Electrical Wizard: How Nikola Tesla Lit Up the World
By Elizabeth Rusch, Illustrated by Oliver Dominguez
Here is the story of the ambitious young man who brought life-changing ideas to America, despite the obstructive efforts of his hero-turned-rival, Thomas Edison. From using alternating current to light up the Chicago World’s Fair to harnessing Niagara Falls to electrify New York City and beyond, Nikola Tesla was a revolutionary ahead of his time. Elizabeth Rusch sheds light on this extraordinary figure, while fine artist Oliver Dominguez brings his life and inventions to vivid color. Back matter includes additional information about Tesla, scientific notes and explanations, source notes, a bibliography, and suggestions for further reading. 8-12 years
A Life Electric: The Story of Nikola Tesla
By Azadeh Westergaard, Illustrated by Júlia Sardà
Born at the stroke of midnight during a lightning storm, Nikola Tesla grew up to become one of the most important electrical inventors in the world. But before working with electricity, he was a child who loved playing with the animals on his family’s farm in Serbia.
An inventor since childhood, Tesla’s patents encompassed everything from radar and remote-control technology to wireless communications. But his greatest invention was the AC induction motor, which used alternating currents ( AC) to distribute electricity and which remains the standard for electric distribution today. Tesla’s love of animals also remained constant throughout his life and led to his anointment as the Pigeon Charmer of New York for his devotion to nature’s original wireless messengers. 5-9 years
Zap! Nikola Tesla Takes the Charge
By Monica Kulling, Illustrated by Bill Slavin
Growing up in Smiljan, Croatia, Nikola Tesla dreamed about harnessing the power of Niagara Falls. In 1884, he walked down the gangplank onto New York Harbor with four cents in his pocket, a book of poems, a drawing of a flying machine, and a letter of introduction to Thomas Edison, the “electrical wizard” of America. Upon meeting, Edison sent Tesla to fix the SS Oregon as a test and was so astounded that he offered Tesla a job at his factory.
Tesla and Edison had different views about electricity. Tesla wanted to develop an alternate current while Edison wanted to stick to the direct current system. Edison offered Tesla a large sum to make his direct current system more efficient, but when the work was done, Edison refused to pay. Tesla quit and when things were looking bleak, he met George Westinghouse, who also thought that alternating current was the way to light up America. He gave Tesla a job and in 1896, Tesla and Westinghouse built a generator at Niagara Falls that was able to send power as far as Buffalo, New York. 5-8 years
Who Was Nikola Tesla?
By Jim Giglotti, Illustrated by John Hinderliter
When Nikola Tesla arrived in the United States in 1884, he didn’t have much money, but he did have a letter of introduction to renowned inventor Thomas Edison. The working relationship between the two men was short lived. The two scientist-inventors became harsh competitors. One of the most influential scientists of all time, Nikola Tesla is celebrated for his experiments in electricity, X-rays, remote controls, and wireless communications. His invention of the Tesla coil was instrumental in the development of radio technology. 8-12 years
Bright Dreams: The Brilliant Ideas of Nikola Tesla
By Tracy Dockray
Young Nikola Tesla got a shock when he rubbed his cat’s fur. That small spark lit his imagination forever. Covering his early years to his eventual success in the world of electricity, Bright Dreams showcases Tesla’s incredible journey of discovery and perseverance. Author-illustrator Tracy Dockray conveys Tesla’s busy and imaginative world with collage-style artwork and informative sidebars.8-11 years
A Life Electric: The Story of Nikola Tesla
By Azadeh Westergaard, Illustrated by Júlia Sardá
Born at the stroke of midnight during a lightning storm, Nikola Tesla grew up to become one of the most important electrical inventors in the world. But before working with electricity, he was a child who loved playing with the animals on his family’s farm in Serbia.
An inventor since childhood, Tesla’s patents encompassed everything from radar and remote-control technology to wireless communications. But his greatest invention was the AC induction motor, which used alternating currents ( AC) to distribute electricity and which remains the standard for electric distribution today. Tesla’s love of animals also remained constant throughout his life and led to his anointment as the Pigeon Charmer of New York for his devotion to nature’s original wireless messengers. 5-9 years Forthcoming July 2021
Nikola Tesla For Kids: His Life, Ideas and Inventions
with 21 Activities
By Amy M. O’Quinn
Nikola Tesla was a physicist, scientist, electrical engineer, and world-renowned inventor whose accomplishments faded into oblivion after his death in 1943. Tesla was undeniably eccentric and compulsive; some considered him to be somewhat of a “mad” scientist. But in reality, he was a visionary. Many of his ideas and inventions that were deemed impossible during his lifetime have since become reality.
He was the first to successfully use rotating magnetic fields to create an AC (alternating current) electrical power supply system and induction motor. He is now acknowledged to have invented the radio ahead of Marconi. Among other things, he developed the Tesla coil, an oscillator, generators, fluorescent tubes, neon lights, and a small remote-controlled boat. He helped design the world’s first hydroelectric plant at Niagara Falls. This is the story of his life and ideas, complete with a timeline, 21 hands-on activities, and additional resources to better understand his many accomplishments. 9 and up.
Inventor, Engineer, and Physicist Nikola Tesla
By Katie Marsico
Have you ever tried to invent something? As a child, Nikola Tesla saw a picture of a waterfall and imagined an invention that would turn the water’s energy into electricity. Later, he invented a waterwheel which turned water power into usable energy. As a young adult, Tesla spent his spare time experimenting with electrical equipment. He worked for inventor Thomas Edison, improving power plants and machines that ran on direct current electricity. But Tesla believed electrical distribution could be better. He went on to invent alternating current electricity, which would allow people to distribute electricity over long distances. Learn how Tesla’s work eventually made turning on electrical devices as easy as flipping a switch! 7-11 years
Nicola Tesla Lights the World
By Fiona Jacobson
Young readers will explore the life and work of Nikola Tesla, one the brightest inventors in history in this biography aligned to third grade Common Core Standards. 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
Plagues, Pox, and Pestilence is a history of disease, and pestilence, told from the point of view of the bugs and pests that cause them. This book features case histories of epidemics and eyewitness accounts from the rats, flies, ticks and creepy-crawlies who spread diseases. There are lots of fascinating facts and figures on the biggest and worst afflictions. 7-12 years
Outbreak! Plagues That Changed History
By Bryn Barnard
Filled with fascinating, often gory details about disease and history, Outbreak! is the combination of science and history.
Did the Black Death destroy medieval Europe? Did cholera pave the way for modern Manhattan? Did yellow fever help end the slave trade? Remarkably, the answer to all of these questions is yes. Time and again, diseases have impacted the course of human history in surprisingly powerful ways. Bryn Barnard describes the symptoms and paths of the world’s worst diseases—and how the epidemics they spawned have changed history forever. 8-12 years
Epidemic, Pandemic, Should I Call the Medic?
