Recent Nonfiction (Mostly) Picture Book Reads Part Two: Biographies

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NF PB 2014

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday is hosted by Kid Lit Frenzy and was started to help promote the reading of nonfiction texts. Most Wednesdays, we will be participating and will review a nonfiction text (though it may not always be a picture book).
Be sure to visit Kid Lit Frenzy and see what other nonfiction books are shared this week!

Over the last few months, I’ve read some nonfiction (mostly) picture books that I haven’t reviewed, but that I definitely need to share with you all. Last week, I shared informational books I’ve enjoyed. Today, I am happy to share some biographies. 

manfish

Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau
Author: Jennifer Berne
Illustrator: Eric Puybaret
Published April 23rd, 2008 by Chronicle Books

My Thoughts: Jacques Cousteau may be one of the most brilliant, interesting, overlooked men in history. The more I read about him, the more I realize what amazing things he did that were so innovating. This bio of him was just as good as The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau.

beirut

I Remember Beirut
Author: Zeina Abirached
Translator: Edward Gauvin
Published October 1st, 2014 by Graphic Universe

My Thoughts: I knew about the fighting in Beirut, but as it happened when I was very young and is not often discussed, I didn’t know much about it. This graphic novel memoir is an inside look at what it was like to live in Beirut during the fighting. The black and white illustrations are so unique and very much capture the tone of the book.

mamamiti

Mama Miti
Author: Donna Jo Napoli
Illustrator: Kadir Nelson
Published January 5th, 2010 by Simon & Schuster

My Thoughts: Mama Miti is the first of three amazing ladies that I read about that I did not know about before I read these picture books. I think the stand out of this book is the illustrations as Kadir Nelson is brilliant. I also truly enjoyed learning about Wangari Muta Maathai and her impact on not just the women in her community, but the country itself and how woman are looked upon in her country.

moore

Miss Moore Thought Otherwise
Author: Jan Pinborough
Illustrator: Debby Atwell
Published March 5th, 2013 by HMH Books for Young Readers

My Thoughts: Yay for Miss Moore! I loved learning about how children’s libraries started, and Miss Moore’s advocacy for them. She was a strong woman who was before her time, but never let that stop her from pursuing her passion which has led to millions of more intelligent and happy children.

alice

What To Do About Alice?
Author: Barbara Kerley
Illustrator: Edwin Fotheringham
Published March 1st, 2008 by Scholastic Press

My Thoughts: Alice was an original reality star! She was followed all across the world doing things she wasn’t suppose to do, and the public loved her! I did not know about Alice Roosevelt, so it was so much fun to learn about her shenanigans and true independent spirit.

All Recommended For: 

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6 thoughts on “Recent Nonfiction (Mostly) Picture Book Reads Part Two: Biographies”

    • Have you read Fantastic Undersea Adventures along with Manfish? The two of them are great companion texts! And I loved learning about Miss Moore!

      You will enjoy them both–hope you get a chance to read them 🙂

      Reply
  1. I have read the books about Alice and Miss Moore and enjoyed both. I will have to look for Mama Miti. I really loved A Game for Swallows, so will be watching for I Remember Beirut. Thanks!

    Reply
    • I didn’t know about A Game of Swallows! This is why I love blogging–we get to help each other find just the right books 🙂

      Reply

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