Great Men & Women - Jackie Robinson Easy Readers & Chapter Books

Jackie Robinson

The first black baseball player in the majors, Jackie Robinson broke down racial barriers. He showed that color had nothing to do with the ability to perform, and that it is possible for one man to change the course of history. As President Bush said when Robinson was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal; "His story is one that shows what one person can do to hold America to account to its founding promise of freedom and equality."

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***note that this is an older list that we have updated with sample pages. 

JACKIE ROBINSON
(First Biographies)
by Lola M. Schaefer

4.8 STARS from 5 GoodReaders
 

I use this series with my children as a first introduction to historic characters. There's always a time-line, photos or drawings on every other page, and just enough information that even young children aren't overwhelmed. SEE my review on Thomas Edison to see an example of the format. 
Reading Information:

Word Count: 235
Page Count: 24
Accelerated Reading level: 2.4 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 61705

• Publisher: Pebble Books (July 2002)
• ISBN-10: 0736894128

JACKIE ROBINSON 
(Rookie Biographies)
by Wil Mara

4.14 STARS from 21 GoodReaders

Another brief introduction to this famous sports figure.

Word Count: 316
Page Count: 32
Accelerated Reading level: 2.8 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 86459
Lexile: 390L
Common Core Recommended

• Publisher: Children's Press
• ISBN-10: 0516273361
• sample pages available

JACKIE ROBINSON: Young Sports Trailblazer
(Childhood of Famous Americans)
by Herb Dunn

4.13 STARS from 45 GoodReaders

Although there's a timeline and TOC this is a fictionalized biography.  Note that there is a lot of text.

Word Count: 20,633
Page Count: 192
Accelerated Reading level: 5.2 / points: 3.0
AR quiz: 45122
Lexile: 690L

• Publisher: Aladdin (1999)
• ISBN-10: 068982453X
• sample pages available

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You might also be interested in:

• Topic: BASEBALL!  -- Books at the FIRST GRADE reading level
  So many books that we have two pages!
  -- Part 1 of 2  (books from AR 1.0 to AR 1.5)
  -- Part 2 of 2  (books from AR 1.6 to AR 1.9)

• Jackie Robinson - Baseball great -- an assortment of reading levels
• MATT CHRISTOPHER Sports Books at the 3rd GRADE reading level

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For other books on important men and women in the Equal Rights movement, see our Index.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. for Second Grade readers - PART 1 of 2

These books about Martin Luther King, Jr.  and MLK Day are for children reading at the 2nd Grade level.

Because the list was long, it has been divided into sections.  Books from AR 2.0 thru 2.5 are on this list.  The second part of this list features books from AR 2.6 to 2.9.

**all ratings from GoodReads 

 









Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
(Our Country's Holidays)
WEEKLY READER
by Sheri Dean

Two covers for this one.  (I like the newer one which is on the left).  The big advantage to this one is that it's available in Spanish too!

No look inside available for this book, and no reviews.

Reading Information:
Word Count: 198
Page Count: 24
Accelerated Reading level: 2.0 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 104604

spanish
Dia De Martin Luther King, Jr.

• Paperback: 24 pages
• Publisher: Weekly Reader Early Learning; Bilingual edition (2005)
• ISBN-10: 0836865278

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
(National Holidays)
by Helen Frost

Capstone Press frequently falters in it's production quality and this is apparently 'one of those books'. The one review available for this book is very negative. It appears that the images were not well chosen and were confusing. If you click through to Amazon you can see what Pamela K. Bomboy, of Chesterfield County Public Schools in Virginia (syndicated by Reed) has to say.

Reading Information:
Word Count: 153
Page Count: 24
Accelerated Reading level: 2.0 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 36815
Lexile: 330L

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
(First Step Nonfiction)
by Robin Nelson

I like this little book, but definitely think that there are issues present here that you need to discuss with children.  The second sample page is an example.  It can be very hurtful, or children can miss the point entirely.  I tend to describe these hurtful actions as being bullying since this is something most young children understand.

Word Count: 240
Page Count: 24
Accelerated Reader:  2.1 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 66879
--sample pages available

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
(Holidays and Festivals)
by Rebecca Rissman

It means to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and shows them why this holiday is special.

Word Count: 275
Page Count: 24
Accelerated Reader:  2.1 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 137332
Lexile: 300L

Spanish
Día de Martin Luther King, Jr. (Fiestas)


Martin Luther King Jr. Day  
(Ready-to-Read. Level 1)
by Margaret McNamara

GoodReads Rating: 4.12 stars — 8 ratings

This is a cute book for younger children that presents Dr. King as a man with a dream and a man to emulate.

In the story a class of first graders visits a museum where they see a statue of the civil right's leader. They learn that Dr. King had a vision for how the world could be made a better place. And when the children get back to class their teacher asks them what their dreams are. The children draw pictures of things like 'no fighting' on the playground, and universal good health. Here's a sample page. (If you click on the image, most browsers will make it large enough to read.)


Very upbeat. Very focused on the future and what children might accomplish themselves.

