Georgia Journal of Literacy 2023, Vol. 45(2), pp. 15–32 https://doi.org/10.56887/galiteracy.106 ISSN: 2833-7611 Practitioner Article CONTACT Dr. William P. Bintz, Professor of Literacy Education in the School of Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum Studies, College of Education, Kent State University, Kent, OH; email wbintz@kent.edu. Shabnam Moini Chaghervand, Doctoral Candidate in the School of Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum, Kent State University, Kent, OH; email smoinich@kent.edu. From Motivation to Inspiration: Using Picturebook Biographies to Inspire All Learners, Especially English Language Learners William P. Bintz Kent State University, Kent, OH Shabnam Moini Chaghervand Kent State University, Kent, OH ABSTRACT This article begins with a vignette that involved a response by an eighth-grade English Language Arts (ELA) teacher to the question: “Why do you assign a grade for every student assignment?” She stated: “Because grades drive my students! It’s so much a part of their lives that if I don’t give them points toward a good grade, they ask themselves, ‘Then, why am I doing this?’” For us, this response generated several inquiry questions about the role of motivation in student learning. One question was: Is motivation alone enough for student success? Our initial answer was probably not. We hypothesized that motivation is helpful but insufficient for student learning. Inspiration is also important. This hypothesis inspired this article. It describes fundamental principles underlying research on motivation, identifying important differences between motivation and inspiration. Next, it provides an overview of different definitions of the term picturebook. It then describes the power of picturebook biographies to inspire all learners, especially ELL learners. It shares an extensive list of high-quality, award-winning, multicultural picturebook biographies of historical figures from around the world and across four major categories: Trailblazers and Daredevils, Sports Figures, Heroes Conquering Disabilities, and Historical Figures from Around the World. It ends with final thoughts and an invitation for teachers to hear new voices and start new conversations about the importance of using picturebook biographies to inspire all learners. KEYWORDS picturebook biographies; English language learners; reading motivation; inspiration The value of learning about people who have achieved something extraordinary is immeasurable. Children need to find heroes and role models who can inspire and motivate them. (Morgan & Collett, 2018, p. 14) ecently, I (Shabnam) conducted a picturebook study to support student inquiry in an 8th grade ELA classroom. During the study, I asked the classroom teacher: “Why do you assign a grade for every student assignment? She stated: R https://doi.org/10.56887/galiteracy.106X mailto:wbintz@kent.edu mailto:smoinich@kent.edu 16 Georgia Journal of Literacy 45(2) I assign grades for each assignment because grades drive my students! It’s so much a part of their lives that if I don’t give them points toward a good grade, they always ask themselves, “Then, why am I doing this in the first place?” Afterward, I spent time thinking about this comment, specifically the rationale for this teaching practice. At the end of the study, I realized that a few students did not submit the last assignment. I contacted the classroom teacher and asked her to remind these students about the last assignment. She emailed and reminded them that they would lose points if they did not complete and submit the assignment. Ultimately, the students did not submit the assignment and received no credit. I did not understand why these students chose not to submit the assignment, especially knowing there would be negative consequences. I shared this experience with my co-author (Dr. Bintz). We became curious. Why did these students not complete the last assignment and receive no credit? Why was teacher motivation, expressed as a reminder and warning of losing points, unsuccessful for students to complete the assignment? Why didn’t the teacher’s reminder email motivate these students to complete the project? We used these questions to generate a broader inquiry question: Is motivation alone enough for student success? Our preliminary answer was probably not. Our current hypothesis is that motivation is helpful but insufficient for student learning. Inspiration is also important. This hypothesis inspired this article. We begin by describing fundamental principles underlying research on motivation, followed by a description of inspiration and how picturebooks are tools that can inspire students. Next, we define a picturebook and describe the power and potential of picturebook biographies to inspire all learners, especially ELL learners. We end by sharing high-quality, award-winning, multicultural picturebook biographies, and some final thoughts. Research on Motivation Research has identified three fundamental principles of motivation. One principle is that motivation is based on a behavioristic view of teaching and learning, driven by stimulus and response. A stimulus is a change in the external or internal environment that is provided to a recipient, human or nonhuman, to produce a desired response. For example, a reward is provided to a person (or animal, etc.) to create or change a desired behavior. A second principle is that there are two significant types of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic. The Center on Education Policy (2012) states: Intrinsic motivation is the