MATILDA

Matilda, written by famous children's author Roald Dahl, is a wonderfully humorous story about it's main character Matilda. This Fantasy genre book is filled with magical, unexplainable phenomenons that let the reader enter a seemingly normal world where anything is possible. Matilda is a young, super intelligent, and book smart little girl growing up in a house of dim-witted family members who only like watching television all day or trying to deceitfully outwit everyone around them. However, through this book's text and it's playful yet visceral illustrations it weaves the dark with the light and the real with the unreal perfectly. Matilda's ability to move things with her mind and absorb enormous amounts of knowledge at such a young age might  seem more in the vein of Science Fiction, however, the outlandish acts of Ms. Trunchbull swinging a girl by her braids and catapulting her across the playground unscathed keeps this book firmly in the Fantasy genre where it rightly belongs. This book is great for classroom use for grades 4-12.

Move Adaptation Trailer

Discussion Questions:

- Have you ever felt different from others around you?  

- What do you think makes you unique or special?

- Is Ms. Trunchbull a villain or a  hero and why?

- Is Ms. Honey a villain or a hero and why?

- What is the theme of this book?

- What would you do if you were Matilda?

- What is the conflict in this story?

- How is the conflict finally resolved?

Motivational Activity:

Students will broken into two groups, one group Honey and one group Trunchbull. Each group will take notes on their respective character about traits, physical descriptions, ect. Then the two groups will present their findings but adding their research to a big Venn Diagram at the front of the class. The traits that they have different will go into their own oval, however, any that they might share (e.g. works at the school) are to be placed in the overlapping section of the diagram. Students will then work independently on a writing assignment where they explain which character that they find the most interesting based on details contained in the Venn Diagram or textual details they have read on their own.

If you like this Fantasy Book, here are some other titles you might enjoy:

*James and the Giant Peach (1961) : Grades 3-7

*Charlotte's Web (1952) : Grades 3-6


Resource:

Dahl, R. (1988). Matilda. New York, NY: Penguin

QUIET BUNNY

Quiet Bunny is an absolutely stunning Picturebook that tells the story of a young bunny who is trying to figure out who he is by what sound he can contribute to the forest around him. The author and illustrator, Lisa McCue, does a superb job telling this story with gorgeous full-page illustrations and words that make the reader feel as though they are hearing the sounds of the forest alongside quiet bunny. The warm glow of McCue's illustrations add a dimension of softness exemplified by the main character. This amazing book makes nature appear as glorious and noteworthy as a orchestra of symphony musicians. It shows a reverence for the world of nature while helping children see that everyone has a place in the world with their own special and unique gifts or skills to give. In the end, quiet bunny finds his own voice and becomes part of his world. He is able to shows young, grade preschool-2, readers that they are special and have something to share with the world around them.

Discussion Questions:

- Who do you think is the main character of this book?  

- Why do you think they call him quiet bunny?

- How many of you like to be outside and what is your favorite sound in nature?

- What kind of sounds did quiet bunny love to hear?

- What is the night song that quiet bunny loved to hear?

- What animals did quiet bunny try to sound like?

- What do you predict will be quiet bunny's sound that he can add to the night song?

Motivational Activity:

Talk with the students about what is means to be different. Then break the students into pairs where they will be given an animal and their sound from the book (e.g. cricket, owl, snake, mosquito, bullfrogs, wolf, bird, hummingbird, bear cub, bee, bat). After practicing in pairs their sounds they will be signaled by the teacher when to begin to create their own night song. Then the teacher will pass out different musical instruments to the students (e.g. 4-bell wristlet, tambourine, drum, shaker, hand bell, box with rubber band, chime). Students will be allowed to play with instrument for a moment to find out how to make a sound. Then each student will show their sound individually around the circle. Finally, under teacher direction the students will each play their instruments together to create a class song. Students will be given time to write/draw in their journal about their instrument and how they felt playing together.

