Kids Books: Women Scientists

The Fire of Stars: The Life and Brillance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made of

By Kirsten W. Larson, Illustrated by Katherine Roy

A poetic picture book celebrating the life and scientific discoveries of the groundbreaking astronomer Cecilia Payne!

Astronomer and astrophysicist Cecilia Payne was the first person to discover what burns at the heart of stars. But she didn’t start out as the groundbreaking scientist she would eventually become. She started out as a girl full of curiosity, hoping one day to unlock the mysteries of the universe. 5-8 years

Queen of Physics: How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secret of the Atom

By Teresa Robeson, Illustrated by Rebecca Huang

When Wu Chien Shiung was born in China 100 years ago, most girls did not attend school; no one considered them as smart as boys. But her parents felt differently. Giving her a name meaning “Courageous Hero,” they encouraged her love of learning and science. This engaging biography follows Wu Chien Shiung as she battles sexism and racism to become what Newsweek magazine called the “Queen of Physics” for her work on beta decay.

Along the way, she earned the admiration of famous scientists like Enrico Fermi and Robert Oppenheimer and became the first woman hired as an instructor by Princeton University. The first woman elected President of the American Physical Society. The first scientist to have an asteroid named after her when she was still alive, and many other honors. 5 years +

One Step Further: My Story of Math, the Moon and a Lifelong Mission

By Katherine Johnson, Illustrated by Charnelle Barlow

This inspirational picture book reveals what is was like for a young black mother of three to navigate the difficult world of the 1950s and 60s and to succeed in an unwelcoming industry to become one of the now legendary “hidden figures” of NASA computing and space research.

Johnson’s own empowering narrative is complemented by the recollections of her two daughters about their mother’s work and insights about how she illuminated their paths, including one daughter’s fight for civil rights and another’s journey to become a NASA mathematician herself.

Filled with personal reflections, exclusive family archival photos, and striking illustrations, readers will be immersed in this deeply personal portrayal of female empowerment, women in STEM, and the breaking down of race barriers across generations. Historical notes, photo/illustration notes, and a time line put the story into historical and modern-day context. 4-8 years

Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning, The First Paleontologist

By Linda Skeers, Illustrated by Marta Álvarez Miguéns

Mary Anning loved scouring the beach near her home in England for shells and fossils. She fearlessly climbed over crumbling cliffs and rocky peaks, searching for new specimens. One day, something caught Mary’s eye.

Bones. Dinosaur Bones.

Mary’s discoveries rocked the world of science and helped create a brand-new field of study: paleontology. But many people believed women couldn’t be scientists, so Mary wasn’t given the credit she deserved. Nevertheless, Mary kept looking and learning more, making discoveries that reshaped scientific beliefs about the natural world.

Educational backmatter includes a timeline of Mary Anning’s life and lots of fantastic fossil facts! 3-8 years

The Girl With the Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague

By Julia Finley Mosca, Illustrated by Daniel Rieley

After touring a German submarine in the early 1940s, young Raye set her sights on becoming an engineer. Little did she know sexism and racial inequality would challenge that dream every step of the way, even keeping her greatest career accomplishment a secret for decades. Through it all, the gifted mathematician persisted―finally gaining her well-deserved title in history: a pioneer who changed the course of ship design forever. In addition to the illustrated rhyming text, you’ll find a complete biography, fun facts, a colorful timeline of events, and even a note from Montague herself! 7-10 years

Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power Revolutionary Marine Scientist

By Evan Griffith, Illustrated by Joanie Stone

How did a nineteenth-century dressmaker revolutionize science? Jeanne Power was creative: she wanted to learn about the creatures that swim beneath the ocean waves, so she built glass tanks and changed the way we study underwater life forever.

Jeanne Power was groundbreaking: she solved mysteries of sea animals and published her findings at a time when few of women’s contributions to science were acknowledged. Jeanne Power was persistent: when records of her research were lost, she set to work repeating her studies. And when men tried to take credit for her achievements, she stood firm and insisted on the recognition due to her. 6-9 years

Shark Lady

The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist

By Jess Keating, Illustrated by Marta Álvarez Miguéns

Eugenie Clark fell in love with sharks from the first moment she saw them at the aquarium. She couldn’t imagine anything more exciting than studying these graceful creatures. But Eugenie quickly discovered that many people believed sharks to be ugly and scary―and they didn’t think women should be scientists.

Determined to prove them wrong, Eugenie devoted her life to learning about sharks. After earning several college degrees and making countless discoveries, Eugenie wrote herself into the history of science, earning the nickname “Shark Lady.” Through her accomplishments, she taught the world that sharks were to be admired rather than feared and that women can do anything they set their minds to. 3-8 years

The Story of Jane Goodall

By Susan B. Katz

Jane Goodall is a celebrated scientist for her studies of chimpanzees in the forests of Africa. Before she observed chimps and helped save them from losing their home, Jane was a curious kid who loved learning about animals. She showed people that women could be scientists, just like men, and fought to follow her dream of working with wild chimps. Explore how Jane Goodall went from being a young nature lover in England to the most important chimpanzee expert in the world. 6-9 years

The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian’s Art Changed Science

By Joyce Sidman

One of the first naturalists to observe live insects directly, Maria Sibylla Merian was also one of the first to document the metamorphosis of the butterfly. 

Richly illustrated throughout with full-color original paintings by Merian herself, The Grew Who Drew Butterflies will inspire young scientists. 6-9 years

Born Curious: 20 Girls Who Grew Up to Be Awesome Scientists

By Martha Freeman, Illustrated by Katy Wu

Why do galaxies spin the way they do?
What’s the best kind of house for a Komodo dragon?
Can you cure malaria with medicine made from a plant?

The scientists and mathematicians in Born Curious sought answers to these and many other fascinating questions. And it’s lucky for us they did. Without their vision, insight, and hard work, the world would be a sicker, dirtier, and more dangerous place.