By Baby Professor
What is the difference between epidemics and pandemics? Learn the difference and more in this biology book for kids. 6 and up
An American Plague:
The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793
By Jim Murphy
In 1793, Philadelphia was the nation’s capital and the largest city in North America. It’s devastated by an apparently incurable disease, its cause unknown.
Jim Murphy describes the illness known as yellow fever. It took a toll on the city’s residents. He relates the epidemic to the major social and political events of the day and to 18th-century medical beliefs and practices. Drawing on first-hand accounts, he spotlights the heroic role of Philadelphia’s free blacks in combating the epidemic. And the Constitutional crisis that President Washington faced when he was forced to leave the city while escaping the deadly contagion. The search for the fever’s causes and cure, not found for more than a century afterward, provides a suspenseful counterpoint to this story of a city under siege. 10-12 years
Terrible Typhoid Mary: A True Story of the Deadliest Cook in America
By Susan Campbell Bartoletti
What happens when a person’s reputation has been forever damaged? With archival photographs and text among other primary sources, this biography of Mary Mallon looks beyond the tabloid scandal of Mary’s controversial life. How she was treated by medical and legal officials reveals a lesser-known story of human and constitutional rights. It’s entangled with the science of pathology and the enduring questions about who Mary Mallon really was. How did her name become synonymous with deadly disease? And who is really responsible for the lasting legacy of Typhoid Mary? This exploration includes an author’s note, timeline, annotated source notes, and bibliography. 12 and up
Plague! Epidemics, and Scourges Through the Ages
By John Farndon, Illustrated by Venitia Dean
Being sick is horrible. But it used to be worse. Inside this book, you’ll see evidence of the plagues of the past―rotting skin, dissolving lungs, and sinister swelling all over the body. Diseases like the Black Death wiped out whole towns and villages. Tuberculosis consumed young people like a bloodsucking vampire. And Smallpox left its victims scarred for life―if they survived. At the time, no one knew where these killer diseases came from or how to treat them. But eventually doctors discovered how these diseases and others were spread. Being sick isn’t quite as sickening as it was in the past! 8-12 years
Purple Death
By David Getz
The Spanish Flu was one of the worst epidemics in this country’s history, and the search for its cause is still one of science’s most urgent quests. David Getz tells young readers the story of the mysterious flu known as the Purple Death―the virus responsible for the worst epidemic in American history.
It was 1918, the last year of World War I. Thousands of men lived in crowded army training camps that were scattered all across the United States. That spring, a strange flu struck the soldiers at a camp in the Midwest. Healthy young men went to the hospital complaining of sore throats and fevers. Within hours they had suffocated, their skin taking on a terrible purplish hue.
The devastating flu spread like wildfire across the country, infecting soldiers and civilians alike. It killed more than half a million people in a matter of months, then disappeared as suddenly as it had come.
To this day, no one knows what caused a common flu to become so deadly, but scientists are still searching for answers. What they discover could save millions of lives if another common flu virus suddenly turns into a killer. 7-10 years
Fever 1793
By Laurie Halse Anderson
An epidemic of fever sweeps through the streets of Philadelphia.
During the summer of 1793, Mattie Cook lives above the family coffee shop with her widowed mother and grandfather. Mattie spends her days avoiding chores and making plans to turn the family business into the finest Philadelphia has ever seen. But then the fever breaks out.
The epidemic sweeps the streets, destroying everything in its path and turning Mattie’s world upside down. At her feverish mother’s insistence, Mattie flees the city with her grandfather. But she soon discovers that the sickness is everywhere, and Mattie must learn quickly how to survive in a city turned frantic with disease.
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
Ever since Barack Obama was young, hope has lived inside him. From the beaches of Hawaii to the streets of Chicago, from the jungles of Indonesia to the plains of Kenya, he has held on to hope. Even as a boy, Barack knew he wasn’t quite like anybody else, but through his journeys he found the ability to listen to hope and become what he was meant to be: a bridge to bring people together. 5-8 years
Be Bold, Baby: Michelle Obama
By Alison Oliver
Celebrate Michelle Obama’s most motivational and powerful moments, with quotes from the former First Lady and vibrant illustrations by Alison Oliver. Baby-3 years
Who Is Barack Obama?
By Roberta Edwards, Illustrated by John O’Brien
As the world now knows, Barack Obama has made history as our first African-American president. With black-and-white illustrations throughout, this biography is perfect for primary graders. 8-12 years
Who Is Michelle Obama?
By Megan Stine, Illustrated by John O’Brien
Born into a close knit family in Chicago, Michelle Robinson was a star student who graduated from Princeton and Harvard Law. Then in 1992, she married another promising young lawyer and the rest, as they say, is history. It is undeniable that President Barack Obama has changed the United States. But so has Michelle Obama, the self proclaimed “Mom in Chief.” This is a compelling, easy-to-read biography. 8-12 years
Barack Obama: Out of Many, One
By Shana Corey
A Step 3 Step into Reading Biography Reader about our forty-fourth president, Barack Obama. With clear and accessible language, independent readers can learn how the lessons and love from Obama’s mother and grandparents shaped him. How the places he lived influenced him. And how he turned his childhood feeling of being an outsider into a positive driving force that propelled him into the history books. 5-8 years
Michelle Obama: First Lady, Going Higher
By Shana Corey, Illustrated by James Bernardin
Michelle Obama is a lot like you. She grew up on the South Side of Chicago with her brother, Craig. She rode her bike and played freeze tag with her friends. And she and her family ate dinner together every night.
Michelle’s parents taught her to work hard and not let anyone or anything stand in her way. That work ethic propelled her through her whole life—through her magnet high school, her college years at Princeton, and Harvard Law School. Her parents also taught her to help others once she found success. This is evident in her work as First Lady of the United States and beyond. 5-8 years
Barack
By Jonah Winter, Illustrated by AG Ford
This is a journey that began in many places.
It began in Kansas, home of Barack’s mother. It began in Africa, home of Barack’s father. It began in Hawaii one moonlit night, the night that Barack was born.
Sometimes it was a lonely journey. Sometimes it was an enchanted journey. But throughout this most unusual ride, this boy often wondered: Who am I? Where do I belong?
Jonah Winter and AG Ford re-create the extraordinary story behind the rise of the inspirational icon Barack Obama. 4-8 years
Parker Looks Up: An Extraordinary Moment
By Parker Curry and Jessica Curry, Illustrated by Brittany Jackson
A visit to Washington, DC’s National Portrait Gallery forever alters Parker Curry’s young life when she views First Lady Michelle Obama’s portrait.
