Book Finder

The best thing to calm Ansel down was the outdoors. The story of how a fidgety boy would evolve into a celebrated nature photographer is told in textured collages and lively text. Additional information about Adams and several of his iconic photographs conclude this engaging book.

Who was Sara Rector and how did she become wealthy? More intriguing, what happened to this young African American woman who was part of the “Creek [Indian] freedmen”? How the author stumbled on Sarah’s story is included in this spellbinding presentation of an early America and real-life mysteries. 

Martin Luther King’s entire life is presented in this handsome and well-sourced, and highly readable biography. Liberal use of quotes and numerous photographs bring the man, his accomplishments, and the times in which he lived into clear focus.

She was born free in New York City during slavery and turmoil in the United States and went on to graduate from an all-white high school. Maritcha Lyon’s story is drawn from her memoir, augmented by primary source material to bring a girl and the time in which she lived into focus for contemporary readers.

What led up to Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation? Who were the abolitionists and what was their influence? Primary source material and a crisp narrative combine to present a fascinating look at the events leading up to the Proclamation and the period in which it was created.

How young Cassius Clay came to be a world class boxer known as Muhammed Ali is revealed in accessible language and handsome, semi-abstract illustrations. This volume also includes resources and notes.

Michael Shiner was born into slavery in Maryland but bought his freedom. He learned to read and write and thus detailed in his journal the history of Washington, DC.  Insightful and accessible, this is a well-documented and handsomely presented look at history.

Experience the breadth and depth of Paul Laurence Dunbar’s poetry. From his childhood in poverty and his early promise as a poet through his struggles to find acceptance as a writer and his tumultuous romance with his wife, to his immense fame and his untimely death, Dunbar’s story is one of triumph and tragedy. But his legacy remains in his much-beloved poetry — told in both Standard English and in dialect — which continues to delight and inspire readers today.

Actual events and people from 19^th century Texas come to life in the Hale’s latest look at history. Humor and fact combine in image and word presented in comic book format. (Book 6 in Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales series)

He was known for his eccentricities and for being the winningest NY Yankees’ manager. Meet Casey Stengel who played an acceptable game of baseball but had “even greater skills at being a goofball.” His life makes a good story, told in an informal, chatty style and caricature-like illustrations sure to appeal even to non-baseball fans!

This brief introduction to two well-known U.S. Presidents presents similarities in their lives and presidencies on opposing pages. Illustrations are informative but cartoonish to suggest that this is a first look at these men.

A seafaring cook named Hanson Crockett Gregory is credited with inventing the sweet fried treats we know as doughnuts. Lighthearted, rounded illustrations combine with a humorous narrative to explore the fact and fiction of Hanson and his tasty innovation.

Not only did Edith Houghton play baseball in 1912, she played when she was only 10 years old!  As an adult, Edith became a baseball scout, looking for other baseball talent. Her little-known story is well told and handsomely illustrated.

Sarah Roberts lived in Boston in 1847 but was prevented from attending school. While her family finally won the right for Sarah to go to the all-white school, the struggle for desegregation continued. This little-known story of one child’s impact on history is accessible in text and touching, realistic watercolor illustrations. Additional information is appended.

Stirring poems and vibrant collage illustrations combine to celebrate the life of Fannie Lou Hamer, a champion of the Civil Rights and voting rights movements during the 1950s through the 1970s. Born in the Mississippi delta, the youngest of 20 children, Hamer had to drop out of school after sixth grade to work in the cotton fields before she became a powerful voice for her people. The book vividly brings to life Hamer’s legacy with a message of hope, determination, and strength.

Kathy Sullivan followed her dreams regardless of what other girls did. She learned to pilot a plane as a teenager and as an adult, an astronaut and the first woman to walk in space. Her early experiences are juxtaposed to her work as an astronaut on alternating spreads seen in attractive illustrations and a crisp text. A note from Sullivan (coauthor of the book) as well as brief sketches of other women astronauts concludes this fascinating book.

Wilma Rudolph was going to be in a parade in Clarksville, TN, after she won gold in the 1960 Summer Olympics. Alta, herself a runner, is inspired by Wilma but so is the new girl in town with the flashy new shoes. The girls put their competition aside ultimately finding friendship and a front row seat and a smile from Wilma at the parade. An author’s note about the Olympian is sure to inspire young readers to learn more about Rudolph. 

Hillary was born into a traditional family but one that felt their daughter should have the same opportunities as their sons. Though Hillary married and had a daughter, she also went on to law school and far beyond. This is a handsomely illustrated, respectful glimpse of the life of a woman who has gained a place in history. 

An unlikely friendship developed between a white woman, Susan B. Anthony, and Frederick Douglass, a man born into slavery. Both were opposed to slavery and both recognized its similarity to women’s rights. A readable, well documented text and realistic illustrations present the engaging story of their friendship and their accomplishments.

Women could not attend college, enter politics or vote when the United States was established. Over time, however, because of the work started by many women like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and her friend, Lucretia Mott, contemporary women can vote, work and more. Vivid language and dramatic illustrations present the early trailblazers and their work. Additional information concludes this slim but informative volume.

Before she married Martin Luther King, Coretta Scott was known for her beautiful singing voice – and for her willingness to stand up for what was right. This installment of the series is similar in appearance and appeal as women from different historical times and places share the series title in common; each were “Women Who Broke the Rules.”

The author of The Tale of Peter Rabbit (among other children’s classics) comes into focus as an eager young artist who borrows a guinea pig as a subject. Left unattended, however, the curious animal meets an untimely end. Based on Potter’s journals, young readers will enjoy a fascinating introduction to an author/artist in lively illustration and lucid narrative. An endnote includes photos of Beatrix as well as additional information.

Thomas Jefferson’s many activities and interests took root in a new country and remain evident in contemporary America. They are celebrated in a breezy but informative text and charming, stylized illustrations in a muted palette that help bring the time, the person and his undertakings into focus. 

Her mother was a laundress but Anna was inspired by dance and music she saw in the Russian theater. A lyrical text is complemented by evocative illustrations to evoke the spirit of the life, work and travels of prima ballerina, Anna Pavlova. Even her death is subtly presented in both word and image for a stirring introduction to an amazing artist