Harriet Tubman is specifically written to meet the needs of adolescents and adults who are reluctant readers. The photographs, maps, and illustrations reflect the text, making the words easy to decode. This high-interest, low-vocabulary biography is ideal for English as a Second Language or adult basic education students.

Harriet Tubman was born into slavery around 1822. Between 1850 to 1860, Harriet helped about 70 slaves escape to freedom. She relied on the Underground Railroad, a secret network of people and safe houses that helped runaway slaves. Harriet risked her life many...

Nelson Mandela is specifically written to meet the needs of adolescents and adults who are reluctant readers. The photographs, maps, and illustrations reflect the text, making the words easy to decode. This high-interest, low-vocabulary biography is ideal for English as a Second Language or adult basic education students.

Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) is the most widely-known figure in the struggle against South African apartheid. He spent 27 years in prison for his beliefs. He was released from prison in 1990. Four years later, Mandela became the first black president of South...

Laura Secord is specifically written to meet the needs of adolescents and adults who are reluctant readers. The photographs, maps, and illustrations reflect the text, making the words easy to decode. This high-interest, low-vocabulary biography is ideal for English as a Second Language or adult basic education students.

Laura Secord (1775-1868) found herself caught up in the War of 1812 after U.S. troops took over her family's home. She overheard the U.S. troops' plans to ambush the British. Laura took it upon herself to warn the British. Her historic 20-mile walk through wild...

Rick Hansen is specifically written to meet the needs of adolescents and adults who are reluctant readers. The photographs, maps, and illustrations reflect the text, making the words easy to decode. This high-interest, low-vocabulary biography is ideal for English as a Second Language or adult basic education students.

At the age of 15, Rick Hansen (1957- ) suffered an accident and was confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. Unwilling to let his disability hold him back, Hansen showed the world what a person with a disability can do. He wheeled through 34 countries on a...

June Callwood is specifically written to meet the needs of adolescents and adults who are reluctant readers. The photographs, maps, and illustrations reflect the text, making the words easy to decode. This high-interest, low-vocabulary biography is ideal for English as a Second Language or adult basic education students.

June Callwood (1924-2007) lived a life determined by a strong concern for social justice, especially on issues affecting children and women. She became one of Canada's most famous social justice activists, founding or co-founding over 50 Canadian social action...

Fannie Lou Hamer is specifically written to meet the needs of adolescents and adults who are reluctant readers. The photographs, maps, and illustrations reflect the text, making the words easy to decode. This high-interest, low-vocabulary biography is ideal for English as a Second Language or adult basic education students.

Fannie Lou Hamer (1917-1977) grew up in the South at the time of the Jim Crow laws. "Sick and tired" of being treated like a second-class citizen, Hamer overcame social and political barriers. She dedicated her life to rallying for equal rights and voting rights...

Oskar Schindler is specifically written to meet the needs of adolescents and adults who are reluctant readers. The photographs, maps, and illustrations reflect the text, making the words easy to decode. This high-interest, low-vocabulary biography is ideal for English as a Second Language or adult basic education students.

Oskar Schindler (1908-1974) risked his life to protect the lives of the Jewish people who worked for him during the reign of Hitler. As the horror of the Holocaust swept across German-occupied territory, Schindler used his wealth, his ingenuity, and his...

Jean Vanier is specifically written to meet the needs of adolescents and adults who are reluctant readers. The photographs, maps, and illustrations reflect the text, making the words easy to decode. This high-interest, low-vocabulary biography is ideal for English as a Second Language or adult basic education students.

Jean Vanier (1928- ) is the founder of L'Arche, an international organization which creates communities where people with developmental disabilities and those who assist them share life together. Vanier believes that ..".being human is to be a friend to the weak...

Norman Bethune is specifically written to meet the needs of adolescents and adults who are reluctant readers. The photographs, maps, and illustrations reflect the text, making the words easy to decode. This high-interest, low-vocabulary biography is ideal for English as a Second Language or adult basic education students.

Norman Bethune (1890-1939) was a doctor who devoted his life to helping others. Bethune's fame in Canada has resulted from his status as a hero in the People's Republic of China. While there, he worked with doctors and students of medicine in war zones passing on...

Terry Fox is specifically written to meet the needs of adolescents and adults who are reluctant readers. The photographs, maps, and illustrations reflect the text, making the words easy to decode. This high-interest, low-vocabulary biography is ideal for English as a Second Language or adult basic education students.

Terry Fox (1958-1981) was an active teenager involved in many sports. He was only 18 years old when he was diagnosed with bone cancer. His right leg was amputated 15 centimetres (six inches) above the knee in 1977. While in hospital, Terry was so overcome by the...