When Parker Curry came face-to-face with Amy Sherald’s transcendent portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama at the National Portrait Gallery, she didn’t just see the First Lady of the United States. She saw a queen—one with dynamic self-assurance, regality, beauty, and truth who captured this young girl’s imagination. When a nearby museum-goer snapped a photo of a mesmerized Parker, it became an internet sensation. Inspired by this visit, Parker, and her mother, Jessica Curry, tell the story of a young girl and her family, whose trip to a museum becomes an extraordinary moment. 4-8 years
Barack Obama: Groundbreaking President
By Jodie Shepherd
Fact-filled Rookie Read-About Biographies introduce the youngest readers to influential women and men, both past and present. This book offers a look back at President Obama’s road to the highest office in the land and provides an overview of some of his greatest accomplishments as chief executive. 6-9 years
I Look Up to Michelle Obama
By Anna Membrino, Illustrated by Fatti Burke
It’s never too early to introduce your child to the people you admire! This board book distills Michelle Obama’s excellent qualities into illustrated little baby-sized bites, with text designed to share and read aloud.
Each spread highlights an important trait, and is enhanced by a quote from Michelle herself. Kids will grow up hearing the words of this influential woman. Preschool and up
The Story of Barack Obama: A Biography Book for New Readers
By Tonya Leslie
Barack Obama became the first African American president of the United States. Before he made history fighting for the environment, health care, and civil rights, he was a smart kid who knew he wanted to help others. He worked hard to become a lawyer, a senator, and then the president, all so that he could make people’s lives better.
With this Barack Obama children’s book, you can explore how he went from being a boy growing up in Hawaii to one of the most celebrated leaders in the world. How will his extraordinary journey inspire you? 6-8 years
Michelle Obama First Lady and Superhero
By Sarah Howden, Illustrated by Nick Craine
During a special Girl Scouts trip, Darlene gets to camp out on the lawn of the White House! But how will she find the courage to show Michelle Obama her knot-tying skills? 4-8 years
The President Sang Amazing Grace
By Zoe Mulford, Illustrated by Jeff Scher
When nine people were killed in a historic black church in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2015, the nation grieved as one, and when President Barack Obama sang “Amazing Grace” during his eulogy for Reverend Clementa Pinckney, it was acknowledged as one of the most powerful moments of his presidency. 5-7 years
Become Like Michelle Obama
By Caroline Moss, Illustrated by Sinem Erkas
Discover how Michelle became an inspirational leader, FLOTUS, lawyer, author, and role model in this true story of her life. Then, learn 10 key lessons from her work you can apply to your own life.
Michelle Obama grew up on the South Side of Chicago in a little bungalow with a close-knit family. She loved going to school, and she knew that, one day, she would use her voice to empower other young girls, just like her. Young Michelle was a brilliant student and wonderful daughter. With hard work and talent, she propelled herself into the universities of Princeton and Harvard. She qualified as a lawyer and life was going smoothly…Then she met a guy named Barack. 6-8 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
The Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal is awarded annually to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished informational book published in the United States in English during the preceding year. — American Library Association.
2022
The People’s Painter: How Ben Shahn Fought for Justice with Art
By Cynthia Levinson, Illustrated by Evan Turk
“The first thing I can remember,” Ben said, “I drew.” As an observant child growing up in Lithuania, Ben Shahn yearns to draw everything he sees—and, after seeing his father banished by the Czar for demanding workers’ rights, he develops a keen sense of justice, too.
So when Ben and the rest of his family make their way to America, Ben brings both his sharp artistic eye and his desire to fight for what’s right. As he grows, he speaks for justice through his art—by disarming classmates who bully him because he’s Jewish, by defying his teachers’ insistence that he paint beautiful landscapes rather than true stories, by urging the US government to pass Depression-era laws to help people find food and jobs.
In this moving and timely portrait, award-winning author Cynthia Levinson and illustrator Evan Turk honor an artist, immigrant, and activist whose work still resonates today: a true painter for the people.
2021
Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera
By Candace Fleming, Illustrated by Eric Rohmann
A tiny honeybee emerges through the wax cap of her cell. Driven to protect and take care of her hive, she cleans the nursery and feeds the larvae and the queen. But is she strong enough to fly? Not yet!
Apis builds wax comb to store honey, and transfers pollen from other bees into the storage. She defends the hive from invaders. And finally, she begins her new life as an adventurer.
The confining walls of the hive fall away as Apis takes to the air, finally free, in a brilliant double-gatefold illustration where the clear blue sky is full of promise– and the wings of dozens of honeybees, heading out in search of nectar to bring back to the hive.
2020
Told in lively and powerful verse by debut author Kevin Noble Maillard, Fry Bread is an evocative depiction of a modern Native American family, vibrantly illustrated by Pura Belpre Award winner and Caldecott Honoree Juana Martinez-Neal.
Fry bread is food. It is warm and delicious, piled high on a plate.
Fry bread is time. It brings families together for meals and new memories.
Fry bread is nation. It is shared by many, from coast to coast and beyond.
Fry bread is us. It is a celebration of old and new, traditional and modern, similarity and difference.
2019
The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian’s Art Changed Science
By Joyce Sidman
Bugs, of all kinds, were considered to be “born of mud” and to be “beasts of the devil.” Why would anyone, let alone a girl, want to study and observe them?
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. In this visual nonfiction biography, richly illustrated throughout with full-color original paintings by Merian herself, the Newbery Honor–winning author Joyce Sidman paints her own picture of one of the first female entomologists and a woman who flouted convention in the pursuit of knowledge and her passion for insects. 10-12 years
2018
Twelve Days in May: Freedom Ride 1961
By Larry Dane Brimner
On May 4, 1961, a group of thirteen black and white civil rights activists launched the Freedom Ride, aiming to challenge the practice of segregation on buses and at bus terminal facilities in the South.
The Ride would last twelve days. Despite the fact that segregation on buses crossing state lines was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 1946, and segregation in interstate transportation facilities was ruled unconstitutional in 1960, these rulings were routinely ignored in the South. The thirteen Freedom Riders intended to test the laws and draw attention to the lack of enforcement with their peaceful protest. As the Riders traveled deeper into the South, they encountered increasing violence and opposition. Noted civil rights author Larry Dane Brimner relies on archival documents and rarely seen images to tell the riveting story of the little-known first days of the Freedom Ride. With author’s note, source notes, bibliography, and index. 10-12 years
2017
March: Book Three
By John Lewis and Andrew Aydin, Illustrated by Nate Powell
By the fall of 1963, the Civil Rights Movement has penetrated deep into the American consciousness, and as chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, John Lewis is guiding the tip of the spear. Through relentless direct action, SNCC continues to force the nation to confront its own blatant injustice, but for every step forward, the danger grows more intense: Jim Crow strikes back through legal tricks, intimidation, violence, and death. The only hope for lasting change is to give voice to the millions of Americans silenced by voter suppression: “One Man, One Vote.”
