We've begun reading biographies. I'm planning on one a month, at least. We've discussed the difference between a biography and an autobigraphy. I've made up a print-out to go along with it. The 11-yr old fills in the title, the subject, what the subject is famous for, and the author, along with any interesting facts as she reads.

So I pick up a book on Louis Braille. Our library had two; one was too easy and one was a little difficult. 
I got the latter.

After reading through it, I decided we'd count it as history and geography, too. The book is phenomenal!

The squawking began.

"Why do I need to read about a dead guy?"
"Because he made a huge impact."
"But he's dead."
"Yes, but what he did has far outlasted his life."
"But he'd dead."
"But there are millions of people who have been helped by him."
"But he's dead."
"It'll be good for you. And you'll get to read Davy Crockett next." *add "the look" here*

So she's had to read 20 (sometimes 30) minutes a day in this book.
It has a lot of French names and places so it can be tough to read.

And then a funny thing happened.
She started telling me some interesting things about Mr. Braille.
And conversations ensued.
How the blind were treated in the 1800's.
Why they were treated the way they were.
How one priest made an eternal difference in a life.
And on and on....

And just to be sure that she has the compassion needed, she had to be blind for an hour. Now don't get me wrong, she has a huge heart for the living. Even for the cranky people that we run in to... You know, the ones you just want to smack for being so rude? She's quick to defend them. "Maybe they just got some bad news. Or maybe they're not feeling well. Or maybe...." 

But after our starting discussion I wanted to be sure.
To begin with, pick up all your stuff and put it away.

No, I won't tell you what it is.

She got it done. And we went for a walk. And she "met" the 18-yr old to learn how and why to be introduced and shake hands. And she learned why the blind use a walking stick ("ouch"). And how a trained dog gives them freedom. And how boring it would be to sit in a dark space with nothing to read...