Andrea Davis Pinkney and Illustrator Brian Pinkney
Born into slavery, Belle had to endure the cruelty of several masters before she escaped to freedom. But she knew she wouldn’t really be free unless she was helping to end injustice. That’s when she changed her name to Sojourner and began traveling across thecountry, demanding equal rights for black people and for women. Many people weren’t ready for her message, but Sojourner was brave and her truth was powerful. And slowly, but surely as Sojourner’s step-stomp stride, America began to change.
Martin and Mahalia His Words, Her Song
Andrea Davis Pinkney and Illustrator Brian Pinkney
On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, and his strong voice and powerful message were joined and lifted in song by world-renowned gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. It was a moment that changed the course of history and is imprinted in minds forever.
The Red Pencil
Andrea Davis Pinkney and Illustrator Shane W. Evans
Life in Amira’s peaceful Sudanese village is shattered when Janjaweed attackers arrive, unleashing unspeakable horrors. After losing nearly everything, Amira needs to find the strength to make the long journey on foot to safety at a refugee camp. She begins to lose hope, until the gift of a simple red pencil opens her mind — and all kinds of possibilities.
Let It Shine: Stories of Black Women Freedom Fighters
Andrea Davis Pinkney and Illustrator Stephen Alcorn
Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus and sparked a boycott that changed America. Harriet Tubman helped more than three hundred slaves escape the South on the Underground Railroad. Shirley Chisholm became the first black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
The lives these women led are part of an incredible story about courage in the face of oppression; about the challenges and triumphs of the battle for civil rights; and about speaking out for what you believe in — even when it feels like no one is listening.
Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down
Andrea Davis Pinkney and Illustrator Brian Pinkney
This picture book celebrates the momentous Woolworth’s lunch counter sit-in, when four college students staged a peaceful protest that became a defining moment in the struggle for racial equality and the growing civil rights movement.
Hand in Hand: Ten Black Men Who Changed America
Andrea Davis Pinkney and Illustrator Brian Pinkney
Hand in Hand presents the stories of ten men from different eras in American history, organized chronologically to provide a scope from slavery to modern day. Profiles of: Benjamin Banneker, Frederick Douglas, Booker T. Washington, W.E.B DuBois, A. Phillip Randolph, Thurgood Marshall, Jackie Robinson, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Barack H. Obama II.
Rhythm Ride: A Road Trip Through the Motown Sound
Andrea Davis Pinkney
Berry Gordy began Motown in 1959 with an $800 loan from his family. He converted the garage of a residential house into a studio and recruited teenagers from the neighborhood, including: Smokey Robinson, Mary Wells, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Diana Ross, to sing for his new label. The country was on the brink of a cultural revolution, and one of the most powerful agents of change in the following decade would be this group of young blackperformers from urban Detroit.
A Poem for Peter: The Story of Ezra Jack Keats and the
Creation of The Snowy Day
Andrea Davis Pinkney
and Illustrators Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher
The story of The Snowy Day begins more than one hundred years ago, when Ezra Jack Keats was born in Brooklyn, New York. The family were struggling Polish immigrants. Despite Keats’ obvious talent, his father worried that Ezra’s dream of being an artist wasan unrealistic one. But Ezra was determined. For more than two decades, Ezra had kept pinned to his wall a series of photographs of an adorable African American child. In Keats’ hands, the boy morphed into Peter, a boy in a red snowsuit, out enjoying the pristine snow. The book became The Snowy Day, the first mainstream book to feature an African American child.
Andrea Davis Pinkney
The book descriptions used are primarily the publishers.
If you like this article, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
By Martin Luther King, Jr., Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
On August 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington, Martin Luther King, Jr. gave one of the most powerful and memorable speeches in our nation’s history. His words, paired with Caldecott Honor winner Kadir Nelson’s magnificent paintings, make for a picture book certain to be treasured by children and adults. The themes of equality and freedom for all are not only relevant today, fifty years later, butalso provide young readers with an important introduction to our nation’s past. (Audio CD included)
A Place to Land
By Barry Wittenstein, Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
Martin Luther King, Jr. was once asked if the hardest part of preaching was knowing where to begin. No, he said. The hardest part is knowing where to end. “It’s terrible to be circling up there without a place to land.”
Finding this place to land was what he struggled with, alongside advisers and fellow speech writers, in the Willard Hotel the night before the March on Washington, where he gave his historic “I Have a Dream” speech. But those famous words were never intended to be heard on that day, not even written down for that day, not even once. 7-10 years
My Little Golden Book About Martin Luther King, Jr.