To carry out their nonviolent revolution, Lewis and an army of young activists launch a series of innovative campaigns, including the Freedom Vote, Mississippi Freedom Summer, and an all-out battle for the soul of the Democratic Party waged live on national television. With these new struggles come new allies, new opponents, and an unpredictable new president who might be both at once. But fractureswithin the movement are deepening … even as 25-year-old John Lewis prepares to risk everything in a historic showdown high above the Alabama river, in a town called Selma. 10 and up
2016
Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras
By Duncan Tonatiuh
Funny Bones tells the story of how the amusing calaveras—skeletons performing various everyday or festive activities—came to be. They are the creation of Mexican artist José Guadalupe (Lupe) Posada (1852–1913.) In a country that was not known for freedom of speech, he first drew political cartoons, much to the amusement of the local population but not the politicians. He continued to draw cartoons throughout much of his life, but he is best known today for his calavera drawings. They have become synonymous with Mexico’s Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival. Juxtaposing his own art with that of Lupe’s, author Duncan Tonatiuh brings to light the remarkable life and work of a man whose art is beloved by many but whose name has remained in obscurity.
The book includes an author’s note, bibliography, glossary, and index. 6-10 years
2015
The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus
By Jen Bryant, Illustrated by Melissa Sweet
For shy young Peter Mark Roget, books were the best companions — and it wasn’t long before Peter began writing his own book. But he didn’t write stories; he wrote lists. Peter took his love for words and turned it to organizing ideas and finding exactly the right word to express just what he thought. His lists grew and grew, eventually turning into one of the most important reference books of all time.
Readers of all ages will marvel at Roget’s life, depicted through lyrical text and brilliantly detailed illustrations. This elegant book celebrates the joy of learning and the power of words. 7 and up
2014
Parrots Over Puerto Rico
By Susan L. Roth and Cindy Trumbore, Illustrated by Susan L. Roth
Above the treetops of Puerto Rico flies a flock of parrots as green as their island home. . . . These are Puerto Rican parrots. They lived on this island for millions of years, and then they nearly vanished from the earth forever. Puerto Rican parrots, once abundant, came perilously close to extinction in the 1960s due to centuries of foreign exploration and occupation, development, and habitat destruction. In this compelling book, Roth and Trumbore recount the efforts of the scientists of the Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery Program to save the parrots and ensure their future. Woven into the parrots story is a brief history of Puerto Rico itself, from before the first human settlers to the present day. With striking collage illustrations, a unique format, and engaging storytelling, Parrots Over Puerto Rico invites readers to witness the amazing recovery efforts that have enabled Puerto Rican parrots to fly over their island once again.” 6-11 years
2013
Bomb: The Race to Build — and Steal — the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon
By Steve Sheinken
In December of 1938, a chemist in a German laboratory made a shocking discovery: When placed next to radioactive material, a Uranium atom split in two. That simple discovery launched a scientific race that spanned three continents.
In Great Britain and the United States, Soviet spies worked their way into the scientific community; in Norway, a commando force slipped behind enemy lines to attack German heavy-water manufacturing; and deep in the desert, one brilliant group of scientists was hidden away at a remote site at Los Alamos. This is the story of the plotting, the risk-taking, the deceit, and genius that created the world’s most formidable weapon. This is the story of the atomic bomb. 10-14 years
2012
Balloons Over Broadway
By Melissa Sweet
Everyone’s a New Yorker on Thanksgiving Day, when young and old rise early to see what giant new balloons will fill the skies for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Who first invented these “upside-down puppets”? Meet Tony Sarg, puppeteer extraordinaire! In brilliant collage illustrations, the award-winning artist Melissa Sweet tells the story of the puppeteer Tony Sarg, capturing his genius, his dedication, his zest for play, and his long-lasting gift to America—the inspired helium balloons that would become the trademark of Macy’s Parade. 4-8 years
The book descriptions used are 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
No Truth Without Ruth: The Life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
By Kathleen Krull, Illustrated by Nancy Zhang
Ruth Bader Ginsburg may be one of the most respected women in the United States, but her recognition is nothing short of hard-won. For years before becoming a justice of the Supreme Court, Ruth had to fight the notion that being female meant that she was less smart, less qualified, and less worthy of attention than her male counterparts. Throughout college, law school, and her work life, she faced discrimination—because she was a woman.
As a lawyer, it was in her fight for equality that she made an imprint on American history. She changed the way the law dealt with women’s rights and showed that unfairness to women wasn’t just a female problem, it negatively affected men and children, too.
In this picture book from award-winning author Kathleen Krull and artist Nancy Zhang, readers will learn about Ruthless Ruthie—a warrior for equality, defender of justice, and a trailblazer for girls everywhere. 4-8 years
Who Was Ruth Bader Ginsburg
By Patricia Brennan DeMuth, Illustrated by Jake Murray
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is famous for her stylish collars (called jabots) and her commanding dissents. This opera-loving New Yorker has always spoken her mind. As a young lawyer, RBG advocated for gender equality and women’s rights when few others did. She gained attention for the cases she won when arguing in front of the Supreme Court, before taking her place on the bench in 1993. 8-12 years
I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark
By Debbie Levy, Illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley
Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has spent a lifetime arguing against inequality and unfair treatment and standing up for what’s right for people everywhere. This biographical picture book about the Notorious RBG, tells the justice’s story through the lens of her many famous dissents. 4-8 years
My Little Golden Book About Ruth Bader Ginsburg
By Shana Corey, Illustrated by Margeaux Lucas
Help your little one dream big with a Little Golden Book biography all about the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg! The perfect introduction to nonfiction for preschoolers!
This Little Golden Book is a compelling introduction to an inspiring woman, written for the youngest readers. From a young age, Ruth Bader Ginsburg knew that she wanted to fight for girls and women to have equal rights. She studied and worked very hard and became just the second woman–and the first Jewish woman–to be a United States Supreme Court Justice. This is a terrific read for future trailblazers and their parents! 2-5 years
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: The Case of R.B.G. vs. Inequality
By Jonah Winter, Illustrated by Stacy Innerest
To become the first female Jewish Supreme Court Justice, the unsinkable Ruth Bader Ginsburg had to overcome countless injustices. Growing up in Brooklyn in the 1930s and 1940s, she was discouraged from working by her father who thought a woman’s place was in the home. Regardless, she went to Cornell University, where men outnumbered women four to one. There, she met her husband, Martin Ginsburg, and found her calling as a lawyer. Despite discrimination against Jews, females, and working mothers, Ginsburg went on to become Columbia Law School’s first tenured female professor, a judge for the US Court of Appeals, and finally, a Supreme Court Justice.
Structured as a court case in which the reader is presented with evidence of the injustice that she faced. This is the true story of how one of America’s most “notorious” women bravely persevered to become the remarkable symbol of justice she is today. 6-9 years
I Look Up To…Ruth Bader Ginsburg
By Anna Membrino, Illustrated by Fatti Burke
It’s never too early to introduce childen to the people you admire! This board book distills Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s excellent qualities into illustrated little baby-sized bites, with text designed to share and read aloud.
Each spread highlights an important trait, and is enhanced by a quote from RBG herself. Kids will grow up hearing the words of this influential woman. Preschool and up.
You Should Meet Ruth Bader Ginsburg
By Laurie Calkhoven, Illustrated by Elizabeth Vukovic
Meet Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She’s also known as the notorious RBG. Ginsburg is only the second female Supreme Court justice in American history. She has spent her entire life fighting for equal rights, especially for women. RBG is a true superhero and young readers will love getting to know her.