The twenty groundbreaking women—including Rosalind Franklin, Marie Tharp, Shirley Anne Jackson, and more—came from all kinds of backgrounds and had all kinds of life experiences. Some grew up rich. Some grew up poor. Some were always the smartest kid in class. Some struggled to do well in school. But all had one thing in common: They were born curious. Are you curious, too? 7-12 years

Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World

By Rachel Ignotofsky

It’s a scientific fact: Women rock! This fascinating, educational collection features 50 illustrated portraits of trailblazing women in STEM throughout history. Full of striking, singular art, Women in Science also contains infographics about relevant topics such as lab equipment, rates of women currently working in STEM fields, and an illustrated scientific glossary. The trailblazing women profiled include such pioneers as primatologist Jane Goodall and mathematician Katherine Johnson, who calculated the trajectory of the 1969 Apollo 11 mission to the moon.
 
Women in Science celebrates the achievements of the intrepid women who have paved the way for the next generation of female engineers, biologists, mathematicians, doctors, astronauts, physicists, and more! 7 years+

The book descriptions are primarily from the publishers.

If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author

You may like,

Books for Kids: Jane Goodall https://www.barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-jane-goodall

Kids Books: Mary Anning’s Dinosaur https://www.barbaralowell.com/kids-books-mary-anning-dinosaur

Kids Books: Women Inventors https://www.barbaralowell.com/kids-books-women-inventors

 

Emma Lilian Todd Invents an Airplane

Kids Books: Women Inventors

Wood, Wire, Wings: Emma Lilian Todd Invents An Airplane

By Kirsten W. Larson, Illustrated by Tracy Subisak

Emma Lilian Todd’s mind was always soaring–she loved to solve problems. Lilian tinkered and fiddled with all sorts of objects, turning dreams into useful inventions. As a child, she took apart and reassembled clocks to figure out how they worked. As an adult, typing up patents at the U.S. Patent Office, Lilian built the inventions in her mind, including many designs for flying machines. However, they all seemed too impractical. Lilian knew she could design one that worked. She took inspiration from both nature and her many failures, driving herself to perfect the design that would eventually successfully fly. Illustrator Tracy Subisak’s art brings to life author Kirsten W. Larson’s story of this little-known but important engineer. 7-10 years

Beulah Has a Hunch: Inside the Colorful Mind of Master Inventor Beulah Louise Henry

By Katie Mazeika

Growing up in the 1890s, when Beulah Louise Henry spotted a problem, she had to find a solution, turning it around and around in her mind until…aha! She had a hunch—what she called the inventions she came up with to solve the puzzles she saw all around her.

Beulah’s brain worked differently. She had hyperphantasia, which meant she saw things in extreme detail in her mind, as well as synesthesia, which caused words and numbers and even music notes to show up as different colors in her brain. Beulah’s unique way of seeing the world helped her think up vivid solutions to problems—her hunches came to her fully formed with gears whirring and wheels spinning. She invented everything from a new and improved parasol to cuddly stuffed animals and from ice cream makers to factory machinery. Beulah’s inventions improved daily life in lots of ways, earning her the nickname “Lady Edison,” and she became one of the most prolific inventors in American history. 4-8 years

Sweet Dreams, Sarah

By Vivian Kirkfield, Illustrated by Chris Ewald

Sarah E. Goode was one of the first African-American women to get a US patent. Working in her furniture store, she recognized a need for a multi-use bed and through hard work, ingenuity, and determination, invented her unique cupboard bed. She built more than a piece of furniture. She built a life far away from slavery, a life where her sweet dreams could come true. 7-11 years

Hedy Lamarr’s Double Life: Hollywood Legend and Brilliant Inventor

By Laurie Wallmark, Illustrated by Katy Wu

Movie star by day, ace inventor at night: learn about the hidden life of actress Hedy Lamarr! To her adoring public, Hedy Lamarr was a glamorous movie star, widely considered the most beautiful woman in the world. But in private, she was something more: a brilliant inventor. And for many years only her closest friends knew her secret.

Now Laurie Wallmark and Katy Wu tell the inspiring story of how, during World War Two, Lamarr developed a groundbreaking communications system that still remains essential to the security of today’s technology. 5 years+

Josephine and Her Dishwashing Machine: Josephine Cochrane’s Bright Invention Makes a Splash

By Kate Hannigan, Illustrated by Sarah Green

Meet Josephine Garis Cochrane: entrepreneur, innovator, girl boss. Washing dishes is a pain—it leaves Josephine’s cups cracked, her dishes dinged, and her chowder bowls chipped. She’d rather be picking flowers, frosting cakes, or playing piano than dealing with cracked crockery. What to do about a chore that’s icky, destructive, and time-consuming? Josephine tackles this task the modern way: she makes a machine to do it for her! She tinkers and tests, and perseveres through fizzles and flops—until she has a government patent for her invention, and there are whirring, whizzing, bubbling dishwashers making a splash across America. 7-10 years

Ada’s Ideas: The Story of Ada Lovelace, the World’s First Computer Programmer

By Fiona Robinson

Ada Lovelace was the daughter of Lord Byron, a poet, and Anna Isabella Milbanke, a mathematician. Her parents separated when she was young, and her mother insisted on a logic-focused education, rejecting Byron’s “mad” love of poetry. But Ada remained fascinated with her father and considered mathematics “poetical science.” Via her friendship with inventor Charles Babbage, she became involved in “programming” his Analytical Engine, a precursor to the computer, thus becoming the world’s first computer programmer. This picture book biography of Ada Lovelace is a compelling portrait of a woman who saw the potential for numbers to make art. 6-9 years

