ProQuest SIRS: Search "Didier Drogba peace Ivory Coast"
Britannica School: Look up "Ivory Coast civil war" and "Drogba"
Title: Captive: The Untold Story of the Atlanta Hostage Hero - Author: Ashley Smith - Call Number: 277.58 SMI
Why It Fits:
While not directly about sports, this book centers on a real-life act of peaceful courage and nonviolent negotiation. Ashley Smith, a young woman held hostage, used compassion, conversation, and moral conviction to de-escalate a life-threatening situation. Her actions parallel Didier Drogba’s in that both used personal influence and nonviolent leadership to create meaningful, symbolic change.
What long-term impact did Didier Drogba's peace efforts have on his public image?
How did the public and political leaders respond to Drogba's plea?
In what ways did Drogba's efforts go beyond words to create symbolic action?
ProQuest eLibrary: Search "Fernando Valenzuela Mexican-American impact"
NewsBank – Hispanic Life in America: Articles on "Fernandomania"
Title: Living Beyond Borders: Growing Up Mexican in America Editor: Margarita Longoria. Call #: 810.9 LON
Why this fits:This anthology offers real stories by Mexican-American authors, touching on identity, heritage, and pride—perfect context for understanding how public figures like Fernando Valenzuela became cultural icons for the Mexican-American community.
NewsBank: Search "Jarren Duran mental health"
SIRS: Topic "Mental Health and Professional Athletes"
Title: The Silent Cry: A Teen’s Guide to Escaping Self-Harm. Author: Joan Esherick. Call Number: 616.85 ESH
Why it fits: This book addresses adolescent mental health and self-harm with a hopeful, educational tone. It doesn’t center on sports but is highly relevant to Duran’s themes of emotional struggle and recovery.
What made Jarren Duran want to speak up about his suicide attempt?
What effect did speaking out have on society or his community?
How did Jarren Duran feel about his suicide attempt before speaking about it?
What helped him overcome them? When did these feelings first appear?
SIRS: Topic overview: "Athletes and Mental Health"
NewsBank: Search "DeMar DeRozan depression NBA"
Title: Activist Athletes: When Sports and Politics Mix. Author: The New York Times editorial staff Call Number: 306.4 ACT
Why It Fits: This book explores how athletes—including those in the NBA—use their platforms to confront adversity, advocate for change, and demonstrate resilience, both mentally and socially. It's likely to include figures like DeMar DeRozan, LeBron James, and others who've spoken publicly about mental health and societal pressures.
Did DeMar DeRozan always have the confidence, and when did he know he was going to make it?
DeRozan's confidence was shaped by his upbringing in Compton, California. He credits his early environment and the challenges he faced there for instilling resilience and self-belief. Advice from mentors like Kobe Bryant further reinforced his determination to stay true to himself and succeed in the NBA. (GQ Mag Feb 2022)
When did DeMar DeRozan realize basketball was starting to take a mental toll?
What would DeMar DeRozan do if he were not in the NBA, and would he be happy?
Britannica: Full bio and accomplishments of Sylvia Earle
Proquest eBooks – Sylvia Earle
Title: The Prospect Before Her: A History of Women in Western Europe, 1500–1800 by Olwen H. Hufton. Call Number: 305.4 HUF
Why: While not directly about marine science, this title provides important historical context about women's roles in intellectual and scientific spheres, which could enrich a student’s understanding of the barriers Sylvia Earle and others had to overcome in science fields.
Britannica: Anne Frank biography and WWII context
ProQuest eLibrary: Articles on life in hiding and Holocaust survival
"The Trial of Adolf Eichmann: The Holocaust on Trial" by Bruce L. Brager. Call Number: 364.15 BRA
Why: This book provides historical context about the Holocaust through the trial of a Nazi war criminal, which helps illuminate the systemic nature of the atrocities faced by Jewish families like Anne Frank’s.
What was the difference between Anne Frank's life before she went into hiding and after?
Did she ever feel safe or was she always on edge expecting to be found?
Focus: Perseverance and legacy in flight invention
Britannica: Article on Wright Brothers and invention milestones
eLibrary: Search "history of aviation pioneers"
Title: Miracle at Kitty Hawk: The Letters of Wilbur and Orville Wright - Author: Wilbur Wright - Call Number: 921 Wright
Why it fits: This primary source collection reveals the brothers’ personal thoughts, emotional reflections, technical details, and direct insight into all your core questions. It is a perfect companion to Freedman’s biography already listed.
NewsBank – Black Life in America: Search "Ruby Bridges activism education"
SIRS: Topic "School Integration and Civil Rights Movement"
Title: Brown v. Board of Education: The Battle for Integration - Author: Mark V. Tushnet - Call Number: 344.73
Why it fits: This book provides essential legal and historical context for understanding why Ruby Bridges' integration of an all-white school was such a pivotal moment. It complements her personal memoir (Through My Eyes) by offering a broader perspective on the systemic forces and legal decisions behind school desegregation.
