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Powerful portraits of six Indian leaders of western tribes are presented in a handsome volume. Photographic portraits and other visuals from the period enhance the well-documented, highly readable biographies of well and lesser known chiefs.

Fifty years ago well-known civil rights leaders came together with other lesser known but key individuals in Selma, Alabama. Events leading to breaking down the barriers to voting rights for African Americans are detailed through strong images and moving, well-documented narrative.

Abraham Lincoln comes to life as a leader, a husband and a father in this enthralling account of his life and the times in which he lived. Lincoln’s writing and other primary sources are seamlessly incorporated along with telling photographs.

The East Coast had Ellis Island, comparable to the West Coast’s Angel Island in the San Francisco Bay. There immigrants, primarily Chinese, entered the U.S. from about 1910 to 1940 where they stayed sometimes for long periods. Primary sources, both text and image, combine for a poignant portrait of the people and the period.

Though different, Abraham Lincoln and formerly enslaved Frederick Douglass shared a great deal in common. Both came from poverty, achieved prominence; they developed camaraderie and a shared vision that changed a nation, all presented in this clear and accessible volume.

Sophisticated baseball aficionados will appreciate the highs (and lows) of the game over decades, organized by its three seasons: spring, summer, fall. The author’s work as a sports writer is evident in his chatty, approachable style.

Huntsville, Alabama, home to the Marshall Space Center, was desegregated nonviolently during the 1960s. The people there nurtured the seeds planted by Martin Luther King, Jr. and others as they worked for equality. Realistic watercolors are expressive, effectively evoking the period and people.

Isabella Baumfree was born into slavery but she would not remain enslaved. Instead, she took the name Sojourner Truth and a famous orator for the abolition of slavery and for women’s rights. Sojourner’s words swirl throughout deeply colored pages of expressive illustrations.

Born in the Mississippi Delta in 1927, the always musically gifted Mary Violet Leontyne Price would grow up to be the first African American to star at LaScala in Italy. Evocative illustrations swirl with poetic text to bring this star to life. Leontyne was preceded and may have been inspired by Marian Anderson, so this book pairs well with When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson (opens in a new window).

John Henry was born to be a hero — strong, competitive and determined. The legendary steel-driving man brought to life through Ezra Jack Keat’s collage illustrations and jaunty text is again available hardcover in honor of its 50th anniversary.

Lonnie travels back in time to meet many of the artists, writers, and musicians of the Harlem Renaissance. During this rich time, African American culture was reinvigorated. Illustrations are boldly colored acrylic paintings, and additional information is included at the end.

For Rosa and her family, Emancipation means education and schooling. The child’s narration accompanied by richly hued illustrations, reveals the strength in community and the power of learning in the face of adversity and opposition in a post-Civil War South.

This book tells the greatest space robot adventure of all time through the eyes — and heart — of Steven Squyres, professor of astronomy at Cornell University and lead scientist on the mission. This suspenseful page-turner captures the hair-raising human emotions felt during the adventures with two tough rovers.

Young people see a need and work to better their world in this upbeat chronicle of youthful activists.

The life of Wolfgang’s older sister, Maria Anna, follows the form of a piano sonata which combines with evocative illustration to portray the 18th century musicians and their music.

Benjamin Franklin was always curious and thinking outside of the box, even as a boy. Youthful swimming (during a time when swimming was considered unhealthy) led Ben to invent paddles to be more fish-like. One episode from the life of a “smart, stubborn, sensible son of a soap-maker” is presented in humorous, detailed illustrations and lively language.

Mixed media illustrations evoke artist Frida Kahlo and lyrical language is used to suggest her life. Rather than a biography, this homage to art and an artist is visually stunning and will likely generate interest in many topics. An afterward about Frida in Spanish and English culminates the presentation.

Charlie, a young British soldier, tells of an experience he had on a battlefield in France in 1914. Based on an actual event during World War I — framed by the fictional soldier’s letter to his mother and illustrated by evocative illustrations — a touching bit of history is brought to light for younger but sophisticated readers.

In an afterword, the author asks if an artist can be a hero or an explorer. The answer is sure to be a resounding ‘yes’ after examining this thoughtful, attractive and informative overview of artist Edward Hopper and his work. Several Hopper paintings, selected quotes, additional resources and a note from the illustrator are included.

This tribute to the Pakistani girl who has become the face for children’s education worldwide provides an introduction to the issues. Color photographs and brief text present what Malala has come to represent; her touching 2013 speech at the United Nations is included.

An August day on the national Mall has been made famous by the powerful “I Have a Dream” speech given by Martin Luther King, Jr. But many others were there, too. Real and imagined voices from that day are presented in varied poems, bringing it into focus and reminding young readers that they “…can make a difference…[they] have a voice.”

In an attractive, sturdy package, readers are invited to learn about the history of sculpture and several prominent sculptors (such as Rodin and Duchamp). Then readers are invited to create their own cardboard structures, called “a maquette — a French word for a small study of the sculpture…” Ready-to-punch-out pieces and instructions are included.

The rumors of a Russian spy in Hazel’s small Vermont town and the threat of Communist infiltration are palpable to her. With the help of a new kid in town and a bit of spying, Hazel tries to uncover the goings-on. Though set in the 1950s, themes remain relevant in this fast-paced adventure.

Sisters, Marcelle and Coco, find a blind English soldier in the woods near their home in France. With the help of their older brother and his friend, Lt. Shepherd makes it across the Channel, leaving a small silver donkey and stories about the creature with the girls. Set during World War I, this is a timeless, gentle and hopeful story.