If you like this Picturebook, here are some other titles you might enjoy:

*Quiet Bunny's Many Colors (2013) : Grades PK-2

*Quiet Bunny and Noisy Puppy (2013) : Grades PK-2

Resource:

McCue, L. (2009).  Quiet bunny. New York, NY: Sterling Publishing

THE CAT IN THE HAT

This literary children's classic The Cat in the Hat, although definitely a solid candidate for the Fantasy genre as well , it is the epitome of being a Poetry genre book. In this book Dr. Seuss creates a world where a talking cat in a hat can bring about fun and chaos for two children on a rainy day. This book full of phonemic rhyming words, rhythm, and primary-colored illustrations that are meant to engage the young beginning reading as they are pulled into Seuss's world of fantasy and fun. Moreover, it is wonderfully suited to grades Preschool - 2. Seuss's sketchy blank and white drawings bring a playful, cartoon-like feeling while his burst of primary colors, such as vivacious red and celestial blue, bring a grounded and attainable realism, too. In this book the author takes you on a literary rhyming adventure, while never leaving the home of the two young children. It beckons children of all ages to create their own fun and to be creative.  These two young children, in the story, are stuck inside on a rainy day with nothing to do. However, with the help of a whimsical cat in a hat and a little imagination of their own they find that anytime and any place can hold an adventure.

The Cat in the Hat Cartoon Movie based on the book

Discussion Questions:

- What do you think this story will be about?

- What word family do you see on the cover of this book?

- Have you ever been bored on a rainy day?

- What do you like to do when you cannot go outside and play?

- Do  you think the cat is right or the fish? Why?

- Is the cat a hero or a villain? Why do you think that?

- What was your favorite part of this book?

Motivational Activity:

Student's will talk review the idea of Word Families after reading the book and in specific the -at family. Then the children will be broken down into small groups and will be given a hat with a word family on it in the center of their group.  They will also be give a stack of word squares and will have to work together as a group to only place in the hat the squares that are part of that word family. Teacher will circulate the room checking the each hat and that group's progress to give instant feedback and correctives where needed. If there is additional time the teacher will blow a whistle and the groups will rotate their hats clockwise to get a new word family to work with.

If you like this Poetry book, here are some other titles you might enjoy:

*Horton Hears a Who! (1954) : Grades K-4

*Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories (1958) : Grades K-4

Resource:

Seuss, Dr. (1957).  The cat in the hat. New York, NY: Random House

THE FIVE CHINESE BROTHERS

The Five Chinese Brothers, written by Claire Huchet Bishop, is a clever Folklore genre children's book. This book is actually a modern retelling of an old Chinese folktale called Ten Brothers. In this rendition there are five brother who look and talk exactly alike, however, each has an extraordinary ability or superpower if you will. As the story goes the first brother, while using his power to swallow the ocean, accidentally causes a boy to be lost in the sea and is sentenced to die. One by one his brothers step up and take his place, overcoming each death sentence with their unique ability or power. This book has actually endured quite a bit of controversy for emphasizing racial stereotypes and was taken off many teacher's bookshelves over the years.  However, with its cheery cartoon like illustrations if give a simplified version, of the original folklore, that is accessible and engaging to young children. Running through it is the theme of family, overcoming great odds, and embracing our own unique talents or abilities that we may possess. It is one of the oldest folklores in China and is perfect for grades Preschool-3 with it's fun drawings and simple dialogue.

Discussion Questions:

- What do you think this story is going to be about?  

- What is the special ability, or power, of each brother?

- Do you think the first brother meant to drown the little boy? How do you know?

- Why do you think each brother keeps being sent home before his execution?

- How do you think the brothers feel about each other?

- What do you think is the main idea or theme of this book?

Motivational Activity:

Students will get to create and put on a puppet show to retell the story of The Five Chinese Brothers. Students will work in small groups to color and glue the cutouts of the characters, of the story, to popsicle sticks. Then the students will work together, with teacher guidance, to retell the story with the puppet show pieces. If this during this activity teacher sees a need for remediation then students can use story sequencing worksheets to put the pieces of the story before doing the puppet show.

If you like this Folklore book, here are some other titles you might enjoy:

*The Boy Who Made Dragonfly:A Zuni Myth (1994) : Grades Preschool-12

*The Llama's Secret - A Peruvian Legend (1996) : Grades 2-12


Resource:

Bishop, C. H.  (1996).  The five chinese brothers.  New York, NY: Penguin Putnam Books

DIVERGENT

Divergent is the first book in a high-adventure, Science Fiction genre series of books. This riveting book, so beautifully written by author Veronica Roth, tells the story of an evolved society that relies on the technological advancements of the day to group people. To the detriment of humanity the world has become declined and degraded so the powers that be have come up with the resolution to group people into five categories of people, or factions as they are known in the book. People are tested with the most extreme physical test and psychological simulations as part of the sifting into these factions. Roth paints a dismal, yet engaging picture, through just her text through, as the readers follows the main character who makes a choice that strips her from the safety and security of her family. However, she eventually must come to grips that she does not fit so nicely into any of the factions. This futuristic thrill ride, published in 2012, takes you into a world and time far beyond our own and into a future full of technological advancements coupled with moral decline. This book would be a great addition to any 6-12 grade classroom.

