Category: Nonfiction

Neo Leo: The Ageless Ideas of Leonardo Da Vinci

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In 1781, Thomas Paine came up with a model for a single-span bridge; in 1887, Adolf Eugen Fickmade the first pair of contact lenses; and in 1907, Paul Cornu built the first helicopter. But Leonardo da Vinci thought of all these ideas more than five hundred years ago!

At once an artist, inventor, engineer, and scientist, da Vinci wrote and drew detailed descriptions of what would later become hang gliders, automobiles, robots, and much more.

Innovation

Nonficton

AR Reading Level 5.4

AR Point .5

Word Count 1096

Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille

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Louis Braille was just five years old when he lost his sight. He was a clever boy, determined to live like everyone else, and what he wanted more than anything was to be able to read.

Even at the school for the blind in Paris, there were no books for him.

And so he invented his own alphabet—a whole new system for writing that could be read by touch. A system so ingenious that it is still used by the blind community today.


Adaptability, Cleverness, Courage, Creativity, Critical Thinking-Problem Solving, Innovation, Optimism, Patience, Perseverance, Self Confidence and Self Control

Nonfiction

AR Reading Level 3.3

AR Point .5

Word Count 1763

The Marvelous Thing That Came From a Spring – The Accidental Invention of the Toy That Swept the Nation

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It took the teamwork of a dreamer and a planner to turn an ordinary spring into a truly marvelous thing!

With magnificent dioramic illustrations, Gilbert Ford captures the joy, creativity, and determination behind the invention of an iconic, one-of-a-kind toy: the Slinky!

One day, a spring fell from the desk of Richard James, an engineer and a dreamer. Its coils took a walk…and so did Richard’s imagination. He knew right away that he had stumbled onto something marvelous.

With the help of his wife, Betty, Richard took this ordinary spring and turned it into a plaything. But it wasn’t just any old trinket—it was a Slinky, and it would become one of the most popular toys in American history.

Creativity and Teamwork

Nonfiction

AR Reading Level 4.2

AR Point .5

Word Count 685

 

 

The Bravest Woman in America

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Ida Lewis loved everything about the sea, so when her father became the official keeper of Lime Rock Lighthouse in Newport, Rhode Island, she couldn’t imagine anything better.

Throughout the years, Ida shadowed her father as he tended the lighthouse, listening raptly to his stories about treacherous storms, drowning sailors, and daring rescues. Under her father’s watchful eye, she learned to polish the lighthouse lens so the light would shine bright.  She learned to watch the sea for any sign of trouble. And, most importantly, she learned to row.

Ida felt ready for anything—and she was.

Award-winning author Marissa Moss pairs up with award-winning illustrator Andrea U’Ren in a stunning collaboration that sheds light on a remarkable piece of history. Based on the true story of Ida Lewis, who was dubbed “the Bravest Woman in America” and who was recognized with the Congressional Life Saving Medal and the American Cross of Honor, this inspiring and unforgettable tale of courage and real-life heroism is a tribute to brave women everywhere.

Courage, Perseverance, and Responsibility

Nonfiction

AR Book Level 4.5

AR Point .5

Word Count 1289

 

Goliath: Hero of the Great Baltimore Fire

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In 1904 the city of Baltimore was almost destroyed by fire. Hundreds of firemen, policemen, soldiers, and citizens battled the blaze for three days. The disaster brings out the best in man and the bravest of deeds, but one hero stands head and shoulders above all…literally. Goliath is a fire horse assigned to Engine Company 15. He is massive in size and mighty in heart and steadfastness. To the men of Engine Company 15, Goliath is the ultimate fire horse. He is the lead horse for the team assigned to pulling the mammoth Hale Water Tower No. 1. When the fire alarm sounds, calling them to action, Goliath leads his team into the blaze. Soon his lifesaving actions will lead him into the pages of history. Masterful artwork from acclaimed illustrator Troy Howell brings this true story to pulse-pounding life. Educator Claudia Friddell says of her work researching Goliath, “It was a privilege to meet and interview firefighters and fire historians about the Baltimore Fire of 1904.” Goliath is her first children’s book. Claudia lives in Baltimore, Maryland. Artist Troy Howell has had a prolific career as a children’s book illustrator with countless books to his credit, including The Secret Garden, The Ugly Duckling, and Favorite Greek Myths. He received his formal art education from the Art Center in Los Angeles and the Illustrators’ Workshops in New York. Troy lives in Falmouth, Virginia.

 

Courage

Nonfiction

AR Book Level 4.8

AR Point .5

Word Count 1594

 

Little Dog Lost

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little-dog-lost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On a cold winter day, a curious dog wandered onto a frozen river, and before he knew it he was traveling fast on a sheet of ice. Many people tried to help, but the dog could not be reached. Finally, after two nights and seventy-five miles, the little dog was saved by a ship out in the Baltic Sea.

The gallant rescue of the little dog nicknamed Baltic made international news. Mônica Carnesi’s simple text and charming watercolor illustrations convey all the drama of Baltic’s journey. His story, with its happy ending, will warm readers’ hearts. An author’s note and map are included.

 

Courage and Kindness

Nonfiction

AR Reading Level 1.5

AR Point .5

Word Count 343

 

 

 

 

Finding Winnie ~ The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear

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In 1914, Harry Colebourn, a veterinarian on his way to tend horses in World War I, followed his heart and rescued a baby bear. He named her Winnie, after his hometown of Winnipeg, and he took the bear to war.

Harry Colebourn’s real-life great-granddaughter tells the true story of a remarkable friendship and an even more remarkable journey–from the fields of Canada to a convoy across the ocean to an army base in England…

And finally to the London Zoo, where Winnie made another new friend: a real boy named Christopher Robin.

Before Winnie-the-Pooh, there was a real bear named Winnie. And she was a girl!
Kindness
Nonfiction
AR Reading Level 3.4
AR Point .5
Word Count 1525