When Žana and Vedrana come for the summer, 11-year-old Amra begins to heal after her brother’s death. For three summers the girls enjoy dancing, clothing, even boys. But the shadow of ethnic war looms. The author’s story continues in her powerful young adult memoir, The Cat I Never Named (opens in a new window) which delves deeper into the Bosnian War in the 1990s.
Three Summers: A Memoir of Sisterhood, Summer Crushes, and Growing Up on the Eve of War
For young José growing up in Spain, cooking “wasn’t just” about food, it was about people. Starting small, his work led to his establishing an NGO to help feed those in need. A fluid narration and lush illustrations present this renowned chef. Backmatter concludes this hopeful, brief biography. Also available in Spanish: Un plato de esperanza (opens in a new window).
A Plate of Hope: The Inspiring Story of Chef José Andrés and World Central Kitchen
George was four years old when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. Now 87 years old, he tells the story of his family and their internment which is also a story of resilience and hope. Black and white photographs and further information complete the evocatively illustrated, touching biography.
My Lost Freedom: A Japanese American World War II Story
Rosetta left her family and farm to join the Union Army. She cut her hair, practiced a lower voice, and become Lyons Wakeman. This fascinating examination of life in the 19th century is well-told, incorporating quotes from Rosetta’s letters. Colored scratchboard illustrations evoke the period, enhancing the accessible narrative. Additional information about Rosetta, the war, and a note from the author are included.
Guts for Glory: The Story of Civil War Soldier Rosetta Wakeman
Meet Coretta Scott King, a woman who continued her husband’s critical work after his death, through her own words gracefully edited for young readers. Stunning mixed-media illustrations complement the thoughtful and touching memoir.
Coretta: The Autobiography of Mrs. Coretta Scott King
Despite a difficult childhood, Prince was a self-taught musician who found a healing power in music. Rhythmic language and purple-hued illustrations introduce Prince and the energy of his music. A family playlist of his music concludes this brief, attractive biography.
Ordinary Days: The Seeds, Sound, and City That Grew Prince Rogers Nelson
The moving story of the Anishinaabe woman who became louder when water — the source of life — was being ignored, is revealed in lyrical language and bold illustrations. A forward by Autumn Peltier, begins this powerful plea for continued action.
Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior
When Oprah Winfrey was growing up, her family expected her to become a maid like her grandmother. But she had different dreams. She went after them and turned her dreams into reality, becoming a media superstar and inspiring countless other people along the way. A book in the She Persisted chapter book series about women who stood up, spoke up and rose up against the odds.
She Persisted: Oprah Winfrey
Jordan is on an 8th grade trip to Paris, an exciting prospect for an aspiring artist like Jordan. But the adventure with his friends takes unexpected, often humorous turns with a new adult chaperone. Jordan’s story which starts in New Kid, continues in Class Act is sure to engage young readers and remind adults of the pitfalls of adolescence.
School Trip
Dan was an awkward 8th grader who generally stayed quiet and rather unnoticed until an even more awkward school presentation. The boy’s self-confidence gradually grows during a weeks-long study trip to Paris. The graphic format is effective in presenting this often-humorous memoir and his sometimes uncomfortable memories.
A First Time for Everything
A picture book biography about Evelyn Glennie, a deaf woman, who became the first full-time solo percussionist in the world. From the moment Evelyn Glennie heard her first note, music held her heart. She played the piano by ear at age eight, and the clarinet by age ten. But soon, the nerves in her ears began to deteriorate, and Evelyn was told that, as a deaf girl, she could never be a musician. What sounds Evelyn couldn’thear with her ears, though, she could feel resonate through her body as if she, herself, were a drum. And the music she created was extraordinary. Evelyn Glennie had learned how to listen in a new way.
Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion
When 14-year-old William Kamkwamba’s Malawi village was hit by a drought, everyone’s crops began to fail. Without enough money for food, let alone school, William spent his days in the library … and figured out how to bring electricity to his village. Persevering against the odds, William built a functioning windmill out of junkyard scraps, and thus became the local hero who harnessed the wind.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
The true story of John Meyers and Charles Bender, who in 1911 became the first two Native pro baseball players to face off in a World Series. This picture book teaches important lessons about resilience, doing what you love in the face of injustice, and the fight for Native American representation in sports.
