Audio
NPR: National Public Radio

Npr: A Raisin in the Sun

9th - 10th
Audio story on the writing and production of 'the play that "changed American theater forever."'
Instructional Video
Reading Rockets

Reading Rockets: Author Interviews: Nikki Grimes

K - 1st
You can watch an interview with Nikki Grimes, view the transcript and read a short biography. Also includes a list of her children's books. [1:37]
Instructional Video
Have Fun With History

Have Fun With History: Booker T. Washington

9th - 10th
A biography of Booker T. Washington presented through an art montage with accompanying audio. Includes links to related information. [17:14]
Instructional Video
Reading Rockets

Reading Rockets: Author Interviews: Rita Williams Garcia

9th - 10th
Rita Williams-Garcia has authored picture books for young readers and novels for young adult and middle grade readers. Many of her books are rooted in recent American history. In this interview, you'll learn about the origins of her book...
Instructional Video
Reading Rockets

Reading Rockets: Author Interviews: Patricia and Fredrick Mc Kissack

Pre-K - 1st
Patricia and Fredrick McKissack are a writing duo that got their start when they decided they wanted to do something about the lack of children's stories about African Americans. In this interview, they talk about finding inspiration for...
Instructional Video
Reading Rockets

Reading Rockets: Author Interviews: Tonya Bolden

9th - 10th
Tonya Bolden has written more than 20 books for children and young adults, including biographies of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and George Washington Carver. Bolden transforms facts into compelling stories that inspire and challenge her...
Instructional Video
Reading Rockets

Reading Rockets: Author Interviews: Christopher Paul Curtis

4th - 7th
Christopher Paul Curtis only became a published author in his 40's. Before that, he worked in an automobile factory, which became so unbearable that he began having semi-hallucinations at night of car doors and assembly lines moving...
Instructional Video
Reading Rockets

Reading Rockets: Author Interviews: Kwame Alexander

Pre-K - 1st
Kwame Alexander, an award-winning poet and author, writes picture books for children and cross-genre books for teens. The Crossover - his basketball-concrete poetry-hiphop mashup - was awarded the 2015 Newbery Medal. Alexander is also...
Instructional Video
Reading Rockets

Reading Rockets: Author Interviews: Kadir Nelson

Pre-K - 1st
Before turning 30, Kadir Nelson had already illustrated children's books, sold paintings to celebrities, and worked on a movie directed by Steven Spielberg. He has won awards for his writing and illustrations, including his artwork in...
Instructional Video
Reading Rockets

Reading Rockets: Author Interviews: Jacqueline Woodson

Pre-K - 1st
Jacqueline Woodson writes picture books as well as books for middle graders and young adults. She tackles tough issues such as race relations, foster care, and incarceration. Watch the interview to learn more about her and read a short...
Instructional Video
Reading Rockets

Reading Rockets: Author Interviews: Jewell Parker Rhodes

4th - 7th
Jewell Parker Rhodes is the author of books for middle-grade readersIn this interview, Jewell talks about writing stories that explore tough topics like racism and violence, finding an authentic voice for her characters, how her books...