Synopsis: This book exhibits all of the diversity of the American states even as it ties the country into one awesome entity. The authors' inclusion of endangered species, biographical sketches on the famous Americans from each state, inventions, resources, records, and so much more make this a unique and multi-dimensional work. But it is the art and the treatment of the information that makes this book so special. With a light-handed, fresh approach, and…

Synopsis: Renowned educator Christine King Farris, older sister of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., joins with celebrated illustrator Chris Soentpiet to tell this “outstanding” (School Library Journal) and inspirational story of how one boyhood experience inspired a movement that would change the world as we know it.Mother Dear, one day I’m going to turn this world upside down. Long before he became a world-famous dreamer, Martin Luther King Jr. was a…

Synopsis: This stunning picture book biography of Nelson Mandela by Kadir Nelson is a receipient of the Coretta Scott King Honor award.In this lush, acclaimed book, award-winning author-illustrator Kadir Nelson tells the story of global icon and Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela in poignant free verse and glorious illustrations.It is the story of a young boy's determination to change South Africa, and of the struggles of a man who eventually became…

Synopsis: Libby's great aunt, Lobo, is from Mexico, but the United States has been her home for many years, and she wants to become a U.S. citizen. At the end of the week, Lobo will say the Pledge of Allegiance at a special ceremony. Libby is also learning the Pledge this week, at school--at the end of the week, she will stand up in front of everyone and lead the class in the Pledge. Libby and Lobo practice together--asking questions and sharing stories…

Synopsis: It is spring of 1877 when fourteen-year-old Sound of Running Feet, daughter of Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce, sees white people panning gold in the little creek that feeds the Wallowa River, and brings word of them to her father. "They are the first, but more are on the way," he says. "We are few and they are many. They will devour us." It is Sound of Running Feet who narrates the story of her tribe's fate. Readers will be gripped as she…

Synopsis: If you loved The Stories Julian Tells, wait until you hear about the adventures of his best friend, Gloria! The Julian's World chapter book series is all about friendship, family, and imagination! What if your dream came true . . . and nobody believed you?   When Gloria goes to the store to buy an onion, she can’t believe who she meets! A real astronaut named Dr. Grace Street. Dr. Street explains to Gloria that problems aren’t always as big as…

Synopsis: Born in California in 1912, Julia Child enlisted in the Army and met her future husband, Paul, during World War II. She discovered her love of French food while stationed in Paris and enrolled in Le Cordon Bleu cooking school after her service. Child knew that Americans would love French food as much as she did, so she wrote Mastering the Art of French Cooking in 1961. The book was a success and the public wanted more. America fell in love with…

Synopsis: Mama's away one night and her son can't sleep. He tries to relax by counting stars, but the more stars he sees, the more determined he is to count every single one of them. Then the boy finds that Daddy can't sleep either, and together the two of them set off on an unforgettable all-night journey of discovery. Full color. Copyright © Libri GmbH. All rights reserved.

Synopsis: "At the age of 11, Malala Yousafzai began writing a blog in support of education for girls in Pakistan. As the blog gained popularity and Yousafzai became famous, she faced opposition from religious extremists who were against womens right to education. Readers will discover how Yousafzai stood her ground against terrorist activists, even after being shot for her beliefs. They will also learn how Yousafzai achieved international recognition and…

Synopsis: Explore the Wampanoag Indians, the nation's relationship with settlers, culture, women, housing, and more.A True Book: American Indian series allows readers to experience what makes each American Indian people distinctive and exceptional. Readers will get to know each tribes culture, influence and history. This series includes an age appropriate (grades 3-5) introduction to curriculum-relevant subjects and a robust resource section that…

Synopsis: Explore real stories and facts about the attacks on Pearl Harbor with American Girl BeForever character Nanea!Discover the stories of the real people and events that shaped American history in the Real Stories From My Time series. Perfect for book reports with full-page illustrations throughout, these nonfiction chapter books also include historical photos, maps, a timeline, a glossary, and a bibliography at the back. Plus, in each book, an…

Synopsis: "A stunning combination of fluent prose and exquisitely wrought illustrations" (School Library Journal). "An inventive twist on the classic tale" (Publishers Weekly).This Egyptian spin on the classic Cinderella tale was initially recorded in the first century by a Roman historian and is retold here by folklorist Shirley Climo.Poor Rhodopis! She has nothing—no mother or father, and no friends. She is a slave, from the far-off country of Greece.…

Synopsis: In this spectacular photo-illustrated book, a plucky red-eyed tree frog searches for something to eat--and avoids the many dangers of the rain forest. Vibrant images and an engaging, simple text reveal the world of the tree frog and the wonder of Earth's creatures, large and small. Full color.

Synopsis: George Washington Carver was born a slave and grew up to be a great botanist and inventor! Readers will learn why George was known as the "plant doctor" as a young boy, his strong desire to learn, and how he taught other farmers about crop rotation. Vibrant images, supportive text, a glossary, table of contents, and index work in conjunction to engage and delight readers as they learn all they can about "The Peanut Man"!

Synopsis: From Anishinabe artists making birch bark bowls to Zuni elders saying prayers for the day that is done, the diversity of Native American cultures is simply presented in this unique alphabet book. Striking full-color paintings depict Native Americans living in harmony with their environment.

Synopsis: Ten-year-old Comfort Snowberger has attended 247 funerals. But that's not surprising, considering that her family runs the town funeral home. And even though Great-uncle Edisto keeled over with a heart attack and Great-great-aunt Florentine dropped dead--just like that--six months later, Comfort knows how to deal with loss, or so she thinks. She's more concerned with avoiding her crazy cousin Peach and trying to figure out why her best friend,…

Synopsis: Describes the early life and career of Harriet Tubman, whose childhood name was Minty, and who's dreams of escaping slavery on the Brodas plantation in the late 1820s came true.

Synopsis: Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. won the world heavyweight championship at the age of 22, the same year he joined the Nation of Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali. He would go on to become the first and only three-time (in succession) World Heavyweight Champion. Nicknamed “The Greatest,” Ali was as well known for his unique boxing style, consisting of the Ali Shuffle and the rope-a-dope, as he was for the catchphrase “float like a butterfly,…

Synopsis: Bob Marley's songs are known the world over for their powerful message of love, peace, and harmony. Now a whole new generation can discover one of his most joyous songs in this reassuring picture book adaptation written by his daughter Cedella and exuberantly illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. This upbeat story reminds children that the sun will always come out after the rain and mistakes are easily forgiven with a hug. Every family will…