By Bonnie Bader, Illustrated by Sue Cornelison
Learn all about Martin Luther King Jr. Day with this Little Golden Book biography all about the civil rights leader! The perfect introduction to nonfiction for preschoolers. This Little Golden Book captures the essence of Martin Luther King, Jr. for the littlest readers. They’ll learn how his childhood in segregated Atlanta—and in his father’s church—shaped the future civil rights leader. And they’ll gain a clear understanding of the way he became an eloquent, powerful voice for African Americans. 2-5 years
My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
By Martin Luther King, III, Illustrated by A.G.
What was it like growing up as a son of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? This picture book memoir provides insight into one of history’s most fascinating families and into a special bond between father and son. His son gives an intimate look at the man and the father behind the civil rights leader. Mr. King’s remembrances show both his warm, loving family and a momentous time in American history.
Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop: The Sanitation Strike of 1968
By Alice Faye Duncan, Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
In February 1968, two African American sanitation workers were killed by unsafe equipment in Memphis, Tennessee. Outraged at the city’s refusal to recognize a labor union that would fight for higher pay and safer working conditions, sanitation workers went on strike. The strike lasted two months, during which Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was called to help with the protests.
While his presence was greatly inspiring to the community, this unfortunately would be his last stand for justice. He was assassinated in his Memphis hotel the day after delivering his “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” sermon in Mason Temple Church. Inspired by the memories of a teacher who participated in the strike as a child, author Alice Faye Duncan reveals the story of the Memphis sanitation strike from the perspective of a young girl with a riveting combination of poetry and prose. Picture book, 9-12 years
Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Peaceful Leader
By Sarah Albee, Illustrated by Chin Ko
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed it was possible to change the world with peaceful protest. His powerful words and actions helped the civil rights movement achieve many great changes. His incredible leadership is still remembered and celebrated today.
Beginning readers will learn about the milestones in Martin Luther King Jr.’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, illustrations, and interesting facts.
Martin Luther King Jr.: A Peaceful Leader is a Level Two I Can Read, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help. 4-8 years
Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King
By Jean Marzollo, Illustrated by J. Brian Pinkney
This book is a beautifully rendered study of Dr. King’s life told in simple, straightforward language for even the youngest readers. The illustrations convey both the strength and gentleness of Dr. King’s character. This book carries his central message of peace and brotherhood among all people.
Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
By Doreen Rappaport, Illustrated by Brian Collier
Doreen Rappaport weaves the immortal words of Dr. King into a captivating narrative to tell the story of his life. With stunning art by acclaimed illustrator Bryan Collier, this book is an unforgettable portrait of a man whose dream changed America.
Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.?
By Bonnie Bader, Illustrated by Nancy Harrison
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was only twenty-five when he helped organize the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Soon he was organizing African Americans across the country in support of desegregation, and civil rights. Maintaining nonviolent and peaceful tactics even when his life was threatened, Dr. King was also an advocate for the poor and spoke out against racial and economic injustice.
Martin & Mahalia: His Words, Her Song
By Andrea Davis Pinkney, Illustrated by Brian Pinkney
On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. His strong voice and powerful message were joined and lifted in song by world-renowned gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. It was a moment that changed the course of history and is imprinted in minds forever. The stories of these two powerful voices and lives are told side-by-side — as they would one day walk — following the journey from their youth to a culmination at this historical eventwhen they united as one. This book inspires kids to find their own voices and speak up for what is right.
Martin Luther King, Jr. and the March on Washington
By Frances E. Ruffin, Illustrated by Stephen Marchesi
On August 28, 1963, more than 250,000 people came to the nation’s Capitol. They came by plane, by bus, by car, even on roller skates, to speak out against segregation and to demand equal rights for everyone. They came to hear the words of a very special leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. This book captures the spirit of this landmark day in American history and brings Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech to life for young children.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
By Kitson Jazynka
In this Level 2 biography, readers will learn about the fascinating life and legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The book descriptions used are primarily the publishers.
Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving
By Laurie Halse Anderson, Illustrated by Matt Faulkner
The holiday might have started with a jubilant feast on Plymouth’s shore. But by the 1800s, America’s observance was waning. None of the presidents nor congress sought to revive the holiday. And so one invincible “lady editor” named Sarah Hale took it upon herself to rewrite the recipe for Thanksgiving as we know it today. In 1863, Hale’s thirty-five years of petitioning and orations got Abraham Lincoln thinking. He signed the Thanksgiving Proclamation that very year, declaring it a national holiday.
Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade
By Melissa Sweet
Everyone’s a New Yorker on this special 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!
Molly’s Pilgrim
By Barbara Cohen, Illustrated by Daniel Mark Duffy
This touching story tells how recent Russian Jewish immigrant Molly leads her third-grade class to discover that it takes all kinds of pilgrims to make a Thanksgiving. Based on a true story.
1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving
By Catherine O’Neill Grace
Countering the prevailing, traditional story of the first Thanksgiving, this illustrated photo-essay presents a more measured, balanced, and historically accurate version of the three-day harvest celebration in 1621.
If You Were a Kid at the First Thanksgiving
By Melissa Sarno, Illustrated by Lluis Farre
As one of the few young children living in the Plymouth colony, Miles Allterton is always looking to make new friends. In a nearby Wampanoag settlement, a girl named Aquina wants to hunt with her father and brothers. When the two children meet during preparations for a harvest feast, they quickly strike up a friendship. Readers will follow along as the children and their families attend the first Thanksgiving celebration. 7-9 years
Thanksgiving in the White House
By Gary Hines, Illustrated by Alexandra Wallner
President Abraham Lincoln’s youngest son, Tad, is very fond of Jack the turkey. He has tamed him and taught him tricks. The bird follows him all around the White House yard. But Jack was meant to be the main dish of the first official Thanksgiving celebration. Tad doesn’t want his pet to be eaten for dinner, not even for a day as special as this. Can he convince his father to save Jack’s life?
What Was the First Thanksgiving?
By Joan Holub, Illustrated by Lauren Mortimer
The history of the feast! After their first harvest in 1621, the Pilgrims at Plymouth shared a three-day feast with their Native American neighbors. Of course, the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag didn’t know it at the time, but they were making history, celebrating what would become a national holiday.
Squanto’s Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving
By Joseph Bruchac, Illustrated by Greg Shed
In 1620, an English ship called the Mayflower landed on the shore inhabited by the Pokanoket. It was Squanto who welcomed the newcomers and taught them how to survive. When a good harvest was gathered, the people feasted together — a tradition that continues almost four hundred years later.
Sarah Gives Thanks: How Thanksgiving Became a National Holiday
By Mike Allegra, Illustrated by David Gardner
During the nineteenth century, Sarah Josepha Hale dedicated her life to making Thanksgiving a national holiday, while raising a family and becoming a groundbreaking writer and women’s magazine editor. Sarah Hale’s inspiring story is the tale of one woman who wouldn’t take no for an answer.
The True Story of the Quest for America’s Biggest Bones
By Carrie Clickard, Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
In this rhyming, hilarious romp about a little-known facet of American history, Thomas Jefferson tries to disprove a French theory that those in the New World are puny and wussy by going in search of mammoth bones.
The French feel threatened by America’s new freedom and confidence, as embodied by Count Buffon who claims that the “New World was a chilly, swampy place, filled with puny, scrawny creatures, every species, breed, and race. Thomas Jefferson won’t stand for his young country being insulted, so he sets out to prove Count Buffon wrong. He sends people across the country in search of an animal or animal bones to prove that creatures in the United States are big and strong and worthy. 3-7 years
Thomas Jefferson Grows A Nation
By Peggy Thomas, Illustrated by Stacy Innerst
Thomas Jefferson was more than a president and patriot. He was also a planter and gardener who loved to watch things grow–everything from plants and crops to even his brand-new nation. As minister to France, Jefferson promoted all things American, sharing corn and pecans with his Parisian neighbors. As secretary of state, he encouraged his fellow farmers to grow olives, rice and maple trees. As president, he doubled the size of the nation with the Louisiana Purchase. Even in his retirement, Jefferson continued to nurture the nation, laying the groundwork for the University of Virginia. The back matter includes an author’s note on Jefferson’s legacy today; timeline, bibliography; place to visit (Monticello); and source notes. 9-12 years
Thomas Jefferson: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Everything
By Maira Kalman
Thomas Jefferson is perhaps best known for writing the Declaration of Independence — but there’s so much more to discover. This energetic man was interested in everything. He played the violin, spoke seven languages and was a scientist, naturalist, botanist, mathematician and architect. He designed his magnificent home, Monticello, which is full of objects he collected from around the world. Our first foodie, he grew over fifteen kindsof peas and advocated a mostly vegetarian diet. And oh yes, as our third president, he doubled the size of the United States and sent Lewis and Clark to explore it. He also started the Library of Congress and said, “I cannot live without books.” But monumental figures can have monumental flaws, and Jefferson was no exception. Although he called slavery an “abomination,” he owned about 150 slaves. 5-8 years
Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library
By Barb Rosenstock, Illustrated by John O’Brien
As soon as Thomas Jefferson learned to read, he found his passion: books, books, and more books! Before, during, and after the American Revolution, Jefferson collected thousands of books on hundreds of subjects. In fact, his massive collection eventually helped rebuild the Library of Congress — now the largest library in the world. 8-12 years
Who Was Thomas Jefferson?
