Children's Biographies

Young Patriots Bulletin (web edition)

Hook Kids on History!
February, 2005
Vol. 2, Number 2

Hook Kids on History in February:


February 6:	Ronald Reagan - 40th U.S. President - was born this day in 1911
February 8:	BOY SCOUTS DAY - Boy Scouts of America was founded 1910
February 9:	William Henry Harrison* - 9th U.S. President - born 1773 GIRLS AND WOMEN IN SPORTS DAY - "This [day] celebrated the positive influence of sports participation and recognizes the challenge for equality and access for women in sport." - source.
February 12:	Abraham Lincoln - 16th U.S. President - born this day in 1809
February 14:	ST. VALENTINE'S DAY Rosa Parks was born on this day in 1913. To read more about Rosa Parks Click Here
February 21:	PRESIDENT'S DAY - observed the third Monday in February in honor of President George Washington's birthday (February 22)

* Included in the Young Patriots Series. To read more about these titles and all of the Young Patriots Series, Click Here.

From the Creator of the Young Patriots Series

Hello!

Some of you may have seen the recent article in the Washington Post entitled Why Johnny Won't Read. In discussing the results of a National Endowment for the Arts survey of literacy, the authors pointed out that there is a reading "gender gap" between young adult boys and girls. The percentage of young women reading books dropped from 63 percent to 59 percent, while the young men's percentage fell even further from 55 percent to 43 percent. To quote the authors, "Girls read-boys don't" But why?

Content, say the authors. Boys like stories about war, sports, historical nonfiction and, while girls will read stories about boys, boys will not read books that feature girls. And the books currently assigned in elementary schools, write the authors, are part of the problem-they contain "few strong and active male role models as lead characters. Gone are the inspiring biographies of the most important American presidents, inventors, scientists and entrepreneurs..."

Read the full article here.

What do you think? Do boys read? If not, why not? And what kinds of books would you like to see publishers put out that would encourage them to read? I would love to know your opinion-as educators and parents. Email me your thoughts at fkichler@patriapress.com and I'll report back in a future newsletter.

Equal time for the girls-March is Women's History Month and we've collected some resources to help you celebrate. In anticipation of spring, watch next month's issue for a special preview of the newest Young Patriot (it's a girl!)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Warmly,

Florrie

Looking Ahead -

Women's History Month

"History looks different when the contributions of women are included."

- The National Women's History Project

W omen's History month, each March, gives us the opportunity to honor the courageous women in history who proudly sought out their dreams, amidst incredible social obstacles, and contributed greatly to our culture. Remarkable women from all walks of life have forever imprinted America's history with achievements that are important to, and celebrated by, not just other women, but all of mankind.

This Women's History Month, let's also remember those, just as important, who are among us today. Celebrate the women in your own life. Think of your favorite women role models. Is she a politician, musician, athlete, artists, a mother, a teacher, perhaps a scientist? How do her efforts and achievements compare to those of a similar heroine from history?

Click Here for ideas on incorporating Women's History Month into your curriculum with interesting classroom activities.

For more information on Women's History Month and the many women of courage and vision we honor, visit the National Women's History Project website.

Amelia Earhart as a young woman would become an aviation pioneer - setting flight records never before attempted - and inspire other women and girls to believe in themselves and their own dreams.

Mahalia Jackson's contributions to music as the Queen of Gospel still echo in the styles of today's jazz; and her strides as a Civil Rights Activist alongside Martin Luther King, Jr. is threaded through the pride of every American.
Juliette Low's legacy as founder of the Girl Scouts enabled little girls for decades to be proud of themselves and their own achievements. And Phillis Wheatley, after being kidnapped and sold as a slave, became the first female African-American writer in America, empowering any young individual to rise above his or her own circumstances.

Read Across America

N early 20 million people are expected to participate in this year's NEA (National Education Association) "Read Across America" on March 2. Decide now how you'll celebrate and join in the nation's largest reading event.

This one-day event is in honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday - March 2 - who would be 101 years old this year! Let's celebrate literacy together by getting mesmerized in a favorite book for an hour or two, or perhaps all day

For more information on Read Across America, visit the National Education Association website.

Click Here for other fun activities to honor Dr. Seuss' birthday.

SCHOOL AND LIBRARY PROGRAMS -

Give your students a unique insight into the
process of writing and publishing a book!

with Florrie Binford Kichler

Grade Level: 3rd through 5th
Session Length: 45 minutes per grade level

Publisher Florrie Binford Kichler at at school literacy event

Subject: "How a Book is Born" introduces children to the process of writing and publishing a book. Using various titles from the Young Patriots Series as examples and lots of audience interaction, Florrie will lead students on a journey answering the following questions:

Where does the idea for a book come from?
What is a manuscript and how does the editing process work?
What is the illustration process and where do an artist's ideas come from?
Do we really judge a book by its cover?
How is a book printed and bound?

The children really enjoyed your presentation. I was so impressed with how [they] responded to your talks. You have a real gift for speaking to children in terms they can understand. Thank you for bringing your informative and entertaining programs to our school."

-Natalie Dempsey, Stonegate Elementary School, Indiana

Click Here for more information on school/library programs.

Win a Young Patriot in our Monthly Drawing

Congratulations to last month's winner of John Hancock, Independent Boy. This month we're getting ready to celebrate Women's History Month. In honor of one of the Young Patriots' heroines, Juliette Low, we are offering you a free copy of Juliette Low, Girl Scout Founder! All you have to do is click here: newslettercontest@patriapress.com and send a blank email. You will automatically be entered to win.

February Newsletter Special Offer for Subscribers Only!

In honor of Women's History Month, we're offering you the following Special Offer:

When you buy any 2 of the following titles, featuring the heroines of The Young Patriots Series, at regular price ($9.95 paperback, $14.95 hardback) you get one FREE!

Amelia Earhart, Young Air Pioneer
Mahalia Jackson, Gospel Singer and Civil Rights Champion
Juliette Low, Girl Scout Founder

To take advantage of this special offer, print out this order form and FAX to 413-215-8030, or MAIL to Patria Press, Inc. PO Box 752, Carmel, IN 46082.

Remember, with each order for a complete 9-volume set of the Young Patriots Series you will receive a 20% discount plus Free Shipping. All Young Patriots titles may also be ordered from your favorite wholesaler. Teacher's Guides and Webquests are always free and may be downloaded at our website.

Take advantage of Free Shipping and order today!

Schools and libraries may also fax your purchase order to 413-215-8030, or mail to Patria Press, Inc., PO Box 752, Carmel, IN 46082.

To get the Young Patriots Bulletin delivered directly to your emailbox monthly, just click below and send a blank email:

Subscribe to the free Young Patriots Series newsletter

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