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Reading Rockets offers a wealth of reading strategies, lessons, and activities designed to help young children learn how to read and read better. Our reading resources assist parents, teachers, and other educators in helping struggling readers build fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
 

Featured books by

Patricia and Frederick McKissack

Reading Rockets recommends the following books by Patricia and Frederick McKissack.

Carter G. Woodson: The Father of Black History
Carter G. Woodson: The Father of Black History
Illustrated by: Edward Ostendorf
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

With simplified vocabularies, large print, and plenty of illustrations, this book describes the life and accomplishments of Carter G. Woodson, the man who pioneered the study of African American history. This is one of five biographies in the Great African Americans Series.

Christmas in the Big House; Christmas in the Quarters
Christmas in the Big House; Christmas in the Quarters
Illustrated by: John Thompson
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Preparations for Christmas on a Virginia plantation in 1859 begin with the harvest. There are differences between the celebrations in the big house of the plantation owners and those in the slave quarters. This fictionalized account blends the drama and history for a dramatic portrait of the period.

Messy Bessey
Messy Bessey
Illustrated by: Dana Regan
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Sure, lots of kids put off cleaning their room. But Messy Bessey takes sloppy to a whole new level! Find out what happens to finally get her to clean up her mess.

Rebels Against Slavery: The Story of American Slave Revolts
Rebels Against Slavery: The Story of American Slave Revolts
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Profiles of rebellion leaders like Nat Turner, Harriet Tubman, Denmark Vesey, Cato, and Gabriel Prosser.

Satchel Paige:  Best Arm in Baseball
Satchel Paige: Best Arm in Baseball
Illustrated by: Michael David Biegel
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Straightforward language and lots of illustrations in an open format create an inviting introduction to one of the early greats in baseball.

Books by Patricia McKissack

Interested in wonderful interviews with tween and teen authors? Hop on over to our sister site, AdLit.org, and browse the library.

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