Browse all books

Books in Picture-book Biography Series series

  • A Picture Book of Sacagawea

    David A. Adler, Dan Brown

    Paperback (Holiday House, Jan. 1, 2001)
    A concise look at the legendary Shoshone woman who led explorers Lewis and Clark on their route from the Dakotas to the Pacific Ocean. Born in the Rocky Mountains, Sacagawea was taken captive and held hundreds of miles away from home for years. When Meriwether Lewis and William Clark came through her new village, Sacagawea was offered as a guide since the explorers were heading toward Shoshone territory, where she was from. Pregnant with her first child and the only woman on the expedition, she accompanied them through the frigid winter of 1804-05 and gave birth to her son as the group traveled west. Her knowledge of the land, interpretation skills, and diplomatic manner were of great use to the team and helped ensure a successful voyage. This child friendly narrative of Sacagawea's intrepid life contains memorable facts, history, and context, accompanied by elegant illustrations. Back matter includes a timeline, author's note, and bibliography.
    P
  • A Picture Book of Florence Nightingale

    David A. Adler, John Wallner, Alexandra Wallner

    Paperback (Holiday House, May 14, 2019)
    The founder of modern nursing comes to life in this accessible biography for young readers. Born and raised in a wealthy family, no one expected Florence Nightingale to grow up to do dirty work. But she found her life's calling after witnessing firsthand the atrocious conditions at hospitals in the mid 1800s. Where everyone else saw unavoidable chaos, Florence saw opportunity for order. She developed strict standards of hygiene and established extensive nurse training. Her new systems significantly lowered death rates and revolutionized the healthcare landscape of her time. When she was thirty-eight years old, Florence contracted Crimean fever and remained homebound for the rest of her life. She continued to fight for nursing reform and sanitary conditions, working from her bed as she met distinguished guests and published papers. This informative entry in Adler's well-known series contains biography, facts, and history accompanied by charming illustrations.
    M
  • A Picture Book of Jesse Owens

    David A. Adler, Robert Casilla

    Paperback (Holiday House, May 14, 2019)
    Before Usain Bolt or Tyson Gay, Bob Beamon or Carl Lewis, Jesse Owens was perhaps the greatest and most famous athlete in track and field history. Jesse Owens was born on a farm to a large family with many siblings. His grandparents had been slaves, and his sharecropper parents were poor. But against all odds, Jesse went on to become one of the greatest athletes in history. He learned to run with such grace that people said he was a "floating wonder." After setting multiple world records as a college athlete, including three in less than an hour—"the greatest 45 minutes in sport"—Owens competed in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Adolf Hitler intended for the games to display Aryan superiority, but Jesse disrupted that plan. He became the first American track-and-field athlete to receive four Olympic gold medals and established his legacy as a hero in the face of prejudice. This child friendly entry in David A. Adler's well-known series contains an accessible mix of biography, facts, and history supported with lifelike illustrations. Back matter includes an author's note and a timeline.For almost thirty years, David Adler’s Picture Book Biography series has profiled famous people who changed the world. Colorful, kid-friendly illustrations combine with Adler’s “expert mixtures of facts and personality” (Booklist) to introduce young readers to history through compelling biographies of presidents, heroes, inventors, explorers, and adventurers. These books are ideal for first and second graders interested in history or who need reliable sources for school book reports.
    N
  • A Picture Book of Anne Frank

    David A. Adler, Karen Ritz

    Paperback (Holiday House, Jan. 1, 1993)
    A thoughtful and accessible look at the life of Anne Frank, author of Diary of a Young Girl and victim of the Holocaust. Anne and her Jewish family hid in a secret apartment in Amsterdam from 1942 through 1944, when they were discovered by the Nazis. During those harrowing years, Anne kept a diary with her innermost thoughts and fears. She later died in a German concentration camp, but her voice has inspired millions of children across the world through several generations. David A. Adler's biography series is a beloved classroom tool for introducing the lives of important figures in history. This entry addresses the difficult subject matter of the Holocaust in a way that children will understand. Backmatter includes a list of important dates and an author's note.For almost thirty years, David Adler’s Picture Book Biography series has profiled famous people who changed the world. Colorful, kid-friendly illustrations combine with Adler’s “expert mixtures of facts and personality” (Booklist) to introduce young readers to history through compelling biographies of presidents, heroes, inventors, explorers, and adventurers. These books are ideal for first and second graders interested in history or who need reliable sources for school book reports.
    R
  • A Picture Book of Frederick Douglass