desire to do or achieve something because one truly wants to and takes pleasure or sees value in doing so. Extrinsic motivation is the desire to do or achieve something not so much for the enjoyment of the activity itself, but because it will produce a certain result. (p. 2) In school, the “certain result” can be characterized as a teacher-student exchange. Teachers assign schoolwork and offer rewards or incentives to students in exchange for completing it (completing worksheets, projects, and homework; meeting reading goals; performing successfully on standardized tests, etc.). Students complete assigned schoolwork in exchange for the reward (receiving extra credit and higher grades). Much research indicates that reward incentives and programs show mixed results (Fryer, 2011; Raymond, 2008). A third principle is that teacher and student motivation is viewed primarily as an instructional issue. Teachers plan schoolwork and use motivational strategies to increase students’ Bintz & Moini Chaghervand 17 likelihood of completing the work. Teachers use encouragement, rewards, reminders, and even threats of penalties to motivate students. However, like the vignette shared earlier, motivational strategies do not always work. We hypothesize that motivation is, at times, helpful but insufficient for successful student learning. Inspiration is also important. From Motivation to Inspiration In general, inspiration is a feeling of enthusiasm a person gets from someone or something. Hank Finds Inspiration (Frazier, 2008) is a picturebook that beautifully illustrates this notion of inspiration. Stanley, a man, and Hank, a snake, are friends. Both are desperate for inspiration. Separately, they go to the city to look for inspiration. Hank asks different people where he could get inspiration, but they all have different answers. Finally, in an art gallery, inspiration finds Hank when he falls in love with a sculpture, only to learn it has already been sold. Hank returns home only to find a pleasant surprise and learns that friends can be a good source of inspiration. This picturebook highlights the notion that inspiration can be found in someone, whether that is someone already known, like Stanley, or someone little known or unknown, and something, like a beautiful sculpture. This picturebook is one of many high-quality picturebooks about inspiration and inspirational people. In Tables 1 through 4 at the end of the manuscript, we share picturebooks of inspirational people across four categories: Trailblazers and Daredevils (Table 1), Sports Figures (Table 2), Heroes Conquering Disabilities (Table 3), and Historical Figures Around the World (Table 4). Definition of Picturebooks Over time, a picturebook has been defined in different ways. Almost fifty years ago, Sutherland and Hearn (1977) defined a picturebook as “one in which the pictures either dominate the text or are as important” (p. 158). Similarly, Marantz (1977) stated that “a picturebook, unlike an illustrated book, is properly conceived of as a unit, a totality that integrates all the designated parts in a sequence in which the relationships among them: the cover, endpapers, typography, pictures- are crucial to understanding the book” (p. 3). Since then, definitions have continued to change but still emphasize that “a picturebook is the inextricable connection of words and pictures and the unique qualities of the form, always rejecting the notion that a picturebook is not simply a book that happens to have pictures” (Wolfenbarger & Sipe, 2007, p. 273). From a semiotic perspective, a picturebook is an aesthetic object that involves three sign systems (language, illustration, design), and each system has meaning potentials by itself and with each other (Sipe, 2002). Here, we use the most cited definition (Bader, 1976): A picturebook is text, illustrations, total design; an item of manufacture and a commercial product; a social, cultural, historic document; and foremost, an experience for a [reader]. As an art form, it hinges on the interdependence of pictures and words, on the simultaneous display of two facing pages, and on the drama of the turning page. (p. 1) 18 Georgia Journal of Literacy 45(2) Picturebooks have much power and potential. Among other things, they 1) are compact in length yet abundant in significance (Culham, 2004), 2) contain intriguing, artful illustrations that are pleasurable and informative to view and reflect different artistic styles, 3) contain carefully chosen words that build vocabulary, 4) are reader-friendly and enjoyable and support reading comprehension (Murphy, 2009), and 5) help students understand and appreciate perspectives other than their own (Morgan, 2009). Picturebooks for All Learners, Especially English Language Learners Picturebooks benefit all learners but are particularly important for English Language Learners (ELL). For some time now, there have been significant increases in the number of non-native English speakers entering public and private schools in the United States. Like native speakers of English, ELL students, regardless of their age and language proficiency, benefit from reading materials that are personally meaningful, linguistically authentic, visually engaging, and culturally relevant. The picturebook is one such reading material with much power and potential for English Language Learners (Carr et al., 2001). There are several significant reasons picturebooks are valuable for English Language Learners. Perhaps most importantly, they are authentic pieces of literature. The International Literacy Association (2023) defines authentic texts as those used in everyday life, not just for teaching purposes. They include novels, children’s literature, hobbyist magazines, and newspapers. However, texts that have been altered to shorten sentences are not considered authentic. Mourao (2016) states: Picturebooks are very special books, for they are authentic in every way—the words (if they exist, for some picturebooks are wordless) have not been abridged or altered for language learning purposes and the illustrations are created by illustrators who use their art creatively with neither a care for, nor an interest in, the confines of language learning. (p. 2) Another reason is that picturebooks are an example of multicultural literature. The International Literacy Association (2023) explains that multicultural literature is comprised of books, poetry, and various written works crafted by or centered around underrepresented or minority groups. Many English Language Learners are students who are members of one or both groups. Picturebooks are valuable because they can be used by teachers with students from diverse backgrounds. Still, another reason deals with language and language development. One characteristic is that authentic texts use real-life language; that is, the language sounds like the natural language people use in everyday life. Picturebooks invite students to actively engage in meaningful conversations and learning experiences using natural language (Harste & Short, 1988). They include rich vocabulary, descriptive illustrations, and innovative designs. Picturebooks are powerful because they have the “potential to act as a magnifying glass that enlarges and enhances the reader’s personal interactions with a subject” (Vacca & Vacca, 2005, p. 161). They enable students to learn to read and read to learn simultaneously, not sequentially. Moreover, personally meaningful and culturally relevant picturebooks enable ELLs to develop important literacy skills. The “visual-verbal connection,” or the act of associating pictures with text, supports second language learners’ literacy needs and builds confidence and positive dispositions about reading (Henry & Simpson, 2001, p. 1). Bintz & Moini Chaghervand 19 Lastly, picturebooks are important because they can be used as mentor texts to improve second language learners’ writing skills. Mentor texts are examples of excellent writing. Thompson and Reed (2019) state that mentor texts are: written pieces that serve as an example of good writing for student writers. The texts are read for the purpose of studying the author’s craft, or the way the author uses words and structures the writing. The goal is to provide students a model they could emulate in crafting their own piece. (p. 28) Mentor texts allow students to see what good writing looks like and encourage them to use the same structure and style for their own writing. Picture books are short text, typically 32-pages, and thus allow students to reread a text to explore and imitate a good writing structure. By frequently exposing ELLs to high-quality picture books and using them as mentor texts, they will be able to see quality writing and eventually use their observation to improve their own writing (Dorfman & Capelli, 2009). For these, and many other reasons, picturebooks are excellent resources for teachers to use with English Language Learners. Picturebook Biographies Picturebooks are valuable for English Language Learners as picturebook biographies are particularly important. One teacher learned this lesson from her third-grade students. We were beginning the day with math. We were learning about picture graphs and I needed to conduct a survey on my students’ favorite type of book. My lesson presented four book options: animals, arts and crafts, sports and fantasy. Students looked at the books, and one stated: “But where are the biographies?” Fortunately, this teacher learned what many students, boys and girls, ELL and non-ELL, already know, namely, they have reading preferences. Farris et al. (2009) identified nine student preferences, one of which is biography. This is not a new revelation. Almost seventy-five years ago, Heriot (1948) noted that people, including young children, enjoy biography because people “have a normal interest in other people” (p. 98). Definition. Biography is a “genre that tells the life story of a significant historical figure” (Coffin, 2006, p. 53). This genre has a rich literary history. Life stories about outstanding persons are popular in children’s literature (Bjorlo, 2021). Michael Benton (2011), a prominent theorist of the biography genre, claims that biography is “a hybrid genre that is grounded in history but shares many of the characteristics of fiction” (p. 68). Picturebook biographies are important because the hybridity of the genre may also include interactions between the written text and various visual elements (Bjorlo, 2021). Fortunately, over the years, increasing numbers of picturebook biographies for children have been published (von Merveldt, 2018). Qualities & Benefits. Picturebook biographies encompass a wealth of captivating qualities, echoing the sentiments highlighted by Heriot (1948) as she observed that they narrate true stories about people, imbuing them with inspirational ideals. These literary works have garnered favor among students, largely due to their embodiment of these attributes, coupled with the inclusion of thought-provoking illustrations that seamlessly intertwine with the narrative. 