First Nations/Native Americans

Maria Tallchief 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 (ESL) or adult basic education students. Maria Tallchief (1925-2013) was a famous prima ballerina. Born to a father from the Osage tribe and a mother with Scottish and Irish heritage, Maria Tallchief discovered her passion for ballet at the age of three. At 17, she moved to New York City, where she studied under and then married George Balanchine. Her dedication and hard work resulted in a style of dance that dazzled audiences around the world. Maria Tallchief retired from dance at the age of 40, but continued to support and inspire young ballerinas until her death at age 88. Lexile level: 380L

Big Bear 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. 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. Big Bear was a famous Cree leader who hoped for peace between the white settlers and the Cree. He signed a peace treaty with the Blackfoot, believing that violence does not bring peace. He held out on signing Treaty 6 hoping to win more rights for his people. In the end, Big Bear had no choice but to sign the treaty. Broken promises led to bloodshed at Frog Lake and Fort Pitt in spite of Big Bear's efforts to promote peace. Big Bear was found guilty of treason and imprisoned for one year. He died in 1888. Lexile level: 450L

Tommy Prince 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. Tommy Prince (1915-1977) grew up on the Brokenhead Reserve, part of the Ojibway Nation. He joined the Canadian Army and quickly became a part of the Devil's Brigade, a special unit, because of his stealth, marksmanship, paratrooping skills, and courage. He won a total of 11 medals during World War II and the Korean War. Although a forgotten hero in post-war years, Tommy Prince died a respected and honoured man as people came to know the story of this remarkable war hero and man.

Will Rogers 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 (ESL) or adult basic education students. Will Rogers (1879-1935,) was born in the Indian Territory, now known as Oklahoma. His fascination with rope tricks and the lasso led him to perform on the vaudeville stage in North America and Europe. As his fame grew, he became a widely known movie actor, radio personality, and journalist. "I never met a man I didn't like," he once exclaimed. Will Rogers' sunny smile was lost to the world when he died in a plane crash in Alaska. Lexile level: 390L