    David A. Adler, Samuel Byrd

    Paperback (Holiday House, Jan. 1, 1993)
    Learn more about the incredible life of an escaped slave turned famous abolitionist, orator, journalist, and author. Born into slavery on a Maryland plantation, Frederick Douglass grew up to have a way with words. Contemporaries found it hard to believe that an escaped slave with no formal education could be so eloquent. Yet thousands turned out to hear him speak. A tireless advocate to end slavery, Douglass urged slaves to escape and revolt. He inspired many with his bestselling autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave. Later on, Douglass cemented his status as a pivotal figure in American history when he helped Abraham Lincoln issue the Emancipation Proclamation. He continued to fight for equality during Reconstruction and became the first African American to receive a vote for President of the United States in a major party's roll call vote. This accessible biography for children examines Douglass's amazing life with easy-to-understand facts and details, alongside elegant illustrations. Back matter includes a timeline and author's notes.For almost thirty years, David Adler’s Picture Book Biography series has profiled famous people who changed the world. Colorful, kid-friendly illustrations combine with Adler’s “expert mixtures of facts and personality” (Booklist) to introduce young readers to history through compelling biographies of presidents, heroes, inventors, explorers, and adventurers.
    M
  • A Picture Book of Benjamin Franklin

    David A. Adler, John Wallner, Alexandra Wallner

    Paperback (Holiday House, Sept. 11, 2018)
    Writer, printer, scientist, inventor, statesman, and youngest son in a family of seventeen children, Benjamin Franklin is considered one of our greatest Americans.Supported by colorful illustrations, Adler's biography brings to life one of America's founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin. Adler highlights Franklin's stunning accomplishments and his day-to-day life from his time as a young boy in Boston, Massachusetts through his role as the oldest delegate to the Constitutional Congress at the age of 81.A lifelong book lover and printer, Franklin poularized famous sayings like "haste makes waste" and "early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise" in his annual Poor Richard's Almanack. An energetic inventor and public servant, he created the Franklin stove and bifocal glasses and established the first lending library and hospital in America.Young readers looking for insight into one of America's greatest founders, will find inspiration while gaining understanding and appreciation of US colonial history.For almost thirty years, David Adler’s Picture Book Biography series has profiled famous people who changed the world. Colorful, kid-friendly illustrations combine with Adler’s “expert mixtures of facts and personality” (Booklist) to introduce young readers to history through compelling biographies of presidents, heroes, inventors, explorers, and adventurers. These books are ideal for first and second graders interested in history, or who need reliable sources for school book reports.
    M
  • Computer Decoder: Dorothy Vaughan, Computer Scientist

    Andi Diehn, Katie Mazeika

    Hardcover (Nomad Press, Sept. 10, 2019)
    A full-color picture book biography about Dorothy Vaughan, one of NASA’s first African American managers and one of the groundbreakers on the front line of electronic computing―includes hands-on STEM activities for an introduction to coding. Dorothy Vaughan loved things that made sense―especially numbers! In Computer Decoder: Dorothy Vaughan, Computer Scientist, elementary-aged children follow Dorothy’s journey from math teacher to human computer and beyond, a journey made difficult because she was an African American woman working during a time of segregation. Dorothy worked incredibly hard to meet the challenges that greeted her at every turn and rose to the level of supervisor, the first black supervisor in the history of her company! But another challenge awaited when a mechanical computer threatened to replace the teams of human computers. How will Dorothy figure out this problem? • In the Picture Book Biography series, children encounter real-life characters who are thrilled to learn and experiment, eager to make a difference, and excited about collaborating with team members. • Age-appropriate vocabulary, detailed illustrations, a timeline, simple STEM projects, such as coding a name on a bracelet, and a glossary all support foundational learning for kids ages 5 to 8. • Perfect for beginner readers or as a read aloud nonfiction picture book About Picture Book Biography books and Nomad Press Computer Decoder is part of a set of four books in the Picture Book Biography series that introduces pioneers of science to young children and makes career connections in different STEM fields. The other titles in this series include Fossil Huntress: Mary Leakey, Paleontologist; Human Computer: Mary Jackson, Engineer; and Space Adventurer: Bonnie Dunbar, Astronaut. Nomad Press books in the Picture Book Biography series bring real-world figures to life through fun, engaging narratives paired with dynamic, brightly colored illustrations and quick activities that reinforce foundational learning. Elementary-aged children are encouraged to expand their perceptions of the roles of scientist, artist, explorer, and innovator by meeting women, people of color, and other minorities in the profession. Nomad’s unique approach simultaneously grounds kids in factual knowledge while allowing them the space to be curious, creative, and critical thinkers. All books are leveled for Guided Reading level and Lexile and align with Common Core State Standards and National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies. All titles are available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats.
    M
  • A Picture Book of George Washington Carver