Madame Alexander: The Creator of the Iconic American Doll

By Susan Goldman Rubin, Illustrated by Sarah Dvojack

Beatrice Alexander’s family ran a doll hospital in their home in New York’s Lower East Side, where she grew to love fixing and making dolls. Beatrice dreamed of becoming an artist, but her family couldn’t afford to send her to sculpting school. She never stopped dreaming, even as she stayed home, graduated from high school, and got married. When World War I broke out, she came up with the idea to make unbreakable, cloth dolls modeled after nurses to support the war effort and help keep children happy. After the war, Beatrice founded Madame Alexander and redefined the doll industry, creating some of the first plastic and collectible dolls, dolls that never break. 3-6 years

Marvelous Mattie: How Margaret E. Knight Became An Inventor

by Emily Arnold McCully

With her sketchbook labeled My Inventions and her father’s toolbox, Mattie could make almost anything — toys, sleds, and a foot warmer. When she was just twelve years old, Mattie designed a metal guard to prevent shuttles from shooting off textile looms and injuring workers. As an adult, Mattie invented the machine that makes the square-bottom paper bags we still use today. 7-11 years

Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women

By Catherine Thimmesh, Illustrated by Melissa Sweet

In kitchens and living rooms, in garages and labs and basements, even in converted chicken coops, women and girls have invented ingenious innovations that have made our lives simpler and better. What inspired these girls, and just how did they turn their ideas into realities? This updated edition of the best-selling Girls Think of Everything features seven new chapters that represent our diverse and increasingly technological world, offering readers stories about inventions that are full of hope and vitality—empowering them to think big, especially in the face of adversity. 8-11 years

Women Inventors Hidden in History

By Petrice Custance

We’ve all heard of Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison, but very few female inventors are household names. This fascinating book illuminates the history of women who used their brainpower and skills to produce important items we use ever day. Meet Hedy Lamarr, a famous Hollywood actress by day and inventor of a radio guidance system for torpedos by night. Marvel at the cleverness of Ng Mui, who developed the martial art known as Wing Chun, which later evolved into kung fu. 10-13 years

Brilliant Ideas From Wonderful Women: 15 Incredible Inventions From Inspiring Women

By Aitziber Lopez, Illustrated by Luciano Lozano

Car heaters…Monopoly…Disposable diapers…The dishwasher…Kevlar…Maritime flares… Anti-reflective glass…Wifi…Syringes…Submarine periscopes…Diagnostic tests…Lifeboats…Windshield wipers…Ebooks…What do each of these revolutionary inventions have in common? They were all pioneered by women!

Each brilliant idea is presented with biographical information about the woman who came up with it, including what inspired them. Learn how Martha Coston disguised herself as a man to contact pyrotechnicians and convince them to manufacture her idea for maritime flares, how a New York tram ride on a wet winter’s day led Mary Anderson to invent the windshield wiper, and why Letitia Mumford Geer’s one-hand operated syringe was a medical breakthrough, among many other fascinating facts. 5-7 years

The book descriptions are primarily from the publishers.

If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author

Ada Lovelace First Computer Programmer https://www.barbaralowell.com/ada-lovelace-computer

Women Scientists https://barbaralowell.com/kids-books-women-scientists/

 

Kids Books: Tulsa Race Massacre

Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre

By Carole Boston Weatherford, Illustrated by Floyd Cooper

Celebrated author Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrator Floyd Cooper provide a powerful look at the Tulsa Race Massacre, one of the worst incidents of racial violence in our nation’s history. The book traces the history of African Americans in Tulsa’s Greenwood district and chronicles the devastation that occurred in 1921 when a white mob attacked the Black community.

News of what happened was largely suppressed, and no official investigation occurred for seventy-five years. This picture book sensitively introduces young readers to this tragedy and concludes with a call for a better future. 6 years+

What Was the Tulsa Race Massacre?

By Caleb Gayle, Illustrated by Tim Foley

Before May 31, 1921, the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was a thriving neighborhood of 10,000 Black residents. There, Black families found success and community. They ran their own businesses, including barbershops, clothing stores, jewelers, restaurants, movie theatres, and more. There were also Black doctors, dentists, and lawyers to serve the neighborhood. Then, in one weekend, all of this was lost. A racist mob tore through the streets, burning everything to the ground and killing scores of innocent residents. Learn about what led to one of the worst moments of racial violence in America’s history in this nonfiction book for young readers. 8-12 years

Tulsa Burning

By Anna Myers

Tulsa Race Massacre

By Kara L. Laughlin

An introduction into the violent Tulsa Race Massacre that occurred from May 31-June 1, 1921. Additional features include detailed captions and sidebars, critical-thinking questions, a phonetic glossary, an index, and sources for further research. 9-12 years

Lena and the Burning of Greenwood: A Tulsa Race Massacre Survival Story

By Nikki Shannon Smith, Illustrated by Markia Jenai

In the early 1920s, the Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is the wealthiest Black community in the United States. But Tulsa is still a segregated city. “Black Wall Street” and white Tulsa are very much divided. Twelve-year-old Lena knows this, but she feels safe and sheltered from the racism in her successful, flourishing neighborhood.

That all changes when Dick Rowland, a young Black man from Greenwood, is accused of assaulting a white woman. Racial tensions boil over. Mobs of white citizens attack Greenwood, terrorizing Black residents and businesses, and forcing many–including Lena and her family–to flee. Now Lena must help her family survive one of the worst incidents of racial violence in American history. Readers can learn the real story of the Tulsa Race Massacre from the nonfiction backmatter, including a glossary, discussion questions, writing prompts, and author’s note. 8-12 years

Greenwood Gone: Henry’s Story

By Sioux Roslawski

Greenwood District, Oklahoma, 1921: Twelve-year-old Henry Simmons has lived his entire life in Greenwood, Oklahoma, a district in the northern part of Tulsa. He’s loved by his parents and neighbors, annoyed by his little sister, and protected by his community, a neighborhood full of hard-working, successful Black people like his mama and daddy. People call Greenwood “Black Wall Street,” and Henry plans to grow up there until he becomes a famous writer or baseball player—or both.

