Ana's Story: A Journey of Hope

March 10th is National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Ana's story is speaks directly to women, particularly the rising generation. Ana was born with HIV, an odd thing for a child to wrap their mind around. Jenna Bush Hager  (President Bush's daughter) retells Ana's narrative of growing up as an orphan in Latin America, sexual and physical abuse, teenage pregnancy, and the unforeseen hope which emerged as a result. Ana's Story brings home the AIDS pandemic while empowering readers with the courage to live positively regardless of the circumstances. 

Mary Mcleod Bethune

Mcleod Bethune is my hero. I want to be just like her when I grow up. Here are a few reasons why...

1. She loved books!
2. She graduated from the Moody Bible Institute.
3. She wanted to serve as a missionary in Africa...God had other plans though :)
4. She founded multiple schools.
5. She advocated for those in need, particularly Black children and women.
6. She adorned herself in bright hues and rich fabrics.
7. She was a devoted wife and mother.
8. She advised the president on his youth educational programs.
9. She cherished the Word of God.
10. She was one of our nation's greatest educators, and her legacy continues bless young and old today. 
    
    

    Mary McLeod Bethune: A Great American Educatorby Patricia C. McKissack, Fredrick L. McKissack
    

    
    
    The structure of this 3rd. grade biographical texts flows extremely well. Most books about Mrs. Mcleod Bethune include the same photos and excerpts of original document. The Cornerstones series does these artifacts justice by formating them to precisely to the text. Upper middle grade students will find this a helpful resource for research projects, while lower grades will benefit from read alouds.