Reading Information:
Word Count: 248
Page Count: 32
Accelerated Reading level: 2.2 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 120171
Lexile: 600L
--This book is eligible for Amazon's 4-for-3 promotion.

A Lesson for Martin Luther King, Jr.
(Ready-to-read COFA)
by Denise Lewis Patrick
Rodney S. Pate (Illustrator)

A sad tale, but one that helps children understand Mr. King's motivation.  The story is about how one day he discovers that his friend's father won't let the boys play together anymore because of the color of Martin's skin.

Common Core Aligned
Word Count: 484
Page Count: 32
Accelerated Reader:  2.2 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 75356
Lexile: 440L

Max Celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
by Adria F. Worsham

There is a special school assembly for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 

Word Count: 174
Page Count: 24
Accelerated Reader: 2.2 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 122723
Lexile: 680L

Martin's Dream
(Ready-to-Reads)
by Jane Kurtz
Amy June Bates (Illustrator)

3.64 STARS from 11 GoodReaders

The author presents Martin's famous speech in terms that young children can enjoy. 

Common Core Suggested
Word Count: 218
Page Count: 32
Accelerated Reading level: 2.3 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 128885
Lexile: NC660L

Martin Luther King, Jr.
(My First Biography)
by Marion Dane Bauer

4.04 STARS from 26 GoodReaders

Very simple language.  This book focuses not only on Martin Luther King, Jr. but the times he lived in and the importance of equality.

Common Core Aligned
Reading Information:
Word Count: 220
Page Count: 32
Accelerated Reading level: 2.3 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 139524
Lexile: 670L

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
by MC Hall

This book uses a poem to describe the MLK Day.

Word Count: 288
Page Count:24
Accelerated Reader: 2.3 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 138824

Martin Luther King, Jr.
(Famous Americans)
by Lola M. Schaefer

Simple text and photographs.

Word Count: 291
Page Count: 24
Accelerated Reader:  2.5 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 31813
Lexile: 420L

You might also be interested in:

• Martin Luther King, Jr. -- First Grade Readers

•  Martin Luther King, Jr. -- Second Grade readers

• 6 Great Books About Martin Luther King, Jr.

• Civil Rights for Kids

compiled by GoodBooksforKids Staff

HIP-HOP - books at the 2nd Grade reading level about Hip-Hop Musicians!

These little biographies from Gareth Stevens Publishing are all at the 2nd Grade reading level.  I created a list featuring them because I think it's important to provide a wide range of reading material to children so that they can discover that books aren't just about George Washington and seeds and hibernation, but also about topics that are of special interest to them.

These books contain no objectionable material, and take an upbeat approach to their subjects.  The albums and businesses that the stars have created are discussed, as well as some of the other stars that they have worked with.

All are 32 pages long. 

All have a glossary and index at the back.

And the ones that I have read have a table of contents at the beginning.

The format has full page color photos on right-hand pages, with simple, large text on the left. 

RIHANNA
by Ella Rose

4.5 Stars from 2 GoodReaders

This biography is the simplest on the list.  My local library doesn't have it on the shelves so I can't give specific recommendations.

Word Count: 362
Accelerated Reading level: 2.2 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 148788


USHER
by Therese Shea

This is an excellent little biography for young readers.  When compared to the ALICIA KEYS book, it contains more text, as well as more actual biographical information.

Table of Contents:
Just Usher
Becoming a Star
Singing and Acting

Timeline
For More Information
Glossary
Index

I'll note that the timeline is NOT presented as a line, but rather as a list of years with summations of events related to that year.  Example: 1978  Usher Raymond IV is born on October 14 in Dallas, Texas.

It should also be noted that the 'more information' books are at a MUCH higher reading level: AR 6, 7, 8.

Here's some sample text, along with some sample pages.

Usher is the king of R&B music.
His full name is Usher Raymond IV.
The "IV" means "4".

Word Count: 288
Accelerated Reading level: 2.3 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 141492


QUEEN LATIFAH
by Michou Kennon

Word Count: 300
Accelerated Reading level: 2.3 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 141490  
  

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE
by Max Q. Maimone

Word Count: 264
Accelerated Reading level: 2.3 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 141488

JAY-Z
by Roman P. Nacerous

This book about JAY-Z is similar to the one about USHER. It has more text --when compared to the Alicia Keys book- and it features more actual biographical information.  Generally, two lines per page.

Here's some sample text and pages:

At Def Jam, Jay-Z helped young
hip-hop artists. Rihanna was one of
Jay-Z's new Stars.

As you can see, the company names and star names are a bit challenging. But it's likely that children interested in these stars will quickly learn the names.

Word Count: 262
Accelerated Reading level: 2.3 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 141487  


BEYONCE
by Michou Kennon

4.2 Stars from 4 GoodReaders

Word Count: 248
Accelerated Reading level: 2.3 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 141486


ALICIA KEYS
by Molly Shea

Out of the three books that I was able to find and review, this one on Alicia Keys is my least favorite.  What I liked was that it was very simple, and simple can be good if a new reader is intimidated by a page full of text. 

