Book Finder

Tony is not looking forward to his family’s annual picnic at Liberty Island in October. Nevertheless, his grandmother insists that they maintain the tradition of celebrating her birthday with Lady Liberty. At first it doesn’t seem like much fun — until Tony finally begins to understand why the Statue of Liberty means so much to his grandmother. Lovely colorful acrylic paintings bring this special tribute to life.

Poverty didn’t stop this girl from working hard, reading lots of books, and graduating top in her class. Meet young Sonia Sotomayor, the child who grew up to become the first Latina Supreme Court justice. Her life is presented through a jaunty, positive narrative and warm-toned illustrations that capture the warmth and joy of Sotomayor’s family and story. A bit of background information concludes the engaging glimpse of a contemporary figure.

Lush, realistic illustrations combine with a simple text to suggest what it must have been like when the pioneering Jackie Robinson played ball for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Additional factual information is included in what is made to look like baseball cards on each page. The result is a handsome book that can be appreciated by different ages.

Katie Casey follows her passion for baseball and winds up playing for one of the professional girls’ teams — and wins. The little known opening of a well-known tune, “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” inspired this fictionalized look at the professional all-girls baseball league that thrived during World War II.

Ted Williams never flinched at hard work or a challenge. In his last season with the Boston Red Sox, Williams had to decide if he wanted to take the chance and lose his rare .400 average or go to bat. Williams’ decision creates a riveting read in this handsome and thoughtful look at one man’s ethics and the times in which he lived.

She seemed born to pitch when growing up in a small Ohio town and pitch she did at a time when women only wore skirts or dresses. Stylized illustrations combine with the fictionalized voice of Alta Weiss to present a memorable glimpse of early baseball, one young woman’s passion for the game, and a quick look at women in the sport.

The baseball card of “…the bandy-legged son of German immigrants” sold for almost three million dollars in 2007. Honus Wagner was an all-around player who could hit, run, and play shortstop equally well. Highlights of his life and some of the myths that swirled up around him are presented in evocative, energetic text and handsome paintings.

A sister and brother travel to Johannesburg in search of their mother as their baby sister becomes ill. On the way, they become aware of what apartheid means for the people in their country.

Meet young Rolihlahla, the boy who will grow up to become Nelson Mandela. From his childhood in the South African countryside, to his election as the first black president in South Africa’s history, Mandela’s extra-ordinary life is a story of courage, persistence, hope, and belief.

Lively language and energetic illustrations create a memorable portrait of a woman who was to become known as Sojourner Truth. She was “Big. Black. Beautiful. True.” Just like her name. Further information and photographs of Sojourner Truth completes this dynamic, fictionalized biography.

Arthur John Johnson became known as Black Jack, the world’s first black heavyweight champion and one of the best known boxers of the 20th century. Readers meet him through a rhythmic text and bold illustrations that present a clever, hardworking, and confident man. The book is published just in time to commemorate the anniversary of historic fight, July 4, 1910.

Amos, a mouse, presents scientist, inventor, and early American Benjamin Franklin from his viewpoint. First published in 1939, Ben and Me uses humor and lively language ideal for sharing aloud to bring Ben and Amos to life.

High in the Appalachian hills, a woman comes every two weeks on horseback to deliver books to Cal’s family. Cal has no interest in reading, but he wonders what could possibly make her long treks in the snow and wind worthwhile? Young readers will discover a moving introduction to the story and courage of Kentucky’s Pack Horse Librarians.

Though the first U.S. Census didn’t start until 1790, the Forest Lake Elementary School elementary children put on a play that lays the historical foundation for it. The kids (sporting shapes of the original 13 states) dramatize the problems faced after the American Revolution which were resolved by the 1787 Constitutional Convention. This entertaining look at the county’s start is sure to engage and inspire further research.

Rachek always begs her Grandmother Oma to tell the story of Oma’s two lives: the one before American and the one after. The first part recounts her marriage prior to World War I and then her family’s move from Poland to Germany to seek safety. Ironically, two of her three daughters spent time in concentration camps but all survived and were reunited in the United States. The illustrations really add to readers’ understanding of this horrible time in history.

“My name is Gabriela Mistral. It is a name I chose myself because I like the sound of it.” With these words, Monica Brown introduces us to the Chilean poet and author who, in 1945, became the first Latin American writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. The lyrical text and exquisite illustrations bring Gabriela’s childhood and talent to life for young readers.

The author/illustrator of much-loved picture books is introduced here from her Minnesota childhood to the publication of her Newbery Honor book, Millions of Cats (1928). Each double page spread includes a quote from Gag’s diary followed by a straightforward text coupled with an evocative illustration. An author’s note includes more information, a photograph of Gag, and sources used.

When Emily Post’s book of etiquette enters the young narrator’s house, his mother uses it to limit her children’s behavior; that is, until the children remind their mother of her Post transgressions. Characters from Emily Post’s book (such as Mrs. Worldly) reveal that even Emily misbehaved sometimes in this playful introduction to etiquette, family, and the early 20th century.

Brief, lighthearted looks at the wives of the U.S. Presidents from Martha Washington to Michelle Obama are presented as if put together as a class activity. In a note to their teacher, Team USA concludes, “A lot has changed since 1789, but some things are still the same — the president is still a man, and you still don’t get paid to be first lady!”

The true story of one of only two Chinese-American women to fly for the U.S. Air Force during World War II, is told as though by Maggie Gee herself. Her dream of flying became reality because of a dream and determination. An author’s note provides a short glimpse into where and what the actual Maggie Gee does today as well as period photographs.

When John and Abigail first met, they didn’t really like each other but came to appreciate the other’s strengths: Abigail had her own opinions; John was honest and witty. After their marriage, Abigail expertly handled home, family, and more during her husband’s frequent travel and was the earliest First Lady to live in the Executive Mansion. This is a graceful introduction to an early first family. View this exclusive digital version of Abigail and John

Cassius Clay learned to box when he was twelve, trained by Joe Martin in his native Louisville, Kentucky. He would go on to win the Golden Gloves championship and to box in the Olympics. Clay stunned not only the sports world but the world as a whole by winning the world boxing championship and changing his name to Muhammad Ali when he embraced Islam. His portrait is painted in a chronological account, highlighting Ali’s words in text and dramatic full-color paintings.

Martin Luther King, Jr. prepared diligently for his now famous “I have a dream” speech given on August 28, 1963 during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. It was King’s unshakable belief in nonviolence and the power of words that galvanized the country. This informal account is both personal and satisfying as revealed by Martin’s older sister who watched it on television with their parents in Atlanta. Full-color illustrations and expressive typography highlight words and enhance the tone.

In spite of growing up in the 1940s before the United States was integrated, in a segregated Mobile, Alabama, Henry Aaron dreamed of playing baseball. His perseverance and courage paid off; he was to become one of the most talented and revered players, whose major league career spanned from 1954 through 1976. He was also a vocal spokesperson for equality between white and black players. Aaron’s early life, his career, and his impact on the game are revealed in an honest, sometimes difficult text and richly colored paintings.