Sure, he sees racism firsthand when he goes with his daddy to “White Tulsa.” But for most of his life, as long as his friends and neighbors stay in Greenwood, the White folks of Tulsa don’t cause too much trouble in Henry’s life. Until May 31, 1921.That’s the night Henry’s life changes forever. His family’s life changes forever. All the neighborhoods of Greenwood change forever—because 19-year-old Dick Rowland, a Black shoeshiner working in Tulsa, is accused of assaulting a White female elevator operator.

That accusation and Dick’s arrest turn into twelve hours of terror for Greenwood residents. And Henry and his family are right in the middle of the chaos, hate, and massacre. For these twelve hours, Henry, his mother, and his younger sister Livvie watch White men and women destroy their neighborhood while they miss Daddy, who went to help protect Dick at the courthouse. Sometimes, Henry, Mama, and Livvie hide; sometimes, they flee; and always, they are shocked by the terrifying behavior of their fellow human beings. 9-12 years

Dreamland Burning

By Jennifer Latham

When seventeen-year-old Rowan Chase finds a skeleton on her family’s property, she has no idea that investigating the brutal century-old murder will lead to a summer of painful discoveries about the present and the past. 

Nearly one hundred years earlier, a misguided violent encounter propels seventeen-year-old Will Tillman into a racial firestorm. In a country rife with violence against blacks and a hometown segregated by Jim Crow, Will must make hard choices on a painful journey towards self discovery and face his inner demons in order to do what’s right the night Tulsa burns. 

Through interwoven alternating perspectives, Jennifer Latham’s lightning-paced page-turner brings the Tulsa race riot of 1921 to life and raises important questions about the complex state of US race relations–both yesterday and today. Young Adult

The Burning (Young Readers Edition)

Black Wall Street and the Tulsa Race Massacre

By Tim Madigan, adapted for young readers by Hilary Beard

One of the worst acts of racist violence in American history took place in 1921, when a White mob numbering in the thousands decimated the thriving Black community of Greenwood in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The Burning recreates Greenwood at the height of its prosperity, explores the currents of hatred, racism, and mistrust between its Black residents and Tulsa’s White population, narrates events leading up to and including Greenwood’s devastation, and documents the subsequent silence that surrounded this tragedy. Delving into history that’s long been pushed aside, this is the true story of Black Wall Street and the Tulsa Race Massacre, with updates that connect the historical significance of the massacre to the ongoing struggle for racial justice in America. 12-18 years

The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.

If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author

You may like https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/Tulsa-Race-Massacre-of-1921/632653

Books For Kids: Civil Rights Movement https://barbaralowell.com/kids-books-civil-rights-movement/

 

Kids Books: John F. Kennedy

Jack’s Path to Courage: The Life of John F. Kennedy

By Doreen Rappaport, Illustrated by Matt Tavares

John F. Kennedy was a popular and charismatic president beloved by many. But he didn’t always believe he had the strength or courage for that office. As a child he was sickly and overshadowed by his strong, capable, athletic older brother Joe, Jr. After Joe’s death, John had to work hard to live up to his own expectations and to those of his father. He overcame physical pain and self-doubt to see the country through one of the most difficult crises in its history. 6-9 years

Who Was John F. Kennedy

By Yona Zeldis McDonough, Illustrated by Jill Weber

John F. Kennedy fought and won his first battle at the age of two-and-a-half when sick with scarlet fever. He went on to save the lives of his PT-109 crewmen during WWII and become the 35th President of the United States. Although his presidency was cut short, our nation’s youngest elected leader left an indelible mark on the American consciousness. 8-12 years

JFK

By Jonah Winter, Illustrated by A. G. Ford

JFK tells how a little boy grew up to be president in a story about hope and courage and the power of words. It details John F. Kennedy’s childhood as well as his presidency and includes the Cuban missile crisis, the civil rights movement, the Camelot years, and a firsthand account of his assassination. 4-8 years

Pocket Bios: John F. Kennedy

By Al Berenger

John F. Kennedy was an incredibly popular American politician who served as 35th President of the United States from 1961 to 1963, during the Cold War. As president, he most notably supported the African American Civil Rights Movement, authorized the Bay of Pigs invasion on the southern coast of Cuba, and dealt with the Cuban Missile Crisis. His family was greatly admired around the world, and his tragic assassination in Dallas, Texas, had a lasting effect on the American psyche. 4-7 years

John F. Kennedy and the Stormy Sea

By Howard Goldsmith, Illustrated by Renne Benoit

When young Jack Kennedy’s little sister gets tired of playing, Jack suggests a a sail. Within moments Jack is steering the small chip toward Osterville to say hello to Captain Manley. Under darkening clouds the two children head back home — but they do not make it before a storm hits, threatening their lives. Is young Jack a good enough sailor to bring his sister home to safety? 6-7 years

A Time to Act: John F. Kennedy’s Big Speech

By Shana Corey, Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

From prominent leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and Jackie Robinson to children and teenagers, it was the people speaking out and working for civil rights through sits-ins, freedom rides, and marches who led John F. Kennedy to take a stand. And with his June 11, 1963, civil rights address, he did.

This is the story of JFK—from his childhood to the events that led to his game-changing speech and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Corey and Christie offer a deeply human look at our country’s thirty-fifth president, underscoring how each one of us, no matter who we are, have the power to make a difference. 8 years+

Action Presidents: John F. Kennedy

By Fred Van Lente, Illustrated by Ryan Dunlavey

U.S. history comes to life like never before in this full-color graphic novel! We all know that John F. Kennedy was a World War II hero and a pro at giving speeches. But did you also know he survived shark-infested waters, suffered a case of mistaken identity, and once used a coconut to send a secret message? 8-12 years

John F. Kennedy the Brave

By Shelia Keenan, Illustrated by Chin Ko

When he was a young boy, John Fitzgerald Kennedy wondered about what happened in the world. He wanted to change the world when he grew up, and he did just that!

