History is Our Future

 by Pam Everhardt Bloom Rowan Public Library

For children, success in life can sometimes seem totally foreign and out of reach or conversely, unrealistically achievable. True stories can provide them with factual information about life’s accomplishments and an introduction to a real hero. Consider browsing the shelves of biographies with your favorite child, no matter their age. I recently pulled a selection of beautifully illustrated books with enough substantial text to spark additional research and reading for older children and plenty of picture book appeal for the younger set and their favorite adult.

Who doesn’t love a story of adventure? Barnum’s Bones: How Barnum Brown Discovered the Most Famous Dinosaur in the World by Tracey Fern and pictures by Boris Kulikov tells a tale of an unusual boy, Barnum Brown, who loved fossil hunting from an early age. This is the story of the man who eventually discovered the world’s first Tyrannosaurus Rex.  Don’t miss the author’s note with a more detailed biography of Brown’s part in the American Museum of Natural History. Another child fossil hunter born in England in 1799, Stone Girl, Bone Girl: the Story of Mary Anning by Laurence Anholt and illustrated by Sheila Moxley describes young Mary’s discovery of the Great Ichthyosaur at the age of 12. Her continued fossil finds throughout her life are still displayed in museums around the world. While Barnum and Mary may be a bit obscure to many, the next adventurer, John Smith, is one most children will recognize. Smith’s numerous exciting adventures, however, may surprise you. John Smith Escapes Again, written and illustrated by Rosalyn Schanzer illustrates a life journey of heroics far beyond being rescued by Pocahontas. In the words of the author, “John Smith loved America and all its possibilities. He spent most of his life trying to make this beautiful world into a place where class rank didn’t matter and where anyone willing to work hard could become a success. That sounds like a hero to me.”  His is a life story well worth a further look.

Other unsung heroes in the biography section with stories waiting to be told include Only Passing Through: the Story of Sojourner Truth by Anne Rockwell and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie and Dear Benjamin Banneker by Andrea Davis Pinkney and illustrated by Brian Pinkney. To describe Sojourner’s choices, “When evil rules a time and place, certain good people are called upon to tell the truth to those who don’t want to hear it.” Sojourner’s bravery should not be missed.  Equally compelling, Banneker’s life reveals what may be a surprising story. A free person of color, born in 1731, Benjamin Banneker was a curious boy, always looking for answers.  A self taught astronomer and mathematician, Banneker published the first almanac by a black man in 1792. Concerned about the lack of opportunity of those enslaved to study and learn, he also wrote an important and heroic letter to Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson. Banneker’s story is an excellent example of both successes and frustrations faced in life.  

In addition to these lesser known heroes, learn new facts about those you may already know. How Ben Franklin Stole the Lightning by Rosalyn Schanzer captures an important moment in science and its continuing influence. The Extraordinary Mark Twain (According to Susy) by Barbara Kerley and illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham is based on the biography of Twain written by his 13 year old daughter and provides a unique perspective. Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom, the official picture book of his bestselling autobiography, provides lesser known facts of Mandela’s remarkable life. (Illustrated by Paddy Bouman and abridged by Chris Van Wyk.)

Determination, an admirable trait, is illustrated in the following books. Come See the Earth Turn; the Story of Leon Foucault by Lori Mortensen and illustrated by Raul Allen tells the story of how a supposedly low intelligence student and medical school dropout stuns Paris with his demonstration that the earth truly rotated. This story of perseverance is timeless. Other stories with a similar vein include Blockhead: the Life of Fibonacci by Joseph D’Agnese and illustrated by John O’Brien and Nothing but Trouble: The Story of Althea Gibson by Sue Stauffacher, illustrated by Greg Couch. Whether learning about a man who made mathematics more accessible to the masses or discovering the first African-American, man or woman, to ever compete in and win Wimbledon, these biographies tell a tale of achievement in spite of difficulties, failure and opposition.

Speaking of persistence and spunk, don’t miss The Day-Glo Brothers: The True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer’s Bright Ideas and Brand-New Colors by Chris Barton and illustrated by Tony Persiani. Through trial and error and following totally different paths, “…neither brother ended up where he wanted to be. But… the Switzer brothers began to look at the world in a different light.” This book resonates with the realistic story of many achievers, their ability to continue their passion despite difficulties, opposition or discouragement.

Biographies can be an overlooked selection for many children and adults. These books offer valuable and useful lessons, providing authentic stories and heroes as exciting as fictional characters in a favorite novel, TV show or movie. Explore juvenile biographies and catapult into a bit of history. You may discover a new favorite hero while also forging realistic expectations for success.