20 Georgia Journal of Literacy 45(2) Moreover, the advantages of engaging with picturebook biographies span across readers of all age groups. For instance, these biographies:  Illuminate significant and inspiring individuals hailing from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds, effectively fostering an appreciation for multicultural perspectives.  Contribute to the portrayal and endorsement of positive representations of femininity and masculinity, promoting a well-rounded understanding of gender roles.  Nourish students’ cognitive growth by nurturing multiple interpretations and viewpoints (Morgan, 2009).  Facilitate an immersive journey into the past, contextualized within authentic, meaningful, and engrossing textual narratives (Ellenmeyer & Chick, 2003).  Deepen understanding about an individual’s life experiences, the communities that shaped them, and the innate qualities that defined their character (Bruner, 2004).  Uncover the profound impact of personal struggles, family origins, and character traits, transforming historical figures from mere timeline placeholders into three- dimensional personas (Meyers et al., 2009).  Serve as inspirational models for life choices, allowing students to grasp the interconnectedness of actions and outcomes.  Portray the transformative journey from modest beginnings to triumphant outcomes, showcasing the potential within adversity (Temple et al., 2018).  Extend an invaluable opportunity for students to identify with a diverse array of individuals, fostering a sense of inclusion and shared human experience.  Enrich learning experiences by introducing novel information that diverges from traditional textbooks, offering a broader and more inclusive perspective (Lesesne, 2002). In summary, the allure and benefits of picturebook biographies extend a compelling invitation to English Language Learners and readers of all backgrounds. Selecting Picturebook Biographies We (William and Shabnam) are teacher educators teaching reading theory and practice with picturebook biographies. Typically, our own students often ask: There are so many picturebook biographies out there. How can I select the best ones to use with my students? This is a good question, one that we constantly ask ourselves. Table 5 illustrates some guidelines, in the form of questions, that we use to select picturebook biographies and picturebooks that reflect each guideline (Floyd & Hebert, 2010). We hope these guidelines will help teachers select excellent picturebook biographies to use with their own students. Bintz & Moini Chaghervand 21 Table 5: Guidelines for Selecting Picturebook Biographies Guidelines Example Does the biography tell a good story? Does it have a “storyteller’s flair”? The Storytellers (Lewin, 1998). Does the biography use dynamic language? Mighty Jackie: The Strike-Out Queen (Moss, 2004) Is the biography culturally authentic? Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpre (Denise, 2019) Is the biography culturally diverse? The Junkyard Wonders (Polacco, 2010) Is the biography respectful of cultural differences? Tea With Milk (Say, 1999) Is the biography factually accurate? Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreno Played the Piano for President Lincoln (Engle, 2019) Is the biography unbiased and not stereotypical? Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music (Engle, 2015) Is the biography told over some years and includes personal and professional information? The Boy Who Dreamed of Infinity: A Tale of the Genius Ramanujan (Alznauer, 2020) Is the biography realistic? The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq (Winter, 2019) Does the biography include illustrations that capture the life story and historical events accurately? The Girl Who Thought in Pictures (Mosca, 2017) Am I selecting male and female biographies? Of Numbers and Stars: The Story of Hypatia (Love, 2006) Am I selecting familiar and unfamiliar biographies? Tiger of the Snows: Tenzing Norgay (Burleigh, 2006) Final Thoughts This article was inspired by a simple story about a few students who were not motivated, despite teacher motivation, to complete an assignment, electing instead to accept a lower grade. Although simple, this story offers important lessons about the nature of learning. One lesson is that motivation may be helpful but, by itself, is insufficient. Inspiration is vital for learning. Another lesson is that inspiration provides intrinsic motivation for students to take charge of their own learning, pursue their own questions, develop their own voices, and outgrow what they currently know about themselves and others. Still, another lesson is that picturebook biographies can help. They are tools and toys for children to read about historically important people who look like them and do not look like them, talk like them and do not talk like them, dress like them and do not dress like them, etc. In the process, students learn more about themselves as well as about others who are not like themselves. Ultimately, we hope this article will start some new conversations about the power and potential of picturebook biographies to inspire all learners, especially English Language Learners. 22 Georgia Journal of Literacy 45(2) References Bader, B. (1976). American picturebooks from Noah’s Ark to the beast within. Macmillan. Benton, M. (2011). 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Dancing hands: How Teresa Carreño played the piano for president Lincoln. Atheneum Books for Young Readers. Love. D. A. (2006). Of numbers and stars: The story of Hypatia. Holiday House. Mosca, J. F. (2017). The girl who thought in pictures: The amazing story of Dr. Temple Grandin. The Innovation Press. Moss, M. (2004). Mighty Jackie: The strike-out queen. Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books. Polacco, P. (2010). The junkyard wonders. Philomel Books. Say, A. (2009). Tea with milk. Clarion Books. Thundercloud, R. (2022). Finding my dance. Penguin. Winter, J. (2019). The librarian of Basra: A true story from Iraq. Clarion Books. Bintz & Moini Chaghervand 25 Table 1: Trailblazers and Daredevils Title Reference Trailblazers The Boy Who Dreamed of Infinity: A Tale of the Genius Ramanujan Alznauer, A. (2020). The boy who dreamed of infinity: A tale of the genius Ramanujan. Candlewick. Never Give Up: Dr. Kati Karikó and the Race for the Future of Vaccines Dadey, D. (2023). Never give up: Dr. Kati Kariko and the race for the future of vaccines. Dreamscape Media. Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpre Denise, A. A. (2019). Planting Stories: The life of librarian and storyteller Pura Belpre. HarperCollins. The Marvelous Thing That Came from Spring: The Accidental Invention of the Toy That Swept the Nation Ford, G. (2016). The marvelous thing that came from a spring: The accidental invention of the toy that swept the nation. Atheneum. The Discovery of Longitude Galat, J.M. (2012). The discovery of longitude. Pelican Publishing Company. Talkin about Bessie: The Story of Aviator Elizabeth Coleman. Grimes, N. (2002). Talkin about Bessie: The story of aviator Elizabeth Coleman. Scholastic. A Lady Has the Floor: Belva Lockwood Speaks Out for Women’s Rights. Hannigan, K. (2018). A lady has the floor: Belva Lockwood speaks out for women’s rights. Calkins Creek. The Boy Who Loved Math: The Improbable Life of Paul Erdos. Helligman, D. 2013). The boy who loved math: The improbable life of Paul Erdos. Roaring Book Press. The Unbreakable Code Hunter, S.H. (1996). The unbreakable code. Rising Moon. Levi Strauss Gets a Bright Idea: A Fairly Educated Story of a Pair of Pants Johnston, T. (2011). Levi Strauss gets a bright idea: A fairly educated story of a pair of pants. Harcourt. Rough, Tough Charley. Kay, V. (2007). Rough, tough Charley. Tricycle Press. The Boy Who Invented TV: The Story of Philo Farnsworth Krull, K. (2014). The Boy who invented TV: The story of Philo Farnsworth. Dragonfly Books. Of Numbers and Stars: The Story of Hypatia Love, D. A. 2006). Of numbers and stars: The story of Hypatia. Holiday House. Earmuffs for Everyone: How Chester Greenwood Became Known as the Inventor of Earmuffs. McCarthy, M. (2015). Earmuffs for everyone: How Chester Greenwood became known as the inventor of earmuffs. Simon & Schuster. Maryam’s Magic: The Story of Mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani Reid, N. (2021). Maryam’s magic: The story of mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani. Balzer and Bray. Queen of Physics: How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom Robeson, T. (2020). Queen of physics: How Wu Chein Shiung helped unlock the secrets of the am Sterling Children’s Books. When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson Ryan, P.M. (2002). When Marian sang: The true recital of Marian Anderson. Scholastic. Lighter Than Air: Sophie Blanchard, the First Woman Pilot. Smith, M. C. (2019). Lighter than air: Sophie Blanchard, the first woman pilot. Candlewick. Ada Lovelace, Poet of Science: The First Computer Programmer. Stanley, D. (2016). Ada Lovelace, poet of science: The first computer programmer. Simon & Schuster. Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909 Sweet, M. (2013). Brave girl: Clara and the shirtwaist makers’ strike of 1909. HarperCollins. Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine Wallmark, L. (2015). Ada Byron Lovelace and the thinking machine. Creston Books. The Boy Who Thought Outside the Box: The Story of Video Game Inventor Ralph Baer Wessels, M. (2020). The boy who thought outside the box: The story of video game inventor Ralph Baer. Sterling Children’s Books. HarperCollins. 26 Georgia Journal of Literacy 45(2) One Wish: Fatima al-Fihri and the World’s Oldest University Yuksel, M. O. (2022). One wish: Fatima al-Fihri and the worlds’s oldest university. Daredevils Ruth Law Thrills a Nation Brown, D. (1993). Ruth Law thrills a nation. Ticknor & Fields. Fearless Mary: Mary Fields, American Stagecoach Driver Charles, T. (2019). Fearless Mary: Mary Fields, American stagecoach driver. Albert Whitman & Company. Flying Solo: How Ruth Elder Soared into America’s Heart Cummins, J. (2013). Flying solo: How Ruth Elder soared into America’s Heart. Roaring Brook Press. Sam Patch: Daredevil Jumper Cummings, J. (2009). Sam Patch: Daredevil jumper. Holiday House. Fearless Flyer: Ruth Law and Her Flying Machine Lang, H. (2016). Fearless flyer: Ruth Law and her flying machine. Calkins Creek. Daredevil: The Daring Life of Betty Skelton McCarthy, M. (2013). Daredevil: The daring life of Betty Skelton. Simon & Schuster. Brave Harriet: The First Woman to Fly the English Channel Moss, M. (2001). Brave Harriet: The first woman to fly the English Channel. Silver Whistle. Chico O’Connor, S.D. (2005). Chico. Dutton Juvenile. Table 2: Sports Figures Title Reference Shoeless Joe and Black Betsy Bildner, P. (2002). Shoeless Joe and black Betsy. Simon & Schuster. Players in Pigtails Corey, S. (2010). Players in pigtails. National Geographic. Girl Wonder: A Baseball Story in Nine Innings Hopkinson, D. (2003). Girl wonder: A baseball story in nine innings. Aladdin. Catching the Moon: The Story of a Young Girl’s Baseball Dream. Hubbard, C. (2005). Catching the moon: The story of a