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It is said that necessity is the mother of invention. And the women readers meet here certainly seem to support that notion. Have you ever seen a baby in a “snugli”? It was invented by a woman who wanted to keep her baby calm. How about “Scotchgard”? This woman came up with it to help wipe away stains. Meet these inventors and others who had good ideas, skill, and stick-to-it-ness.

The classic tale of the Revolutionary War is now 75 years old. An introduction by Nathan Hale in his signature graphic history style is likely to bring this to a new audience.  

When Langston and his father move from Alabama to Chicago, he discovers the poet after whom his mother named him. And unlike the segregated library back home, he can freely use the library. Set during the Great Migration, the boy’s emotions, successes, and challenges remain contemporary. 

Striking illustrations and short chapters capture the drama of the man who walked from the United States to Canada — on a tightrope — over Niagara Falls. This little known event took place in the mid-19th century. Additional information is included.

Go ahead, dip in. There is something for everyone in this fascinating compendium of information. Organized by general topic, brief, illustrated essays are accessibly written to provide a taste of the topic. A glossary and complete index conclude the volume.

Jack and Annie are transported back in time to 1900. No one in Galveston, Texas, believes that a devastating hurricane is about to hit. What can be done to save the residents? This satisfying addition to the series may be enhanced with the Magic Tree House Fact Checker: Texas (opens in a new window).

Hatmaker, wife, mother, pioneer, and activist, Esther Morris was instrumental in getting the vote for women in Wyoming, the first state to pass such a law. Whether brewing tea or learning to sew, from an early age Esther adamantly states, I could do that! — the mantra of her life.

Powerful free verse and vivid mixed-media illustrations tell the true story of the American effort to land the first man on the Moon in this well-researched picture book.

Join a young boy and his father on a daring journey from Mexico to Texas to find a new life. Theyll need all the resilience and courage they can muster to safely cross the border (la frontera) and to make a home for themselves in a new land. Based on co-author Alva’s own experience as a young boy. Back matter includes information on immigration, a history of the U.S. and Mexican border, and photos of Alva’s family and hometown.

Almost 10 years before Brown vs. Board of Education, Sylvia Mendez and her parents helped end school segregation in California. An American citizen of Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage who spoke and wrote perfect English, Mendez was denied enrollment to a “Whites only” school. Her parents took action by organizing the Hispanic community and filing a successful lawsuit in federal court.

Have you ever wondered where the rainbow flag comes from? It all began with the first openly gay elected official, Harvey Milk. His life and how the rainbow flag came to be and to express both hope and pride are briefly presented in accessible language and animated illustrations. Photographs of Milk and additional biographical sketch conclude the book.

The life of the man whose name is associated with nonviolent protest is presented in graphic format. A range of well-known artists contributed their work to present a slim but impactful look at Gandhi’s life. Actual photographs and additional biographical information are included at the end as is information about the artists.

Celeste, the small mouse that accompanied John James Audubon’s apprentice, on an earlier adventure (A Nest for Celeste (opens in a new window)) is now separated from Joseph. Happily, she finds a new companion, an earnest young man named Abe Lincoln. This quiet fantasy is generously illustrated with expressive pencil drawings.

Even good guys behave badly sometimes and that includes American hero, Abraham Lincoln. Rather than demount old Abe from a pedestal, this historical episode serves to demonstrate that even the best folks make mistakes and that errors can be rectified. Humorously told and expressively illustrated, additional information concludes the tale of Lincoln’s almost-duel.

The true story of four African American women whose talent and tenacity led to careers at NASA is recast for younger readers. The unfairness and dscrimination caused by segregation is presented in an accessible, age appropriate, and engaging way.

Even as a kid, Max had a good arm. He even pitched while he served in the Navy where he struck out Joe DiMaggio. The next time he pitched to the star, Joltin’ Joe hit a homerun which is when Max’s career as a baseball clown really started. Meet Max Patkin and follow his unusual baseball career in comic illustrations and straightforward text.

When Jack and Annie don the magic baseball hats given to them by Morgan, they find themselves back in 1947 as batboys. There they learn a lot about the game, a player named Jackie Robinson, and how history was made. Readers may also want to find out more in the accessible nonfiction companion, Baseball (Magic Tree House Fact Tracker) (opens in a new window) which introduces more about the people and players of the period.

The final months of King’s life are presented in rich, moving poetry accompanied by swirling, evocative paintings. The requiem wonders about King’s assassin in “Baby James” asking, “”Did his tiny soul,/once clean,/know it would someday/be soiled by hate?” Additional information and photographs conclude this sophisticated volume.

An engaging look at the many contributions of Frederick Douglass — including his work as a publisher, a diplomat to Haiti, a bank president, and a prolific writer. Chockful of quotes, excerpts from Douglass’s writing, and images that capture the atmosphere of the times.

Before he became a baseball hero, Jack R. Robinson became a four-letter athlete during his time at UCLA. Soon after he left college, he joined the army where he continued to stand up for what was right. His pre-baseball career is presented in a clearly documented, accessible text and expressive, evocative illustrations.

The life of the woman who became known as Harriet Tubman is presented to a new generation with an introduction by award-winning author, Jason Reynolds, and a stunning new cover by Kadir Nelson. Originally published in 1955, the readable text has the hallmarks of the novelist who wrote it. She places Harriet in historical context, breathing life into Tubman and her times.

Young readers are called to action, because it is possible that “You can be a King” in small everyday ways. Brief, recognizable scenes and sophisticated ideas are realistically interspersed with simpler, child-like classroom goings-on to bring the concept closer to familiar experiences. The result is a lyrical book just right to launch discussions.

A small, underfed horse was found by a group of Marines during the Korean War. She was named Sergeant Reckless for her courage and willingness to carry ammunition into battle. The story of this faithful, brave animal is presented in a gripping narration and realistic (though not explicit) illustrations. 

Meet the Statue of Liberty. She came from across an ocean like many of the people she continues to welcome; that’s why her right foot is mid-stride, of course. Strong graphics and factual but timely, tongue-in-cheek text presents Lady Liberty as never seen before.