Noah Webster & His Words by Jeri Chase Ferris Noah did not want to be a farmer, he wanted to go to school. He borrowed money from his father so that he could go to school. When he graduated, he found a job as a teacher, and immediately saw a need for American school books.
The book introduces a few big words, with definitions following, just like Webster's masterpiece - the Webster Dictionary.
Just Behave, Pablo Picasso! by Jonah WinterPicasso was incredible precocious, and could complete a painting while other painter twice his age were still working on a sketch. Picasso went on to develop his own style, which at first people liked, but then as he continued to change, he was pressured to paint what people liked - pretty pink paintings. Picasso painted what he wanted, and cubism was the result.
This is an encouraging book for those who see the world differently, and want to follow their own path.
Those Rebels, John & Tom by Barbara Kerley
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were such opposites, and this book helps us understand the personality differences in a clearly stated manner. Then we get to see how they used their own strengths to help found our United States of America. This is a great story from history, as well as an advisory for today's children and adults - look for strengths in yourself and those you work with. For another look at both the friendship and feuding between these two men, read Worst of Friends: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and the True Story of an American Feud by Suzanne Tripp Jurmain continues this story, as the two did not remain focused on the good qualities in their differences, but had a complete falling out that lasted many years. Read both - compare and contrast, as both are excellent stories.
