River of Words

Horace Pippin was born in Pennsylvania in the late 19th century to become a talented — and ultimately recognized — 20th century artist. Mixed media illustrations and simple text present an overview of Pippin’s life and times, including overcoming a disability.

Meet Patsy Takemoto Mink, the first Asian American woman elected to Congress. From a young age, Mink learned that striving for goals came with challenges, but to never give up. As the Japanese proverb says: fall down seven times, stand up eight. That spirit helped Patsy through school. She went to law school, ran for a seat in the U.S. Congress, and helped create Title IX, the law that requires federally funded schools to treat boys and girls equally.

This slight novel tells of near 13-year-old Georgia, still grieving the loss of her mother six years before. An anonymous benefactor gives her a museum membership, hoping that her love of art will be the cure for her sadness. Georgia’s own journal entries are composed in free verse.

This fictionalized account of how young Louis Braille lost his eyesight is told through his voice. It is realistic but with lighter touches as well as insight into what inspired him to invent a way for blind people to read. Illustrations augment the information and tone to engage and enlighten readers.