Beginning readers will learn about the milestones in John F. Kennedy’s life in this Level Two I Can Read biography, which combines a traditional, illustrated narrative with historical photographs at the back of book. Complete with a timeline, photographs, and little-known facts about the United States’ thirty-fifth president, the brave John F. Kennedy. 4-8 years

John F. Kennedy: A Photographic Sbtory of a Life

By Howard S. Kaplan

This DK biography tells the story of an incredible leader and legend, John F. Kennedy. It includes photographs, definitions of key words, and sidebars on related subjects. 10 and up

Tragedy in Dallas: The Story of the Assassination of John F. Kennedy

By Steven Otfinoski

In an immersive, exciting narrative nonfiction format, this powerful book follows a selection of people who experienced the events surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. 9-12 years

The book descriptions are primarily from the publishers.

If you like this post, then please consider sharing it. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author

Lincoln and Kennedy A Pair to Compare: https://barbaralowell.com/lincoln-and-kennedy

Books For Kids: Abe Lincoln https://barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-abe-lincoln

Books For Kids: George Washington https://barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-george-washington

Books For Kids: Thomas Jefferson https://barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-thomas-jefferson

Books For Kids: Franklin Roosevelt https://barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-franklin-roosevelt

 

 

Kids Books: Preteen Life Skills

The Phone Book

Stay Safe, Be Smart, and Make the World Better with the Powerful Device in Your Hand

By Jessica Speer, Illustrated by Lesley Imgart

So . . . you got a phone! You can text your friends, play games, and take cool pictures! You have the whole world in your pocket—power to be used as a force for good or, um, not so good.

Fraught with cyberbullying, disinformation, fake stuff, tech addiction, and so much more, the digital world can be downright sad, awkward, and nasty. But have no fear, kids—The Phone Book is here! Packed with research-based explanations, techy tidbits, and real stories from hundreds of teens and preteens, this phone book (the fun kind) will be your guide on the path of light, teaching you healthy phone habits and ways to stay safe online. And while you’re on your journey, super illustrations, activities, and secret codes will reveal the power of your phone and the superpowers you have to wield it. Go forth, be informed, and slay the dark side of technology! 8-13 years

BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends) A Girl’s Guide to Happy Friendships

By Jessica Speer, Illustrated by Elowyn Dickerson

Friendships are tough to navigate, even for adults. The preteen years can be particularly sticky, but we’ve got your back! Packed with fun quizzes, colorful illustrations, and stories about girls just like you, BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends) is the ultimate interactive guidebook to help you learn the ins and outs of friendship. Explore the topics of gossip, bullying, and feeling left out, along with ways to strengthen the friendships that mean the most to you. Author Jessica Speer is an expert on post-pandemic friendships with experience in helping tweens, teens, and young adults navigate their social relationships. 10-12 years

The No More Bullying Book for Kids: Become Strong, Happy and Bully-Proof

By Vanessa Green Allen, Illustrated by Emmeline Pidgen

A friend talks about you behind your back. What do you say? You need a bigger allowance. How do you ask your parents? You ruin your friend’s favorite book. How do you apologize? Here are the exact words you’ll need in these situations — plus more than 200 others. Look inside for the tools, tips, techniques (and actual words!) to help you untangle your tongue and speak out with confidence and grace. Written by professional school counselor Vanessa Green Allen, The No-More Bullying Book for Kids puts the power back in kids hands with tools that will give them confidence in the face of bullying and help them feel really good about who they are―which is all that actually matters. 8-12 years

Life Skills for Kids

By Karen Harris

Life Skills for Tweens

by Ferne Bowe

The preteen years are an important time to learn and discover the world and shape who you will be in it.

While these are exciting times, they can also be tricky. Preteens are dealing with big emotions and physical changes that they may not feel equipped to handle.

They may feel unsure of how to behave or what to do in certain situations. They may be worried about making friends or dealing with increased responsibilities and stress. 8-13 years

A Smart Girl’s Guide: Knowing What to Say

By Patti Kelley Criswell, Illustrated by Brenna Hansen

A friend talks about you behind your back. What do you say? You need a bigger allowance. How do you ask your parents? You ruin your friend’s favorite book. How do you apologize? Here are the exact words you’ll need in these situations — plus more than 200 others. With tools, tips, techniques (and actual words!) to help you untangle your tongue and speak out with confidence and grace. 9-11 years

Middle School Safety Googles Advised: Exploring the Weird Stuff from Gossip to Grades, Cliques to Crushes, and Popularity to Peer Pressure

By Jessica Speer, Illustrated by Lesley Imgart

Take a large group of kids in puberty, send them to a new school, and add a generous dose of tests, homework, and hormones, not to mention diverse personalities, bland food, and unpleasant odors. That’s middle school, and it can be a little . . . weird.

Yes, there are cool things about middle school, like more independence, new friends, and new activities. But there’s baffling stuff too, like harsh judgment, the whole “popularity” thing, and, of course, drama. With insights from hundreds of students, this guidebook explores the halls of middle school, especially the odd behaviors that lurk in the shadows. Slip on your lab coats, because we’re going to dissect these behaviors one by one to understand what’s really going on. With fun illustrations and choose-your-own-adventure-style scenarios, Middle School—Safety Goggles Advised will help you deal with the drama and define who you are and how to navigate life when things get, well, weird. 11-14 years

The book descriptions are primarily from the publishers.