A special section at the back of the book includes extras like the history of the Supreme Court and how to become a lawyer. With the You Should Meet series, learning about amazing people has never been so much fun! 6-8 years
The Story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Big Book for New Readers
By Susan B. Katz
In this chapter book for kids ages 6-9, you’ll learn about how Ruth Bader Ginsburg became the second woman ever to serve as a judge on the Supreme Court of the United States. Before she fought for equal rights and made history, Ruth was a curious kid who loved to read about strong women who were making important changes.
In school, Ruth wished girls could have as many opportunities as boys. She soon learned that by studying and working hard, she could change her life―and the world. 6-9 years
Becoming Ruth Bader Ginsburg:
Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Journey to Justice
By Debbie Levy, Illustrated by Whitney Gardner
Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a modern feminist icon. She’s a leader in the fight for equal treatment of girls and women in society and the workplace. She blazed trails to the peaks of the male-centered worlds of education and law, where women had rarely risen before.
RBG has often said that true and lasting change in society and law is accomplished slowly, one step at a time. This is how she has evolved, too. Step by step, the shy little girl became a child who questioned unfairness. She became a student who persisted despite obstacles. She became an advocate who resisted injustice and a judge who revered the rule of law. 10 and up
Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
By Irin Carmon, Illustrated by Shana Knizhnik
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has become an icon to millions. Her tireless fight for equality and women’s rights has inspired not only great strides in the workforce but has impacted the law of the land. This entertaining and insightful young readers’ edition mixes pop culture, humor, and expert analysis for a remarkable account of the indomitable Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Heroine, Trailblazer and Pioneer. 8-12 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
Welcome to the White House! Go behind the scenes to get a 360-degree view of America’s most famous presidential residence, from how it was built in 1792 and the fire of 1812, to today’s state dinners, celebrations, celebrity pets, and more. Discover through fun-to-read facts what it’s like to live and work at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Read about its quirky rules and how the Secret Service keeps it safe. Find out how the kids who have lived there play, watch movies, and entertain friends. With a treasure trove of material from the White House Historical Association, this book presents a fascinating story of the building and the many people who have shaped its 225-year history. 8-12 years
Exploring the White House: Inside America’s Most Famous Home
By Kate Anderson Brower
Have you ever wondered what exactly goes on inside 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue? Sure, the president of the United States works and resides there, but do you know who helps keep this historic house running?
It’s no simple task, especially when there are important state events and foreign dignitaries—in addition to presidential pups, mischievous children, and even a couple of ghosts. And its residence workers and first ladies make sure everything is in check and running smoothly. Featuring fascinating photos, fun facts, and memorable quotes from the residents and first ladies of the White House. 8-12 years
Bones in the White House: Thomas Jefferson’s Mammoth
By Candice Ransom, Illustrated by Jamey Christoph
In the late 1700’s, America was a new nation, with a vast west that held age-old secrets: Bones! Massive tusks and enormous animal skeletons were being discovered and Thomas Jefferson – politician AND scientist – was captivated. What were these giant beasts? Did they still roam on American soil? Jefferson needed to find out.
Funding explorers, including the famed Lewis and Clark, Jefferson sought to find a complete prehistoric mastodon skeleton – one which would advance the young science of paleontology, but would also put this upstart young country on the world stage. Follow along on the incredible journey – full of triumphs and disappointments, discoveries and shipwrecks, ridicule and victory. 3-7 years
My Little Golden Book About the White House
By Jen Arena and Viviana Garofoli
Little ones will learn that George Washington himself chose the building site. And nearly every president has left his mark–from Thomas Jefferson’s introduction of “water closets”–early toilets!–to Michelle Obama’s vegetable garden. Kids will gain a clear understanding of the role the White House plays in American life and culture. Fun anecdotes about the rowdy Roosevelt children riding metal trays down the staircase, the annual Easter Egg Roll, and how cows for milk were once kept there complete this nonfiction Little Golden Book. 2-5 years
Curious About the White House
By Kate Waters
Everybody knows the building at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. It’s the White House, home to US presidents, first ladies, first children, and even first pets! But aren’t you curious: why is the house white (and how many gallons of paint keep it that way)? Who built the place? How many rooms are in there and what are they used for? Where does the president work? Where does the first family live? Is there really a bowling alley in the White House? The text and photographs in this fact-filled 8 x 8 will answer all these questions and more about daily life in the most famous house in America. 6-8 years
Where is the White House?
By Megan Stine, Illustrated by David Graff
The history of the White House, first completed in 1799, reflects the history of America itself. It was the dream of George Washington to have an elegant “presidential mansion” in the capital city that was named after him. Yet, he is the only president who never lived there. The rest have made their mark–for better or worse–on the house at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Megan Stine explains how the White House came to be and offers young readers glimpses into the lives of the First Families–from John and Abigail Adams to Barack and Michelle Obama. 8-12 years
The White House Cat
By Cylin Busby, Illustrated by Neely Daggett
You’ve heard of the President, the First Lady, and maybe even some first dogs who have lived at the White House. But what about the first cat? Follow along on this very special tour of the People’s House—you’ll see who really runs things around here. . . . With detailed illustrations and fun facts about this historic residence—and the real first cats—this picture book is the perfect way to introduce children to the White House. 4-8 years
Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out
By 108 Authors and Illustrators
Conceived and co-created by the National Children’s Book and Literary Alliance, this collection of essays, personal accounts, historical fiction, poetry and original art offers a look at America’s history through the prism of the White House. These are a reminder that the story of the White House is the story of every American. Back matter includes source notes, notes on contributor, and an index. 10 and up
Diana’s White House Garden
By Elisa Carbone, Illustrated by Jen Hill
Diana Hopkins lived in a white house. THE White House.
World War II is in full force across the seas. It’s 1943, President Roosevelt is in office, and Diana’s father, Harry Hopkins, is his chief adviser. And Diana wants to be part of the war effort. After some missteps (her quarantine sign on her father’s office door was not well-received,) the President requests her help with his newest plan for the country’s survival: Victory Gardens!
This is the true story of how Diana Hopkins started her own Victory Garden on the White House lawn under the tutelage of Eleanor Roosevelt. With dedication and patience, she showed the nation that the war effort started first on the home front. 5-8 years
The White House for Kids: A History, a House, Office, and National Symbol with 21 Activities
By Katherine L. House
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live and work in the most important house in the country? Or what it’s like to grow up there? Now, you can explore the Executive Mansion for yourself. This in-depth history of the White House explains its role as a office and a powerful symbol of the United States. It tells both famous and little-known stories about some of the surprising—and sometimes surprisingly ordinary—things that go on there.
