Book Finder

What do you know about the thanksgiving feast at Plimoth? What if you lived when the English colonists and the Wampanoag people shared a feast at Plimoth? What would you have eaten? What was the true story of the feast that we now know as the first Thanksgiving and how did it become a national holiday? From the If You Lived series, the book explores both sides of this historical event.

Growing up in Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus witnessed extreme poverty all around and was determined to eradicate it. Muhammad founded Grameen Bank where people could borrow small amounts of money to start a job, and then pay back the bank without exorbitant interest charges. Over the next few years, Muhammad’s compassion and determination changed the lives of millions of people by loaning the equivalent of more than 10 billion US dollars in micro-credit. His work has empowered the poor, especially women, who often have limited options. 

Cut-paper collage and poetry bring young readers inside a contemporary Native American community while offering a thoughtful look at powwows and their meanings to the Native participants.

This is the true story of a touching gift bestowed on the United States by a tribe of Maasai Warriors in the wake of the September 11th attacks. Accompanied by richly hued illustrations, this story of generosity and compassion crosses boundaries, nations, and cultures.

A friendly water droplet character guides children through topics ranging from melting and freezing to the ways in which water literally shapes the Earth. Tales by storytellers from around the world are sprinkled through the book, highlighting the variety of ways in which global cultures value water. The engaging format includes gatefolds and booklets with hands-on activity ideas for learning about and protecting water. 

Slightly irreverent and quite comical but informative, this lighthearted look at the human body and its systems provides accessible material sure to engage young readers. Based on a podcast, QR codes are included in extensive backmatter that provide additional resources, a glossary, and source notes.

This story is “that of honey bees, CLAN APIS.” Nyuki is the newest honeybee in the hive and full of questions. Readers will delight in the handsomely illustrated story as well as learn a great deal about clan apis, how they live and work. Any remaining questions are likely answered in the extensive backmatter. Interestingly, the author is a biology professor who is also a cartoonist.

Have you ever had one thought lead to another one that is seemingly unrelated? Open this unique book and readers will be able to follow trails from one thought to another, all playfully illustrated. Just right for browsing, the factoids contain nuggets to amaze and delight.

What makes a treasure? Simply something that is important to someone. Travel the world and see treasures that are natural, ancient, manmade, and more in this heavily illustrated and thoroughly engaging glimpse at both familiar and more obscure riches. Backmatter includes source notes and a glossary.

Using a class activity as a framework, the history of Indigenous people in the United States is presented. Each “presentation” concludes with a resounding “We are still here” despite the difficult history. Simple but bold illustrations and extensive backmatter conclude this important introduction to an often-forgotten part of American history.

You know about animals that hibernate, but do you know about animals that sleep all summer? They estivate! Estivation occurs during particularly hot or dry periods such as the West African lungfish in Mali. Straightforward text and realistic illustrations are punctuated by black/white line drawings with notes that create the impression of a field guide. Notes from the author and illustrator as well as additional resources conclude this fascinating volume.

Mars continues to intrigue but photographs sent from a powerful camera known as HiRISE (High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment) has provided clues if not answers to many questions. Information and a lyrical text combine with astonishing, textured photographs for a look at the mysterious red planet for a book that can be read, viewed, and enjoyed in several ways.

Born in Baltimore (MD), Thurgood Marshall would grow up to be one of the most powerful forces in rights for Black citizens. Clearly illustrated with an accessible text, Marshall’s life and legacy are presented, complete with a timeline, major cases, and more.

“A tree may seem like an ordinary thing. But hundreds of years ago, a tree was about to embark on an extraordinary journey.” Sir Isaac Newton sat under that tree and came up with the theory of gravity, a tree and an idea that have continued to inspire other scientists and people all over the world. Straightforward text and engaging illustrations present the Gravity Tree. Backmatter included.

Where is baby elephant? None of the animals and their young on the first or even the second foldout have seen her. Of course, baby elephant is with her mommy revealed on the final pages of this handsomely illustrated book with large gatefolds presented on well-made pages.

Take a jaunt through a jungle to meet animals with a short rhyme and then lift the flap to “hear” and see them hiss, roar, and more. Durable pages and boldly shaped animals create an attractive, interactive book sure to engage young listeners

Momo, a black and white border collie, explores the great outdoors with a young canine friend named Boo. Crisp photographs on sturdy, well-designed pages make this seek-and-find book and adventure as well as an opportunity to talk about what young readers are viewing.

The story of one of the most famous events in U.S. history, focusing on the role of Samuel Adams. Considered the leader of the protest movement against Britain’s authority in Massachusetts, Samuel Adams convinced many people to join the Sons of Liberty. Presented in graphic novel format.

From the controversial, unpopular taxes on tea through the defiant act of dumping hundreds of chests of British cargo into the harbor, this exciting retelling puts readers in the middle of this historic event. Detailed watercolor illustrations bring this story of early American protest to life, depicting the colonial era and the charged atmosphere of Boston in the weeks leading up to the Boston Tea Party.  Informational backmatter includes a bibliography, index, and historic map of Boston.

The U.S. Constitution brought to life for young readers!In this visual celebration of the U.S. Constitution and America’s founding fathers, Caldecott Medalist Peter Spier tells the stirring American tale of how this most important document came to symbolize freedom, justice, equality, and hope for all citizens.

An illustrated history of how the Constitution came to be. In May 1787 delegates from across the country—including George Washington, James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin—gathered in Philadelphia and, meeting over the course of a sweltering summer, created a new framework for governing: the Constitution of the United States. Their efforts turned a shaky alliance of states into a nation that would prosper and grow powerful, drawing its strength for centuries to come from “We the people” and inspiring hope for freedom around the world.

Born into a life of slavery, Ona Judge eventually grew up to be George and Martha Washington’s “favored” enslaved person. When she was told that she was going to be given as a wedding gift to Martha Washington’s granddaughter, Ona made the bold and brave decision to flee to the north, where she would be a fugitive. From her childhood, to her time with the Washingtons and living in the slave quarters, to her escape to New Hampshire, readers will get a glimpse into the life of a little-known, but powerful figure in history.

Learn about Crispus Attucks, an escaped slave whose freedom ended when he died in the Boston Massacre, — as well as many other lesser-known black men and women who made enormous contributions to U.S. independence. Readers will discover Edward Hector, the brave wagoner of Brandywine; artilleryman and slave Austin Dabney; William Lee, the aide and closest companion of George Washington throughout the war; and many others.

Everyone knew Abigail was different. Instead of keeping quiet, she blurted out questions. Instead of settling down with a wealthy minister, she married a poor country lawyer named John Adams. Instead of running from the Revolutionary War, she managed a farm and fed hungry soldiers. Instead of leaving the governing to men, she insisted they “Remember the Ladies.” Instead of fearing Europe’s kings and queens, she boldly crossed the sea to represent her new country. And when John become President of the United States, Abigail became First Lady, and a powerful advisor.