Several wonderful biographies were recently published. Here are some of my favorites. Enjoy!
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My Papa Diego and Me: Memories of My Father and His Art
Written by Guadalupe Rivera Marin
Artwork by Diego RiveraMany books have been written about Diego Rivera and his art. This one is different in that this is a remembrance of Diego Rivera from the life he shared with his daughter, Guadalupe Rivera Marín. The artwork are all Diego Rivera’s and the text is written in both English and Spanish. For those interested in Diego Rivera’s life and his artwork, this book would be a fabulous addition.
Order My Papa Diego and Me: Memories of My Father and His Art from Bookshop Santa Cruz
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Darwin
Written by Alice B. McGinty
Illustrated by Mary AzarianDarwin’s theory of evolution is still as controversial as when The Origin of the Species was published in 1859. With different sides still arguing the debate, what’s left in the shadow is the man Charles Darwin. Who was he? Was he interested in science his entire life? Did he know the impact of his theory of evolution?
This book is an introduction to the man, Charles Darwin. Sprinkled throughout the book are Darwin’s actual journal entries. The illustrations are wonderful accompaniment to the text.
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Noah Webster: Weaver of Words
Written by Pegi Deitz Shae
Illustrated by Monica VachulaTo say Noah Webster was an over achiever is an understatement. In addition to English, Noah Webster knew 25 languages, many of which he taught himself. He was the author of numerous books, as well as newspaper and magazine articles. Noah Webster wrote on a wide range of topics ranging from the abolition of slavery to stopping the spread of yellow fever. Of course what Noah Webster is most well known for is writing the first American English dictionary.
It took Noah Webster many years and visits to libraries in both France and England. When he was done, An American Dictionary of English Language was hailed the around the world where it was adopted as the official dictionary for the English language in United States, England, France, and Germany.
Because Webster had so many accomplishments, this book does feel like a whirlwind. But the author, Shea, does a good job at showcasing the ideas and passions that make up the man Noah Webster. An added bonus is that some of the people and situation Noah Webster interacts with gives the reader a good background into colonial America, American Revolution and the formation of the new government.
Order Noah Webster: Weaver of Words from Bookshop Santa Cruz
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Denied, Detained, Deported
Written by Ann Bausum
History books often show us the timeline of when groups of immigrants arrived in the United States. These groups of immigrants came from all over the world for a variety of reasons. The overall picture is that of a nation with open arms welcoming anyone who wanted to immigrate to the United States. For some immigrants this picture is an accurate one. For many others, the picture is like a palm tree in a desert, a mirage.
Denied, Detained, Deported is a great book to start conversations or debates on immigration. There are a few biographies to highlight different immigration scenarios. These personal biographies are the real gems of the book. However, statistics and history of the biographies give a broader picture of the situation.