Divergent Movie Adaptation Trailer

Discussion Questions:

- What categorizes a book as being a Science Fiction?  

- What makes this book a Science Fiction genre book?

- Contrasting what is happening in this book with the world today, what is so different about the world in which this book takes place?

- What would you say is the main theme of this book?

- Which faction would you say that you would fit best in and why?

- What is the main conflict in this book?

- Is that conflict ever solved and, if so, how?

Motivational Activity:

First, the students will take a "What Faction Are You" quiz that the teacher will provide. Once each student has taken the test and figured out which faction suits them best they well break into small factions, based on their quiz result. However, just like in the book, the students will have an opportunity to choose for themselves if they wan tot go to the faction they have tested to be or to a faction of their own choosing like the main character. Each week the students will assemble with their own chosen faction and discuss what they have read during the past week's reading. They will compile their data and present to class. Part of their analysis will be to not only find out as much as they can about their own faction, but to also see the impact of their faction on the whole society as a whole. This activity is a good way to help engage the students in reading the book, help them to make text to self connections, and develop higher-order thinking through application.

The Faction Quiz Site: http://www.divergentfans.com/page/faction-quiz

If you like this Science Fiction book, here are some other titles you might enjoy:

*Ender's Game (1994) : Grades 6-12

*A Wrinkle in Time (1973) : Grades 4-12

Resource:

Roth, V. (2012).  Divergent. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers

HOW DID SLAVES FIND A ROUTE TO FREEDOM?: AND OTHER QUESTIONS ABOUT THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD

How Did Slaves Find A Route To Freedom?: And Other Questions about the Underground Railroad is a an amazing Nonfiction genre children's book full of information about the Underground Railroad and slavery. Written by Laura Hamilton Waxman, this book has multiple text features that help organize the information presented and make it more accessible and easy to digest for grades 4-12.  With a table of contents, Chapter headings, and subtitles students are able to more expertly navigate the timeline of the Underground Railroad through its history.  However, it's the artwork illustrations, maps, and real photographs, contained within this text, that truly paint a beautiful picture of such a terrible time in our country's history, as it visually fills any textual gaps for the reader.  Through this book the reader is able to, in essence, take a virtual field trip through these pages. They are able to see what life was like, for a slave, before the Underground Railroad and what radical changes were left afterward. It's concise, informative, and a definition of an excellent Nonfiction book.

Discussion Questions:

- What was life like, for a slave, before the Underground Railroad?  

- How did masters treat their slaves?

- What would it have felt like to be a slave back then?

- Who were some of the people who helped make the Underground Railroad possible?

- Where were some of the important places along the Underground Railroad?

- What transpired, or happened, because of the Underground Railroad?

Motivational Activity:

Students will work in small groups with pieces of paper, pencils, and tape as they construct and fill in their own Underground Railroad timeline.  Each student in the group will have a job assigned to them such as group leader, group recorder, group analyst, and group reporter. Each group will use this nonfiction text as a resource to fill in their Underground Railroad timeline with information, dates, places, and people that they believe are pertinent. Then each group will have the opportunity to share their timeline with the rest of the class as one definitive timeline is composed from all the data collected from all of the small groups. 

If you like this Nonfiction book, here are some other titles you might enjoy:

*Fleeing to Freedom on the Underground Railroad: The Courageous Slaves, Agents, and Conductors (2006) : Grades 5-12

*If You Traveled on the Underground Railroad (1993) : Grades 2-5

Resource:

Waxman, L. H. (2011).  How did slaves find a route to freedom?: And other questions about the underground railroad. Minneapolis, MN: Learner Publications

BROWN BEAR, BROWN BEAR, WHAT DO YOU SEE?