young girl’s baseball dream. Lee & Low Books. The Boy in Number Four Kootstra, K. (2014). The boy in number four. Dial Books. Roller Derby Rivals Macy, S. (2014). Roller derby rivals. Holiday House. Basketball Belles: How Two Teams and One Scrappy Player Put Women’s Hoops on the Map Macy, S. (2011). Basketball belles: How two teams and one scrappy player put women’s hoops on the map. Holiday House. Miss Mary Reporting: The True Story of Sportswriter Mary Garber Macy, S. (2016). Miss Mary reporting: The true story of sportswriter Mary Garber. Simon & Schuster. Baseball Saved Us Mochizuki, K. (1993). Baseball saved us. Lee & Low Books. Mighty Jackie: The Strike-out Queen Moss, M. (2004). Mighty Jackie: The strike-out queen. Simon & Schuster. Dirt on Their Skirts: The Story of the Young Women Who Won the World Championship Rappaport, D. (2000). Dirt on their skirts: The story of the young women who won the world championship. Dial Books. Dust Bowl Girls: The Inspiring Story of the Team that Barnstormed its Way to Basketball Glory Reeder, L. (2017). Dust bowl girls: The inspiring story of the team that barnstormed its way to basketball glory. Algonquin Books. Leagues Apart: The Men and Times of the Negro Baseball Leagues Ritter, L.S. (1995). Leagues apart: The men and times of the negro baseball leagues. Morrow Junior Books. Yogi: The Life, Loves, and Language of Baseball Legend Yogi Berra Rosenstock, B. (2019). Yogi: The life, loves, and language of baseball legend Yogi Berra. Calkins Creek. Bintz & Moini Chaghervand 27 Streak: How Joe Dimaggio Became America’s Hero Rosenstock, B. (2014). Streak: How Joe Dimaggio became America’s hero. Calkins Creek. The Kid from Diamond Street: The Extraordinary Story of Baseball Legend Edith Houghton Vernick, 2016). The kid from diamond street: The extraordinary story of baseball legend Edith Houghton. Clarion Books. She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Vermick, A. (2010). She loved baseball: The Effa Manley story. Clarion Books. All Star! Honus Wagner and the Most Famous Baseball Card Ever Yolen, J. (2010). All Star! Honus Wagner and the most famous baseball card ever. Philomel. Table 3: Heroes Conquering Disabilities Title Reference The William Hoy Story: How a Deaf Baseball Player Changed the Game Churin, N. (2016). The William Hoy story: How a deaf baseball player changed the game. Albert Whitman & Company. My Heart Glow: Alice Cogswell, Thomas Gallaudet, and the Birth of the American Sign Language McCully, E.A. (2008). My heart glow: Alice Cogswell, Thomas Gallaudet, and the birth of the American sign language. Hyperion. The Girl Who Thought in Pictures Mosca, J.F. (2017). The girl who thought in pictures. Scholastic. The Junkyard Wonders Polacco, P. (2010). The junkyard wonders. Scholastic. A Boy and a Jaguar Rabinowitz, A. (2014). A boy and a jaguar. Clarion Books. I Talk Like a River Scott, J. (2020). I talk like a river. Neal Porter Books. Table 4: Historical Figures from Countries, Regions, and Cultures Around the World Title Reference COUNTRY Afghanistan The Sky of Afghanistan Eulate, A. (2012). The sky of Afghanistan. Cuento de Luz. I See the Sun in Afghanistan King, D. (2011). I see the sun in Afghanistan. Satya House Publications. Fly, Girl, Fly!: Shaesta Waiz Soars Around the World Pimm, N.R. (2020). Fly, girl, fly!: Shaesta Waiz soars around the world. Beaming Books. The Library Bus Rahman, B. (2020). The library bus. Pajama Press. Brave with Beauty: A Story of Afghanistan Schur, M.R. (2019). Brave with beauty: A story of Afghanistan. Yali Publishing. Razia’s Ray of Hope: One Girl’s Dream of an Education Sunby, E. (2020). Razia’s ray of hope: One girl’s dream of an education. Kids Can Press. Four Feet, Two Sandals Williams, K. L. (2007). Four feet, two sandals. Eerdmans. Argentina Who Was Che Guevara? Labrecque, E. (2019). Who was Che Guevara? Penguin Workshop. Evita: Opposites Rodruquez, P. (2018). Evita: Opposites. Lil’ Libros. Bangladesh Yasmin’s Hammer Malaspina, A. (2015). Yasmin’s hammer. Lee & Low Books. 28 Georgia Journal of Literacy 45(2) The Unexpected Friend: A Rohingya Children’s Story Rahman, R. R. (2020). The unexpected friend: A Rohingya children’s story. Guba Publishing. Iqbal and His Ingenious Idea: How a Science Project Helps One Family and the Planet Suneby, E. (2018). Iqbal and his ingenious idea: How a science project helps one family and the planet. Kids Can Press. Twenty-two Cents: Muhammad Yunus and the Village Bank Yoo, P. (2018). Twenty-two cents: Muhammad Yunus and the village bank. Lee & Low Books. Canada Gaawin Gindaaswin Ndaawsii/I Am Not a Number Dupuis, J. K. (2019). Gaawin Gindaaswin Ndaawsii/I am not a number. Second Story Press. When I Was Eight Jordan-Fenton, C. (2013). When I was eight. Annick Press. When We Were Alone Robertson, D. A. (2016). When we were alone. Press. Phyllis’s Orange Shirt Webstad, P. (2019). Phyllis’s orange shirt. Medicine Wheel Education. Pablo Neruda: Poet of the People Brown, M. (2011). Pablo Neruda: Poet of the people. Henry Holt and Co. My Name is Gabriela Brown, M. (2005). My name is Gabriela. Cooper Square Publishing. Cuba Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music Engle, M. (2015). Drum dream girl: How one girl’s courage changed music. HMH Books for Young Readers. The Wildest Race Ever: The Story of the 1904 Olympic Marathon McCarthy, M. (2016). The wildest race ever: The story of the 1904 Olympic marathon. Simon & Schuster. Marti’s Song for Freedom Otheguy, E. (2017). Marti’s song for freedom. Lee & Low Books. Dominican Republic Islandborn Diaz, J. (2018). Islandborn. Dial