Contenders: Two Native Baseball Players, One World Series
Once there was a little girl with a big guitar from Cotton Plant, Arkansas, who would grow up to be an unconventional musician with a major influence on icons including Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash. The narration evokes Rosetta’s musicality and is effectively complemented by expressive paintings. Additional information is included.
Rock, Rosetta, Rock! Roll, Rosetta, Roll!
A picture-book biography of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the woman who invented rock and roll — a warm, inspiring tale of a childhood filled with music, community, and a drive to succeed. “Music is the heart of our story” says Momma to young Rosetta, surprising her with her first guitar. Rosetta‘s strums sound like ker-plunks. But with practice and determination, she makes music, fingers hopping “like corn in a kettle,” notes pouring over the church crowd “like summer rain washing the dust off a new day.”
Little Rosetta and the Talking Guitar: The Musical Story of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the Woman Who Invented Rock and Roll
Rob dreams of becoming a champion strongman. He wants to flip huge tires, lug boulders, and haul trucks— and someday be the strongest man in the world! But he feels like he can’t fit in with his bright leggings, unicorn T-shirts, and rainbow-dyed hair. Will Rob find a way to step into his true self and be a champion? This picture book introduces readers to Rob Kearney and his journey from an athletic kid trying to find his place to the world’s first openly gay professional strongman.
Strong
Sharon Robinson shares memories of her famous father in this warm loving biography of the man who broke the color barrier in baseball. Jackie Robinson was an outstanding athlete, a devoted family man and a dedicated civil rights activist. Includes never-before-published letters by Jackie Robinson, as well as photos from the Robinson family archives.
Promises to Keep: How Jackie Robinson Changed America
A portrait of the baseball legend, written by his daughter, traces the events that led up to Robinson’s historic signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers and his role in promoting the desegregation of baseball.
Jackie Robinson: American Hero
A realistic account of what it means to be an activist as a young kid. This memoir follows Sharon, the daughter of color barrier-breaking baseball player Jackie Robinson, as she navigates systemic anti-Black racism in America while being a preteen. This is the story of how one girl finds her voice in the fight for justice and equality.
Child of the Dream (A Memoir of 1963)
A picture book biography about how Carter G. Woodson became known as the “father of Black History” that also highlights the importance of literacy and being an informed citizen. Woodson, a child of formerly enslaved parents, grew up listening to family and friend’s stories and reading the newspaper to his father. Woodson was inspired to pursue more knowledge about the histories and lives of Black people, and to share these stories. Illustrations also feature brief biological sketches of important figures from African and African American history.
Carter Reads the Newspaper
Born Chloe Ardelia Wofford in Ohio, Toni Morrison grew up listening to her family tell myths, legends, and stories from the Bible. She loved hearing the music and power of the words. After an early childhood of soaking up tales from those around her, it was no surprise Toni grew into a voracious reader. When it came time for her to write her own stories, she knew she wanted to write about her people — Black people — and she began working on what would become an acclaimed and trailblazing body of work. Back matter includes further reading on Toni Morrison’s life and work.
On Her Wings: The Story of Toni Morrison
The inspiring life and history of George Washington Carver, from a baby born into slavery to celebrated botanist, scientist, and inventor. When George Washington Carver was just a young child, he had a secret: a garden of his own, and it was in this very place that George’s love of nature sprouted into something so much more — his future. His passion and determination are the seeds to this lasting story about triumph over hardship.
The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver
The story of a groundbreaking artist who chronicled an important era in Harlem and showed the beauty and pride of its people. James Van Der Zee was just a young boy when he saved enough money to buy his first camera. He took photos of his family, classmates, and anyone who would sit still for a portrait. Eventually James opened his own portrait studio in Harlem. He took photographs of legendary figures of the Harlem Renaissan — politicians such as Marcus Garvey, performers including Florence Mills, Bill -Bojangles- Robinson, and Mamie Smith — and ordinary folks in the neighborhood, too.
Take a Picture of Me, James Van Der Zee!
The story of Charles Henry Turner, the first Black entomologist — a scientist who studies bugs. Can spiders learn? How do ants find their way home? Can bugs see color? All of these questions buzzed endlessly in Charles Henry Turner’s mind. He was fascinated by plants and animals and bugs. And even when he faced racial prejudice, Turner did not stop wondering. He constantly read, researched, and experimented.