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: 

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.