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? is a beautiful Picturebook genre children's book written by Bill Martin Jr. and illustrated by famous children's author Eric Carle. This book, with its colorful and textured illustrations, really jumps off the page to gain the young reader's attention. The simple text of this book, full of childlike inquiry, takes the reader on a journey as they spy different colored animals and people.  It's a great book that helps them learn to the strategies of observation and recall as they read through this fun and adventurous picturebook. This book is great addition to any PreK - 2nd grade classroom with its vibrant imagery and simplified, inquisitive text. It is a perfect blend of illustration and text that can spur an emergent reader's love of and desire for reading. 

Here's a wonderful lyrical singing version of the book that would be great for enrichment!

Discussion Questions:

- Just looking at the cover of this book, what do you think this book is about?  

- Do you see something, in the classroom, that is the color of Brown Bear?

- Is someone wearing the color of Red Bird?

- What else do you know that is the color of Yellow Duck?

- What color animal do you predict that Blue Horse will see?

- What color was the cat? Have you ever seen a cat that color?

- What do you predict will be looking at the teacher?

- What were all the things that the children did see?

Motivational Activity:

Each student will be given a pack of m&ms and a Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See? black and white sorting mat. Teacher will have the students help her fill in the sorting mat by having them recall what color each animal was in the story and then coloring that animal on their mat along with the teacher modeling.  Then break the students into small groups and have them sort their m&ms on their sorting mats.  For older students you can then give them a blank graph and have them count the number of m&ms for each color animal and graph them. This a fun and inventive way to connect a simple literary picturebook to the Math content.

If you like this Picturebook, here are some other titles you might enjoy:

*The Very Hungry Caterpillar (1987) : Grades PK-2

*Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (1989) : Grades PK-2

Resource:

Martin, B, Jr. (1970).  Brown bear, brown bear what do you see? New York, NY:

Henry Holt and Company

STRANDED

Stranded, written by popular host of the reality tv show "Survivor", is a great example of a Contemporary/Realistic fiction genre book at its finest because the events of the book, characters, and setting are plausible in the world today. This mature chapter book tells the story of four children, two sets of siblings, who have been brought together through their parents getting married. The four of them set sail on their uncle's boat only to find that learning to become a blended family is the least of their worries as they must learn to rely on one another to survive being stranded on an island together. The text of this book is so detailed and specific that no illustrations are not necessary to see the beautiful blue of an endless ocean or jagged rocks along the shoreline that set the scene for the setting of these four kids greatest trial.

This book is perfect for a grade 5-8 classroom as it delves into themes of survival, camaraderie and respect for each others individuality and uniqueness.  A book like this perfectly mirrors Saint Leo's value of respect. Through this story we see children who are developing confidence and respect in themselves and their growth in such trying circumstances, as they begin to learn to respect one another for the people that they are.  Each kid may be vastly different from one another, but they all have strengths and abilities that they bring to the table as a small community working together for the common good of the group.

Discussion Questions:

- What would you do if you were stranded on an island?  

- What would be most important to you?

- Would you be the leader of the group?

- Which character do you identify with the most? Why?

- Do you think the kids should split up or stick together?

- What strengths does each character have?

- What weaknesses does each character have to overcome?

- What do you predict will happen in the next book?

Motivational Activity:

Students will be broken into 4 small groups. Each group will represent a particular character. For example, one group will be Team Carter and that group will be the spokesperson for that character sharing and defending Carter's point of view or explaining why the others should follow what their character wants to do. All during the reading of this book each group will generate discussion based on the plight of their character. They will get to discuss within their own group before sharing with the class what they believe should happen.  As an introductory motivation activity, each group will decorate a flag with their character's name and draw pictures that exemplify their character. They can add pictures as they keep reading all through the text.

If you like this Contemporary Fiction book, here are some other titles you might enjoy:

*Stranded 2: Trial by Fire (2013) : Grades 5-8

*Stranded 3: Survivors (2013) : Grades 5-8


Resource:

Probst, J. & Tebbetts, C. (2013).  Stranded. New York, NY: Puffin 

SKIPPYJON JONES

Skippyjon Jones is a witty and fun Fantasy genre children's book that allows the reader to follow the precocious little main character, a kitten named Skippyjon Jones, into a world of imagination that lies just on the other side of his closet door.  This book would be a wonderful edition to any K-3 classroom with its soft yet vibrantly charismatic illustrations and its equally charismatic and funny dialogue.  Students can follow Skippyjon through his adventures into the Mexican countryside as he puts on his black mask and becomes a crusader who wrangles all the bad guy "banditos". Spanish phrases, smartly sprinkled throughout the book, allow the reader to peer inside another culture and learn a new language throughout this colorful and diverse Multi-culutral book.  This book uses its cute illustrations and humorous text to bring out the joy in reading as students become Skippyjon's sidekick in his audacious adventures of imagination and fantasy.