If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author

 

 

Kids Books: Animals Communicate

Animals Communicate

By Nadia Ali

Whales whistle, fireflies glow, and skunks spray–that’s how they communicate! Find out how mammals, reptiles, birds, and other animals send messages and signals to stay safe, make friends, and care for their young. Accessible and fun K-3 level information reveals the animal world to young readers and researchers. 5-8 years

How to Talk to a Tiger…And Other Animals…How Critters Communicate

By Jason Bittel

Ever wanted to talk to a tiger? Or chatter with a cheetah? Or yak with a yak? This book brings together a babble of more than 100 beasties and explores the amazing ways they talk to each other. From fish that fart to alligators that dunk to fire worms that flash, you’ll discover that wildlife have the strangest ways of sending a message. 8-12 years

How and Why Do Animals Communicate

By Bobbie Kalman

This book shows how animals communicate to share information, attract mates, or scare away enemies. They sing, growl, howl, spray smelly scents, and make their body parts bigger. Children will have fun learning about these communication skills. 8-12 years

How to Speak Animal

By Aubre Andrus and Dr. Gabby Wild

We know animals can’t speak and express themselves in the same way as humans … but even the smallest and quietest animals have incredible ways of communicating with each other. With wildlife veterinarian expert Dr. Gabby Wild as a guide, How to Speak Animal helps kids understand how animals communicate through sound, body language, and behavior. It’s full of expert insights and real-life stories of humans exploring ways to “talk” to animals, from teaching great apes sign language to speaking “dolphin.” Packed with animal photography that helps illustrate key concepts, this book profiles more than 60 different creatures―from birds to mammals to reptiles and more―and their amazing ways of communicating with each other. 8-12 years

Animal Communication

By Michell Garcia Anderson

First to fourth graders will dive into the fascinating lives of their favorite animals and learn about the remarkable ways in which they communicate! How do elephants show affection? What animals communicate by scratching on trees? Young learners will read an animal behavior case study exploring fun facts about the ways animals communicate using different cues! 6-10 years

Animal Talk: All the Incredible Ways That Animals Communicate

By Michael Leach and Meriel Lland, Illustrated by Asia Orlando

For many animals, communicating is as important to their life chances as finding food and water. This book explores the variety of innovative ways animals “talk” to each other. Whether it is releasing a cloud of ink to confuse, roaring to intimidate, dancing to attract a mate, or howling to locate one another, the range of messaging methods in the natural world is quite astonishing (and sometimes quite disgusting!).

Animal Talk is an introduction to ingenious communication strategies in the natural world. Meet birds and spiders who dance to attract a mate, vultures that throw up on their own food to put off other animals, lions who roar at rival prides to test out their strength, and many more. You’ll never look at nature the same way again! 7-9 years

How Do Animals Communicate?

By Sara Howell

Introduce young readers to the myriad ways in which the assorted members of the animal kingdom communicate. The means of animal communication turn out to be as intriguing and varied as the content that is being communicated, from mating signals and announcements regarding location and food availability to warning alarms and simple tokens of affection and protectiveness. Echolocation, pheromones, bioluminescence, scent marking, tail wagging, nuzzling, the elephant’s trumpet, the honeybee’s waggle dance, and more all get their due in this brief, but surprisingly comprehensive, volume. Perfect for animal lovers and whisperers, while also a useful resource for life science units. 6-10 years

The book descriptions are primarily from the publishers.

If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Book Author

You may like, Kids Books: Animal Homes https://www.barbaralowell.com/kids-books-animal-homes

Kids Books: Animal Families

Animals Have Families

By Nadia Ali

A baby kangaroo lives in its mother’s pouch. A zebra group is called a dazzle. A mother octopus has 50,000 babies! Find out how animal families care for their young, keep one another safe, and share duties. Accessible and fun K-3 level information reveals the animal world to young readers and researchers. 5-8 years

Sisters and Brothers: Sibling Relationships in the Animal World

By Robin Page and Steve Jenkins

Steve Jenkins and Robin Page investigate sibling relationships throughout the animal kingdom. In this book you will learn that anteaters are always only children and nine-banded armadillos are always born as identical quadruplets. You will also learn that falcons play-hunt in the sky in this book perfect for animal lovers. 4-8 years

What is a Family?

By Annette Griffin, Illustrated by Nichola Cowdery

Ants have a colony.

Bats have a cloud.

Chickens have peeps,

where they can get loud.

All the way from A to Z, this alphabet primer celebrates all kinds of families, giving each animal family a name. With dolphins and their pods, iguanas and their messes, and kitties and their litters, it’s easy to learn about what makes a family of animals. 1-5 years Board Book

Baby Animals and Their Families

By Suzi Eszterhas

Around the world, baby animals grow up in all kinds of families. Whether it’s albatrosses raising babies in big colonies or sibling pairs of polar bears, baby animals with their families are not only adorable―they can teach us about animal behavior, too. 3-6 years

Family: Teaching Love and Affection Towards Family Through Animals in the Wild

By Jaye Garnett, Illustrated by Melanie Mikecz

We play. We love. We care. We are family! Explore the many ways animals express their love and show affection towards members of their family in this story that celebrates the universal bond shared between families of all kinds. From elephant families traveling together holding onto each other for guidance, to a mom chimpanzee grooming her little baby, little ones will love flipping through the sturdy board pages and seeing their favorite animals being comforted by their loved ones.1-4 years Board Book

Meet My Family! Animal Babies and Their Families

By Laura Purdie Salas, Illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman

What kind of families do animal babies have? All different kinds! This book introduces a wolf pup cared for by the pack, a young orangutan snuggling with its mother high in a tree, a poison dart frog tadpole riding piggyback on its dad, and more. Featuring rhyming verse and informational text, this book lets you discover just how diverse the animal kingdom really is! 5-9 years

Animal Families: Safari

Illustrated by Jane Ormes

Find out the different names for mother and father animals while on safari — and then lift the flap to find the babies and learn what they are called. There is even a gatefold ending that includes the group names of the animals. This introduction to animal families features screen-printed artwork and bold neon ink to capture the attention and imagination of babies and toddlers. 2-5 years

All Kinds of Animal Families

By Sophy Henn

From a clownfish mommy and daddy to cheetah daddies who adopt cubs, every combination of modern human family life is reflected here. It’s a warm and friendly introduction to the topic for preschool children, concluding that love is the common factor among all families. 5-8 years

The book descriptions are primarily from the publishers.

