Doreen Rappaport

Independent reading level ages 9+ Grade 4-5
Randolph Caldecott Medal 2002
Notable Children's Books 2002
A 2002 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book
Jane Addams Children's Book Awards for Picture Book
2002 Bryan Collier, Doreen Rappaport

Prince Rakoto of Madagascar is very young when his father, the king, passes. As his first act as king, Rakoto orders the court doctor, magician, and councilor in turn to bring his father back. Finally he turns to the Wise Woman who tells him a story about why people die and do not return. He goes on to become a loving and just ruler.

Wonderful picture book that highlights Helen Keller. This book has it all! It mentions her accomplishments while discussing how she overcame her challenges of being deaf and blind. Young readers will enjoy this uplifting and inspiring story that is beautifully written and easy for students to understand.

Not a read aloud book, despite the simple looking text. This book is very heavy and dark, both in content and in illustration. I liked the content and it portrayed a very wonderful and brave woman in American history, but I would hesitate to recommend it to a young audience.