By Dennis Brindell Fradin, Illustrated by John O’Brien
Did you know that John Adams had to coax Thomas Jefferson into writing the Declaration of Independence? It’s true. The shy Virginia statesman refused at first, but then went on to author one of our nation’s most important and inspiring documents. The third U.S. president, Jefferson was also an architect, inventor, musician, farmer, and what is certainly the most troubling aspect of his life, a slave owner. This is a biography for kids that unveils the many facets of this founding father’s remarkable and complicated life. 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
Thomas Jefferson’s Feast
By Frank Murphy, Illustrated by Richard Walz
Did you know that every time you much on a French fry or snack on ice cream, you have Thomas Jefferson to thank? It’s true! This founding father was one of America’s first foodies. After a trip to France, he introduced all sorts of yummy treats to America — including one that upset more than just tummies and created a culinary controversy! Get the scoop in this deliciously funny, true story — guaranteed to tempt even the most reluctant readers! 7-9 years
Those Rebels John and Tom
By Barbara Kerley, Illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were very different. John was short and stout. Thomas Jefferson was tall and lean. John was argumentative and blunt. Tom was soft-spoken and polite. John sometimes was argumentative and blunt. Tom got along with just about everyone. But these two very different gentlemen did have two things in common: They both cared deeply about the American colonies, and neither cared much for the British tyrant, King George.
Barbara Kerley and Edwin Fotheringham create a portrait of two American heroes who bravely set aside their differences to join forces in the fight for our country’s freedom. 7-10 years
Worst of Friends: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and the True Story Of An American Feud
By Suzanne Tripp Jurmain, Illustrated by Larry Day
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were good friends with very different personalities. But their differing views on how to run the newly created United States turned them into the worst of friends. They each became leaders of opposing political parties, and their rivalry followed them to the White House. Full of both history and humor, this is the story of two of America’s most well-known presidents and how they learned to put their political differencesaside for the sake of friendship. 6-8 years
John, Paul, George & Ben
By Lane Smith
Once there were four lads…John [Hancock], Paul [Revere], George [Washington], and Ben [Franklin]. Oh yes, there was also Tom [Jefferson], but he was annoyingly independent and hardly ever around. These lads were always getting into trouble for one reason or another. In other words, they took a few…liberties. And to be honest, they were not always appreciated. This is the story of five little lads before they became five really big Founding Fathers. 3-7 years
Book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
In her book, Revolutionary Friends, Selene Castrovilla, brings to life the friendship of George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette.
Marquis de Lafayette
In the spring of 1777, nineteen-year-old Lafayette had a dream. He would go to America and help General George Washington win the Revolutionary War against Britain. King Louis XVI rejected the idea. But Lafayette left France for America determined to help.
After a long and difficult voyage, Lafayette reached South Carolina. And as Selene Castovilla writes: “…suffered a month of broken carriages, lame horses, and nightly mosquito raids as he trekked hundreds of miles” to meet George Washington inPhiladelphia.
Marquis de Lafayette meets General George Washington
When Lafayette arrived in America in June, the war was not going well. The Continental Congress needed help. They believed that Lafayette’s connections in France might be the answer. He may be able to strengthen America’s ties to his country.
The congress appointed him a major general in the Continental Army. This was an honorary appointment. But perhaps Lafayette misunderstood. He expected his role in the war would be that of a division commander.
At first, Washington complained to the Continental Congress about Lafayette’s desire to command a division. But soon Washington softened. Lafayette told him, “I am here to learn, not to teach.” Lafayette became a part of Washington’s military family. He visited the troops and rode with Washington in parades.
Washington and Lafayette
Washington and Lafayette were together at Brandywine Creek, thirty-two miles from Philadelphia. Word reached their headquarters that the Americans fighting in the Battle of Brandywine were in trouble. Lafayette asked to join the fight.Washington gave his permission. He knew that Lafayette was taking a risk.