How was Ruby Bridges a platform as an adult to advocate for racial equality/education reform?
What factors led to her being selected as the first African American to attend an all-white school?
How did her or her parents come to the decision to go to school?
How did her early experiences shape her involvement with civil rights movements?
ProQuest eLibrary: Search "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez biography and politics"
Britannica: Entry on "AOC and the Green New Deal"
Title: Activist Athletes: When Sports and Politics Mix - Author: The New York Times editorial staff - Call Number: 306.4 ACT
Why: This book examines moments where sports figures became political change agents, offering strong parallels to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s public impact through a different lens of representation and activism.
Proquest eBooks: Article on Desmond Doss and Medal of Honor
News Bank 1946 Article: "Desmond Doss"
Title: Captive: The Untold Story of the Atlanta Hostage Hero - Author: Ashley Smith - Call Number: 277.58 SMI
Why this book? It portrays a real-life story of a woman whose faith and courage—without using violence—helped her survive a hostage situation. It's a powerful example of bravery through nonviolence and spiritual conviction.
Proquest Library: Topic "Martin Luther King Jr. and Civil Rights Speeches"
NewsBank – Black Life in America: Search "1963 News Article by King"
Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell - Call Number: 302 GLA
Why it fits: While not focused on MLK directly, this book explores how rhetoric, misunderstanding, and communication shape societal events—making it a strong companion for studying the impact of public address.
Britannica: Nelson Mandela and Robben Island
SIRS: Topic "Apartheid in South Africa"
Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela - Call Number: 921 MAN. Author: Nelson Mandela
NewsBank: Search "Michael Jordan leadership mindset"
eLibrary: Search "Michael Jordan biography"
Title: Michael Jordan: A Life Above the Rim. Call Number: B JOR (Biography section under Jordan) (Available from the TMS Library by Request)
This book provides a strong foundational overview of Jordan’s life, career, and competitive mindset, and would be a solid choice for your student’s focus on leadership and influence in sports.
What was Michael Jordan's mindset and how did it separate him from other pro players?
How did he treat his teammates—did he change and influence them?
Would prime Michael Jordan still be dominant in today's NBA?
Britannica: Harriet Tubman biography
SIRS: Topic "Slavery and the Underground Railroad"
Title: She Came to Slay: The Life and Times of Harriet Tubman. Author: Erica Armstrong Dunbar. Call #: 306.3 DUN
Why it fits: This book is an engaging, student-friendly biography focused on Harriet Tubman’s acts of escape, bravery, and lifelong activism. It includes illustrations and modern commentary, making it a great choice for middle and high school readers seeking inspiration.
Britannica: Joan of Arc biography
ProQuest eLibrary: Topic "Women in war and medieval France"
Title: Just as You Are: A Teen's Guide to Self-Acceptance and Lasting Self-Esteem. Author: Michelle Skeen. Call Number: 155.5 SKE
Why it fits: While this book doesn’t directly address Joan of Arc, it provides insight into the emotional and psychological resilience of teenagers facing self-doubt, societal expectations, and the need to lead with integrity—mirroring Joan’s internal struggles and strength. It could serve as a modern contrast or reflection tool in comparing teen empowerment across history and today.
How did Joan of Arc get soldiers to follow her being a girl and teenager?
What were some of the hardships she went through during her life?
Britannica: Neil Armstrong and Apollo 11
SIRS: Search "space race" and "first moon landing"
Title: In the Shadow of the Moon: America, Russia, and the Hidden History of the Space Race Author: Amy E. Cherrix. Call Number: 629.4 CHE
Why this book? It provides rich context on the Cold War space race, the pressure NASA astronauts faced, and the stakes behind the Apollo 11 mission. It complements the student's inquiry about both Armstrong’s legacy and the broader world impact of the moon landing.
Why was Neil Armstrong selected to be the first man on the moon?
What struggles did he face in his mission to get on the moon and preparing for it?
What changes would this mission make for Neil and the rest of the world?
What struggles from his childhood or pre-astronaut life helped prepare him for this mission?
eLibrary: Search "flapper fashion 1920s" and "women’s rights history"
Britannica: Entry on "Roaring Twenties and women’s fashion"
The Prospect Before Her: A History of Women in Western Europe, Volume 1 Author: Olwen Hufton Call #: 305.4 HUF
Why It Fits: This is a well-researched historical account that explores women’s lives and roles over time, with rich context that can help students understand the cultural changes leading up to the 1920s flapper movement. It complements the inquiry into why fashion and roles changed during that era.
Britannica: Full biography on Malala Yousafzai
SIRS: Topic "Girls’ education and global activism"
Title: We Are Displaced: My Journey and Stories from Refugee Girls Around the World Author: Malala Yousafzai Call Number: 305.23 YOU
This book is a perfect match for the focus area of advocacy, post-trauma recovery, and global impact. It combines Malala’s personal story with the stories of other displaced girls, showing the resilience, challenges, and courage tied to education, conflict, and activism.