Synopsis: Our nation was founded on the belief that all men are created equal. Nearly two hundred years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, slavery had been abolished but America was still segregated. Then: Enter the students who marched into the first desegregated school, the passengers who boycotted the buses, and the leaders who stood up and spoke out. When they started, it was all just a dream. . . . Through striking, powerful…

Synopsis: In this powerful novel researched in NYC schools, Newbery Medalist Virginia Hamilton documents the struggle young people face as they simultaneously assert their independence and yearn for guidance.Friendship isn't always easy. Natalie is different from the other girls in Dreenie's fifth-grade class. She comes to school in a wheelchair, always wearing a knitted hat. The kids call her "Bluish" because her skin is tinted blue from chemotherapy.…

Synopsis: When her family moves to New York from Hong Kong, Mei Mei finds it difficult to learn the alien sounds of English.

Synopsis: "I'm not only the greatest; I'm the double greatest."-- Muhammad Ali in 1962 to the NY Times.The Louisville Lip. Cassius Clay. The Greatest.Muhammad Ali may be known by more than one name, but his accomplishments, both inside and out of the boxing ring, have earned him a singular place in history as one of the most inspiring figures of the twentieth century. In his riveting portrayal of Ali's spirit and courage, award-winning author Walter Dean…

Synopsis: An ALA Notable Book, A New York times Book Review Best Children's Books, 1970-1980 Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry is a 1976 novel by Mildred D. Taylor. The novel won the 1977 Newbery Medal and is considered to be among the greatest children's novels of all time. Its sequel, Let the Circle Be Unbroken, was released in 1981. Why is the land so important to Cassie's family? It takes the events of one turbulent year-the year of the night riders and…

Synopsis: An African American girl shares the private world of playtime on her front steps over each of the four seasons.As the young narrator of this delightful story points out, the front steps can be one of the best places for city kids to play. Each season brings new experiences, from the long, hot-through-your-shoes days of summer to the discovery of leaf prints in autumn. Best of all, whenever you come back from away, setting foot on the front steps…

Synopsis: From the Caldecott Medal-winning author of The Snowy Day, Ezra Jack Keats, Peter's Chair is a picture book classic about a sibling rivalry.Peter, the hero of many of Ezra Jack Keats' award-winning books, has a new baby sister. When she arrives, his parents paint his old baby furniture pink for the new baby. There's only one thing they haven't painted yet, though: his little blue chair. He'll do whatever it takes to save it—even run away! This is…

Synopsis: Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents critically acclaimed indigenous fantasy writer Rebecca Roanhorse's thrilling adventure about a Navajo girl who discovers she's a monsterslayer.Lately, seventh grader Nizhoni Begay has been able to detect monsters, like that man in the fancy suit who was in the bleachers at her basketball game. Turns out he's Mr. Charles, her dad's new boss at the oil and gas company, and he's alarmingly interested in…

Synopsis: After a trip to the zoo Katie wonders how animals clean their teeth. She asks her dental hygienist at her dental appointment.The hygienist, Ms. Katz, can't answer all of Katie's curious questions. But she still makes Katie's trip to the dentist comfortable and fun. Katie loves her community and that love is shown in Katie Woo's Neighborhood, an early chapter book series by author Fran Manushkin.