FROM SARAH:

A picture book biography that is especially good for older kids. There's a lot of text here, but it's very well done and not to miss. Spread out your reading over several days so you can enjoy the whole thing! Highly recommended.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

William Shakespeare was the son of a glovemaker, a small-town boy with a grammar school education. Yet he grew up to become the greatest English-speaking playwright in the world. Bard of Avon: The Story of William Shakespeare is both his story and that of a great art rediscovered in the modern world.

FROM SARAH:

The glorious story of St. Joan of Arc, told by Diane Stanley. Stanley's picture books tend to be on the longer side, so I like to recommend them for ages 8+, or for younger kids with an especially strong attention span.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Against the fascinating tapestry of France's history during the Hundred Years' War, Diane Stanley unfolds the story of the simple thirteen-year-old village girl who in just a few years would lead France to independence from English rule.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

With her thoroughly researched, lively narrative and superbly detailed illustrations, Diane Stanley has captured the life of an artist who towered above the late Renaissance--and whose brilliance in architecture, painting, and sculpture amazes and moves us to this day.

FROM SARAH: 

This picture book is an excellent overview of the life of Cleopatra, set in the rich world of Alexandria as the Roman Republic began to crumble. The illustrations are beautiful, but it is text-heavy and deals with more mature content , so I'd recommend it for readers 10 and up.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Queen of Egypt at the age of eighteen, Cleopatra's passion was to untie the world under Egyptian rule. Legendary leaders risked their kingdoms to win her heart, and her epic life has inspired countless tales throughout history. A timeless story of love, war, and ambition, this pictorial biography from acclaimed author/illustrator Diane Stanley is sure to entertain and educate.