#9 Moses- When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Kadir Nelson

I picked this diverse lovely book by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Kadir Nelson.  This story is about Harriet Tubman and leading her people to freedom.  She is referenced as the Moses of her people.  This story is beautifully done and represents diversity and multicultural.  This story is the night she finally made her escape to the promise land.  She passes through hard terrain goes through swamps for her freedom.  She was religious and used nature as signs from God to help guide her through her journey.  This story is good for K-3.  I encourage to promote this book when discussing civil rights and black history month too.  If you want to know how the story ends check it out at your local library.

#8 Martin's Big Words The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Doreen Rapaport

This story is about the boy who grew up to be Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  This biography is illustrated by the acclaimed winning illustrator Bryan Collier of "Best Illustrated  Children's Book of 2001" in The New York Times.  This story symbolized the love this mother gave her son who later became the most prestigious preacher, protestor of equal rights.  His mother let him know in the beginning  that he is as good as anyone.  These words alone carried him through his life and helped him become the leader he was.  The illustrator Bryan Collier is amazing he portrayed photos along with collage in his illustrations.    This book celebrates diversity and can be used in the classroom.  This book would go well with activities and lessons for Black History Month in February in the classroom.  I would encourage reading this book in a K-3 setting.

Book7 Anne Frank by Josephine Poole illustrated by Angela Barrett

This story deals with Anne Frank and her life before during and the end of Hitler.  Josephine Poole has a beautiful way of telling the story.  The illustrator Angela Barrett has an emphatic way of imagery. The main theme of the book is the hatred that was of this time.  Your heart will automatically be drawn in and you will be rooting for her and her family immediately.  Below are some illustrations from the book with Baby Anne and sister Margot.  Barrett was awarded the UK Nestle Smarties Award, a prestige award in the UK. (1985-2007) This story is appropriate for 1st-3rd grade level, excluding Kindergarten due to the topic.
This book will bring up discussion and many questions be prepared to answer all questions.

Helen Keller the world in her heart by Lesa Cline-Ransome

This story is about the life of Helen Keller and her adversity she had to endure through her life.  Helen has to use her other senses because she has lost her sight and hearing.  The illustrations are very beautiful and used with paintbrush strokes.  This story is how she deals with learning a new language through touch and signing.  Her teacher is a wonderful, patient loving person who is deeply loved by Helen.  she teaches Helen to see and feel with her heart.  I would read this to K-2 classes and explain about diversity.  If you want to know how this beautiful heart felt story ends go to your local library to check it out.