At Brandywine, Lafayette watched the America soldiers scatter. He dismounted from his horse. Then bravely rallied them to fight the British. A musket ball tore through his leg. He was gravely wounded. But he continued the charge. The Americans again retreated. Lafayette tried to regroup the soldiers, but the battle had been lost.
General George Washington
George Washington sent his own physician to take care of Lafayette’s wound. Lafayette wrote to his wife, “When he sent me his personal surgeon, he told him to take care of me as if I were his son…” Washington asked the Continental Congress to commission Lafayette a major general.
In January 1779, Lafayette sailed to France, a hero. He named his new son George Washington Lafayette. Lafayette returned to America in April 1780. This time it was with the king’s permission. The king gave his commitment to aid America in the war. Lafayette wrote to Washington upon his arrival, “here I am, My dear General, and in the Mist of the joy I feel in finding Myself again one of your loving soldiers.”
Major General Lafayette
The French military helped the Americans at the Battle of Yorktown in October 1781. Lafayette commanded a division. The British lost the battle and the war. Lafayette realized his dream to help America win its independence. The war formally ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1783.
Lafayette Visits George Washington at His Home, Mount Vernon, in 1784
George Washington and Lafayette wrote to each other until Washington’s death on December 14, 1799. Ten years earlier, on July 14, 1789, the French Revolution began. It was inspired by the ideals of the America Revolution. With the destruction of the prison, the Bastille, Lafayette sent the key to Washington. It hangs today in Washington’s home, Mount Vernon.
Statue of Washington and Lafayette, Washington, D. C.
No matter how busy he was, Ben Franklin always found time to try out new ideas. He was a man of many talents. He was also an ambassador to England, a printer, an almanac maker, a politician, and even a vegetarian (for a time.)
George Washington’s Breakfast
George Washington Allen, a boy who never gives up until he finds out what he wants to know, is determined to learn all there is to know about his namesake, including what the first president ate for breakfast. The humorous story and likeable colored illustrations bring history alive and make research meaningful — Booklist.
And Then What Happened, Paul Revere?
Everyone knows about Paul Revere’s midnight ride. But not everyone knows the harrowing details and narrow escapes that occurred along the way. This timeless, funny book highlights little-known facts about patriot Paul Revere.
Will You Sign Here, John Hancock?
Everyone knows that John Hancock was one of the first signers of the Declaration of Independence. But not many know that he signed his name so large to show how mad he was about how the colonists had been treated. This fun book highlights little-known facts about this historical figure.
George Washington’s Mother
Everyone has a mother. Even George Washington. But Mary Washington is nothing like you’d think. She hates to dress up. And she always thinks she knows what’s best for George. After all, she’s his mother. You can read more about her in this true story.
Where Was Patrick Henry On the 29th of May?
Patrick Henry wasn’t particularly well spoken. As a lawyer, he mumbled through some of his early cases. But when the issue was freedom, Patrick Henry was transformed into a natural orator. Jean Fritz makes history come alive as she chronicles the life of a man who moved a nation.
Why Don’t You Get A Horse, Sam Adams?
In early America, when all the men wore ruffled shirts and rode grandly on horseback, one man refused to follow suit. He was the rebel leader Sam Adams, a plainspoken gent who scorned ruffles, refused to ride a horse, and had little regard for the king.
Can’t You Make Them Behave, King George?
Jean Fritz sheds light on the life of England’s King George III. She begins when he was a bashful boy who blushed easily, continues to his early days as king, and examines his role in the American Revolution, when Americans ceased to think of him as good King George.
Shh! We’re Writing the Constitution
This factual gem that’s written with Jean Fritz’s humorous touch chronicles the hot summer of 1787 when fifty-five delegates from thirteen states huddled together in the strictest secrecy in Philadelphia to draw up the constitution of the United States.
If you like this article, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Books descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
On Easter Sunday, April 9, 1939, Marian Anderson sang before an audience of over 75,000 people at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. The free concert was broadcast on the radio to millions.
Marian, a child prodigy, considered to be one of the best singers of her time, sang for audiences in America and throughout Europe. She sang for President Franklin Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt at the White House and at New York City’s Carnegie Hall. But in Washington, D.C., in 1939, it was a different story.
Marian Anderson
Howard University hoped to have Marian give a concert at Constitution Hall. The sponsors of the hall, The Daughters of the American Revolution, refused. They had instituted a whites only policy. When Americans heard about the refusal, many wrote letters to newspapers in protest, and the First Lady announced her resignation from the DAR.
