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Until it strikes uncomfortably close to home, three English boys are fascinated by the war and the bombing of their city, London. Derek and his friends come to understand true fear and the meaning of war in this realistic novel that explores themes of friendship, fear, and retaliation.

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were very different in everything from appearance to what they liked to do. But they agreed on one thing: King George of England was a tyrant! This lighter look at American history is factual and informative and may be just the introduction to Independence Day as well as two of its key figures.

William Hoy wasn’t born deaf but lost it as a boy growing up in rural Ohio. In spite of his hearing loss, Hoy went on to become a remarkable major league baseball player at the end of the 19th century. His little known story is sure to inspire contemporary readers who will meet him in this handsome, detailed picture book biography.

Susan B. Anthony lived and worked as a teacher when women were paid less for the same jobs performed by men and could not vote in any election. Her work and perseverance helped change the entire country and is presented in accessible language and simple illustrations that evoke the period. Resource notes are included.

Rachel Carson was a shy child, always drawn to nature. She grew up to become a professional biologist and enter a field with few women and write a book that changed the way people looked at the environment. Soft, cartoon-like illustrations and straightforward narrative present an overview of Carson’s life; sources are included at the end.

Brief sketches of the lives of both well (e.g. Harriet Tubman) and lesser known African American women (e.g., Biddy Mason) and their impact on civil rights are presented in the lively language of a storyteller sure to read aloud well. Vibrant, stylized Illustrations enhance the evocative text to complete the thought-provoking portraits.

Juliette “Daisy” Gordon was born into a family of pioneers, she loved the outdoors, and yearned to make a difference in the world. Combining her passion for service with her own adventurous spirit and her belief that girls could do anything, she founded the Girl Scouts. March 2012 is the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts and they’re still going strong, with more than 3 million Girl Scouts throughout the world!

Emily’s dog, Carlos, accompanied her almost everywhere, “decorating her clothes with dog hair” even when she wrote. Rich narrative sprinkled with quotes from Emily Dickinson’s poetry and letters combines with expressive watercolors for a unique portrait of the poet. Additional information and sources complete this handsome book.

Roosevelt’s own words define her growth from a shy child to reluctant but forceful political voice to respected citizen of the world. Evocative illustrations express Roosevelt’s strength and unique beauty.

A young Frederick Douglass narrates this handsome, moving, and authentic story of his early life as a slave, his desire to learn, and plans to escape slavery. The child who grew up to be an abolitionist, memorable writer, and orator knew that words — reading — would set him free.

Belle goes with her talented grandmother on a singing tour during a time of racial segregation in the south in the 1950s. Grandmama decides to continue performing up north “where things were a little easier for black people.” Realistic watercolors help define the setting.

Two children aroused by their parents join a march for equal rights.  Short sentences and semi-abstract illustrations convey the children’s evolving feelings as they join scores of others in what adults recognize as an historic march for civil rights.

Brief, staccato text and dark-hued, mixed-media illustrations convey the drama of enslaved people escaping on the Underground Railroad. There is limited light and grave danger until the family reaches freedom in this seemingly simple yet rich and sophisticated book.

Martin Luther King’s niece recalls how the power of her uncle’s words and his strength of conviction changed the United States. Realistic illustrations, straightforward language, and factual back matter create an accessible glimpse of the man and his place in history.

Sophisticated poems, often in dialect, are accompanied by haunting paintings to chronicle a group of enslaved people escaping north to freedom. Older readers will most appreciate this sometimes (necessarily) harsh portrait of escape, slave trackers, and the trek north.

His unusual escape from slavery — in a box mailed to Philadelphia — is told in a conversational, folksy style illustrated with evocative illustrations. The cadence of the text calls to mind the music and song that were always important to Henry Brown.

Through original artwork by the renowned artist Tomie dePaola — a longtime aficionado of Frida Kahlo’s work — as well as beautiful reproductions of Kahlo’s paintings, this latest Smart About book explores the creative, imaginative world of Mexico’s most celebrated female artist.

This humorous and heartwarming novel takes place during the summer of 1962, when narrator Jack Gantos turns 12 and has been “grounded for life” by his parents. He takes on a summer job writing obituaries filled with stories about the people who founded his Utopian town, Norvelt. Gantos expertly mixes truth and fiction in this book. For mature readers 9-12 and teens. (2012 Newbery Medal Winner)

Join Miss Pym’s students as they take a memorable train trip across the U.S. to a time and place where dinosaurs roamed. Humor and adventure combine as Miss Pym is horrified but her students delight in getting to know the huge creatures firsthand.

Gareth, Jason’s cat, knows that a cat’s nine lives are really nine trips. Since a cat can take a friend along, Jason & Gareth travel to long ago places and times. This modern classic is certain to intrigue readers while introducing them to a bit of history and historical sites.

Travel back in time with young Qwerty (aka Robert) as he finds research much more intriguing when it involves experiencing 1776 in person via a time machine. Action and humor bring the past alive in this fast-paced novel.

By 1909, Louis Bleriot’s persistence had paid off: this Frenchman became the first aviator to fly across the English Channel in an “air machine.” This Caldecott Medal winner is a quiet account of one man’s perseverance and passion.

In this coming-of-age story, the children of the longhouse are 11-year-old Ohkwa’ri and Itsi:tsia. Twin brother and sister, they live in a Mohawk town in the traditional homelands of what is now eastern New York State in 1491. Reflecting the balance between male and female roles in Iroquois society, the book’s chapters alternate between the events and perspectives of Ohkwa’ri and Itsi:tsia, who very definitely see things differently. Bruchac seamlessly incorporates an impressive amount of information about pre-contact Mohawk culture, society, and beliefs, and tells a good story as well. — Oyate

A cat befriends a monk and brings good fortune to his rundown temple in this handsomely illustrated retelling narrated by Tama, the feline hero.