The Hameray Biography Seriesis specifically written to meet the needs of reluctant readers in grades 3-8, and is aligned with Common Core State Standards, while matching social studies curriculum. The books are written for students reading at least two levels below their grade. The interest level is for all readers, thanks to the collection's fascinating and relevant content. Providing highly inspirational stories of courageous individuals, the series highlights the lives of people from different cultures, backgrounds and time periods.
The Hameray Biography Seriesprovides a great opportunity for at-risk readers to practice literacy and researching skills thanks to its up-to-date content, in-depth glossaries, and included list of resources for guiding further student research.
Encourage your students to achieve their dreams by learning from the lives of these amazing people!
Sample of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Key Features:
Interest level for grades 3-8
Wide-range of historical figures ensure a title to fit in various curricula
Lively writing, interesting facts, and primary sources keep students drawn in
Low levels of difficulty and high interest levels promote independent reading
Dynamic photos, art, maps and timelines support full comprehension and enjoyment
Meets state and national education standards for Social Studies and Reading
High-frequency vocabulary words and context clues support striving readers
"Learn More" section drives students to continue research with carefully selected online and print resources
A three-time World Heavyweight Champion, Muhammad Ali’s popularity transcended the sport of boxing and made him an international icon. He made headlines for his refusal to enter the Vietnam draft, his conversion to Islam, and for being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Follow along, from his early years as Cassius Clay, to his emergence as Muhammad Ali – The Greatest of All Time.
Alexander Graham Bell was a lifelong inventor who is responsible for one of the greatest inventions in history: the telephone. But did you know that he also created the world’s first metal detector, and helped start the modern music recording industry? Bell also developed airplanes and hydrofoils during his career, always trying to understand the world and make it a better place.
Single: $8.95 6-Pack: $53.70 Fighter for Workers' Rights
Cesar Chavez was a Mexican-American farm worker, labor leader, and civil rights activist, who was an important figure in our country's heritage. Chavez's organization of unions and use of peaceful protests such as boycotts and strikes helped create better working conditions, better wages, and better lives for all laborers.
Single: $8.95 6-Pack: $53.70
Saving England in its Darkest Hour
Winston Churchill's powerful speeches and bulldog personality helped him lead Great Britain to victory during hard times. A soldier, Prime Minister, and Nobel prize-winning author, Churchill had good times and bad in his career, but he remains one of the world's most important historical figures.
Jacques Cousteau spent his life exploring the mysteries of the ocean, and sharing all that he knew with the world. His film and television work helped to bring the underwater world into the lives of millions of people. Cousteau also worked tirelessly to raise awareness of pollution in the ocean, one of the first to do so. Read his inspiring story, and explore for yourself the Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau.
Davy Crockett is a legendary person in American history. He lived a life so full of adventure that he became a folk hero in his own lifetime. He was a fearless fighter, but not only in battle. The hunter from Tennessee also fought for the rights of settlers as a congressman. He charmed his way into politics with his stories and jokes. Davy Crockett courageously lost his life fighting for the independence of Texas at the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. Read all about his adventurous life, and how he became a true American hero.
Princess Diana began her life as a shy and unhappy young girl. Yet she grew up to become a princess who was to be loved and respected by people everywhere. Diana's quiet and loving nature led her into charity work around the world. She wasn't afraid to work on tough issues like AIDS awareness. She spoke out against the use of land mines and did a lot to help its victims. Her tragic death in a car crash in 1997 stunned the world. Her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, continue to work hard to keep their mother's legacy alive.
Perhaps the most influential person in the history of entertainment, Walt Disney found enormous success in the field of cartoons, television, movies, and theme parks. With the release of “Steamboat Willie” featuring Mickey Mouse, he produced the first cartoon with sound. Disney’s name is known worldwide, appearing on theme parks located in California, Florida, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Walt Disney created a legacy that is as popular today as it was in the 1930’s.
The most famous woman pilot in history, Amelia Earhart is known as much for her mysterious disappearance than her flight career. She was the first woman to fly non-stop across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, by herself. But it was Amelia’s last flight that gets the most attention. She completed most of her flight around the world before her plane disappeared. What happened to Amelia Earhart?
Single: $8.95 6-Pack: $53.70
The Man Who Put the World on Wheels
Henry Ford made America's most popular automobile for its time. As a businessman, he changed the face of American industry. By introducing assembly lines and paying his workers fair wages, Henry Ford changed how America worked, and how they got to work! But his greatest achievement was building a car almost everyone could own. Starting with his Model T, he really helped put the world on wheels.
Anne Frank got a special gift for her thirteenth birthday: a diary. During World War II, Anne's family was forced to go into hiding because they were Jewish. The years that Anne spent in hiding were terrifying and lonely. She recorded all of her fears and worries in her diary, but she also wrote honestly and with love. Anne's diary has become famous around the world. Anne's life was cut short, but the truth and emotion of her diary mean that her story will never be forgotten.
One of the most influential figures in history, Benjamin Franklin was an instrumental part of forming the early United States. During his life, he was a printer, an inventor, an author, a statesman, and an international diplomat. His name appears on every document that defines the United States and his image appears on its currency. Over 200 years after his death, his presence is still felt today.
Mahatma Gandhi was so shy as a young lawyer in India that he sometimes was unable to speak. Yet, later in his life, Gandhi found the power and strength to lead the people of India as they struggled to end poverty, injustice, and the oppressive British rule in their country. Gandhi's slight frame belied the power that was within him. His power came not from violence, but from peaceful protest. Gandhi's message of peace would liberate his country and help change the world.
As the co-founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates has been one of the most influential people in the 20th Century, transforming the way we use computers. As the co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, he has transformed the lives of millions of people, donating over $28 billion to charity. Frequently named the wealthiest person in the world, Bill Gates has made philanthropy his main focus. It’s this commitment to others that makes his story an inspirational one.
Dr. Jane Goodall is one of the world’s most famous scientists, having studied chimpanzees in Africa for over 50 years. Her discoveries have transformed the way we think about these fascinating creatures. Throughout the course of her life, she has tirelessly worked to raise awareness about wild animals in Africa, and the people who are trying to save them. Read about her heartwarming work, and how she has become a hero to millions of animal-lovers around the world.
Single: $8.95 6-Pack: $53.70
Explorer on Top of the World
Edmund Hillary was part of the two-man team that was the first to stand atop Mount Everest, the world's highest peak. The amazing account of the first climb to the top of the world will leave any reader feeling dizzy! Follow the exciting life of the New Zealand explorer and humanitarian in this biography, as students follow his conquests of not only the world's highest peak, but also of the South and North Poles.
Known as the Great Escape Artist, Harry Houdini became famous around the world for his daring magical acts. His career defied death, and amazed all who saw his performances. In his most popular act, Houdini was locked underwater, bound with chains and handcuffs, only to escape a few moments later unharmed.This extraordinary man led an extraordinary life, earning respect from generations of magicians.
