It’s inspiring to read about people who have accomplished great things under difficult circumstances. Such stories often provide the reader with an idea one may not have had before. These stories can motivate, provide encouragement, and bolster our sense of courage, spirit and self-reliance.
That’s precisely what you’ll find in today’s reviewed books. Ask your local librarian to point you in the direction of others. You never know what the outcome may be.
Books to borrow
The following book is available at many public libraries.
“Stone Girl, Bone Girl — The Story of Mary Anning” by Laurence Anholt, illustrated by Sheila Moxley, Orchard Books, 28 pages
Read aloud: age 5 and older.
Read yourself: age 8 and older.
Born in England in 1799, Mary Anning was a bright and curious girl. One of her greatest interests was digging for strange stone shapes she found in the clay cliffs near her home. Mary called her stone shapes “curiosities,” and sold them to tourists. But it wasn’t long before her neighbors, the Philpot sisters, realized that what Mary was uncovering was far more important than simple curious stones. The sisters were trained scientists, and quickly took Mary under their wing to teach her about her discoveries — fossils.
Mary listened carefully to all the Philpot sisters shared with her and borrowed books from them to increase her knowledge. One day Annie Philpot showed Mary a huge tooth she had found buried in the clay cliffs. Annie told Mary that the tooth belonged to a great sea monster, and she believed the rest of the creature was still hidden in the cliffs. “If anyone could ever find that, Mary! That would be the greatest treasure of all!” From that moment on, Mary was determined to find the ancient sea monster, and despite the tormenting of her peers, Mary never abandoned her dream.
A fascinating, true story of Mary Anning’s discovery and subsequent contributions to the world of archaeology and paleontology, this selection promises to captivate and motivate readers of many ages.
Librarian’s choice
Library: Camano Island Library, 848 N. Sunrise Blvd., Camano Island
Manager: David Menard
Children’s liaison: Mary Jennings
Choices this week: “The Boxcar Children” series by Gertrude Chandler Warner; “The Little Fur Family” by Margaret Wise Brown; “Stuart Little” by E.B. White
Books to buy
The following books are available at favorite bookstores.
“I, Matthew Henson Polar Explorer” by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Eric Velasquez, 34 pages
Read aloud: age 6 and older.
Read yourself: age 7 to 8 and older.
Born in 1866, Matthew Henson knew he was not meant to lead an ordinary life. Henson longed to be an explorer; his dreams had sails.
At age 13, Henson signed on to a sailing vessel that took him to five continents, where he learned trades and foreign tongues. Later, Henson worked for naval officer Admiral Robert Peary. Peary’s aim was to be the first man to stand on the North Pole, and for nearly two decades, Henson worked tirelessly with Peary, surviving the Artic wilderness time and time again, and finally, on April 6, 1909, Henson, Peary and four Eskimos reached the North Pole and made history.
Beautifully written and illustrated, this story of one man’s courage and determination is inspirational.
“She Touched the World: Laura Bridgman, Deaf-Blind Pioneer” by Sally Hobart Alexander and Robert Alexander, 100 pages
Read aloud: age 8 and older.
Read yourself: 9 to 10 and older.
Fifty years before Helen Keller, there was Laura Bridgman; deaf, blind, and at the age of 12, world famous.
Bright and curious, Laura yearned to connect with the world around her. With the help of a doctor and great effort on her own part, Laura learned to communicate, read and write. Eventually, she learned to teach others.
Well written and extensively researched, this fascinating and inspiring biography clearly demonstrates hope and possibility, no matter what the circumstance.
Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children’s literature. She can be reached via e-mail: kendal@sunlink.net.
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