Here is a short animated webisode straight the from the book that may be great for student engagement before reading!

Discussion Questions:

- Have you ever pretended to be something or someone else?  

- Who or what did you pretend to be?

- What was one think that Skippyjon Jones pretended to be?

- Why do you suppose that Mama Junebug Jones sent Skippyjon Jones to his room?

- Where did Skippyjon Jones pretend to go when he went into his closet?

- What you think a "bandito" is?

- What happened at the end of the story to Skippyjon Jones?  Did he learn his lesson?

Motivational Activity:

Students will be broken into small groups of 3 to 4 students and given a few objects (e.g. hat, ball, bucket, bat) and asked to put together a little skit together about an adventure they want to pretend to go on.  After each group has performed their imagination adventure they will be given a worksheet that will allow them to draw what is in their closet.  they can draw actually things in their closet or they can draw what they imagine is in their closet like Skippyjon Jones. At the bottom of the page they are to write a sentence or two describing what is in their closet.

If you like this Fantasy Book, here are some other titles you might enjoy:

*Skippyjon Jones Cirque de Ole (2012) : Grades K-3

*Skippyjon Jones and the Big Bones (2008) : Grades K-3


Resource:

Schachner, J.  (2003).  Skippyjon jones. New York, NY: Scholastic 

THE KEEPING QUILT

The Keeping Quilt, by beloved children's author Patricia Polacco, is a beautiful Historical Fiction genre book that that can give a grade 3-5 reader a peek into the Multi-culutral word of its author.  In this story we take a journey from Polacco's homeland of Russia to the brand new world  of America. As Patricia's main character, Anna, transitions into this new and strange land she finds comfort and refuge in meaningful and sentimental tradition that becomes all wrapped up in the beautiful tapestry of a quilt.

First published in 1988 and re-released in 2001, this book is a timeless story of the journey of a immigrating family that must find their new place in a new land while holding on tight to their culture and their family's history.  The gorgeous, detailed illustrations in this book use the artistic facet of color to embolden the emphasize of the culture and tradition that Anna and her family hold dear through many generations.  The color visually emphasized in the quilt brings the quilt to life and makes it another main character as it is passed from mother to daughter over the years. The quilt portrays the theme that the love and tradition of a family can truly stand the test of time.

Discussion Questions:

- What is an immigrant?

- What would it be like to leave everything behind to go to a new land?

- What things would you want to take with you to remember your home?

- How would you feel if you went to a school where no one else spoke English?

- What traditions did Anna's family keep besides the quilt?  What are some examples?

- Why do you think the quilt is so important to Anna's family?

Motivational Activity:

Students will be given squares of construction paper, crayons, and glue sticks to make their own keeping quilt.  Students will discuss the pictures on Anna's quilt and what each one meant to her and her family.  Students will then be asked to pair share with their partner about what are some things in their lives that mean a lot to them, their family, and culture.  After each partner has been given the opportunity to share they will then get to work independently on decorating their squares and then past them onto one big sheet of paper to create their own quilt. They can even take a few squares home to decorate with their family before bringing them back to decorate their quilt.  The quilts will be displayed around the room for when the class has a cultural night where parents are invited to attend and see their child's quilt.

If you like this Historical Fiction Book, here are some other titles you might enjoy:

*Babushka's Doll (1990) : Grades 3-5

*Pepe the Lamplighter (1997) : Grades PK-3


Resource:

Polacco, P.  (1988).  The keeping quilt. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster 

WHERE THE SIDE WALK ENDS

Where the Sidewalk Ends is a compilation of poems and and drawings by famous children's Author and illustrator Shel Silverstein.  This book, from the poetry/verse genre, is full of fun poems that are perfectly paired with zany illustrations to capture the creativity and joy of childhood.  The playful illustrations are done as black and white sketches which give it a very young, rough feeling that alludes to the doodling of young children.  Silverstein does an amazing job, throughout this volume of children's poetry, of making connections through his words and artwork to a time in adolescence when everything is new and exciting.  However, this book of poems is geared best toward children in grades 2-5. Originally published in 1974, this book was just recently released as a 40th Anniversary edition only further proving the notoriety and lovable nature of this book and its hold upon the minds and hearts of young children.

