Books For Kids: Black History

Brown Girl Dreaming

By Jacqueline Woodson

Raised in South Carolina and New York, Jacqueline Woodson always felt halfway home in each place. In vivid poems, she shares what it was like to grow up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s, living with the remnants of Jim Crow and her growing awareness of the Civil Rights movement. 10 and up

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History

By Vashti Harrison

Meet 40 trailblazing women who broke barriers of race and gender to pave the way for future generations. This book brings to life both iconic and lesser-known female figures of black history including: abolitionist Sojourner Truth, pilot Bessie Coleman, chemist Alice Ball, and poet Maya Angelou. 8-11 years

Thurgood

By Jonah Winter, Illustrated by Bryan Collier

Thurgood Marshall was a born lawyer–the loudest talker, funniest joke teller, and best arguer from the time he was a kid growing up in Baltimore in the early 1900s. He would go on to become the star of his high school and college debate teams, a stellar law student at Howard University, and, as a lawyer, a one-man weapon against the discriminatory laws against black Americans. After only two years at the NAACP, he was their top lawyer and had earned himself the nickname Mr. Civil Rights. He argued–and won–cases before the Supreme Court, including one of the most important cases in American history: Brown v Board of Education. And he became the first black U.S. Supreme Court Justice in history. 5-9 years
     

Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library

By Carole Boston Weatherford, Illustrated by Eric Velasquez

Amid the scholars, poets, authors, and artists of the Harlem Renaissance stood an Afro-Puerto Rican named Arturo Schomburg. This law clerk’s life’s passion was to collect books, letters, music and art from Africa and the African diaspora. He wanted to bring to light the achievements of people of African descent through the ages. When Schomburg’s collection became so big it began to overflow his house, he turned to the New York Public Library. He created and curated a collection that was the cornerstone of the new Negro Division. A century later, his groundbreaking collection, known as the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, has become a beacon to scholars all over the world. 9-12 years

Young, Gifted and Black:

Meet 52 Heroes from the Past and Present

By Jamie Wilson, Illustrated by Andrea Pippins

Young, Gifted and Black introduces historic and present-day icons and heroes. Meet figureheads, leaders and pioneers like Martin Luther King, Jr., Nelson Mandela and Rosa Parks as well as cultural trailblazers and athletes like Stevie Wonder, Oprah Winfrey and Serena Williams. Strong, courageous, talented and diverse, these extraordinary men and women’s achievements will inspire a new generation to chase their dreams. 9-12 years

28 Days: Black History That Changed the World

By Charles R. Smith, Illustrated by Shane W. Evans

Each day features a different influential figure in African-American history. Young readers will learn about Crispus Attucks, the first man shot at the Boston Massacre, Madame C.J. Walker, who after years of adversity became the wealthiest black woman in the country, Barack Obama, the America’s first African-American president and many more important men and women. 6-10 years

Heroes of Black History: Biographies of Four Great Americans

By The Editors of Time for Kids

This book presents the stories of four great American heroes every child should know. In one volume children will learn about Harriet Tubman, Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks, and Barack Obama. Heroes of Black History shines a light on the long fight for social justice in the United States as it highlights the accomplishments and personal histories of these four pivotal Americans. 8 and up

Let the Children March

By Monica Clark-Robinson, Illustrated by Frank Morrison

I couldn’t play on the same playground as the white kids.

I couldn’t go to their schools.

I couldn’t drink from their water fountains.

There were so many things I couldn’t do.

In 1963 Birmingham, Alabama, thousands of African American children volunteered to march for their civil rights after hearing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. speak. They protested the laws that kept black people separate from white people. Facing fear, hatred, and danger, these children used their voices to change the world. 6-9 years

Hidden Figures:

The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race

By Margot Lee Shetterly, Illustrated by Laura Freeman

Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden were good at math…really good. They participated in some of NASA’s greatest successes. They provided the calculations for America’s first journeys into space. They did this at a time when being black and a woman limited their options. But they worked hard. They persisted. And they used their genius to change the world. 4-8 years

The 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

You may like: Books For Kids: Underground Railroad https://barbaralowell.com/books-kids-underground-railroad

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

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

Books For Kids: Jane Goodall

Me…Jane

By Patrick McDonnell

Patrick McDonnell tells the story of the young Jane Goodall and her special childhood toy chimpanzee named Jubilee. As the young Jane observes the natural world around her with wonder, she dreams of “a life living with and helping all animals,” until one day she finds that her dream has come true. With anecdotes taken directly from her autobiography, McDonnell makes this very true story accessible for the very young–and young at heart. 1-6 years

Chimpanzee Children of Gombe

By Jane Goodall, Photographs by Michael Neugebauer

This book is filled with photos of many of the chimpanzee babies, toddlers, and young adults that live in the Gombe National Park in Tanzania, where the Jane Goodall research center is located. Dr. Goodall has campaigned unceasingly for the protection of the chimpanzee—now an endangered species—and this moving, personal account will educate readers about the many threats to the animals in the wild and inspire readers of all ages to join in her vital work. 5-7 years

Jane Goodall: A Champion of Chimpanzees

By Sarah Albee, Illustrated by Gustavo Mazali

Learn about the life of Jane Goodall, a pioneering scientist who became the worlds expert on chimpanzees, in this early reader biography. 

She was the first person to study wild chimpanzees up close in a rain forest. She befriended the chimps and discovered amazing facts about their behaviors. What she learned forever changed how people look at these animals.

