
Follow the story of Abigail and John Adams as they forge an equal and loving partnership that will last a lifetime and help shape a young republic. The Adamses were firsthand witnesses to historical events such as the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, the American Revolution, and the Continental Congresses. They met revolutionary leaders and heroes including Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and America’s first president, George Washington along the way. See history through the eyes of Abigail and John Adams as you learn the true story behind their powerful and influential union. See an exclusive digital version of Abigail & John.
Abigail & John

She was named after a white actress of the time, but this young Black girl’s life took a very different path. Claudette Colvin became a 15-year-old activist who refused to give up a bus seat to a white woman — before Rosa Parks. This early chapter biography makes a difficult and complex time and life accessible to younger readers. Look for additional titles in this thoroughly researched, well conceived, and thoughtfully presented series.
She Persisted: Claudette Colvin

Extensive research about a previously unknown African American aviator whose story of perseverance and desire to fly resulted in a handsome, well told biography. Banning crossed the country gaining support and respect along the way. Extensive back matter is included.
Sprouting Wings: The True Story of James Herman Banning, the First African American Pilot to Fly Across the United States

The author first “met” Zora Neale Hurston in college intrigued by a friend’s delight in Hurston’s stories. With equal delight, Hurston’s life and “storycatching” comes to life through an informal telling echoed in animated illustrations worth multiple examinations.
Jump at the Sun: The True Life Tale of Unstoppable Storycatcher Zora Neale Hurston

Henry Brown’s unique method to escape from slavery is presented in lyrical language and rich, multi-layered mixed media illustration. A box took Henry from slavery to freedom after his entire family had been “sold south.” Further resources are included.
Box: Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom

Nine months before Rosa Parks’ history-making protest on a city bus, Claudette Colvin, a 15-year-old Montgomery, Alabama, high-school student, was arrested and jailed for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger. Based on extensive interviews with Colvin and many others, this book presents the first in-depth account of an important yet largely unknown civil rights figure, skillfully weaving her dramatic story into the fabric of the historic Montgomery bus boycott and court case that would change the course of American history.
Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice

William Still was the youngest child of parents who escaped slavery and went on to become the father of the Underground Railroad. His record keeping of those seeking freedom helped to reunite families separated by enslavement. Accessibly written, attractively illustrated, and well-researched, readers will discover a new and different kind of champion.
William Still and His Freedom Stories

Girls weren’t allowed the freedoms known today. So how did an Irish girl named Margaret become an accomplished doctor and surgeon named James Barry in the 1800s? While her entire story isn’t clear, what is known is presented in evocative illustration and a crisp text with a factual afterword.
Were I Not a Girl: The Inspiring and True Story of Dr. James Barry

Once, there were no protections for workers who often toiled in dangerous conditions for long hours. Until Frances Perkins, that is. After she witnessed a tragedy, Perkins toiled tirelessly to help workers all over the United States. This illustrated biography of the first woman on President Roosevelt’s cabinet is compelling, highlighting the events that shaped Perkins. Additional resources are included.
Thanks to Frances Perkins: Fighter for Workers’ Rights

The child of immigrants, Jonas Salk helped develop the first flu vaccine in response to the devastating 1918 flu epidemic and went on to do again with the polio vaccine. This timely look at one man’s impact provides a glimpse at his life and the science of vaccines.
The Polio Pioneer

How a young Swedish girl’s concern for the environment became a global movement is presented here in straightforward language and illustrations that suggest Nordic art. Factual information and photographs complete this entry in the series.
Little People Big Dreams: Greta Thunberg

The author started learning about animals by observing her dog as a child. Her respect and affinity for animals grew as she did, turning into a career as a writer and chronicler of animals and their behavior. Gently illustrated, the author shares thoughtful tidbits which is sure to lead readers to her other books.
Becoming a Good Creature