Learn which president hosted T-ball games on the White House lawn. Which mischievous first son was scolded for shooting spitballs at a portrait of President Andrew Jackson. Which first daughter held her high school prom in the famous mansion. And which first lady hung her laundry to dry in the East Room. Cross-curricular activities allow readers to walk in the footsteps of presidents and those around them. 9 and up
White House Kids
By Joe Rhatigan, Illustrated by Jay Shin
Living in America’s most famous residence might seem glamorous at first–it’s the most fun place any kid could live! There’s a bowling alley in the basement, chefs are always available to prepare whatever you’re craving, and sometimes presidential aides will even help you with your homework! But life isn’t always easy for the youngsters who call the White House home. They’re always in the spotlight, and those pesky Secret Service agents are always around.
Filled with wacky, weird, and wonderful stories, it shows what it’s like to call the president Dad or Granddad or Uncle. Find out what schools they went to, what mischief they caused, and what pets they had. There are first-person accounts from letters and interviews, fascinating photos, original illustrations, and even a section that follows the children after they left the White House. 8-12 years
Ghosts of the White House
By Cheryl Harness
Join Sara On A Magical Tour Of The White House. The ghost of George Washington steps out of his White House portrait to introduce Sara — and the reader — to the ghosts of thirty-five other presidents. Brief biographies of all the presidents, loads of fascinating trivia, and a time line round out this unique history of the presidency. 7-10 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
Are You My Friend? The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood
By Aimee Reid, Illustrated by Matt Phelan
Mister Rogers is one of the most beloved television personalities, but before he was the man who brought us Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, he was just little Freddie Rogers. Though he was often sick and had trouble making friends as a child, his mom and grandfather encouraged him to ask for help and explore the world. With their support, he learned how to better say what he was feeling and see the beauty around him.
As he grew up, he realized he could spread the message of compassion, equality, and kindness through television. You Are My Friend is a gentle homage to Fred Rogers and shows how his simple message still resonates with us today: “There’s no person in the world like you, and I like you just the way you are.” The book includes a short biography of Fred’s life and a bibliography.
This is a work of fiction. This book is an expression of admiration of Fred Rogers, the man and the artist, by the author and illustrator. This book is not associated with or endorsed by The Fred Rogers Company. 5-8 years
Who Was Mr. Rogers?
By Diane Bailey, Illustrated by Dede Putra
Even though he’s best known for his successful PBS series Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, Fred Rogers never dreamed of working in television. In fact, he hated the very first program that he ever watched! Join author Diane Bailey as she takes readers through the journey that brought Mister Rogers into our living rooms. From his childhood interest in puppet-making and music, to his courageous visit to Russia during the Cold War, this book details Mister Rogers’s quest for kindness and his gentle appeal to be more neighborly. 8-12 years
Fred’s Big Feelings: The Life and Legacy of Mister Rogers
By Laura Renauld, Illustrated by Brigette Barrajer
Fred Rogers was a quiet boy with big feelings. Sometimes, he felt scared or lonely; at other times, he was playful and joyous. But when Fred’s feelings felt too big, his Grandfather McFeely knew exactly what to say to make him feel better: I like you just the way you are.
Fred grew up and created Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, the television program that would go on to warm the hearts and homes of millions of Americans. But one day, the government threatened to cut funding for public television, including Fred’s show. So, Fred stepped off the set and into a hearing on Capitol Hill to make his feelings known.
In a portrait full of warmth and feeling, Laura Renauld and award-winning illustrator Brigette Barrager tell the story of Mister Rogers: a quiet, compassionate hero whose essential message—that it is okay to have and to express feelings—still resonates today. 4-8 years Will be released on January 14, 2020.
This book is not associated with or authorized by Fred Rogers Productions.
Hello Neighbor: The Kind and Caring World of Mister Rogers
By Matthew Cordell
How was Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood created, and who was the man that started it all? This moving and informative picture book explores the history of this acclaimed television show and its inspiring creator in an accessible way for children.
Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was groundbreaking in its own quiet, generous way. It introduced art, professions, food and even highlighted difficult subjects, like losing a loved one and divorce. This information was delivered both by live performers, like Fred Rogers himself and through a lively cast of puppets who lived in the land of make believe.
Backmatter includes a short biography of Fred Rogers as well as exclusively published archival photos provided by the Mister Rogers’ Company, and an essay from the author. 4-8 years
The only authorized picture book biography of Mister Rogers, written and illustrated by 2018 Caldecott medalist Matthew Cordell
The Story of Fred Rogers: A Biography Book For New Readers
By Susan B. Katz
Fred Rogers created one of the longest-running children’s TV shows ever, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Before he became famous for his puppetry and storytelling, Fred was a shy kid who couldn’t play outside because of his allergies. He found a passion for puppets, which he used to start his own TV show as an adult.
On his show, Fred helped kids make sense of both serious and silly things, talk about their feelings, and feel loved. Explore how Fred Rogers went from a young boy growing up in Pennsylvania to an award-winning TV show host and beloved role model. 6-9 years
Everything I Need to Know I Learned from Mister Rogers Neighborhood
By Melissa Wagner and Fred Rogers Productions
More than just a children’s television show host, Mister Rogers was the friend who helped us appreciate the good things in ourselves, in others, and in the world around us. As soon as he stepped through his front door to change into his cardigan and sneakers, we knew we would meet new people and discover new things. Revisit some of Mister Rogers’ greatest guidance that we learned alongside Daniel Tiger, X the Owl, King Friday the XIII, Henrietta Pussycat, and more, including:
-You are special -Be generous with your gratitude -Feed the fish -All kinds of feelings are okay -Don’t forget the fun And other caring thoughts!
For children and adults, 128 pages.
Mister’s Rogers’ Neighborhood: A Visual History
By Fred Rogers Production, Tim Lybarger and Melissa Wagner
Go behind the scenes of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood with this unprecedented dive into its storied history. More than fifty years ago, Fred Rogers, a modest television host, revolutionized children’s entertainment with a simple set design, quiet dialogue, and a few hand puppets playing out everyday situations. The effect was extraordinary: Mister Rogers created a relationship with millions of young viewers, each of whom felt as if they were visiting with a trusted friend. His radical kindness, acceptance, and empathy created a sacred place where everyone felt safe and valued. For children and adults
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
The Berlin Wall finally came down in 1989. Now readers can find out why it was built in the first place; and what it meant for Berliners living on either side of it. Here’s the fascinating story of a city divided.
In 1961, overnight, a concrete border went up, dividing the city of Berlin into two parts – East and West. The story of the Berlin Wall holds up a mirror to post-WWII politics and the Cold War Era when the United States and the USSR were enemies, always on the verge of war. The wall meant that no one from Communist East Berlin could travel to West Berlin, a free, democratic area. Of course, that didn’t stop thousands from trying to breech the wall – more than one hundred of them dying in the attempt. (One East Berliner actually ziplined to freedom!) Author Nico Medina explains the spy-vs-spy politics of the time as well as what has happened since the removal of one of the most divisive landmarks in modern history. 8-12 years
Flight for Freedom:
The Wetzel Family’s Daring Escape from East Germany
By Kristen Fulton, Illustrated by Torben Kuhlmann
An Inspiring True Story about One Family’s Escape from Behind the Berlin Wall!