Books. If Dominican Were a Color Recio, S. (2020). If Dominican were a color. Denene Millner Books. Growing Up Pedro: How the Martinez Brothers Made it from the Dominican Republic All the Way to the Major Leagues. Tavaras, M. (2017). Growing up Pedro: How the Martinez brothers made it from the Dominican Republic all the way to the major leagues. Candlewick. Egypt Nefertiti Parker, K. (2020). Nefertiti. Scholastic. Hands Around the Library: Protecting Egypt’s Treasured Books Roth, S.L., & Abouraya, K.L. (2012). Hands around the library: Protecting Egypt’s treasured books. Dial Books. France Seeker of Knowledge: The Man Who Deciphered Egyptian Hieroglyphs Rumford, J. (2000). Seeker of knowledge: The man who deciphered Egyptian hieroglyphs. Houghton Mifflin. Henri’s Scissors Winter, J. (2013). Henri’s scissors. Beach Lane Books. Germany Just Like Rube Goldberg: The Incredible True Story of the Man Behind the Machines Aronson, S. (2019). Just like Rube Goldberg: The incredible true story of the man behind the machines. Beach Lane Books. Rube Goldberg’s Simple Normal Humdrum School Day George, J. (2017). Rube Goldberg’s simple normal humdrum school day. Abrams Books. Haiti Bintz & Moini Chaghervand 29 Nadia’s Good Geed: A Story About Haiti Harris, R. (2014). Nadia’s good deed: A story about Haiti. John Fielder Publishing. Selavi, that is Life: A Haitian Story of Hope Landowne, Y. (2004). Selavi, that is life: A Haitian story of hope. Cinco Puntos Press. Toussaint L’ouverture: The Fight for Haiti’s Freedom Myers, W.D. (1996). Toussaint L’ouverture: The fight for Haiti’s freedom. Simon & Schuster. Hoops for Haiti Siumilien, c. (2021). Hoops for Haiti. Independently Published. Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean- Michel Basquiat Steptoe, J. (2016). Radiant child: The story of young artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Little Brown Books. Jean-Michel Basquiat Vegara, M.I.S. (2020). Jean-Michel Basquiat. Frances Lincoln Children’s books. Holland Van Gogh and the Sunflowers Anholt, L. (2007). Van Gogh and the sunflowers. B.E.S The Story of Anne Frank: A Biography Book for New Readers Berne, E. C. (2021). The story of Anne Frank: A biography book for new readers. Rockridge Press. Anna and Johanna: A Children’s Book Inspired by Jan Vermeer Elschner, G. (2018). Anna and Johanna: A children’s book inspired by Jan Vermeer. Prestel Junior. Anne Frank Genius, I. I. (2021). Anne Frank. IIG Publication. Vincent van Gogh: He Saw the World in Vibrant Colors Guglielmo, a. (2021). Vincent van Gogh: He saw the world in vibrant colors. DK Children. I Am Anne Frank Meltzer, B. (2020). I am Anne Frank. Dial Books. Vincent Can’t Sleep: Van Gogh Paints the Night Sky Rosenstock, B. (2017). Vincent can’t sleep: Van Gogh paints the night sky. Knopf Books. Honduras Berta saves the River Llewellyn S. (2021). Berta saves the river. Share Foundation. The Good Garden: How One Family Went from Hunger to Having Enough Milway, K.S. (2020). The good garden: How one family went from hunger to having enough. Kids Can Press. Rosalia: The Honduran American. Osoria, C. (2020). Rosalia: The Honduran American Osoria Independent Publishing. India The Boy Who Grew a Forest Gholz, S. (2019). The boy who grew a forest. Sleeping Bear Press. Grandfather Gandhi Gandhi, A. (2014). Grandfather Gandhi. Atheneum The Story of Gandhi: A Biography Book for New Readers Katz, S.B. (2020). The story of Gandhi: A biography book for new readers. Rockridge Press. She Sang for India: How M.S. Subbulakshmi Used Her Voice for Change Subramamiam, S. (2022). She sang for India: How M. S. Subbulakshmi used her voice for change. Farrar, Status and Giroux. Iran A Refugee’s Journey from Iran Hudak, H.C. (2018). A refugee’s journey from Iran. Crabtree Publishing Company. Maryam’s Magic: The Story of Mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani Reid, M. (2021). Maryam’s magic: The story of mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani. Balzer & Bray. Iraq Alia Muhammad Baker: Saving a Library from War Bacher, L. (2016). Alia Muhammad Baker: Saving a library from war. MOMENTUM. 30 Georgia Journal of Literacy 45(2) Silent Music: A Story of Baghdad Rumford, J. (2008). Silent music: A story of Baghdad. Roaring Brook Press. Alia’s Mission Stamaty, M.A. (2010). Alia’s mission. Dragonfly Books. The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq Winter, J. (2019). The librarian of Basra: A true story from Iraq. Clarion. Israel Young Captain on a Broken Boat Adler, I. (2021). Young captain on a broken boat. Zaccmedia. Golda Meir: A Strong, Determined Leader Adler, D. A. (2015). Golda Meir: A strong, determined leader. Puffin Books. A Queen to the Rescue: The Story of Henrietta Szold, Founder of Hadassah Churnin, N. (2021). A queen to the rescue: The story of Henrietta Szold, founder of Hadassah. Creston Books. Little Judah in America Dauid, H. (2017). Little Judah in America. The Awakening Remnant Koalition. Goldie Takes a Stand: Golda Meir’s first crusade. Krasner, B. (2014). Goldie takes a stand: Golda Meir’s first crusade. Kar-Ben Publishing. The Language of Angels: A Story about the Reinvention of Hebrew Michelson, R. (2017). The language of angels: A story about the reinvention of Hebrew. Charlesbridge. Osnat and Her Dove: The True Story of the World’s First Female Rabbi Samuel, S. (2021). Osnat and her dove: The true story of the world’s first female Rabbi. Querido Independent Publishing Italy I, Galileo Christensen, B. (2012). I, Galileo. Knopf Books. Leonardo da Vinci: Extraordinary Machines Hawcock, D. (2019). Leonardo da Vinci: Extraordinary machines. Dover Publications. Bartali’s Bicycle: The True Story of Gino Bartali, Italy’s Secret Hero. Hoyt, M. (2021). Bartali’s bicycle: The true story of Gino Bartali, Italy’s secret hero. Quill Tree Books. The Story of Leonardo da Vinci: A Biography Book for New Readers O’Neal, C. (2021). The story of Leonardo da Vinci: A biography book for new readers. Rockridge Press. Starry Messenger: A Book Depicting the Famous Scientist, Mathematician, Astronomer, Philosopher, and Physicist: Galileo Galilei Sis, P. (2000). Starry messenger: A book depicting the of a famous scientist, mathematician, astronomer, philosopher, and physicist: Galileo Galilei. San Val. Morocco Naseem’s Journey Farmay, A. (2019). Naseem’s journey. CreateSpace Independent Publishing. The Storytellers Lewin, T. (1998). The storytellers. Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books. Nepal Tiger of the Snows: Tenzing Norgay-the Boy Whose Dream Was Everest Burleigh, R. (2010). Tiger of the snows: Tenzing Norgay-the boy whose dream was Everest. Atheneum. Chandra’s Magic Light: A Story in Nepal Heine, T. (2014). Chandra’s magic light: A story in Nepal. Barefoot Books. Everest: The Remarkable Story of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Stewart, A. (2020). Everest: The remarkable story of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. Bloomsbury Children’s Books. Pakistan Basket of Bangles Howard, G. (2002). Basket of bangles. Millbrook Press. Bintz & Moini Chaghervand 31 Listen to the Wind Mortenson, G., & Roth, S.L. (2009). Listen to the wind. Dial Books. Four Feet, Two Sandals Williams, K.L., & Mohammed, K. (2007). Four feet, two sandals. Eerdmans. Iqbal: A Brave Boy from Pakistan. Winter, J. (2014). Iqbal: A brave boy from Pakistan. Beach Lane Books. Malala: A Brave Girl from Pakistan Winter, J. (2014). Malala: A brave girl from Pakistan. Beach Lane Books. Peru Sharuko: Peruvian Archaeologist Julio C. Tello Brown, M. (2020). Sharuko: Peruvian archaeologist Julio C. Tello. Lee & Low Books. Kusikiy: A Child from Taquile, Peru DCecilia, M. (2011). Kusikiy: A child from Taquile, Peru. Keeper of Wisdom and Peace Books. Martin de Porres: The Rose in the Desert Schmidt, G.D. (2012). Martin de Porres: The rose in the desert. Clarion. The Pied Piper of Peru Tompert, A. (2002). The pied piper of Peru. Boyds Mill Press. Romania Nadia: The Girl Who Couldn’t Sit Still Gray, K. (2016). Nadia: The girl who couldn’t sit still. Clarion Books. Russia Anastasia’s Album: The Last Tsar’s Youngest Daughter Tells Her Own Story Brewster, H. (1996). Anastasia’s album: The last Tsar’s youngest daughter tells her own story. Hyperion. A Royal Ride: Catherine the Great’s Great Invention Fulton, K. (2019). A royal ride: Catherine the Great’s great invention. Margaret K. McElderry Books. I Am Marc Chagall Landmann, B. (2006). I am Marc Chagall. Eerdmans Books. Ivan the Terrible: Terrifying Tyrant of Russia Nagelhout, R. (2016). Ivan the terrible: Terrifying tyrant of Russia. Gareth Stevens. Through the Window: Views of Marc Chagall’s Life and Art Rosenstock, B. (2018). Through the window: Views of Marc Chagall’s life and art. Knopf Books. The Noisy Paint Box: The Colors and Sounds of Kandinsky’s Abstract Art Rosenstock, B. (2014). The noisy paint box: The colors and sounds of Kandinsky’s abstract art. Knopf Books. Swan: The Life and Dance of Anna Pavlova Snyder, L. (2015). Swan: The life and dance of Anna Pavlova. Chronicle Books. When Stravinsky Met Nijinsky: Two Artists, their Ballet, and One Extraordinary Riot Stringer, L. (2013). When Stravinsky met Nijinsky: Two artists, their ballet, and one extraordinary riot. HMH Books. Peter Tchaikovsky Venezia, M. (2018). Peter Tchaikovsky. Children’s Press. South Africa Nelson Mandela Nelson, K. (2019). Nelson Mandela. Katherine Tegen books. The Story of Nelson Mandela Stokes, F. (2021). The story of Nelson Mandela. Rockridge. Spain Picasso and the Girl with a Ponytail Arnolt, L. (2007). Picasso and the girl with a ponytail. B.E.S. Pablo Picasso Venezia, M. (2014). Pablo Picasso. Children’s Press. Syria Yusra Swims Abery, J. (2020). Yusra swims. Creative Editions. My Name is Bana Alabed, B. (2021). My name is Bana. Salaam Reads. 32 Georgia Journal of Literacy 45(2) A Refugee’s Journey from Syria Mason, H. (2017). A refugee’s journey from Syria. Crabtree Publishing. The Cat Man of Aleppo Shamsi-Basha, K., & Latham, I. (2020). The cat man of Aleppo. G.P. Putnam’s Sons. Thailand Titan and the Wild Boars: The True Cave Rescue of the Thai Soccer Team Hood, s. (2019). Titan and the wild boars: The true cave rescue of the Thai soccer team. HarperCollins. The Floating Field: How a Group of Thai Boys Built Their Own Soccer Field Riley, S. (2021). The floating field: How a group of Thai boys built their own soccer field. Millbrook Press. Venezuela A Picture Book of Simon Bolivar Adler, D.A. (1992). A picture book of Simon Bolivar. Holiday House. Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreno Played the Piano for President Lincoln Engle, M. (2019). Dancing hands: How Teresa Carreno played the piano for President Lincoln. Atheneum. Received: March 2, 2023 | Accepted: March 28, 2023 | Published: November 13, 2023 Research on Motivation From Motivation to Inspiration Definition of Picturebooks Picturebooks for All Learners, Especially English Language Learners Picturebook Biographies Selecting Picturebook Biographies Table 5: Guidelines for Selecting Picturebook Biographies Final Thoughts References Literature Cited Table 1: Trailblazers and Daredevils Table 2: Sports Figures