Book Finder

“All men are born free and equal.” Everybody knows about the Founding Fathers and the Declaration of Independence in 1776. But the founders weren’t the only ones who believed that everyone had a right to freedom. Mumbet, a Massachusetts enslaved person, believed it too. She longed to be free, but how? Would anyone help her in her fight for freedom? Could she win against the richest man in town? Mumbet was determined to try. This picture book biography tells her story for the first time, illustrating how her brave actions set a milestone on the road toward ending slavery in the United States.

Who was Mary Katharine Goddard? Born in 1738, she was homeschooled by her mother in reading and math. She took over her brother’s printing shop a few years later and became an expert in printing newspapers, essays, and posters. When the American Revolution started, she published important news that helped the fight against the British — even if it meant that if she was caught, she’d be punished for treason. In 1776, Mary was asked to print the Declaration of Independence — she is the only woman whose name is on the Declaration.

The home of the United States president was built by many hands, including those of slaves, who undertook this amazing achievement long before there were machines to do those same jobs. Stirring and emotional, Floyd Cooper’s illustrations bring to life the faces of those who endured hard, brutal work when the profit of their labor was paid to the master, not the slave. The fact that many were able to purchase their freedom after earning money from learning a trade speaks to the strength of those individuals. They created this iconic emblem of America, brick by brick. Includes an insightful author’s note and a list of selected resources.

Commemorate the innumerable ways the African American community has shaped the foundation of the United States in this poetic picture book from the Caldecott Honor-winning team behind Freedom in Congo Square.

Black hands molded clay, chiseled marble,
rendered portraits, and painted vistas.
Black hands penned literary testaments
that have stood the test of time.

Since the United States won independence in 1776, African Americans have contributed greatly to the nation’s culture, politics, economy, and landscape. Black Hands celebrates the countless contributions of African Americans — from building the White House, birthing jazz, and landing a man on the moon to pushing for social justice. Black excellence, however, has too often been overlooked.

In the shadows of the American Revolution, a quiet signal could be the difference between victory and defeat. Anna Smith Strong (1740–1812) risked everything to help George Washington ― not with muskets, but with spycraft. Recruited by Washington’s spymaster Major Benjamin Tallmadge, Anna became part of the Culper Ring, an intelligence network operating under constant danger. From her home in Setauket, Long Island, she helped move vital information through enemy-occupied territory―where discovery could mean prison or execution. Her most ingenious tool looked perfectly ordinary: laundry on a clothesline. By arranging a black petticoat and carefully placed handkerchiefs, Anna could signal when a message was ready and guide fellow spies to the correct pickup point―turning “everyday life” into a coded lifeline for the Patriot cause. The book also includes an author’s note, bibliography, index, and a spy code so kids can jump into the world of secret messages themselves.

Prudence Wright had a spark of independence. Annoyed when the British king held back freedoms in colonial Massachusetts, feisty and fearless Prudence had enough. She said no! to British goods, determined to rely on her resourcefulness and ingenuity to get by. And when British troops continued to threaten the lives of her family and community, she assembled and led the “minute women” of Pepperell to break free of tradition. Wright rallied the first and only group of “minute women” to fight the British, changing history in the process.This untold story of a courageous and brave woman from the Revolutionary War continues to inspire today.

Activism is more than just protesting with signs — it’s also about discovering who we are, building spaces, and documenting our community. Grounded in diverse lived experiences of featured Auntie Heroes and inspiring Young Rebels, this guide discusses the Asian American community, past and present; explores allyship with other communities of color; finds a place in national and global movements; and turns inward so young readers can practice love and self-care. Each chapter includes activism strategies for all kid — from those who love math and statistics to those who can’t wait for their next art project.

A powerful picture book about the real-life experience of a Japanese American boy incarcerated with his family during World War II. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, strength comes in the form of the small, smooth stone Min’s father gives him before being led away by FBI agents. In his absence, Min and his family do their best to keep their produce business afloat and earn enough support to get Min’s father released. But the FBI won’t release his father, and soon, Min and his family are forced into an incarceration camp in Colorado. Imprisoned on the dusty plains and facing both the pain of displacement and the injustice of being incarcerated by his own country, Min must learn to adapt and to find beauty―and strength―where most wouldn’t. Cowritten by Minoru (Min) Tonai, an advocate for Japanese American rights, Unbreakable is based on Tonai’s harrowing real-life experiences and has been welcomed with five starred reviews. In the extensive back matter readers will find information on the American incarceration camps and the campaign to release Tonai’s father, a timeline, a bibliography, author and illustrator notes, and questions for further discussion perfect for caregivers and educators to further engage young readers.

From the NHL to the Olympics — discover the history, heroes, and hidden secrets of hockey. You’ll also discover cool trivia and surprising stories about the sport.

From holding an edge to laces and hooks, glide and dance through the alphabet explaining the history, techniques, and memorable moments of the sport. Written by four-time World Champion and professional figure skater Kurt Browning, known for his fluid movement and confidence on the ice.

Triumphant, relatable, and totally true biographies tell the childhood stories of a diverse group of international athletes who have captured the world’s attention at the Winter Olympics and Paralympics, including Johnny Weir, Chloe Kim, Alex and Maia Shibutani, Surya Bonaly, and 13 other inspiring Olympians. All over the world, athletes break records and defy odds to compete in the games — and some were kids themselves when they started dreaming and training! In Kid Olympians: Winter, discover the childhood stories of legends such as: Michelle Kwan, who used to sleep in her skating clothes to get a few extra minutes of sleep before her lessons at dawn!; Cindy Ouellet, one of the few athletes to have competed in both the Winter and Summer Paralympics; and Apolo Ohno, who started skating because he thought the speed skaters looked like superheroes!

