All of the books listed in this bibliography are suitable, at least in part, for both teacher and upper elementary students. The problem with some is that the reading level may be too high for some students to navigate independently. All material contains maps, articles, diagrams, and/or drawings that enrich understanding for everyone.
Ruby Bridges
Bridges, Ruby and Marge Lundell (editor).
Through My Eyes
. New York: Scholastic Press, 1999. Contains historical information, photographs, and related quotes.
Coles, Robert.
The Story of Ruby Bridges
. New York: Scholastic Press, 1995. The author narrates the story of Ruby’s experiences beginning in Tylertown, Mississippi until her integration of Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans. Contains large colorful illustrations and vocabulary suitable for elementary grades. Most third and fourth graders could read this story independently.
Curtis, Christopher Paul.
The Watson’s Go to Birmingham-1963
. New York: Delacorte Press, 1995. This book follows an African American family from Flint, Michigan to Birmingham, Alabama where their lives intertwine with the 1963 bombing of a church in which four young African American girls were killed. Humorous and sensitive with a somewhat mystical ending.
Taylor, Mildred.
The Gold Cadillac
. New York: Bantam Skylark, 1987. An African American family driving from Chicago to Mississippi in a fancy new Cadillac faces the anger and hatred which their new car attracts from much of the rural population.
“A Class of One.” Online Newshour, February 18,1997. pbs.org/newshour/bb/race_relations/jan-june97/bridges_2-18html This transcript of an interview by Charlayne Hunter-Gault with Ruby Bridges Hall reveals things Ruby was feeling back in 1960 and during the years that followed. Copy of famous Norman Rockwell painting of Ruby is included.
“Forty years later, Ruby Bridges still fighting racism in schools” CNN.com. U.S. News, November 14, 2000. cnn.com/2000/US/11/14/ruby bridges.ap/ Quotes and factual material bring us up-to-date on Ruby’s life, along with insights into her feelings regarding the past and present.
Ryan White
Geballe, Shelly, Janice Gruendel, and Warren Andiman.
Forgotten Children of the AIDS Epidemic
. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1995. Besides containing pieces of writing and artwork from children whose lives have been affected by AIDS, this book contains information which should be valuable to the teacher.
Korum, Kathy and Julie Hladky.
Building Blocks: An AIDS Curriculum Guide for Early Elementary Educators
. Washington, DC: American National Red Cross, 1991. Contains plans and related materials for teaching the basics about AIDS.
Mouloussamy-Ashe, Jeanne.
Daddy and Me
. New York: Alfred Knopf, 1993. This is a book that attracts student attention. Contains photographs of Arthur Ashe and his daughter taken by his wife. A narration by his daughter accompanies the pictures.
White, Ryan and AnnMarie Cunningham (contributor).
Ryan White: My Own Story
. New York: Horn Book, 1992. Main source for information presented about Ryan White.
“Unaids--A Joint UN Program on HIV/AIDS.” www.unaids.org/ This site contains current information HIV/AIDS as a worldwide threat to health.
Anne Frank
Frank, Anne.
Anne Frank The Diary of a Young Girl
. New York: Bantom Books, 1952. Anne’s diary entries follow her life from June 14, 1942 until her final entry on August 1, 1944. An Afterword contains facts concerning Anne’s death and the publishing of her diary.
Lewis, Brenda Ralph.
The Story of Anne Frank
. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 2001. An easy to read account of Anne Frank’s life. Almost all third and fourth graders could handle the reading level.
Mager, Susan.
Teaching the Diary of Anne Frank
. New York: Scholastic Press, 1998. Though aimed at grade five and up, this book contains ideas that can be modified for younger students. Filled with a wide variety of supplemental material.
Muller, Melissa.
Anne Frank the biography
. New York: Henry Holt, 1998. Narrates the life of Anne Frank. Draws on what the author says is new information from family and friends. Sections provide interesting supplements to simpler texts.
Vander, Rol Ruud and Rian Verhoeven.
Anne Frank Beyond the Diary
. New York: Puffin Books, 1995. Combines excerpts from Anne’s diary with photographs, maps, diagrams, documents, and comments from friends and family.
Video Material
Anne Frank-The Whole Story
. Disney Studios, 2001.
Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt
. San Francisco, CA: Telling Pictures Inc., and the Names Project Foundation, 1989.
Important to lesson on “survivors’ quilt.”
Jeanne White--Ryan White’s Legacy
. Victories Series, Nineteenth Star, 1996. Ryan White’s mother, Jeanne, tells her personal story of Ryan’s “survival.”
The Ryan White Story
. MTV, 1989.
The Story of Ruby Bridges
. Disney Studios, 1995.