Charlie Red Goes to Work (Grade 1)

Charlie Red uses quick thinking, team work, and a decision to not give up on his goal to sell newspapers even when they all go downhill. This historical fiction story is based upon the life of Dr. Charles R. Drew, the African American scientist who created blood banks. His nicknames were Charlie and “Big Red.” Dr. Drew’s father did not finish high school but viewed education as important. He bought Charlie books whenever possible. At the age of 12, Charlie began selling newspapers to earn money. He soon hired six boys to work for him. This theme of working hard to achieve his dreams appears frequently throughout Dr. Drew’s life.

Author Biography

Sapphire Jule King’s service to children in the US and abroad as an ESL teacher and developmental reading and math specialist spans more than 20 years. She holds a bachelor’s in electrical engineering and a master’s in adult education and training. Ms. King is President and CEO of Beacon Pinnacle Advisors LLC and Founding Chairman of the nonprofit International Freedom Coalition. She is a Houston native currently residing in Washington, D.C. Citlalin (si – klah – lin) Morales’ interest in art started as a young child who loved to wear bold, loud colors and carry markers and paper everywhere that she went. Her father named her after the Aztec word for “star” and an Aztec princess from folk stories. Ms. Morales is a first generation Mexican American with an associate degree in art. She is a Mississippi native and currently resides in Florida with her husband.