Peter was born on the east side of Germany, the side that wasn’t free. He watches news programs rather than cartoons, and wears scratchy uniforms instead of blue jeans. His family endures long lines and early curfews. But Peter knows it won’t always be this way. Peter and his family have a secret. Late at night in their attic, they are piecing together a hot air balloon—and a plan. Can Peter and his family fly their way to freedom? This is the true story of one child, Peter Wetzel, and his family, as they risk their lives for the hope of freedom in a daring escape from East Germany via a handmade hot air balloon in 1979. 5-8 years Will be released on March 3, 2020
Cloud and Wallfish
By Anne Nesbet
One ordinary day, Noah’s parents tell him his name isn’t really Noah, his birthday isn’t really in March, and his new home is going to be East Berlin — on the other side of the Iron Curtain. East Germany seems the least likely place in the world for a kid from America with a lot of secrets of his own (and an Astonishing Stutter) to make a friend, but then Noah meets Cloud-Claudia, the lonely girl who lives one floor down. Noah and Cloud-Claudia have only a half-imaginary map and a shared fondness for codes and puzzles to guide them in a world where walls — and the Wall — are closing in. 10-14 years
Border Breakdown: The Fall of the Berlin Wall
By Molly Smith, Illustrated by David Opie
Transport back in time to the fall of the Berlin Wall! Children follow Lucy as one moment she is at the National Museum of American History examining pieces of the Berlin Wall, and the next moment, she travels in time to East Berlin during November 1989. Lucy encounters families torn apart, secret police and armed guards as well as the realization that freedom is not something to be taken for granted. Border Breakdown: The Fall of the Berlin Wall offers children an adventurous story that teaches them all about the historic fall and border crossing. A glossary and additional information about the fall of the Berlin Wall is also included to extend the learning fun. 7 and up
A Night Divided
By Jennifer A. Nielsen
With the rise of the Berlin Wall, Greta finds her family suddenly divided. She, her mother and brother Fritz live on the Eastern side controlled by the Soviets. Her father and middle brother who had gone west in search of work cannot return home. Greta knows it is dangerous to watch the wall, yet she can’t help herself. She sees the East German soldiers with their guns trained on their own citizens, as she, her family, her neighbors, are prisoners in their own city.
But one day on her way to school, she spots her father on a viewing platform on the western side pantomiming a peculiar dance. Greta concludes that her father wants her and her brother Fritz to tunnel beneath the wall, out of East Berlin. If they are caught, the consequences will be deadly. No one can be trusted. Will Greta and her family find their way to freedom? 8-12 years
The Other Side of the Wall
By Simon Schwartz
Simon Schwartz was born in 1982 in East Germany, at a time when the repressive Socialist Unity Party of Germany controlled the area. Shortly before Simon’s birth, his parents decided to leave their home in search of greater freedom on the other side of the Berlin Wall. But East German authorities did not allow the Schwartzes to leave for almost three years. In the meantime, Simon’s parents struggled with the costs of their decision: the loss of work, the attention of the East German secret police, and the fragmentation of their family.
In his debut graphic novel, Simon Schwartz tells the true story of his parents’ coming of age in East Germany, their rejection of the communist way of life, and the challenges of leaving that world behind. 12-18 years
The Berlin Wall: An Interactive Modern History Adventure
By Matt Doeden
After World War II, Germany splits into two countries the Communist German Democratic Republic in the east and the Federal Republic of Germany in the west. Its capital of Berlin is divided as well, but many people are leaving East Berlin for the freedom of the West. In 1961, East German leaders build a wall through the city to keep its people from escaping. Will you: Consider escaping from East Berlin soon after the wall is built? Serve as an East German guard at the wall? Join in the protests against the wall? Everything in this book happened to real people. And you choose what you do next. The choices you make could lead you to escape, imprisonment, or even death. 8-11 years
When the Wall Came Down:
The Berlin Wall and the Fall of Communism
By Serge Schumemann
This is history as only an eyewitness can tell it. In 1989, veteran journalist Serge Schmemann was in his hotel room when his assistant from East Germany burst in with some incredible news: the Berlin Wall was open. Serge jumped into the first cab he could find and raced to the wall in time to witness one of the great moments of European history.
Including articles from the archives of The New York Times, this gripping narrative tells the whole story, from the division of Germany after World War II, to life in the Communist East, to the massive protests that brought an end to the Eastern Bloc, and the fall of the Berlin Wall. 12 and up
The Fall of the Berlin Wall
By Patricia Levy
Thirty years ago, on November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall came down. This historic event is described in detail, focusing not only on the day itself, but also what led to the wall being there in the first place. It looks at the history of the Wall, explaining why it was built, as well as looking at the implications of what happened in the wider context of 20th century history.
Real life accounts are included in moment-in-time boxes, acting as a freeze frame of people’s thoughts, emotions and experiences as those from West Germany were at last free to travel to the East and vice versa. 9-11 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
Look Up With Me: Neil deGrasse Tyson: A Life Among the Stars
By Jennifer Berne, Illustrated by Lorraine Nam
Neil deGrasse Tyson was born curious. And the secrets of a billion galaxies lay there—waiting for him to explore its cosmic mysteries. He just had to look up. Up beyond the city lights, up at the shining stars, up through the Milky Way, and past the veil of the night sky.
Follow young Neil’s journey as he discovers the wonders of space, the thrill of science, and the joy in sharing the beauty of our amazing universe. Read his favorite mind-blowing facts and learn what mysteries are left to solve.
Astrophysics for Young People in a Hurry
By Neil deGrasse Tyson with Gregory Mone
From the basics of physics to big questions about the nature of space and time, celebrated astrophysicist and science communicator Neil deGrasse Tyson breaks down the mysteries of the cosmos into bite-sized pieces. Astrophysics for Young People in a Hurry describes the fundamental rules and unknowns of our universe clearly — and with Tyson’s characteristic wit, there’s a lot of fun thrown in, too.
Starstuck: The Cosmic Journey of Neil deGrasse Tyson
By Kathleen Krull and Paul Brewer, Illustrated by Frank Morrison
Young Neil deGrasse Tyson was starstruck when he first visited the sky theater at the Hayden Planetarium in New York City. He couldn’t believe the crowded, glittering night sky at the planetarium was real–until a visit to the country years later revealed the impossible.
That discovery was like rocket fuel for Neil’s passion about space. His quest for knowledge took him from the roof of his apartment building, to a science expedition in northwest Africa, to a summer astronomy camp beneath a desert sky, and finally back home to become the director of the Hayden Planetarium, where it all began. Before long, Neil became America’s favorite guide to the cosmos.
This story of how one boy’s quest for knowledge about space leads him to become a star scientist is perfect for young readers who are fascinated by the universe, aspiring scientists, and the dreamer in all of us. It will ignite your own sense of wonder.
Who Is Neil deGrasse Tyson?
