One Hen : How One Samll Loan Made a Big Difference by Katie Smith Milway, illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes

Micro-lending is explained in this easy-to-follow story based on a real person from Ghana. Kojo uses a small amount of money from a village loan to invest in a hen.He sells the eggs to buy more chickens, then finances his education, becomes a chicken farmer, employs many people,and helps enrich his country. The bright whimsical illustrations all include African scenes and chickens of some sort. One hen is even dressed up and selling produce at the village market. In addition to the story narrative, there is an incremental text with each illustration: "This is the loan that Kojo gets...This is the farm that Kojo builds...This is the town that grows..." Easy enough for young children to follow, this book can also be used with middle schoolers. There is a section on the "real Kojo" plus information on what the reader can do to help and an excellent glossary.Great for 7th grade social studies.

Wangari's Trees of Peace : A True Story from Africa by Jeanette Winter

For a slightly younger audience than "Planting the Trees of Peace" (previously nominated), this is another picture book about Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai.Brightly colored acrylic paintings illustrate the simply worded biographical information. Maathai is a strong female role model and an example of how one person's actions can bring about major change. SLJ starred review. Highly recommended.