    David A. Adler, Dan Brown

    Paperback (Holiday House, Sept. 1, 2000)
    Born a slave, he became a leading scientist.This is the inspiring story of the pioneering African-American teacher, scientist, and artist. Carver is perhaps best known for his scientific work with peanuts and sweet potatoes (and for inventing peanut butter!), but Time magazine also called him the "Black Leonardo" for his painting. Adler tells of Carver's work at the Tuskegee Institute with Booker T. Washington, his hard childhood, and his determination to learn despite many obstacles,A man of deep faith, Carver worked throughout his life to create scientific discoveries that would improve the lives of Southerners--especially African Americans. The colorful illustrations show Carver in all stages of his life and give children insight to Carver's world.For almost thirty years, David Adler’s Picture Book Biography series has profiled famous people who changed the world. Colorful, kid-friendly illustrations combine with Adler’s “expert mixtures of facts and personality” (Booklist) to introduce young readers to history through compelling biographies of presidents, heroes, inventors, explorers, and adventurers. These books are ideal for first and second graders interested in history, or who need reliable sources for school book reports.
    O
  • A Picture Book of Thomas Alva Edison

    David A. Adler, John Wallner, Alexandra Wallner

    Paperback (Holiday House, Jan. 1, 1996)
    His inventions included the phonograph, light bulb, and movie camera.
    N
  • A Picture Book of Sam Houston

    David A. Adler, Michael S. Adler, Collins Matt

    Hardcover (Holiday House, Feb. 1, 2012)
    Sam Houston was a teacher, a lawyer, a war hero, and statesman. He is best known for defeating the Mexican Army in 1836 and establishing Texas as an independent nation. He served two terms as the president of the Republic of Texas and helped Texas to become the twenty-eighth state.
    M
  • A Picture Book of Christopher Columbus

    David A. Adler, John Wallner, Alexandra Wallner

    Paperback (Holiday House, Jan. 1, 1991)
    In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue... Born in Genoa, Italy, in 1451, Christopher Columbus dreamed of going to sea. He knew the earth was round, and planned a voyage west into the unknown waters of the Atlantic to reach the Indies. But it wasn't until he was 41 years old that Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain gave him the funds, the three ships, and the men to make a voyage. Even though Columbus never reached the Indies, he made a more important discovery. On October 12, 1492, he landed on an island southeast of Florida. Since he thought he had reached the Indies, he called the natives "Indians". Columbus made three more voyages and is credited with discovering the New World. For almost thirty years, David Adler’s Picture Book Biography series has profiled famous people who changed the world. Colorful, kid-friendly illustrations combine with Adler’s “expert mixtures of facts and personality” (Booklist) to introduce young readers to history through compelling biographies of presidents, heroes, inventors, explorers, and adventurers. These books are ideal for first and second graders interested in history or who need reliable sources for school book reports.
    M
  • A Picture Book of Rosa Parks

    David A. Adler, Robert Casilla

    Paperback (Holiday House, Jan. 1, 1993)
    Called "The Mother of the Civil Rights Movement," Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger.When she was arrested in December 1955, her act of civil disobedience sparked the year-long Mongomery bus boycott led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Across the city, African Americans refused to ride the public buses. This is considered the first large-scale US. demonstration against segregation. From Rosa Parks' early life through her activism and eventual honors, this fully-illustrated biography helps children understand the background and context that led Rosa Parks to fight for civil rights.Pura Belpré Honor-winning artist, Robert Casilla, gives life to history with his colorful paintings of Parks' story.Back matter includes author's note and timeline of important dates.For almost thirty years, David Adler’s Picture Book Biography series has profiled famous people who changed the world. Colorful, kid-friendly illustrations combine with Adler’s “expert mixtures of facts and personality” (Booklist) to introduce young readers to history through compelling biographies of presidents, heroes, inventors, explorers, and adventurers. These books are ideal for first and second graders interested in history or who need reliable sources for school book reports.
    P