Synopsis: In 1960, six-year-old Ruby Bridges became the first African American student to attend an all-white school in New Orleans, Louisiana. Federal marshals accompanied this tiny girl so that she could make her way through the crowd of hateful protestors who wanted to block her progress specifically, and integration in general. Although these events reported around the world, Bridges reveals that she was scarcely aware of what was going on. She was so…

Synopsis: Never out of print since its 1944 publication, this tender story offers readers of all ages a timeless message of compassion and understanding. At its heart is Wanda Petronski, an immigrant girl in an American school, who is ridiculed for wearing the same faded blue dress every day. When she tells her classmates that she has one hundred dresses at home, she unwittingly triggers a game of teasing that eventually ends in a lesson for all. In…

Synopsis: Another powerful story in the Logan Family Saga and companion to Mildred D. Taylor's Newbery Award-winning Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.A day of conflict and tragedy.Cassie Logan and her brothers watch as the weekly bus from Jackson comes splashing through a heavy rainstorm—they are there to see their grandmother off on a trip. One by one, the passengers board the bus. But this is Mississippi in the 1930s, so when several white passengers arrive…

Synopsis: Born into a close knit family in Chicago, Michelle Robinson was a star student who graduated from Princeton and Harvard Law. Then in 1992, she married another promising young lawyer and the rest, as they say, is history. It is undeniable that President Barack Obama has changed the United States but so has Michelle Obama, the self proclaimed "Mom in Chief." This compelling, easy-to-read biography is illustrated by New Yorker artist John O'Brien.

Synopsis: NEWBERY MEDAL WINNER • The timeless classic with cover art by two-time Caldecott Honor Award winner Kadir Nelson!"[Taylor] writes not with rancor or bitterness of indignities, but with pride, strength, and respect for humanity."—The New York Times Book ReviewWith the land to hold them together, nothing can tear the Logans apart.Why is the land so important to Cassie's family? It takes the events of one turbulent year—the year of the night riders…

Synopsis: Another triumph for Paterson, "Jip" tells a "historically accurate story (that's) full of revelations and surprises" ("Publisher's Weekly"). An abandoned boy turns to his only friend to help him make sense of his past, after a menacing stranger comes to town claiming to have been sent by his father.

Synopsis: Learn about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with this revised edition of the popular Random House Step Up(TM) Biography of the great civil-rights leader and advocate for peaceful resistance --includes new text and additional dynamic photos. Perfect for reading level: 2.2. When Martin Luther King Jr., was growing up, he wasn't allowed to use the water fountains the white children drank from--and he didn't understand why. As he grew older,…

Synopsis: From Jewell Parker Rhodes, the author of Towers Falling and Ninth Ward (a Coretta Scott King Honor Book and a Today show Al's Book Club for Kids pick) comes a tale of a strong, spirited young girl who rises beyond her circumstances and inspires others to work toward a brighter future. Ten-year-old Sugar lives on the River Road sugar plantation along the banks of the Mississippi. Slavery is over, but laboring in the fields all day doesn't make…

Synopsis: From New York Times bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen comes a thrilling World War II story of espionage and intrigue, as one girl races to save her father and aid the French resistance.Six hundred and fifty-seven days ago, Meg Kenyon's father left their home in France to fight for the Allies in World War II, and that was the last time Meg saw him. Recently, she heard he was being held prisoner by the Nazis, a terrible sentence from which…

Synopsis: Born into slavery, young Harriet Tubman knew only hard work and hunger. Escape seemed impossible - certainly dangerous. Yet Harriet did escape North, by the secret route called the Underground Railroad. Harriet didn't forget her people. Again and again she risked her life to lead them on the same secret, dangerous journey.

Synopsis: A special edition of a modern classic by the Newbery-Award winning and bestselling author of Where the Mountain Meets the MoonWhen Pacy's mom tells her that this is a good year for friends, family, and "finding herself," Pacy begins searching right away. As the year goes on, she struggles to find her talent, deals with disappointment, makes a new best friend, and discovers just why the Year of the Dog is a lucky one for her after all.This funny…

Synopsis: Reading assessment tool to evaluate 4th graders. Teacher's guide to be used in conjunction with 2 sets of 16 books, guided reading levels N-U (DRA levels 28-50). CD-ROM contains PDF files of teacher evaluation, student response, class profile, and weekly planner forms.

Synopsis: One of the most beloved horse stories of all time, with an introduction by Newbery Honor author Gail Carson Levine.As a young horse, Black Beauty is well-loved and happy. But when his owner is forced to sell him, his life changes drastically. He has many new owners--some of them cruel and some of them kind. All he needs is someone to love him again...Whether pulling an elegant carriage or a ramshackle cab, Black Beauty tries to live as best he…

Synopsis: A 2005 Newbery Honor Book It only takes a few hours for Turner Buckminster to start hating Phippsburg, Maine. No one in town will let him forget that he's a minister's son, even if he doesn't act like one. But then he meets Lizzie Bright Griffin, a smart and sassy girl from a poor nearby island community founded by former slaves. Despite his father's-and the town's-disapproval of their friendship, Turner spends time with Lizzie, and it opens…

Synopsis: A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection! From award-winning and bestselling author, Jewell Parker Rhodes comes a powerful coming-of-age story about two brothers, one who presents as white, the other as black, and the complex ways in which they are forced to navigate the world, all while training for a fencing competition. Framed. Bullied. Disliked. But I know I can still be the best. Sometimes, 12-year-old Donte wishes he were…

Synopsis: Ruby Lavender used to have a good life. She and her grandmother, Miss Eula, were inseparable--they even drove the getaway car together for chickens rescued from the slaughterhouse! But this summer, Miss Eula will be in Hawaii, and Ruby's sure it'll be a lonely, empty, horrible season without her. What happens instead? Ruby makes a new friend, saves the school play, writes plenty of letters to her favorite (and only) grandmother . . . and finally…

Synopsis: Alice made a promise to make the world a more beautiful place, then a seed of an idea is planted and blossoms into a beautiful plan.  This beloved classic and celebration of nature—written by a beloved Caldecott winner—is lovelier than ever! Barbara Cooney's story of Alice Rumphius, who longed to travel the world, live in a house by the sea, and do something to make the world more beautiful, has a timeless quality that resonates with each new…

Synopsis: Julius Jr. and his playful friends use equal doses of imagination and inventive spirit to help each other overcome challenges big and small, teaching boys and girls ages 2 to 5 that the best inventions are the ones that help your friends. This Step 1 Step into Reading leveled reader based on the creative spirit and lovable characters of Paul Frank comes with a shiny foil cover and two sheets of sparkly stickers! Step 1 Readers feature big type…