Book Finder

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.

Pocket Bear was created to fit in the pocket of a soldier on the front during World War I. He is now the mascot of a used toy store where stuffed animals are refurbished to be loved again. How Pocket and his friend — a cat who is a burglar — save the store and its owners while building community makes a heartwarming, surprisingly sophisticated, tense tale.

Mousse, the green-and-white-striped character first introduced in A Day with Mousse, decides to travel south with Barnacle, his walrus friend. Soon they are joined by another friend … is three a crowd? Original characters in lighthearted illustrations combine with an accessible tale of jealousy and friendship in this humorous and recognizable story.

Born enslaved in Maryland, Harriet Tubman became a force of nature with her determination and tenacity. Collage illustrations in a naïve style combine with poems chronologically organized by year to present a unique portrait of an icon of Black history. Resources are appended.

Growing up in the segregated South had a lasting impact on young Marian. Her words punctuate high points in her life and activism, and ultimately her impactful work with the Children’s Defense Fund. Resources and additional material are included in this warmly illustrated biography.

With lyrical text and radiant artwork, this poetic picture book explains the history behind Juneteenth celebrations. So Many Years simultaneously acknowledges the history of slavery in the US as well as the astonishing Black resilience that has led to an enduring legacy of Black joy.

On June 19, 1865, the 250,000 enslaved people of Texas learned they were free, ending slavery in the United States. This day was soon to be memorialized with the dedication of a park in Houston. The park was called Emancipation Park, and the day it honored would come to be known as Juneteenth.   In the voice and memory of the park itself — its fields and pools, its protests and cookouts, and, most of all, its people—the 150-year story of Emancipation Park is brought to life.

What’s the difference between a country and a continent? And what about a wormhole and a black hole? What’s the difference between an alligator and a crocodile? In space, on earth, in food, even in history many things are similar but are in fact quite different. Explore 150 pairs here through facts and illustration.  

This weird, wacky, and downright fun and informative look at how disparate things connect is a worthy addition to the FACTopia series.

A fascinating examination of manned spaceflight and the power of image — the astonishing photograph taken during the Apollo 8 mission. Sure to inform and generate talk between adults and young people.

A fascinating look at the early life of Japanese-American artist, Ruth Asawa, suggests the importance of lines and balance in her experiences in her life and in her art.

Words matter but sometimes silence is stronger. That’s why in 1917, a man of words and author of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” (known as the Black National Anthem) organized a silent march down New York City’s Fifth Avenue. Over 10,000 adults and children participated. Additional information and the words to Johnson’s poem concluded this handsome volume. 

Out of the depths of the Great Depression comes the astonishing tale of nine working-class boys from the American West who at the 1936 Olympics showed the world what true grit really meant. With rowers who were the sons of loggers, shipyard workers, and farmers, the University of Washington’s eight-oar crew was never expected to defeat the elite East Coast teams, yet they did, going on to shock the world by challenging the German boat rowing for Adolf Hitler.

An intimate look at Juneteenth, this story is a warm exploration of a family and a community. Juneteenth is the smell of brisket filling the air. Juneteenth is the sounds of music, dancing, and cheering ringing from the parade outside. It is love. It is prayer. It is friends and relatives coming together to commemorate freedom, hope for tomorrow, and one another. This book is an ode to the history of the Black community in the United States, a tribute to Black joy, and a portrait of familial love. 

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. 

Join this “mysterious FACTopia tour…” to encounter top secrets, unsolved mysteries, dark caves, deep ocean dwellers, hidden history, and more. Lots more! Photographs and comical illustrations combine for an intriguing, fact-based jaunt through time and places.

Safiyyah studies old maps in the library of the Grand Mosque of Paris. Change happens quickly when the Nazi’s invade the city. Safiyyah, her family, and other Muslims work to save their Jewish neighbors from the horror that is starting. Inspired by the true story of how the Grand Mosque of Paris saved the lives of hundreds of Jews during World War II, this little-known piece of history is compelling and presented in rich language. An author’s note describes the background.

Aaliyah’s dad takes her on a trip to the Bronx where she discovers the roots of rap and many foundational artists. An interview with the cofounder of the Hip-Hop Education Center and hip-hop timeline are included. As in other books in the History Comics series, this title combines information and imagination for an engaging look at the topic.

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.

The lasting friendship between Indigenous people and people in Ireland started in the mid-19th century, continued through the pandemic, and endures to this day. This little-known piece of history is told through straightforward language and images that evoke the periods, places, and peoples. Backmatter includes timeline, resources, as well as author and illustrator notes. 

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.

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.

Days after Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, Hitler declared war on the U.S., unleashing U-boat submarines to attack American ships. Suddenly the waves outside Louisa June’s farm aren’t for eel fishing or marveling at wild swans or learning to skull her family’s boat — they’re dangerous, swarming with hidden enemies. Determined to help her mama and aching to combat Nazis herself, Louisa June turns to her quirky friend Emmett and the indomitable Cousin Belle, who has her own war stories — and a herd of cats — to share. In the end, after a perilous sail, Louisa June learns the greatest lifeline is love.