You probably notice that I often share picture books on this blog. That’s because I believe picture books are the most versatile, powerful and memorable books that you can share with youngsters. I also know from experience that picture books span the ages. Over the course of my life as a mother, grandmother and educator, I have share hundreds of picture books with everyone from babies all the way up to graduate students in college. Sometimes, I even read a picture book to my husband. A week or so ago, I read Henry’s Freedom Box, by Ellen Levine aloud to Mike after dinner. From the start this biographical picture book grabbed his attention and he was shocked to hear how Henry escaped slavery. Picture books blend brevity, variety, concise language and illustrations that make them my pick for the best way to whet an appetite for reading. Today, I’ll share three biographical picture books that I recently read and heartily recommend.

In honor of March Madness, you may want to share Hoop Genius, How a Desperate Teacher and a Rowdy Gym Class invented Basketball with your kids. I suspect many basketball fans do not know the name of the person that created this popular sport nor the circumstances that piqued his creativity. Folks of every age will enjoy the bold illustrations and interesting story of how James Naismith invented the game of basketball back in 1891. Don’t miss the back of the cover and it’s opposite page where you’ll find a facsimile of the the first rules, signed by Naismith. This timely book is a winner and would make a great gift for a young basketball fan.

Did you ever hear of Mary Walker? Neither did I until I read The Oldest Student, How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard & Oge Mora. Mary Walker was born into slavery. This is an inspirational story of an amazing woman who never gave up. I would especially recommend this to anyone who is reluctant to read or says, “I hate reading.” You can’t read this book and not develop an appreciation for the ability to read.

With all the controversy over vaccines going on, I couldn’t bypass Thank you, Dr. Salk by John Coy when I spied it on the library shelf. Jonas Salk was a quiet boy who lived during the early years of the polio pandemic. What he experienced as a youth planted a dream in his heart. He wanted to find a cure for this devastating disease. This brief text, with cartoon-like illustrations, will grab children’s attention and help them understand the impact Salk’s determination made in our world. Don’t miss the interesting Author’s Note at the back of the book along with a Vaccine Time Line and a list of Resources. Enjoy!