Grab your skis, ice skates, and snowboard and learn how the Winter Olympic Games became a worldwide phenomenal event watched by millions. Although fans the world over have been fascinated by the modern Summer Olympics since 1896, the Winter Olympics didn’t officially begin until 1924. The event celebrates cold-weather sports, displaying the talents of skiers, ice skaters, hockey players, and, most recently, snowboarding. Like its summer counterpart, the Winter Games are dedicated to bringing together the world’s top athletes to honor their talents and see who gets to stand on the medal podium. Learn about the highs, such as the 1980 US hockey team’s unexpected gold medal grab, as well as the lows, including the Tonya Harding-Nancy Kerrigan figure-skating scandal in 1994. Includes 80 black-and-white illustrations and a 16-page photo insert.
 

Count to twelve with the zodiac animals as they get ready to celebrate Chinese New Year! Sweet, colorful illustrations introduce each of the zodiac animals as they bring special items to the celebration. Xīn Nián  Kuài Lè! Happy Chinese New Year! The simple text and vibrant illustrations in this book make it easy for little ones to follow along as the animals’ preparations lead up to a tasty feast followed by a party with music and dancing! The pages also feature the Chinese characters that correspond to each number highlighted on the page. Children will learn to recognize the characters as they read the book again and again, and the pronunciation guide will help them say the words out loud.

Learn about Buddy, the first seeing eye dog in America. Meet Buddy, a dedicated German Shepherd who meets Morris Frank, a young blind man who chooses Buddy to be his seeing eye dog. A classic tale about a young man and a dog, young readers will love this sweet story about a loyal German Shepard and his human.

When Helen was nineteen months old, an illness left her unable to see or speak. She struggled to make herself understood, and often lashed out when she couldn’t. With the help of a teacher named Annie Sullivan, she learned to spell words with her fingers, opening her world immeasurably. She soon learned to write and to read Braille, and even to read lips by touch; with Annie by her side, she went to college, and wrote an autobiography that shared her story with the world. She was lauded as a genius and became an advocate for people with disabilities, workers’ rights, women’s rights, and racial justice.

Most of us have heard of Helen Keller, but few have heard of Laura Bridgman. Left blind and deaf in her childhood in the 1830’s, Bridgman attended school and taught Helen’s teacher, Annie Sullivan, to fingerspell. When she was just two years old, Laura Bridgman lost her sight, her hearing, and most of her senses of smell and taste. At the time, no one believed a child with such severe disabilities could be taught to communicate, much less lead a full and productive life. But then a progressive doctor, who had just opened the country’s first school for the blind in Boston, took her in. Laura learned to communicate, read, and write — and eventually even to teach. By the age of 12, she was world famous. Audiences flocked to see her, and she was loved and admired by children everywhere. This fascinating and moving biography shows how Laura Bridgman paved the way for future generations of children with disabilities, making possible important advances in the way they would be educated. 

Joyous Kwanzaa! On December 26th of each year, the celebration of Kwanzaa begins. Kwanzaa is an African American and pan-African holiday that honors history, family, values, community, and culture. During this time, families gather, songs are sung, and dances and stories and poetry are performed! This festive board book helps teach even the youngest of readers about the celebration and importance of Kwanzaa.

Little Alliah (of The Juneteenth Story) is all grown up and, along with her husband LeVaur, teaches their children Daphne and Alistair why they celebrate Kwanzaa as a family and as a community. This beautifully illustrated book shares the origins of the holiday — rooted in Africa, born in Los Angeles — giving historical and cultural context on how a joyful celebration was birthed after the Watts Rebellion and during the Civil Rights Movement. 

Lyrical language and artful illustrations present the life of a lotus and the resilience it represents. A lotus seed falls into the soil and drifts into a deep sleep. It awakens, unfurling tender buds and wide green leaves. Then, the flower blooms, its brilliant petals opening to the sun. And soon enough, another lotus seed falls, starting the cycle all over again… This is a book to share with children of different ages.

Take a fascinating tour of some of the most amazing museums around the world. From Bilbao to Beijing, from New York to the Netherlands, explore the wonders of 13 extraordinary museums through this richly illustrated book, perfect for sharing with children of varied ages. You’ll visit the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C., the State Hermitage in St. Petersburg, the Quai Branly in Paris, and more! 

Discover the mysteries of history in this factoid-filled guessing game. Lift the flap to learn the purpose of each specific contraption. A perfect book for sharing together with curious children of different ages.

Dramatic descriptions of the eruption of Indonesia’s Mount Tambora in the early 19th century open this compelling story of Earth’s warning signs, often left unheeded by humankind. This is the true story of how a massive catastrophic eruption plunged the world into darkness, altering the global climate and inspiring the likes of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Black and white sketches enhance the compelling presentation which is fully sourced and documented.

A foreword by the founder of the Humanimal Trust sets the stage for a fascinating look at what humans and animals have in common and a call for recognition of our interdependency. The large format is organized in bite-sized chunks of information and clearly illustrated, with additional resources included.

Visit the Andes Amazon with a group of scientists from Chicago’s Field Museum who work with local people to collect information about the plants and animals at specific sites. A conversational narrative and full-color photographs document the work which is realistic but optimist about environmental threats. Additional information is included.