Here's a musical and animated presentation of one of the poems in Where the Sidewalk Ends

Here is another video that is a more realistic and visual interpretation, that would be great for older students, of the title poem Where the Sidewalk Ends

Discussion Questions:

- When you hear this poem what does it make you picture in your mind?

- How does this poem make you feel?

- Describe those feelings and explain why it makes you feel that way.

- Do you think that you could write poetry like this author?

- If you wrote your own poems what would they be about and why?

- Why do you the author, Shel Silverstein wrote these poems?

Motivational Activity:

After reading a few poems from this book throughout the week, Students will have an opportunity to write their own poem like Mr. Silverstein.  They will be given time to choose their own topic for their poem that they will submit to the teacher for approval.  Then they will be given time to brainstorm and pre-write.  Students will then be taught about the principle and value of respect, a core value taught through word and deed at Saint Leo University. They will discuss how important it is to show respect to others and their creative work when shared within the classroom and outside of it.  Teacher will then share their own pre-written poem with the class before opening up a discussion about what the students liked and what they thought was unclear or may need editing.  Teacher will model how to take constructive criticism and make edits they deem important.  Students will then form small groups where they will help one another give constructive feedback before they work independently on the finished product of their poem.  Students will get the opportunity to each stand and share, or have teacher read their poem, for the whole class to appreciate and support.

If you like this Poetry Book, here are some other titles you might enjoy:

*A Light in the Attic (1981) : Grades 2-5

*It's Raining Pigs and Noodles (2000) : Grades 1-5


Resource:

Silverstein, S. (1974).  Where the sidewalk ends. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers

HENRY'S FREEDOM BOX

Henry's Freedom Box is a beautiful yet heart-wrenching multicultural biography about a former slave who escaped through the Underground Railroad to find freedom. Written by Ellen Levine, illustrated by Kadir Nelson and published in 2007, this beautifully told real-life story is perfect for grades 3-5. Through this book they are able to learn more about what the life of a slave was really like in the 1800's and what many of those slaves had to endure to find their own freedom using the Underground Railroad network.

The full-page drawings play a crucial role in the telling of the story, as they bring visual imagery to Henry's story, conveying both emotion and description through pictures.
With its riveting storyline and beautiful illustrations, that pull the reader into Henry's world, this books is perfect for classroom use during a Social Studies lesson. It takes an average History lesson out of the text book and gives it new life and meaning as the students get to follow the main character through his arduous journey to freedom through his wooden box. Students can find greater appreciation for their own freedom as they see how much Henry was willing to endure to gain his.


Discussion Questions:

- What does the word freedom really mean?

- What does it mean to say that someone is a slave?

- What would it feel like to never get to celebrate your birthday or have your family taken away?

- Do you think that you could be a good worker, like Henry, if you were treated that way?

- How do you think masters saw their slaves?  What in the story makes you think that?

- Why do you think Henry would go through so much to travel inside of an uncomfortable box?

Motivational Activity:

Students will get a chance to make their own freedom box with an old shoe box.  However, instead of using their box to find freedom, like Henry had to do, the students will have the opportunity to work in small groups to come up with things that they are grateful for because of their freedom.  Students will discuss the things in the book that were taken away from Henry and the things that they now enjoy everyday because of their freedom and then place those things on pieces of paper before adding them to the box. Students will then get to play a game where the teacher will play an old African Spiritual and the different groups must keep trading boxes like hot potato. When the music stops whoever had a box still in their hand must take out a slip of paper and share one freedom that the writer of that slip of paper was is grateful for. The game continues until all the slips have been read or the lesson time is up.

If you like this Biography Book, here are some other titles you might enjoy:

*Harriet Tubman (2008) : Grades 5-12

*If You Lived at the Time of Martin Luther King (1990) : Grades 2-5


Resource:

Levine, E.  (2007).  Henry's freedom box: A true story from the underground railroad.  New York, NY: Scholastic