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Original documents from an early 19^th century Southern estate that appraised enslaved Africans provided the inspiration for original poems and powerful, full-page paintings of eleven individuals who were bought and sold. The result is very moving — portraits in poetry and image of enslaved people whose lives, aspirations, and hopes have been mostly anonymous — until now.

Join the rhythmic countdown to Sunday afternoon, the one time when enslaved Africans in 19^th century Louisiana could relax in what became known as New Orleans’ Congo Square. Vibrant paintings, reminiscent of Jacob Lawrence, further enliven the portrait of people as they toiled daily, culminating on Sunday. An introduction provides historical insight and perspective of this little known part of American history.

In 1958, photographer Art Kane gathered up a who’s who of jazz musicians on a New York City street for what is now an iconic image of African American artists. Original poems accompanied by vivid paintings depict the period, the people, and more. Not only is the original photo included, so are short biographies of each of the musicians as well as additional resources sure to inspire further exploration.

Writer extraordinaire, Walter Dean Myers, created original poetry to accompany selections of late 19^th (perhaps early 20^th) Century monochromatic photographs of African American children. The result is a handsome, sepia-toned album of poems and pictures that not only read aloud well but also capture the universal joys of children and childhood. 

Growing up is never easy, not even when one is on a path to the White House. Though each of these guys grew up to become a U.S. President, each had regular kid problems like dealing with bullies and being a klutz. Humorously illustrated, each vignette reminds readers that those who became Presidents are not unlike themselves.

The White House has hosted U.S. Presidents and their families which have often included First Pets. These have ranged from alligators to dogs with lots of other species in-between, all revealed here in lively language and humorous illustrations.

The Cat in the Hat is back with Things 1 & 2 for a rhyming introduction to the steps in voting. The easy-to-read text with cartoon illustrations demonstrates the process of voting from start to finish.

Journals, letters and other primary sources were used to introduce “a few of the women who helped… make [the United States] a nation where everyone could pursue the happiness promised when America declared independence…” Line and wash illustrations enhance the brief entries of these intriguing but largely unknown women.

Buzz and his pet fly, Fly Guy, share what they learn when they visit the White House in Washington, DC. Photographs and comic cartoon illustrations combine for an informative, informal, and lighthearted introduction to the Presidential mansion.

What house has 35 bathrooms and 28 fireplaces plus 8 staircases? Its residents don’t own it or buy it and usually live there for a maximum of 8 years. It is the White House in Washington DC! Take a quick visit to it and meet some of the First Pets and First Children who have lived in it for over 200 years through brief text and well-placed photographs.

There is plenty to engage young children in these simple books (part of the Baby Loves series) that introduce basic science ideas and science vocabulary. The book titles are probably more for the adults than the young children for whom these board books are intended!

There is plenty to engage young children in these simple books (part of the Baby Loves series) that introduce basic science ideas and science vocabulary. The book titles are probably more for the adults than the young children for whom these board books are intended!

In this Green Planet series, topics of interest to younger readers are introduced in clear color photographs and accessible, logically presented text. “Activities and Tools” to extend each subject are included as is an index and where to go for additional information.

In this Space Explorers series, topics of interest to younger readers are introduced in clear color photographs and accessible, logically presented text. “Activities and Tools” to extend each subject are included in an index, along with suggestions for finding additional information.

Look closely: you may see goethite, limonite, fluorite … they can be quite beautiful and each has an interesting story to tell. But what differentiates minerals and rocks? Why explore them? What are the tools of a rock hunter? This accessible and attractive pocket-sized handbook will appeal, regardless of wherever rocks are explored.

When he was born, he had a face that even his mother had trouble loving. But Hoge eventually came home, survived multiple operations, and gained a strong sense of self.  This is a touching, true story told by the Australian who has gone on to lead a successful and full life. It is told with humor, pathos, and an appreciation of what is truly important.

Charlotte, the spider, wrote of her porcine friend Wilber, “SOME PIG”. The life of the creator of Charlotte’s Web(opens in a new window), E.B. White, is presented in a enthralling format featuring watercolor and collage illustrations. The readable text makes this handsome, authorized biography of White — who was truly “SOME WRITER” — worth examining again and again.

Handsome illustrations accompany English writer E. Nesbit’s (Edith Nesbit Bland) dramatic retellings of seven plays by William Shakespeare. While the narratives introduce the plays, they read aloud well as sophisticated short stories. Additional information about Shakespeare and the times in which he lived is included. 

A little known history of the Aztec Eagles, the Mexican Expeditionary Air Force created during World War II, is presented in photographs and crisp text. It is also the story of Sargent Ángel Bocanegra del Castillo, who made certain that a school was built in his hometown in Mexico. This is a unique and well-presented bit of history sure to inspire and inform.

Obeyda becomes a bacha posh (a girl who assumes the role of a boy) named Obeyd when she and her family leave Kabul to be nearer to family in the country. As bacha bosh, Obeyd has much more freedom and is sure to bring luck to the family since her policeman father could no longer support his family after he lost a leg in a car bombing. This story of contemporary Afghanistan is compelling and illuminating.

Illustrations in blues and grays combine with words to flow across the pages of this handsome look into the music and life of an American artist. Fully researched and creatively presented, this is a brief glimpse at the life and contributions of a musical great. Additional resources and an author’s note may inspire further exploration of the man.

Reena, her younger brother Luke and their parents leave New York City behind for a new life in Maine. The first summer in their new home, the siblings are asked to help old Mrs. Falala and her animals. Both the old lady and each of her four-legged charges have distinct personalities with unanticipated results for the children and parents. Humor and more serious topics unfold in gentle verse in an open format.

“For three and a half years, I was in love with someone the size of a hot dog bun [named Iris].  She was a rat.” Literally, a rodent. Part memoir, part science, this look at life with a pet domesticated rat, their habits and more are presented in chatty text. From the charming cover to the informative text, even the most skeptical reader will recognize the humble rat’s worth (and character). 

Pete Seeger lived a long life sharing his music and his convictions about equality with literally millions of people all over the world. He is presented here in well-researched, clearly documented and understandable language punctuated with photographs. Seeger’s life presents a glimpse at the history of the United States, ranging from Civil Rights to workers’ rights.