It has been a while since I reviewed books solely for reviewing books. After the month long posts of books vs movies, I am getting back to my regular routine, slowly. Today’s featured books are little guides to great people – a perfect introduction for young readers to history’s important, impactful figures!

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Anne Frank: Little Guides to Great Lives

Description

Anne Frank was an ordinary girl living in extraordinary times. Forced to go into hiding to escape the Nazis’ persecution of Jews in World War II, Anne kept a diary that would become one of the most famous books in the world.

Meet one of history’s most inspiring figures in this beautifully-illustrated guide to her amazing life.

From artists to aviators and scientists to revolutionaries, Little Guides to Great Lives is a brand new series of small-format guides introducing children to the most inspirational figures from history in a fun, accessible way.

My Thoughts

Anne Frank is one of those who makes frequent appearances on my blog. She was my inspiration for starting a journal of my own as a child, and I addressed my diary just like Anne did; only, I named my diary Katy (after another childhood favorite)

Anne Frank’s story is one that is difficult to tell and to read about; but yet one that is truly important and needs to be told and read.

This advanced picture book summarizes Anne’s story to the essentials, while being accurate, appropriate and interesting for the intended audience. Isabel Thomas’s rendition of Anne Frank’s story is simply beautiful.

Paola Escobar’s illustrations are simple yet eye-catching despite or because of the minimalistic color-scheme. They also add great value to the story by including details that provide more information to the reader.

I loved the timeline included at the end of the book; and also appreciated that the words included in the glossary are underlined in the book itself for easy reference.

In Summary

This book will be a great addition to libraries of young readers everywhere and I’m looking forward to reading more books from this series.

It will definitely inspire young readers to learn more about Anne and the events that led her to fulfilling her dream (though she did not live to know that she had achieved it)- in her own words below –

“I don’t want to have lived in vain like most people. I want to be useful or bring enjoyment to all people, even those I’ve never met. I want to go on living even after my death! And therefore I am grateful to God for this gift, this possibility of developing myself and of writing, of expressing all that is in me. I can shake off everything if I write; my sorrows disappear; my courage is reborn. But, and that is the great question, will I ever be able to write anything great, will I ever become a journalist or a writer?”

Rating: A
Reading Level: 7 – 11 years

Mahatma Gandhi: Little People, Big Dreams

Description

New in the Little People, Big Dreams series, discover the life of Mohandas Gandhi, the father of India, in this true story of his life. As a young teenager in India, Gandhi led a rebellious life and went against his parents’ values. But as a young man, he started to form beliefs of his own that harked back to the Hindu principles of his childhood. Gandhi began to dream of unity for all peoples and religions. Inspired by this idea, he led peaceful protests to free India from British rule and unite the country—ending violence and unfair treatment. His bravery and free-thinking made him one of the most iconic people of peace in the world, known as ‘Mahatma’ meaning ‘great soul’. 

With innovative illustrations and extra facts at the back, this empowering series celebrates the important life stories of wonderful people of the world.

My Thoughts

I have read a few of the LPDB books already and enjoyed each and every one of them. This book is another one worthy of the series. Mahatma Gandhi was (one of) the first great leaders we grew up knowing. Initially, it thrilled us that we had a holiday on his birthday, and later we learned to respect and honor the day.

This book, like the others in the series, tells us the story of the featured person. It does so with the perfect combination of easy to understand language for the early reader, details and facts that relay the salient information about the Mahatma (with focus on his message of peace and his path to it), and colorful, bright illustrations that appeal to the eye. The recurring appearance of the messenger of peace – a pigeon – across the pages is a quaint and clever touch!

In Summary

This simplified (to be expected with intended target audience) yet elegant introduction to Mahatma Gandhi is a good addition to the series; and to classroom libraries.

Rating: B+
Reading Level: 6 – 10 years

Disclaimer: Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital review copy of the little guides featured today. All opinions are my own.

Both books go towards It’s Monday! What are you Reading? KidLit hosted over at TeachMentorTexts. Join in and check the other links to find fascinating new reads and discover wonderful older ones too.