Ann Bausum writes about U.S. history for young people from her home in Beloit, Wisconsin. Her books consistently earn awards and recognition, including a Sibert Honor designation for Freedom Riders and a Jane Addams Children's Book Award for With Courage and Cloth. Both titles were named notable books by the American Library Association (ALA), too, and gained recognition on many other lists of commended books. In addition, Booklist, the ALA's trade magazine, named Freedom Riders "Top of the List" as the best youth nonfiction book of 2006. It is not surprising that she became a children's author or that she writes books about American history. She grew up the daughter of a college history professor in a town that was packed with history-Lexington, Virginia. Ann loves writing and reading as much now as when "she was a kid."
Ann graduated from Beloit College in 1979. Two of her books feature other Beloit College graduates: Roy Chapman Andrews (class of 1906) and Jim Zwerg (class of 1962). She and her husband (who is a Beloit graduate, too) have two teenaged sons.
Selected Reviews of Ann's Books
Dragon Bones and Dinosaur Eggs: a photobiography of Roy Chapman Andrews
Ann Bausum
Focusing on the explorer's expeditions in Asia in the 1920's and the numerous fossil species his team discovered . . . provides limited information on Andrews's later tenure as director of the American Museum of Natural History. The drama of exploring the Gobi Desert. . . Hornbook
Freedom Riders: John Lewis and Jim Zwerg on the Front Lines of the Civil Rights Movement
Ann Bausum
This excellent retelling of the early days of the Civil Rights Movement, in particular the events surrounding the Freedom Rides of May, 1961, leaves little to the imagination. The author does an admirable job of setting the historical stage for young readers through her use of period black-and-white photos and descriptions of the separate worlds of blacks and whites in the 1950's and 60's. The detailed biographies of John Lewis and Jim Zwerg, who eventually became Freedom Riders, sets the stage for their involvement in the Civil Rights Movement and their lasting friendship. Students of today need reminding of the struggles that earned them their freedoms today, and Mr. Lewis and Mr. Zwerg's story should stand as a reminder that people of courage need to stand up for the rights of others as well as themselves. Seeing the actual photos of those difficult times in American history should inspire teachers, as well, to use history as inspiration for change. It is a fascinating, well-researched account that illustrates that the courage and actions of even young people can make a difference. An interesting time line, partial roster of freedom riders, resources for further study, and extensive bibliography are included. 2006, National Geographic Society, $18.95. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
With Courage and Cloth: Winning the Fight for a Woman's Right to Vote
Ann Bausum
American women struggled hard and long for the right to vote. Ann Bausum's With Courage and Cloth sweeps young readers into this intriguing 72-year story, which spans the Seneca Falls convention in 1848 to passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920. Profiles of leaders such as Alice Paul, Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton highlight their important accomplishments. The text and vintage photos make clear, though, that many unnamed women contributed their brains, pens, powers of persuasion and marching feet to the cause. Until recently, few children knew that women had been imprisoned numerous times for picketing the White House. Kudos to Bausum for emphasizing what our foremothers sacrificed to secure this basic right. 2004, National Geographic, $21.95. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
Programs for elementary and middle school students
- On the Trail of History
- Freedom Ride Journeys (youth program)
- Vote! How Women Won the Fight (youth program)
- Behind the Scenes of Dragon Bones and Dinosaur Eggs
- Nothing but the Facts: A Not-so-trivial Look at Our Country's Presidents and First Ladies
Programs for high school students and adults
- Muckraking! A How-to View of Investigative Journalism
- Armed with Nonviolence: Two Stories from the Fight for Human Rights
- Freedom Ride Journeys (program for teens and adults)
- Vote! How Women Won the Fight (program for teens and adults)
- The Lucky Star of Roy Chapman Andrews
Programs for educators and children's book authors
- Sharing Themes of Social Justice With Young People
- The Ps and Qs (and Rs) of Creating Nonfiction
- Writing Winning Proposals
School visits:
Single program, $600
Two presentations, $850
All day visit (up to three presentations), $1,100
Travel expenses are additional.
Discounted fees are available in her local area.
Adult programs and library visits:
Single program, $800
Book festivals, $600 (single program)
Conferences, per day, $1,100
Travel expenses are additional.
Discounted fees are available in her local area.
To learn more about Ann publications please visit www.annbausum.com.
If you would like to read more reviews, see the awards, honors, prizes and reading list entries for these and other titles, as well as reading measurement program data, lesson plans or teaching guides, please sign up for a free trial of the Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. CLCD trial