Marian Anderson and Eleanor Roosevelt
When Howard University then asked an all-white school to hold the concert, they refused. Where would Marian be free to sing? According to the FDR Presidential Library, Eleanor Roosevelt worked behind the scenes to insure that the concert would go on. With President Roosevelt’s approval, Secretary of the Interior, Harold Ickes, announced that the concert would be held in front of the Lincoln Memorial.
Marian Anderson
On that cold Easter Sunday,Marian sang in her clear, beautiful contralto voice. You can see her initial nervousness and then hear her sing America in the video below.
Marian Anderson sang twice more at the Lincoln Memorial, once in 1952, and again in 1963 at the March on Washington where Dr. Martin Luther, King, Jr. gave his I Have a Dream speech. Marian and Eleanor Roosevelt became good friends.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
In October 1910, Harriet Quimby watched an air show where top aviators competed. It was The International Aviation Tournament held in Belmont Park, New York. The highlight was an aerial race from the park to the Statue of Liberty. Harriet, known for her love of driving fast cars, decided to learn to fly.
Harriet Quimby
Harriet and her friend Matilde Mosiant took flying lessons in 1911. They were two of the first five students at Matilde’s brother’s school. The famous aviator, Louis Bleriot, trained Harriet’s instructor. Bleriot was the first person to fly solo across the English Channel.
Harriet wrote about her experience flying in Leslie’s Illustrated Weekly, the magazine she worked for. She encouraged women to fly. And to “abandon skirts and don a knickerbocker uniform.” Harriet designed her own flight suit. It was made of purple wool, backed with satin, and included a hood. There were large buttons on the skirt. When buttoned, they became pantaloons.
Harriet In Her Flight Suit
On August 1, 1911, Harriet became the first American woman to earn a pilot’s license. She flew in aerial exhibitions. On September 4, 1911, she became the first woman to fly at night. She flew over a crowd on Staten Island, New York. She was part of the Moisant Aviation Exhibition Team.
Harriet and Matilde, along with the Moisant team, celebrated the inauguration of the new Mexican president. They were hired to perform in an airshow. According to one of Harriet’s biographers, Matilde dropped roses when she flew over the president’s palace. Harriet and Matilde became the first women to fly over Mexico City.
Matilde Moisant
Harriet decided to follow in Louis Bleriot’s footsteps and become the first woman to cross the English Channel. She kept her plan a secret not wanting to invite competition. Harriet sailed to England on March 7, 1912. In France, she met Bleriot. She borrowed one of his monoplanes and had it shipped to England.
On April 16, Harriet took off from Dover, England. She attempted to cross the channel and land in Calais, France. With a compass on her lap, she flew into fog. But she was able to cross the channel successfully. She landed on a beach 25 miles from Calais. The excited beachgoers carried Harriet on their shoulders.
As the first woman to pilot a plane across the English Channel, Harriet’s name would have been the top headline in newspapers. But two days before her flight, the “unsinkable” Titanic hit an iceberg and sank. Stories about the Titanic ran for weeks.
Harriet continued flying exhibitions in America. Unfortunately, she, like so many early aviators, died while flying. On July 1, 1912, she flew at the Third Annual Boston Aviation Meet in Squantum, Massachusetts. Harriet and a passenger, William Willard, flew in Harriet’s new Bleriot two-seater. Something went wrong with the plane and Harriet lost control. Both she and Willard died. Harriet was only 37 years old.
Harriet will always be remembered as one of early aviation’s stars. She was the first American woman to receive a pilot’s license and the first woman to fly solo across the English Channel.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
To Learn More, Visit the International Women’s Air & SpaceMuseum at:http://www.iwasm.org
Once there were four lads…John [Hancock], Paul [Revere], George [Washington], and Ben [Franklin]. Oh yes, there was also Tom [Jefferson], but he was annoyingly independent and hardly ever around. These lads were always getting into trouble for one reason or another. In other words, they took a few…liberties. And to be honest, they were not always appreciated. This is the story of five little lads before they became five really big Founding Fathers.
The Founding Fathers!: Those Horse-Ridin’, Fiddle-Playin’, Book-Readin’, Gun-Totin’ Gentlemen Who Started America
By Jonah Winter, Illustrated by Barry Blitt
Tall! Short! A scientist! A dancer! A farmer! A soldier! The founding fathers had no idea they would ever be called the “founding Fathers,” and furthermore they could not even agree exactly on what they were founding! Should America declare independence from Britain? “Yes!” shouted some. “No!” shouted others. “Could you repeat the question?” shouted the ones who either hadn’t been listening or else were off in France having fun, dancin’ the night away.
