Informational Books

Bartoletti, S. (2005). Hitler youth: growing up in hitler’s shadow. New York: Scholastic.

This information book recounts the horror and atrocities of World War II through the eyes of the youth that experienced it. The book follows the war through the experiences of members of the Hitler Youth, those that resisted the Nazis and those that were targeted by the Nazis. The book has authentic photos and includes author’s note, timeline, and an epilogue of those that were featured in the book.

Genre: information

Suggested Grade Level(s): 5-8

Awards: Newbery Honor, Sibert Honor

Kerley, B. ( 2004). Walt whitman: words for America. (B. Selznick Illus.) New York:

Scholastic.

This biographical picture book tells the story of American poet Walt Whitman. The story begins with twelve-year-old Whitman being a printer’s apprentice and having a love for words. The story gives insight into Whitman’s love for America and the beginning of his career as a poet. The reader experiences the Civil War in Whitman’s eyes and is witness to the contributions Whitman made for his country during the Civil War. The beautiful paintings add to the beauty of Whitman’s story and poems. Included is a detailed author’s note and poems.

Genre: information

Suggested Grade Level(s): 3-6

Awards: ALA Notable

Murphy, J. (2003). An American plague: the true and terrifying story of the yellow fever

epidemic of 1793. New York: Clarion.

This book chronicles the outbreak of the Yellow Fever Epidemic in Philadelphia in 1793. Told in descriptive narrative, the author takes the reader through the panic the people faced, the conditions of the city, the attempt the government made to control the epidemic, beliefs and practices the doctors used to treat the disease, and the heroes that helped the city recover from the plague.

Genre: Information

Suggested Grade Level(s): 5-8

Awards: Newbery Honor

Sis, Peter, (2007). The wall: growing up behind the iron curtain. New York: Farrar,

Straus and Girooux.

This book gives the history of the Communist Party’s control over Czechoslovakia and the impact it had on its people. As the author describes the history, he also shares his own experiences, dreams, and fears growing up at this time in Czechoslovakia. The author also includes entries from his childhood journal. Through intricate drawings and tidbits of information, the reader can easily understand the significance of the Iron

Curtain in world history.

Genre: autobiography picture book

Suggested Grade Level(s): 3-6

Awards: Sibert medal, Caldecott Honor, ALA Notable