By Pam Pollack and Meg Belviso, Illustrated by Manuel Gutierrez
When he was nine years old, Neil deGrasse Tyson went on a trip that would change his life. While visiting the Hayden Planetarium at the Museum of Natural History in New York City, he discovered the world of astronomy and felt like the universe was calling to him. He answered that call by diving deep into astronomy courses. After graduating from the Bronx High School of Science, he went on to earn a doctorate in astrophysics and eventually found his way back to the Hayden Planetarium as a staff scientist and, later, as its director.
Neil has not only found an exciting way to share his love and knowledge of space through his documentaries and podcasts, he’s also broken barriers for Black scientists and become one of the most famous astrophysicists ever. He is a published author, television host, and winner of the prestigious Public Welfare Medal for the role he has played in exciting the public about the wonders of science. 8-12 years
Star Talk With Neil deGrasse Tyson:Young Readers Edition
by Neil deGrasse Tyson with Charles Lu
For decades, beloved astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson has interpreted science with a combination of brainpower and charm that resonates with fans everywhere. In 2009, he founded StarTalk, the wildly popular podcast that became an Emmy-nominated talk show on the National Geographic Channel in 2015. His pioneering book takes the greatest hits from the airwaves to the page in one smart, richly illustrated compendium for young adult readers.
Neil deGrasse Tyson: Star Astrophysicist
By Jill Sherman
In addition to speaking about challenging scientific topics for a variety of news sources, Neil deGrasse Tyson is director of a New York planetarium, hosts a science podcast, and has a following of more than three million on Twitter. Learn about his personal and professional life. He’s arguably the most famous astrophysicist in the modern world.
This Little Scientist, A Discovery Primer
By Joan Holub, Illustrated by Daniel Roode
Learn all about scientists who changed history in this engaging and colorful board book perfect for inventors-in-training!
Asking why. Then making a guess. Asking how. Then proving with tests.
Little scientists make great big discoveries.
Now even the youngest readers can learn all about great and empowering scientists in history! Highlighting ten memorable scientists who paved the way, parents and little ones alike will love this discovery primer full of fun, age-appropriate facts and bold illustrations.
Neil deGrasse Tyson
By Kaitlyn Duling
In this book, early readers will learn about the life, accomplishments and contributions of astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. Leveled text will engage emergent readers as they learn about his life.
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
During World War II, black Americans were fighting for their country and for freedom in Europe, yet they had to endure a totally segregated military in the United States, where they weren’t considered to have the ability to become military pilots.
After acquiring government funding for aviation training, civil rights activists were able to kickstart the first African American military flight program in the US at Tuskegee University in Alabama. While this book details thrilling flight missions and the grueling training sessions the Tuskegee Airmen underwent, it also shines a light on the lives of these brave men who helped pave the way for the integration of the US armed forces. 8-12 years
Wind Flyers
By Angela Johnson, Illustrated by Loren Long
Three-time Coretta Scott King Award-winning author Angela Johnson and New York Times bestselling illustrator Loren Long invite readers to ponder a band of World War II heroes — the Tuskegee Airmen. This book reveals how a boy’s love of flight takes him on a journey from the dusty dirt roads of Alabama to the war-torn skies of Europe and into the hearts of those beginning to understand the part these brave souls played in the history of America. 5-9 years
The Tuskegee Airmen Story
By Lynn Homan and Thomas Reilly, Illustrated by Rosalie M. Shepherd
When World War II struck, every able-bodied man was needed for the defense of the nation, regardless of the color of his skin. In 1941, young black men began training at the Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama, despite those who said that African Americans weren’t smart enough to operate anything as intricate as an airplane. Mr. Kennedy’s students, learning of segregation for the first time, eagerly listen to the story of the Tuskegee Airmen. Mr. Kennedy teaches them about the brave men who flew the death-filled skies of World War II and fought the deeply-ingrained racism of their hometowns. 5-8 years
You Can Fly: The Tuskegee Airmen
By Carole Boston Weatherford, Illustrated by Jeffery Boston Weatherford
I WANT YOU! says the poster of Uncle Sam. But if you’re a young black man in 1940, he doesn’t want you in the cockpit of a war plane. Yet you are determined not to let that stop your dream of flying.
So when you hear of a civilian pilot training program at Tuskegee Institute, you leap at the chance. Soon you are learning engineering and mechanics, how to communicate in code, how to read a map. At last the day you’ve longed for is here: you are flying!
From training days in Alabama to combat on the front lines in Europe, this is the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, the groundbreaking African-American pilots of World War II. 9-12 years
The Tuskegee Airmen: Freedom Fighters of World War II
By Brynn Nicole Baker
The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African-American military pilots in the United States armed forces. Flying bombers and fighters, they completed over 1500 combat missions in World War II. Infographics, sidebars, and fact boxes bring the experiences of these brave military men to life. 8-10 years
Tuskegee Airmen
By John Perritano
World War II was coming and soon the United States would join the war. Everyone knew it was a matter of time. African Americans wanted to fight for their country. They wanted to be pilots, but they had to overcome racism to earn their wings. Engage your most struggling readers in grades 3-8 with this book. Written at a 1.5-1.9 readability level, it includes photographs, illustrations, fun facts and short chapters. Reluctant readers
The Tuskegee Airmen’s Mission to Berlin: A Fly on the Wall History
By Thomas Kingsley Troupe, Illustrated by Jomike Tejido
Through clouds and over mountains and farmland, two cartoon flies accompany readers on an adrenaline-pumping flight over war-torn Europe as the U.S. Army Air Corps’ Tuskegee airmen take on a heroic, history-making mission during World War II. 6-8 years
The Tuskegee Airmen, An Illustrated History 1939-1949
By Joseph D. Carver and Jerome Ennels
This book uses captioned photographs to trace the Airmen through the various stages of training, deployment, and combat in North Africa, Italy, and over occupied Europe. Included are depictions of the critical support roles of non-flyers: doctors, nurses, mechanics, navigators, weathermen, parachute riggers, and others, all of whom contributed to the Airmen’s success. In words and pictures, this volume tells the story of the Tuskegee Airmen and the environments in which they lived, worked, played, fought, and sometimes died.
I Wanted to be a Pilot: The Making of a Tuskegee Airman
By Franklin J. Macon, with Elizabeth G. Harper
Sometimes history is made by a dyslexic, mischievous boy who hates school, is a descendant of one of Frederick Douglass’ half-sisters, and whose Pops was a Buffalo Soldier. In I Wanted to be a Pilot, one of the less than 100 living Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen, Franklin J. Macon, tells the lively stories of how he overcame life’s obstacles to become a Tuskegee Airman.
Soar through history with Franklin as he conquers dyslexia, finds mischief, and grows up to change the course of America. Readers laugh at Frank’s childhood antics, while being reminded that disabilities like Frank’s dyslexia, repeating a grade in school, and other hardships can be overcome. I Wanted to be a Pilot encourages kids to recognize history, reach for their dreams, and even make their own toys as they are reminded of the great strength and determination of the men and women who came before them. 13-18 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
