Acts of Courage

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 connections with the Nazis to move the Jewish workers to safety.

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 for black people. Lexile level: 410L

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 forests changed the course of history. Lexile level: 330L

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 Man in Motion World Tour to raise millions of dollars for spinal cord research and awareness. Lexile level: 480L