A Big Words Biography | Join Raising Readers

Frederick’s Journey

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This “riveting biography” (Kirkus Reviews) presents a thought-provoking portrait of celebrated human rights activist Frederick Douglass. Frederick Douglass was born into slavery. He was taken from his mother as a baby, and separated from his grandparents when he was six. He suffered… Read More
To Dare Mighty Things

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A thrilling portrait of a larger-than-life president who left a lasting legacy. President Theodore Roosevelt is known as "the man with a plan," the "rough rider." His figure stands tall in American history; his legacy stretching him to larger-than-life proportions. But… Read More
Helen’s Big World

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This "magnificent account" (New York Times) of Helen Keller's life presents a moving portrait of one of the world’s great luminaries. When Helen was nineteen months old, an illness left her unable to see or speak. She struggled to make herself understood,… Read More
Jack’s Path of Courage

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A "beautifully illustrated and gracefully told" (School Library Journal) portrait of a beloved, courageous president. John F. Kennedy was a popular, charismatic president, beloved by many. But he didn't always believe he had the strength or courage for that office. As… Read More
John’s Secret Dreams

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A picture book biography of one of the most iconic musicians of all time.John Lennon's influence on music and culture is legendary. From a young age, he dreamed of fame and fortune. When he achieved it as one of the… Read More

Doreen Rappaport

About the Author

Doreen Rappaport is the award-winning author of the Big Words picture book biography series, including the Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Book Award Honor Book Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., illustrated by Bryan Collier; Beacon of Hope: The Life of Barack Obama, illustrated by Tonya Engel; Helen’s Big Words: The Life of Helen Keller, illustrated by Matt Tavares; and Ruth Objects: The Life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, illustrated by Eric Velasquez, among many others. She is the recipient of the Washington Post Children’s Book Guild lifetime achievement award for the writing of nonfiction. Doreen lives in upstate New York and invites you to visit her online at doreenrappaport.com.

Cozbi A. Cabrera is the author and illustrator of Me & Mama, which received a Coretta Scott King Book Award Honor and a Caldecott Honor, and My Hair Is a Garden. Her illustrated titles include Brown Girl, Brown Girl by Leslé Honoré, Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks by Suzanne Slade, and Chef Edna: Queen of Southern Cooking, Edna Lewis by Melvina Noel, among others. Her handmade cloth dolls (muñecas) are collected all around the world. She lives in Illinois with her husband and daughter.

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Coretta’s Song

by Doreen Rappaport, Illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera

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Beacon of Hope

by Doreen Rappaport, Illustrated by Tonya Engel

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