Books with author Terry Barber

Maria Tallchief is specifically written to meet the needs of adolescents and adults who are reluctant readers. The photographs, maps, and illustrations reflect the text, making the words easy to decode. This high-interest, low-vocabulary biography is ideal for English as a Second Language or adult basic education students. Maria Tallchief (1925-2013) was a famous prima ballerina. Born to a father from the Osage tribe and a mother with Scottish and Irish heritage, Maria Tallchief discovered her passion for ballet at the age of three. At 17, she moved to New York City, where she studied under and then married George Balanchine. Her dedication and hard work resulted in a style of dance that dazzled audiences around the world. Maria Tallchief retired from dance at the age of 40, but continued to support and inspire young ballerinas until her death at age 88.

This biography of Malala is a high-interest, low-vocabulary book for adolescents and adults with limited literacy skills. Malala (1997 - ) was lucky. Her parents knew the value of an education for both boys and girls, so Malala was sent to school and excelled. Today, Malala is known world-wide as the young Pakistani girl who bravely spoke up in support of female education. In spite of a near-fatal attack by a Taliban supporter who shot her in the head, Malala continues to be a determined voice for young girls striving to get an education. In 2014, at the age of 17, Malala was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, the youngest person ever to achieve the prestigious award.

This biography of Muhammad Ali is a high-interest, low-vocabulary book for adolescents and adults with limited literacy skills. Muhammad Ali (1942-2016) brought unprecedented speed and grace to the sport of boxing. The phrase “floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee” comes to mind when we think of Ali. Sports Illustrated named him "Sportsman of the Century." In 2005, he received the United States of America's highest civil award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

This biography of Clara Hughes is a high-interest, low-vocabulary book for adolescents and adults with limited literacy skills. Clara Hughes (1972 - ) was on a risky path as a teenager. Watching the Olympic Games in 1988 changed her life. She was inspired to go for gold. Although she began training as a speed skater, her coach encouraged her to pursue cycling. Clara excelled at cycling and won Olympic medals. However, she went back to her original dream of speed skating and won Olympic medals in that sport as well. She was the first athlete to compete in and win medals in both the Summer and Winter Olympics. Clara decided to give back by working with youth at risk and providing opportunities for children to play sports. She currently dedicates her time to raising awareness about mental health issues such as depression, which she herself has struggled with in the past.

This biography of Louis Riel is a high-interest, low-vocabulary book for adolescents and adults with limited literacy skills. Riel (1844-1885) was born into a French Métis family. As English settlers began arriving to Red River, the home of the Métis, Riel, acting as leader, fought for and won some rights for the Métis, who were worried that they were going to lose their farmland to the settlers. As leader of the Red River Resistance and later the North-West Rebellion, Riel was found guilty of treason against Canada and hanged, in spite of turning himself in. Today, many people think of Louis Riel as a hero. Some think he was a traitor.

Dalai Lama is specifically written to meet the needs of adolescents and adults who are reluctant readers. The photographs, maps, and illustrations reflect the text, making the words easy to decode. This high-interest, low-vocabulary is ideal for English as a Second Language or adult basic education students. The Dalai Lama is the spiritual and political leader of the Tibetan people. His Holiness often says, "I am just a simple Buddhist monk—no more, no less."

This biography about Mahatma Gandhi is a high-interest, low-vocabulary book for adolescents and adults with limited literacy skills. Gandhi (1869-1948) became one of the most respected political and spiritual leaders of the 1900s. He lived a spiritual and simple life of prayer, fasting, and meditation. Gandhi helped free the Indian people from British rule through nonviolent resistance. The Indian people called Gandhi “Mahatma,” meaning Great Soul. Lexile Level: 490L