State House Press is launching a new series of Texas biographies
aimed at students in the fourth grade. The series focuses on
important, but perhaps lesser known, Texans and their contributions to
Texas history.
The first two books in the series look at Henrietta King, matriarch of
the King Ranch family, and Mirabeau B. Lamar, second president of
the Republic of Texas. They are among the personalities whose
names appear on study guides for the Texas Assessment of
Knowledge and Skills test taken by all children in the fourth grade.
Written by noted Texas children's author Judy Alter, the biographies
are concisely presented in language that can be understood by fourth
graders but also enjoyed by older readers. West Texas artist Patrick
Messersmith illustrates the books with compelling black and white
sketches.
The books are designed to be inviting and approachable to readers
of any age, with extra spacing between lines to enhance readability
and creative use of informative sidebar material.
The Stars of Texas Series is a natural fit for State House Press, an
imprint of the McWhiney Foundation, whose mission is to promote and
encourage the study of history.
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JUDY ALTER writes fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages. In
2005, she received the Owen Wister Award for Lifetime Achievement
from the Western Writers of America. She is director of TCU Press
and lives in Fort Worth, Texas. PATRICK MESSERSMITH is a noted
artist who resides in Dallas, Texas. He states, "as a native Texan, it's
great to be a part of teaching the legacy of our state's heroes (who
might not receive as much attention) to the younger generations."
Number One: Stars of Texas Series
What people are saying about this book
"If you want to expose your children to a truly remarkable woman, get
this book."—Eclectic Homeschool On-line
". . . an excellent series."—The Manhattan Mercury
"This book taught me that grownups have lots of responsibilities. The
pictures helped me understand how it was back then. I liked Mrs. King
because she almost never gave up on the things that she wanted to do
in her life. I would recommend this book for fourth graders and above."
—Emma Barringer, Raguet Elementary School in Nacogdoches, Texas,
review published in East Texas Historical Journal
"The best way to build up a new generation of Texas history lovers is
to produce books that appeal to young readers, and the good folks at
State House Press are opening that door with a wonderful new series . . .
'The Stars of Texas Series' is going to be something to watch. . . . The
books are fast-paced and interesting, allowing the student to quickly
understand the customs and life ways of Texas history."—Texas
Illustrated Magazine
". . . a fine book . . . Henrietta King has opened the door to interest
young readers to history."—The Manhattan Mercury
"5 stars."—Gail Cooke (Click here to read the entire review.)
". . . the kids will love the book, not realizing that it is 'good for them.'"
—Round-up Magazine
"If you need a gift for a child, try either of these books in the new
Stars of Texas Series from State House."—Brazosport Facts
Also in the Stars of Texas Series