If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author

You may like Kids Books: Animal Homes https://www.barbaralowell.com/kids-books-animal-homes

Kids Books: About Horses https://www.barbaralowell.com/kids-books-about-horses

Kids Books: Animal Homes

Animals Live in Homes

By Nadia Ali

A bear sleeps in a den. A snake might coil around a branch to rest. A crab carries its home on its back! Find out where all kinds of animals live–in the water, up in the trees, or burrowed underground. Accessible and fun K-3 level information reveals the animal world to young readers and researchers. 5-8 years

My Very First Book of Animal Homes

By Eric Carle

In the colorful board book, young children can match each animal with the home it lives in. Where do the bees live? Where does the bird live?  Full of vibrant animals, this book is lots of fun for young children. 2-5 years

Do You Know Where Animals Live?

By Peter Wohlleben, Translated by Shelley Tanaka

Have you ever wondered …. 

  • Are worms afraid of the rain?

  • Do fish use farts to communicate?

  • Why do elephants stomp their feet?

  • Do animals dream? What do they dream about? 

  • Do animals get scared, feel happy, or become excited like we do?

In this visual, fun, and interactive book, kids will get to know all sorts of animals, from birds and caterpillars in their own backyard, to grizzly bears in chilly Alaska, to puffer fish in the waters of Australia. This book features quizzes, and activities that will help kids study animals in their own backyards—and make the world a better place for them. 7-9 years

Hello Animals, Where Do You Live?

By Loes Botman

This lively board book introduces young children to a range of animals and the special places they live. Loes Botman’s colorful illustrations bring the animals to life. The simple concepts and words make these books perfect for exploring with young children. 1-3 years

Wild Animal Atlas: Earth’s Astonishing Animals and Where They Live

By National Geographic

Captivating critters, eye-grabbing pictures, weird and freaky facts―what better way for kids to learn geography! In this child-friendly atlas, stunning animal photos combine with colorful, easily accessible maps to teach young readers about geography through the wild creatures that fascinate them. Each world region includes a “spotlight” on animals in the area. Thematic spreads deliver the facts about habitats, endangered species, and more. 4-8 years

Whose Habitat Is That?

By Lucile Piketty, Translated by Lucy Brownridge

Swing through the lush jungle canopy, crunch across the glittering ice floes, prowl through the savanna grasslands. In each habitat, a wild creature hides. Can you guess who they are from the clues they give about themselves?

Children learn what the animal eats, where it lives, what it looks like and what animal family it belongs to, as well as some quirky and funny facts about it in this pop-up book. 5-8 years

National Geographic Kids Readers: Animal Homes

By Shira Evans

Young readers learn all about animal abodes–from cozy dens to towering trees–in this pre-reader from National Geographic Kids. Through text features such as a vocabulary tree, kids will be introduced to vocabulary in concept groups, helping them make connections between words and expand their understanding of the world. 2-5 years

Animal Homes

By Jennifer Bové

Animals have jobs too!

Animals Have Jobs

By Nadia Ali

Animals are busy! Sea dragon fathers care for babies. Eagle parents build giant nests. Sea lions stand guard for one another. In every animal community, animals have jobs to do, just like people! Accessible and fun K-3 level information reveals the animal world to young readers and researchers. 5-8 years

The book descriptions are primarily from the publishers.

If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leave a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author

You may like: Kids Books About Horses https://barbaralowell.com/kids-books-about-horses/

Habitats https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/nature/habitats

Animals Communicate https://www.barbaralowell.com/kids-books-animals-communicate

 

Kids Books About Horses

Read All About Horses

By Nadia Ali

Did you know that horses can sleep standing up? Or that they have the largest eyes of any land mammal? Find out all about their senses, life cycle, behavior, and more in this fact-filled book. Stunning photos give readers an up-close look at these loyal, majestic companions that have been living and working alongside people for thousands of years. 4-7 years

The Everything Book of Horses and Ponies

By DK

Would you like to learn how to take care of a horse, what equipment to use, or enter the world of equestrian sports? Discover their secrets in this fun book. With colorful photos, fur-tastic facts, and bite-sized information, this book takes you into their fascinating world. Find out about favorite breeds from Shire to Shetland pony. Learn about horses and ponies from around the globe, and be amazed by their beautiful coloring and patterns. 4-8 years

Horses (Little Genius)

By Teesh Holladay, Illustrated by Amelia Herbertson

With super-simple concepts about breeds, colors, features, and more, this book is the perfect introduction for little learners. Each spread features a simple fact about what they eat, where they live, how to take care of them, and what they do, accompanied by illustrations of horses in action. 3 years+

The Book of Horses: The Ultimate Guide to Horses Around the World

By Mortimer Children’s Books

This book celebrates the world of the magnificent horse. It transports readers from the Mongolian steppe to the thrilling racetrack. Discover the white horses of the Camargue that gallop through the sea, the lithe thoroughbreds that race at 43 miles an hour, and the brave war horses that plunged into the horror of battle, and many more. At the same time, readers will learn how to care for them, keeping them in top condition. 8-12 years

The Big Book of Horse Trivia for Kids

By Bernadette Johnson

Whether you are a superfan, budding equestrian, or just plain curious, this trivia book is a galloping good time packed with fun facts. Discover the answers to questions including:

  • What was the their oldest known ancestor like and in what era of Earth’s history did they live?

  • How smart are they?

  • Why are Thoroughbreds called Thoroughbreds?

  • What’s the difference between a trot, a canter, and a gallop.

You’ll learn about famous racehorses in history: Flora Temple, Man o’ War, Seabiscuit, Secretariat, and French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte’s last horse, whose stuffed remains you can see in a museum to this day! 8-12 years

All About Horses: A Kid’s Guide to Breeds, Care, Riding, And More!

