Biographies to read aloud with kids : from Alvin Ailey to Zishe the Strongman
(Book)

Includes bibliographical references and index.

"The right biography can be as enthralling as any work of fiction, blending facts with gripping storytelling--this is a must-have guide to the best ones for adults to read out loud to kids Noted children's book authority Rob Reid offers a choice selection of exemplary biographies that will entertain and educate children about a variety of fascinating people and their places in history. Organized by topic, including sports, politics and leaders, the arts, science, and medicine, each annotation features a "10-Minute Selection" that showcases a particularly captivating episode of the book that can be read in one brief sitting. Parents, teachers, librarians, and other adults will find compelling and inspirational biographies for kids with the help of this useful resource"--,Provided by publisher.

"Many biographies written and illustrated for young people today are well researched, lively, and present the facts in creative styles and formats. The children's publishing industry is a leader in showcasing a diverse array of people to read about, many of them absent from school textbooks, but all playing important roles throughout history. In Biographies to Read Aloud with Kids, Rob Reid, a recognized expert in children's books, introduces parents, caregivers, and educators to 200 of the best biographies to share with young people ages 4 to 14. The stories of real people, many of whom who overcome hardships and barriers in their lives, can inspire and engross young readers. Some of the lesser-known biographies, such as Robert Smalls, Maggie Gee, and Temple Grandin, are some of the most captivating. Biographies about well-known people often share little-known anecdotes about them, such as Dr. Seuss being voted "least likely to succeed" in college, or that George Washington was so unsure about his leadership abilities when given command of the American Continental Army that he had to read books on military strategies. These stories are among those told in the riveting biographies Reid presents in Biographies to Read Aloud with Kids. Annotations give a feel for the writing style of the author, and selections include picture books, graphic novels, chapter books, and bilingual titles and strongly represent women and people of a diverse array of backgrounds, ethnicities, and color. Reid also interviews with two biographers and a publisher who specialize in multicultural literature for young people about how they choose their subjects and current and future trends in the field."--,Provided by publisher.