Slave owners, abolitionists, soldiers, doctors, philosophers, bankers, angry letter-writers—the men we now call America’s Founding Fathers were a motley bunch of characters who fought a lot and made mistakes and just happened to invent a whole new kind of nation. And now here they are, together again, in an exclusive engagement!
Will You Sign Here John Hancock?
by Jean Fritz, Illustrated by Trina Scart Hyman
Everyone knows that John Hancock was one of the first signers of the Declaration of Independence. But not many know that he signed his name so large to show how mad he was about how the colonists had been treated. This witty book highlights little-known facts about this historical figure.
Those Rebels, John & Tom
by Barbara Kerley, Illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham
John Adams & Thomas Jefferson were very different. John was short and stout. Tom was tall and lean. John was argumentative and blunt. Tom was soft-spoken and polite. John sometimes got along with almost no one. Tom got along with just about everyone. But these two very different gentlemen did have two things in common: They both cared deeply about the American colonies, and neither cared much for the British tyrant, King George.
The Founding Fathers Were Spies!
By Patricia Lakin, Illustrated Valerio Fabbretti
Before he was the President of the United States, George Washington was a spy! It’s true…and he wasn’t the only one! During the American Revolution, founding fathers like Alexander Hamilton and Benjamin Franklin sent secret messages rolled up in quill pens, used invisible ink, and wrote in secret codes to keep important information from getting into British hands. In George Washington’s top-secret spy ring, a woman named Anna Strong sent secret messages to other spies by hanging laundry on a clothesline!
Without spies, Americans might still speak with British accents: find out how and why it happened in this book that includes a special extend-the-learning section with activities about the science behind invisible ink, how to make a secret code, and more!
Who Was Paul Revere?
by Roberta Edwards, Illustrated by John O’Brien
In 1775, Paul Revere of Boston made his now-famous horseback ride warning colonists of an impending attack by the British. This event went largely unnoticed in history until Longfellow celebrated it in a poem in 1861. So who was Paul Revere? In addition to being an American patriot, he was a skilled silversmith and made false teeth from hippo tusks! This biography brings to life Paul Revere’s thrilling ride as well as the personal side of the man and the exciting times in which he lived.
George Washington and the General’s Dog
By Frank Murphy, Illustrated by Richard Walz
Boom! Bang! Guns fire! Cannons roar! George Washington is fighting in the America Revolution when he sees a dog lost on the battlefield. Whose dog is it? How will it find its master? Early readers will be surprised to find out what happens in this little-known true story about America’s first president.
George Washington’s Teeth
by Deborah Chandra & Madeleine Comora, Illustrated by Brock Cole
From battling toothaches while fighting the British to having rotten teeth removed by his dentists, the Father of His Country suffered all his life with tooth problems. Yet contrary to popular belief, George Washington never had a set of wooden teeth. Starting at the age of twenty-four, he lost on average a tooth a year, and by the time he was elected President, he had only two left! In this reverentially funny tale based on Washington’s letters, diaries, and other historical records, readers will find out what really happened as they follow the trail of lost teeth to complete toothlessness.
Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin
by Gene Barretta
What would you do if you lived in a community without a library, hospital, post office, or fire department? If you were Benjamin Franklin, you’d set up these organizations yourself. Franklin also designed the lightning rod, suggested the idea of daylight savings time, invented bifocals and the odometer — all inspired by his common sense and intelligence.
Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library
by Barb Rosenstock, Illustrated by John O’Brien
Imagine owning so many books that you have to build a library to hold them. Thomas Jefferson did. Ever since he was a young boy, Jefferson loved to read and collect books — hundreds at first, then thousands! Books on animals, politics, nature, history. Books in English, French, Greek, and Latin. Jefferson built his first library as a young man and kept on building throughout his life until his book collection helped create the world’s largest library — theLibrary of Congress in Washington, D.C.
And the other John, Paul, and George with Ringo, too!
The Beatles Were Fab (and They Were Funny)
by Kathleen Krull & Paul Brewer, Illustrated by Stacy Innerst
John, Paul, George, and Ringo inspired the world to sing, dance, scream — and laugh. In the 1960s, four lads from Liverpool found themselves on the roller coaster of Beatlemania. And what a ride it was! Their music defined a generation. Their hairstyles sparked a fashion craze. And their goofy sense of humor not only brought joy to their music — it also kept the Beatles going, no matter whatfame threw their way.
