PBS is Looking forParents of Pre=School Aged Children

If you are the parent of a preschool-age child AND live in the Washington, DC-metro area, PBS KIDS would like to talk to you. Email ParentAG@pbs.org if you’re interested in participating in a discussion on November 17th or 19th.


A great way to get your child excited about reading is giving them autobiographies of people they recognize and like. This gives children an opportunity to learn about people who have made a difference in their lives. Here are some great examples from PBS online.



26 Fairmount Avenue
by Tomie dePaola
In nine entertaining chapters, author Tomie DePaola shares some of his fondest and funniest memories from his childhood. Some of his highlights include surviving the infamous hurricane of 1938 and deciding to skip kindergarten because students aren't taught to read until the first grade. If your child enjoys this book, also try What a Year and Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs. Newbery Honor, 2000
Ages: First-grader, Second-grader, Third-grader
Themes: Biography, Family, School
Types: Read Aloud, Read to Self
Buy it now from Amazon »

A Picture Book of Helen Keller
by David A. Adler
This brief biography recounts the incredible and inspirational events of Helen Keller's life. The picture book format makes the historical trials and tribulations of her life, from childhood to college years, accessible to the young reader.
Ages: Kindergartner, First-grader, Second-grader, Third-grader
Themes: Biography, Family, School, Special Needs
Types: Read Aloud, Read to Self
Buy it now from Amazon »

Author: A True Story
by Helen Lester
Author Helen Lester writes a humorous tale about her life from age three to adulthood. She describes how she became a writer, citing her achievements and challenges, including overcoming dyslexia, along the way. This cheerful book will inspire the writer within your child.
Ages: Kindergartner, First-grader, Second-grader, Third-grader
Themes: Biography, School, Special Needs
Types: Read Aloud, Read to Self
Buy it now from Amazon »

Crazy Horse's Vision
by Joseph Bruchac
Young readers will enjoy this biography about Crazy Horse, one of the best-known Native American heroes. Written with great respect for Native American life and illustrated with brilliant paintings, this book provides an overview of the historical events in Crazy Horse's life.
Ages: First-grader, Second-grader, Third-grader
Themes: Biography, Multicultural
Types: Read Aloud
Buy it now from Amazon »

Do You Remember the Color Blue?: And Other Questions Kids Ask About Blindness
by Sally Hobert Alexander
Author Sally Hobart Alexander candidly answers children's questions about blindness. Ms. Alexander describes how she became blind at the age of 26 and how she has adapted to this change. She responds to such questions as, "How do you read?", "How did you become blind?", and "Has being blind changed you?"
Ages: Second-grader, Third-grader
Themes: Biography, Family, Special Needs
Types: Read Aloud
Buy it now from Amazon »

Girl Wonder: A Baseball Story in Nine Innings
by Deborah Hopkinson
Set in the early 1900's, this inspiring picture book tells the tale of one determined and talented female athlete. At age 17, Alta Weiss breaks through gender stereotypes by convincing the coach of the men's semi-professional league to let her play. She proves to herself and those around her that she has what it takes to be a fierce competitor.
Ages: Kindergartner, First-grader, Second-grader, Third-grader
Themes: Biography, Sports
Types: Read Aloud, Read to Self
Buy it now from Amazon »

Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King
by Jean Marzollo
This beautifully illustrated biography presents the key events in Martin Luther King's life. The picture book format makes the historical trials and tribulations of his life, from childhood to his death, accessible to the young reader.
Ages: Kindergartner, First-grader, Second-grader, Third-grader
Themes: Biography, Holidays, Multicultural
Types: Read Aloud, Read to Self
Buy it now from Amazon »

Malcom X: A Fire Burning Brightly
by Walter Dean Myers
Walter Dean Myers brings the life and work of Malcolm X to young readers in this picture biography. Using colorful portraits and direct quotations, Malcolm X's leadership and impact on the nation is celebrated.
Ages: Kindergartner, First-grader, Second-grader
Themes: Biography, Multicultural
Types: Read Aloud
Buy it now from Amazon »

Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
by Doreen Rappaport
Young Martin Luther King vowed to find "big words" that would inspire and lead like his father. Through the use of striking collage work and quotations, Martin Luther King's work comes to life in this award-winning children's book.
Ages: Kindergartner, First-grader, Second-grader, Third-grader
Themes: Biography, Holidays, Multicultural
Types: Read Aloud, Read to Self
Buy it now from Amazon »

Radio Rescue
by Lynne Barasch
Detailed illustrations present facts about Morse code in this book. Information is skillfully integrated into the exciting, true story of Robert Marx, a 10-year-old boy who becomes an amateur radio operator and saves a family stranded by a hurricane in Florida.
Ages: Kindergartner, First-grader, Second-grader, Third-grader
Themes: Biography, School
Types: Read Aloud, Read to Self
Buy it now from Amazon »