What I didn't like was that there was little actual biographical information. And some of the information that was presented seemed unimportant and out of place.  Here's an example of what I mean:

Alicia's piano teacher was named
Miss Aziza.  Miss Aziza wrote songs.

Not a great book... but a useful one.  I would give it 3-Stars.

Word Count: 248
Accelerated Reading level: 2.3 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 141485


KANYE WEST
by Ethan Grucella

Word Count: 362
Accelerated Reading level: 2.4 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 148787

  
BLACK EYED PEAS
by Molly Shea

4.6 Stars from 5 GoodReaders

Word Count: 280
Accelerated Reading level: 2.4 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 141491


EMINEM
by Roman O'Sorus

3.75 Stars from 4 GoodReaders

Word Count: 361
Accelerated Reading level: 2.5 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 148786 


DRAKE
by Robert Kennedy

Word Count: 359
Accelerated Reading level: 2.5 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 148785


CIARA
by Maeve Griffin

Word Count: 312
Accelerated Reading level: 2.5 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 148784


SNOOP DOGG
by Kevin Shea

Word Count: 380
Accelerated Reading level: 2.6 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 148790


MARY J. BLIGE
by Sofia Z. Maimone

Word Count: 279
Accelerated Reading level: 2.6 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 141489


compiled by Pam

NELSON MANDELA - biographies at the 4th Grade level

Nelson grew into a young man
and attended fine schools
in the golden city of Johannesburg,
where Africans were poor
and powerless.
Nelson became a lawyer
and defended those
who could not defend themselves.
-- Kadir Nelson

Truly, Nelson Mandela was an amazing man. 


LEARNING ABOUT FORGIVENESS FROM THE LIFE OF NELSON MANDELA
(Modern-Day Heroes)
by Jeanne Strazzabosco

There are some advantages to this short 4th grade level book.  At 24 pages it will be a quick read that will introduce readers to the South African man who went from village to jail to the Presidency.

Jerry D. Flack, University of Colorado, a reviewer for the School Library Journal assures us that though the emphasis is on Mandela's remarkable character, that the book isn't preachy.  He writes, "Strazzabosco reveals the essential facts and drama of this Nobel Peace Prize-winner's life without preaching or being didactic. She infers rather than dictates that Mandela is a hero worthy of emulation."

Word Count: 883
Page Count:  24
Accelerated Reading level: 4.1 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 15058
Reading Counts:  3.8 / points:2.0
Lexile: 730L


NELSON MANDELA
(Graphic Biographies)
by Kerri O'Hern and  Gini Holland
D. McHargue (Illustrator)

This book has the advantage of being available in both English and Spanish.  It's also a graphic novel.

Word Count: 1,734
Page Count:  32
Accelerated Reading level: 4.5 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 104631

NELSON MANDELA (Spanish)
Word Count: 2,014
Accelerated Reading level: 4.9 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 104631

THE STORY OF NELSON MANDELA
by James Riordan

This book tells the story of Mandela's months on the run from the police, his refusal to agree with apartheid, and his final release from prison, when he became President Mandela.

And for whatever reason this book has fallen into obscurity.  Had to dig to find a bookcover.  No reviews or other information available.

Word Count:  3515
Page Count: 48
Accelerated Reading level: 4.5 / points: 1.0
AR quiz: 52108
  

NELSON MANDELA : The Life Of An African Statesman
by Rob Shone
Neil Reed (Illustrator)

An interesting illustrated approach.  

Word Count: 5,064
Page Count: 48
Accelerated Reading level: 4.5 / points: 1.0
AR quiz: 111705

NELSON MANDELA
by Kadir Nelson

**Starred Review** Kirkus
**Starred Review** PublishersWeekly

4.19 Stars from 193 GoodReaders

Large, powerful photos add punch to this dramatic story.   I recommend you click through and view the sample pages at amazon.  This one would be a good addition to classroom shelves.

“Rolihlahla played barefooted
on the grassy hills of Qunu.
He fought boys with sticks
and shot birds with slingshots.
The smartest Madiba child of thirteen,
he was the only one chosen for school.
His new teacher would not say his Xhosa name.
She called him Nelson instead.”

Word Count: 1,351
Page Count:  40
Accelerated Reading level: 4.8 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 156060
Reading Counts:  4.3 / points:1.0
Lexile: 700L
--sample pages available


NELSON MANDELA
by Judith Pinkerton Josephson

4.2 Stars from 5 GoodReaders

This biography features drawings and photographs. 

Table of Contents

A Village Boyhood
The Countryboy Wears Boots
The Struggle Begins
Fighting for Freedom
Ten Thousand Days in Prison
At Last, Freedom!

Timeline
Life After Prison
Further Reading
Websites
Select Bibliography
Index

Reading Information:
Word Count: 3,776
Page Count: 48
Accelerated Reading level: 4.9 / points: 1.0
AR quiz: 128487
Reading Counts:  4.7 / points:4.0
Lexile: 770L
--sample pages available



For book(s) about Nelson Mandela at the 2nd Grade level, click here.
For book(s) about Nelson Mandela at the 3rd Grade level, click here.

compiled by GoodBooksforKids