From Sitting Bull’s childhood — killing his first buffalo at age ten — to being named war chief, to leading his people against the U.S. Army, and to his surrender, this book brings the story of the great chief to light. Sitting Bull was instrumental in the war against the invasive wasichus (White Man) and was at the forefront of the combat, including the Battles of Killdeer Mountain and the Little Bighorn. He and Crazy Horse were the last Lakota/Sioux to surrender their people to the U.S. government and resort to living on a reservation.
Sitting Bull: Lakota Warrior and Defender of His People

The story of Blind Willie Johnson — the legendary Texas musician whose song “Dark Was the Night” was included on the Voyager I space probe’s Golden Record. There, along with the many sounds and sights of planet Earth, is the stirring song of a blind man, telling us not to be afraid of the dark, and reminding us that we are never really alone.
Dark Was the Night: Blind Willie Johnson’s Journey to the Stars

Dale Chihuly’s dramatic sculptures made of blown glass have been widely exhibited. His life and work as an innovative glass artist are presented in a highly visual, informative presentation. Stunning color photographs of individual pieces as well as large installations are used to convey the power of glass sculpture.
World of Glass: The Art of Dale Chihuly

Two distinctive artists are presented in a similar formats but each illustrated in a style that reflects the times when each artist lived. Original work by the artist is integrated into the narrative to add context. Paintings and source notes conclude these appealing and attractive introductions to art and artists. The second title is Portrait of an Artist: Claude Monet: Discover the Artist Behind the Masterpieces (opens in a new window) by Lucy Brownridge, illustrated by Caroline Bonne-Müller.
Portrait of an Artist: Georgia O’Keeffe: Discover the Artist Behind the Masterpieces

Emily Dickinson came to understand the world through what she could see and through words which she communicated through poetry. Lyrical language infused with Emily’s poems combines with translucent illustrations to reflect her world. Backmatter completes this handsome, informative package.
On Wings of Words: The Extraordinary Life of Emily Dickinson

Not everyone aspires to be a champion rock climber like Ashima. Her skill and passion grow with practice and study. The athlete’s story is likely to provide inspiration for all those who aim for greatness in any field. Color illustrations capture the climber’s determination.
How to Solve a Problem: The Rise (and Fall) of a Rock Climbing Champion

Though her family didn’t have much when she was a child in Chicago (growing up during the Great Depression), Gwendolyn Brooks was surrounded by poetry and a loving family. This beautifully illustrated book is an affectionate look at the life of a girl who grew up to be the first Black person to win the Pulitzer Prize. Additional resources for further reading are included.
Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks

The life of Aesop, a Greek enslaved person who wove memorable stories, begins this handsome volume followed by well-known and lesser-known fables. Mixed media illustrations are expressive, creating a sense of time and place while retaining universality. An afterword by the author expands on what is known (and not known) about Aesop.
The Fabled Life of Aesop

Philip Freelon’s dream became reality when his team was commissioned to design the National Museum of African American History and Culture which opened in the nation’s capital in 2016. Beginning with his childhood, this realistically illustrated biography provides an afterword by the architect and additional resources.
Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon

Louisa May Alcott is best known for penning Little Women, but few are aware of the experience that influenced her writing most — her time as a nurse during the Civil War. Caring for soldiers’ wounds and writing letters home for them inspired a new realism in her work, including Little Women, which was one of the first novels to be set during the Civil War.
Louisa May’s Battle: How the Civil War Led to Little Women

The life of Marguerite Johnson, better known as Maya Angelou, vividly comes to life in free verse and swirling images. Young Maya found solace in language, the rhythm of words during her difficult childhood in “the seesaw of the South,” and fast-paced St. Louis. She became a performer, a poet, and a highly respected novelist. A forward by her grandson encourages discussion as the book is shared. Photographs accompany a timeline of Maya’s life which concludes this sophisticated book.
Rise! From Caged Bird to Poetry of the People, Maya Angelou

He was born in the jazz age so it’s not surprising that Walter Theodore “Sonny” Rollins loved jazz. He loved the saxophone and was a talented musician who became widely recognized. Free verse effectively explores Sonny’s life — including the hiatus he took from public performances, instead playing for himself on the Williamsburg Bridge. Jazzy illustrations enliven the handsome presentation.