullies? Angelo Siciliano was picked on by bullies after he arrived in the United States from Italy. He spoke almost no English, and needed to know how to stop them. After visiting a museum where he saw a statue of Hercules, he started lifting weights that he made himself. Then he added stretching to his routine. Eventually, he became very strong, which earned him the name of Atlas, because people thought he looked like the Greek god, Atlas. From a 98-pound weakling, he turned into a giant that could tear phone books in half, and bend iron bars into u shapes. Charles Atlas successfully transformed himself into 'The World's Most Perfectly Developed Man,' and started a business with a friend that encouraged everyone to be healthy, and strong.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/14/2009

ISBN-10: 0375829407

ISBN-13: 9780375829406

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What does a thirteen-year-old girl growing up in the Middle Ages know about butterflies? PLENTY! In this easy to read and beautifully illustrated book 'Summer Birds: The Butterflies of Maria Merian' by Margarita Engle, we learn about a little girl who had the courage to disagree. In the Middle Ages, scientists believed that 'summer birds'(butterflies) were born from mud. Maria set out to prove that this theory was wrong. By observing caterpillars and documenting their activities with her vibrant paintings, Maria was able to disprove a theory that had existed since the ancient Greeks. Read this unique book about a young girl's bravery and determination to discover the truth.

Similar authors: Rachel Rodriquez

Similar books: Pricilla and the Hollyhocks by Anne Broyles; Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly by Cathryn Falwell; The Butterfly House by Eve Bunting; Arabella Miller's Tiny Caterpillar by Clare Jarett; The Things With Wings by Gregory J. Holch; The Poet Slave of Cuba by Margarita Engle

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 7/28/2010

ISBN-10: 0805089373

ISBN-13: 9780805089370

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Jackie Robinson was the first African-American player in Major League Baseball. After retiring from baseball, he moved with his family to a place in Connecticut that had a beautiful lake. His children loved swimming and boating on the lake, but Jackie never joined them in the water. One winter day, the children wanted to ice skate. Was the ice thick enough? Jackie bravely ventured out onto the ice to check. His daughter Sharon suddenly realized that Jackie can't swim and that her dad was a very brave man. The beautiful illustrations work well with the text by Sharon Robinson to pay tribute to her father.

Awards nominated: Monarch Award Nominee 2012

Reviewed by: msp

Date read: 4/14/2011

ISBN-10: 9780545052511

ISBN-13: 9780545052511

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Read Anne Rockwell's true story of a courageous young woman and her heroic part in America's War of Independence. Follow Mary Hays, otherwise known as 'Molly' as she follows her husband, marching off in General Washington's Colonial Army to fight the English in the Revolutionary War. Equipped with her pitcher, her determination, and her willingness to do what is needed, she earns the love and respect of General Washington and his soldiers to become the legend that is Molly Pitcher!

Similar authors: Augusta Stevenson; Christy Devilier

Similar books: Molly Pitcher by Eileen Dunn Bertanzelli; Molly Pitcher,Young Patriot by Augusta Stevenson; Molly Pitcher by Christy Devilier

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 6/28/2010

ISBN-10: 0679891870

ISBN-13: 9780679891871

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Can you think back to when you were 6? Now, imagine being a black child, surrounded by federal marshals, walking through a screaming mob throwing things at you, as you are just trying to get into school. This is what happened to Ruby Bridges on November 14, 1960 and this book is her story.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/13/2009

ISBN-10: 0590189239

ISBN-13: 9780590189231

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