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, the please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Eleven books for kids by award-winning artist, author, and illustrator Kadir Nelson:
He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
By Kadir Nelson
What began as a spiritual has developed into one of America’s best-known songs, and now for the first time it appears as a picture book, masterfully created by award-winning artist Kadir Nelson.Through sublime landscapes and warm images of a boy and his family, Kadir has created a dazzling, intimate interpretation, one that rejoices in the connectedness of people and nature.
Inspired by the song’s simple message, Kadir sought to capture the joy of living in and engaging with the world. Most importantly, he wished to portray the world as a child might see it—vast and beautiful.
Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan In Pursuit of a Dream
by Delores Jordan and Roslyn M. Jordan,
Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
The mere mention of the name conjures up visions of basketball played at its absolute best. But as a child, Michael almost gave up on his hoop dreams. He feared he’d never grow tall enough to play the game that would one day make him famous. That’s when his mother and father stepped in and shared an invaluable lesson. What really goes into the making of a champion is patience, determination, and hard work.
Ellington Was Not A Street
by Ntozake Shange, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Noted poet Ntozake Shange recalls her childhood home and the close-knit group of innovators that often gathered there. These men of vision, brought to life in the majestic paintings of artist Kadir Nelson, lived at a time when the color of their skin dictated where they could live, what schools they could attend, and even where they could sit on a bus or in a movie theater. Yet in the face of this tremendous adversity, these dedicated souls and others like them not only demonstrated the importance of Black culture in America, but also helped issue in a movement that “changed the world.”
Nelson Mandela
By Kadir Nelson
It is the story of a young boy’s determination to change South Africa, and of the struggles of a man who eventually became the president of his country. Mandela believed in equality for all people, no matter the color of their skin. Readers will be inspired by Mandela’s triumph and his lifelong quest to create a more just world.
Resources in the back include an author’s note and a bibliography listing additional sources for readers who want to find out more. Perfect for sharing at home or in the classroom.
Heart and Soul: The Story of Americans and African Americans
by Kadir Nelson
The story of Americans and African Americans is a story of hope and inspiration and unwavering courage. This is the story of the men, women, and children who toiled in the hot sun picking cotton for their masters. It’s about the America ripped in two by Jim Crow laws. And about the brothers and sisters of all colors who rallied against those who would dare bar a child from an education. This is a story of discrimination and broken promises,determination, and triumphs.
The Undefeated
By Kwame Alexander, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Originally performed for ESPN’s The Undefeated, this poem is a love letter to black life in the United States. It highlights the unspeakable trauma of slavery, the faith and fire of the civil rights movement, and the grit, passion, and perseverance of some of the world’s greatest heroes. The text includes references to the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks, and others, offering deeper insights into the accomplishments of the past, while bringing attention to the endurance and spirit of those surviving and thriving in the present. Back matter provides historical context and additional detail for those wishing to learn more.
Coretta Scott
by Ntozake Shange, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Walking many miles to school in the dusty road, young Coretta Scott knew the unfairness of life in the segregated south. A yearning for equality began to grow. Together with Martin Luther King, Jr., she gave birth to a vision of change through nonviolent protest. It was the beginning of a journey — with dreams of freedom for all.
Henry’s Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad
by Ellen Levine, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Henry Brown doesn’t know how old he is. Nobody keeps records of slaves’ birthdays. All the time he dreams about freedom, but that dream seems farther away than ever when he is torn from his family and put to work in a warehouse. Henry grows up and marries, but he is again devastated when his family is sold at the slave market. Then one day, as he lifts a crate at the warehouse, heknows exactly what he must do: He will mail himself to the North. After an arduous journey in the crate, Henry finally has a birthday — his first day of freedom.
Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom
by Carole Boston Weatherford, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
This poetic book is a resounding tribute to Tubman’s strength, humility, and devotion. With proper reverence, Weatherford and Nelson do justice to the woman who, long ago, earned over and over the name Moses.
Abe’s Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln (Big Words)
by Doreen Rappaport, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
From the time he was a young boy roaming the forests of the unsettled Midwest, Abraham Lincoln knew in his heart that slavery was deeply wrong. A voracious reader, Lincoln spent every spare moment of his days filling his mind with knowledge, from history to literature to mathematics, preparing himself to one day lead the country he loved toward greater equality and prosperity.
A Nation’s Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis
by Matt De La Pena, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
On the eve of World War II, African-American boxer Joe Louis fought German Max Schmeling in a bout that had more at stake than just the world heavyweight title. For much of America, their fight came to represent America’s war with Germany. This elegant and powerful picture book biography centers on this historic fight in which the American people came together to celebrate our nation’s founding ideals.