By Kelly Milner Halls

Do you know a young child who dreams of riding? Or loves to learn about what it takes to care for one? This book can teach them! They’ll saddle up and become an expert as they read up on what horses eat, all the gear that keeps them strong and healthy, and how to get started riding.

Kids will take a look at the most popular breeds and what makes them special―like the big and strong Clydesdale and the lean and fast Tennessee Walker. They’ll even learn about how they communicate with humans and how to build a loving bond that lasts a lifetime. 6-9 years

Horses

By Laura Driscoll

Saddle up for a look at kids’ favorite horses—sporting, working, and different breeds, too—in this photographic book for the youngest fan. 3-8 years

Gallop! 100 Fun Facts About Horses

By Kitson Jazynka

Calling all pony lovers, horse fanatics, and bookworms! Trot through 100 equine facts in this leveled reader for fluent readers. Packed with weird-but-true facts and lots of equestrian animal info, this Level 3 Reader gallops right into the world of horses–from wild ponies to superstar racers to the shared history of humans and horses. 7-9 years

The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.

If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author

You may like Seabiscuit The Racehorse       https://barbaralowell.com/seabiscuit-the-racehorse/

 

 

 

Books For Kids: John Lewis

Preaching to the Chickens: The Story of Young John Lewis

By Jabari Asim, Illustrated by E.B. Lewis

John wants to be a preacher when he grows up—a leader whose words stir hearts to change, minds to think, and bodies to take action. But why wait? When John is put in charge of the family farm’s flock of chickens, he discovers that they make a wonderful congregation! So he preaches to his flock, and they listen, content under his watchful care, riveted by the rhythm of his voice. Includes an author’s note about John Lewis, who grew up to be a member of the Freedom Riders, chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, a demonstrator on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, and a U.S. congressman. 5-8 years

John Lewis in the Lead: A Story of the Civil Rights Movement

By Kathleen Benson, Illustrated by Benny Andrews

The son of an Alabama sharecropper, John Lewis experienced the injustice of segregation early in life. Inspired to action by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Lewis joined with civil rights leaders who believed in fighting segregation peacefully. From Nashville, Tennessee, to Selma and Montgomery, Alabama, Lewis was in the forefront of the major civil rights protests of the 1960s. In the face of physical attacks, he persevered with dignity and a devotion to nonviolence, helping southern black people gain the right to vote.

Lewis continued his commitment to human rights from his home base in the South straight to the nation’s capital. In 1986, Lewis was elected to represent Georgia in the United States Congress. This is a celebration of the life of a legend of American history. Lewis’s passionate belief in justice is a beacon for all who wish to make our country a better place. 8-11 years

The Story of John Lewis

By Tonya Leslie, Illustrated by Jerrard K. Polk

John Lewis was a civil rights leader and United States congressman who never stopped speaking for justice, equality, and peace. Before he marched with Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement, John was a thoughtful kid who loved learning but wasn’t able to go to a good school because of segregation. He wanted to make a difference in his community, so he organized peaceful protests to end segregation and fight for equal rights for Black Americans. Explore how John went from being a young farm boy to a famous activist, politician, and leader. 7-10 years

Because of You, John Lewis

By Andrea Davis Pinkney, Illustrated by Keith Henry Brown

When young Tybre Faw discovers John Lewis and his heroic march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in the fight for voting rights, Tybre is determined to meet him. Tybre’s two grandmothers take him on the seven-hour drive to Selma, Alabama, where Lewis invites Tybre to join him in the annual memorial walk across the Bridge. And so begins a most amazing friendship! ​​​​​​​7-10 years

I am John Lewis

By Brad Meltzer, Illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos

This book spotlights John Lewis, known for his role in the Civil Rights Movement, his help organizing the March on Washington and the Selma Voting Rights March, and for his lifelong dedication to public service as a member of the House of Representatives. And John Lewis was never afraid to get in “good trouble.” This biography includes: A timeline of key events, photos, comic-book-style illustrations, and childhood moments. 5-9 years

John Lewis

By Denise Lewis Patrick, Illustrated by Steffi Walthall

When John Lewis was a teenager, he asked Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to help integrate a segregated school in his hometown. From then on, John Lewis never stopped organizing, from Freedom Rides, to the marches in Selma and Washington, and more. He believed in getting into “good trouble” for good causes. He became a Civil Rights activist and a United States Representative. 6-8 years.

John Lewis

By Meeg Pincus, Illustrated by Jeff Bane

The My Itty-Bitty Bio series are biographies for the earliest readers. This book examines the life of civil rights activist John Lewis, in a simple, age-appropriate way. It will help young readers develop word recognition and reading skills. Includes a table of contents, author biography, timeline, glossary, index, and other informative backmatter. 4-7 years

March (Book One of Four) Graphic Novels

By John Lewis and Andrew Aydin, Illustrated by Nate Powell

Congressman John Lewis was an American icon, one of the key figures of the civil rights movement. His commitment to justice and nonviolence took him from an Alabama sharecropper’s farm to the halls of Congress. From a segregated schoolroom to the 1963 March on Washington. And from receiving beatings from state troopers to receiving the Medal of Freedom from the first African-American president. 13 and up

John Lewis: Civil Rights Champion and Congressman

By Alisa Morretta

The history of the United States is filled with African American leaders who heroically fought for equality through words and deeds. These men and women sacrificed their safety and, in some cases, their lives for the cause.

One of the most courageous among them is John Lewis. He was on the front lines of this struggle for decades. From the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s to his work as a United States Congressman, Lewis fought for equality for all Americans.

This book uses photographs, sidebars, and primary sources to examine his greatest achievements, both historical and contemporary. It explores how his bravery and dedication to nonviolent direct action affected real change in the United States. 14 and up

The book descriptions are primarily from the publishers.

If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author

You may like, Kids Books: Civil Rights Movement, https://www.barbaralowell.com/kids-books-civil-rights-movement 

Books For Kids: March on Washington, https://www.barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-march-on-washington