Children are going to love this adorable book that is part of the “Ordinary People Change the World” series. Not only does Lucy talk to the reader and offer advice on self-esteem, but she provokes the reader to make silly faces the next time they see their reflection in a window.

Children will learn about Ball’s childhood and her young adult life as a struggling actress.

Pair this book with Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman to compare two people with the same passion for performing arts.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg endured many injustices as a young Jewish woman. Throughout her life, she objected to unfair rules and laws, and she continues to do that from her seat on the U. S. Supreme Court.

Children will notice illustrated verbs that act as the focal point for many of the pages. Ask children to consider why the illustrator gave such importance to words like agreed, protested, resisted, persisted, disapproved, and objected. Begin a unit on argument by having children brainstorm problems they see in school and argue for or against each problem. Children should back up each idea with examples to support their arguments.

Compare the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg with Dr. Martin Luther King and follow the reading comprehension lessons found in Martin’s Big Words Lesson Plans & Teaching Resources.

This powerful picture book published over twenty years ago continues to captivate young readers as they learn how Wilma Rudolph fought polio to become an Olympian.

Rudolph encountered many hardships as a sick, poor child growing up in a time when people of color had little rights as American citizens. Rudolph’s strength and determination helped her push through every challenge she faced.

 Pair this book with lessons from Helen’s Big World: The Life of Helen Keller to inspire children to never give up when working through a challenge.