Reading Rockets offers reading comprehension and language arts teaching strategies for kids, and is a free web site for parents and educators
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Reading Rockets offers a wealth of reading strategies, lessons, and activities designed to help young children learn how to read and read better. Our reading resources assist parents, teachers, and other educators in working with struggling readers who require additional help in reading fundamentals and comprehension skills development.

Featured books by

Kadir Nelson

Kadir Nelson's illustrations enlarge poems, tall tales, biographies, and more. His work is not only artistically accomplished, but varied. Get to know 12 brothers who dance the night away, much to the chagrin of their father who buys their shoes. Meet a woman who spoke to God as she helped people find freedom. See the greats of the Negro League in original text and luminous illustration. Savor the work of award-winning author and illustrator Kadir Nelson.
He's Got the Whole World in His Hands
He's Got the Whole World in His Hands
By: Kadir Nelson
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

The familiar spiritual is reinvigorated by the child-like perspective of Nelson's illustrations. Luminous scenes show a child's view of the world and how one handsome boy can literally hold it in his hands.

We Are the Ship: the Story of Negro League Baseball
We Are the Ship: the Story of Negro League Baseball
By: Kadir Nelson
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Summer's ultimate pastime, baseball, is given a beautifully reverent treatment by illustrator/author Kadir Nelson. The book is a perfect introduction to those who might not know much about the history of the Negro Leagues, and the pictures are gorgeous.

We Are the Ship: The Story of the Negro League Baseball
We Are the Ship: The Story of the Negro League Baseball
By: Kadir Nelson
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

An introduction by baseball great Hank Aaron opens this riveting look at the history of the Negro League. A large format supports revealing portraits of League players and an absorbing narration revealed in nine innings. Endnotes and further readings conclude this memorable and accessible history.

Books illustrated by Kadir Nelson

A Strong Right Arm: The Story of Mamie
A Strong Right Arm: The Story of Mamie "Peanut" Johnson
By: Michelle Green
Illustrated by: Kadir Nelson
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

At just over 5 feet tall, no one thought Mamie Johnson, also known as "Peanut" because of her size, would become a baseball star. But she sure could pitch! The author collaborated with the actual Mamie Johnson to tell the riveting — and real — story of how Peanut Johnson became one of three women to play professionally in the Negro Baseball League.

Brothers of the Knight
Brothers of the Knight
By: Debbie Allen
Illustrated by: Kadir Nelson
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

In a little "village called Harlem" a Preacher Knight tries to solve the mystery of worn out sneakers – only to discover that his sons are as fond of dancing as is (surprise!) their father. This parody of the Grimm folktale is recast in a fresh, funny, contemporary, and very hip setting – in both word and image.

Ellington Was Not a Street
Ellington Was Not a Street
By: Ntozake Shange
Illustrated by: Kadir Nelson
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Handsome illustrations of Shange's evocative poem, "Mood Indigo," pay homage to the many African American icons and visionaries who came to the author's house when she was a child. From W.E.B. DuBois to Duke Ellington, the people we now know as luminaries are seen from the perspective of a young girl. This book is sure to generate discussion.

Henry's Freedom Box
Henry's Freedom Box
By: Ellen Levine
Illustrated by: Kadir Nelson
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

This riveting account is based on the true story of Henry Brown, a slave who literally mailed himself to freedom. Dramatic illustrations show what young Henry endured during his grueling trip to Pennsylvania.

Hewitt Anderson's Great Big Life
Hewitt Anderson's Great Big Life
By: Jerdine Nolan
Illustrated by: Kadir Nelson
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

A normal-sized boy may not be so normal when born into a family of giants. And, that's just what happens to Hewitt – and his story makes a rousing tale of colossal proportions, told in lively language and larger-than-life illustrations.

Just the Two of Us
Just the Two of Us
By: Will Smith
Illustrated by: Kadir Nelson
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Jubilant illustrations show how a father supports his son as he grows into a man and eventually becomes a father himself. The text is from Will Smith's popular song of the same name, and is distinguished by luminous, full-color paintings that make the words sing.

Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom
Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom
By: Carol Weatherford
Illustrated by: Kadir Nelson
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Dramatic full-color illustrations and splendid, poetic language depict the bravery of Harriet Tubman, who escaped slavery on a Maryland plantation only to return again and again to help other slaves escape. Deeply religious, Harriet became a conductor on the Underground Railroad and was known as the Moses of her people.

Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream
Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream
By: Roslyn Jordan & Deloris Jordan
Illustrated by: Kadir Nelson
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Michael Jordan was not always a superstar basketball player. In fact, he was a normal, awkward kid who puts salt in his shoe to help him grow. This inspirational story is told by those who have the inside scoop — Jordan's mother and sister, and illustrated by Nelson's signature paintings which emphasize the boy's gangly stature.

The Village that Vanished
The Village that Vanished
By: Ann Grifalconi
Illustrated by: Kadir Nelson
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Abikanile and her mother help their Yao village in Africa avoid the slavers, which requires courage and standing together. This original story of resourcefulness and solidarity is told in the tradition of a folktale. Handsomely crafted illustrations echo its mystery and magic.

Under the Christmas Tree
Under the Christmas Tree
By: Nikki Grimes
Illustrated by: Kadir Nelson
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

The joy of Christmas is told from a child's point of view in a series of poems, illustrated with warm and gentle illustrations. The universal pleasure in the season is set in the cozy warmth of a loving family.

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