Ordinary People Change the World- Bris Book Review

Our nightly readings over in the Bris Abode have included the Ordinary People Change the World book series.  I found them while Ellie was learning about the woman's movement in school last year and was excited to teach her about a few of the amazing women who have changed our world for the better.  I thought that she would fight me on reading them, thinking that it would be boring, but she quickly engaged, and found herself relating to the stories.

I am Amelia Earhart written by Brad Meltzer is a fun and friendly story telling of Amelia Earhart's biography.  I love how Meltzer chooses a particular character trait to focus on in each of his stories in the series.  In Amelia's case, it was her ability to take no for an answer.  She was the first woman to fly a plane over the Atlantic Ocean and she battled many obstacles to be able to do it.  The whimsical drawings are engaging and fun.  Then at the end of the story there are real photos of Amelia which are nice to see what she looked like and glimpses of what the world looked like in the early 1900s.

I could not wait to read I am Helen Keller.  I did a book report on her in second grade and I still remember being so moved by her life.  As a baby, she was struck blind and deaf by an illness.  She could not communicate with anyone and she was very frustrated.  When she was 6 years old she met Annie Sullivan who taught her how to communicate via sign language and eventually learned to read Braille.  I love how in this story Meltzer focuses on Helen's determination.  She would not give up on finding a way to communicate with others, despite all obstacles.  She was able to go on to attend college and has been a lead "voice" for people with disabilities everywhere.

In I am Rosa Parks, Meltzer focuses on her ability to stand up for herself.  I love this one because I think that this is a important trait that all people, especially girls, need to know.  By staying seated on the bus, Rosa Parks started the Civil Rights Movement and changed the world for African Americans.  Her story is so remarkable and I am so proud to share it with Ellie.

There are so many other amazing stories in the Ordinary People Change the World Series.  I am so happy we stumbled across them as a way to bring some inspiring history lessons into our home.

Thanks for following along!
xo
k