Beginning readers will learn about the milestones in Jane Goodall’s life in this Level Two I Can Read biography. This biography includes a timeline and photos all about the life of this inspiring scientist.  Preschool – 3rd Grade

You Are a Star Jane Goodall

By Dean Robbins, Illustrated by Hatem Aly

Using a unique mix of first-person narrative, hilarious comic panels, and essential facts, Dean Robbins introduces young readers to an scientific trailblazer. You Are a Star, Jane Goodall focuses on Jane’s lifelong mission to understand the chimpanzees and protect the planet. Hatem Aly’s spot-on comic illustrations bring this icon to life, and back matter instructs readers on how to be more like Jane! 5-7 years

The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life with the Chimps

By Jeannette Winter

Follow Jane from her childhood in London watching a robin on her windowsill, to her years in the African forests of Gombe, Tanzania, invited by the brilliant scientist Louis Leakey to observe chimps, to her worldwide crusade to save these primates, who are now in danger of extinction. Young animal lovers will welcome this moving portrait of an extraordinary person and the animals to whom she has dedicated her life. 4-8 years

Jane Goodall: A Life with Chimpanzees

By Anita Ganeri

Bring history home and meet some of the world’s greatest game changers! Get inspired by the true story of a famous researcher who studied chimpanzees. This biography series is for kids who loved Who Was? and are ready for the next level.

In July 1960, Jane Goodall went into the wilderness in Tanzania to study chimpanzees. For years she camped out with the chimps, observing their behavior and making amazing discoveries! Jane had always been fascinated by animals and knew she wanted to make learning more about them her life’s work. Find out how this girl who loved animals became one of history’s greatest trailblazers! Grades 3-7

Who Is Jane Goodall?

By Roberta Edwards, Illustrated by John O’Brien

A life in the wild! 

Jane Goodall, born in London, England, always loved animals and wanted to study them in their natural habitats. So at age twenty-six, off she went to Africa! Goodall’s up-close observations of chimpanzees changed what we know about them and paved the way for many female scientists who came after her. Now her story comes to life in this biography with black-and-white illustrations throughout. 8-12 years

Who Is Jane Goodall? A Board Book

By Lisbeth Kaiser, Illustrated by Stanley Chow

The chronology and themes of Jane Goodall’s meaningful life are presented in a masterfully succinct text, with just a few sentences per page. The fresh, stylized illustrations are sure to captivate young readers and adults alike. With a read-aloud biographical summary in the back, this age-appropriate introduction honors and shares the life and work of one of the most influential scientists of our time. 2-4 years

Jane Goodall: Biography for Kids

By William Rice

In 1900, an estimated 1 million chimpanzees lived in the wild.  Today, there are only about 340,000. Jane Goodall spent years observing, interacting with, and studying chimpanzees. Her true story is in this easy-to-read, picture-filled biography for kids. She is a wonderful example of how to work hard and follow your dreams. 7-9 years

Jane Goodall Champion for Chimpanzees

By Jodie Shepherd

Jane Goodall loved animals from the time she was a young girl. She dreamed of going to Africa to see the wildlife that lived there. After getting her wish, Goodall went on to become one of the most respected primatologists in the world. Her many discoveries changed the way we look at and treat chimpanzees. 4-7 years

Jane Goodall: Researcher Who Champions Chimpanzees

By Mike Venezia

This biography of Jane Goodall is perfect for young readers, developing scientists, and critical thinkers. It contains cartoon-style illustrations to complement the easy-to-read text and full-color reproductions of sketches and notebooks.  7-9 years

Primates: The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey and Birute Galdikas

By Jim Ottaivani, Illustrated by Maris Wicks

Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey and Birute Galdiakas were all students of the great Louis Leakey. Each made profound contributions to primatology―and to our own understanding of ourselves.  Primates, a graphic novel, is an accessible, entertaining, and informative look at the field of primatology and at the lives of three of the most remarkable women scientists of the twentieth century. 12-18 years

The books 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

You may like: Jane Goodall https://barbaralowell.com/jane-goodall 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kids Books Jackie Kennedy

Jackie and the Books She Loved

By Ronni Diamondstein, Illustrated by Bats Langley

Discover a delightful new story about Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, one of the most famous women in the world. History remembers Jackie as the consummate First Lady, especially for her White House restoration and the cultural events she instituted during her husband’s administration. Jackie was on the world stage in 1963 when President Kennedy was assassinated. She led the nation in grieving the fallen leader with grace and dignity.

In this inspirational celebration of reading, Ronni Diamondstein, with her engaging writing style in this picture book biography, introduces readers to an independent and confident Jackie and the idea of how books guided her life. The insightful story paints the portrait of a child captivated by reading and a love of literature and writing—from five-year-old Jackie reading Chekhov stories and shushing her friends to be quiet so that she can read at Miss Porter’s School, to her desk as an editor in the last two decades of her life. 4-8 years

Just Being Jackie

By Margaret Cardillo, Illustrated by Julia Denos

Jackie Kennedy was an American icon of style and grace. But there was steel under that style. Her poise under fire, intelligence, and tireless work as first lady earned her the respect of leaders and made her beloved by generations around the world. Her legacy also extended beyond her time in public life. She was a talented journalist, a preservationist who secured the legacy of national landmarks, and an editor of award-winning books. 4-8 years

Who Was Jacqueline Kennedy

By Bonnie Bader, Illustrated by Joseph J. M. Qiu

Private and bookish, Jacqueline Kennedy found herself thrust into the world spotlight as the young and glamorous wife of President John F. Kennedy. As first lady she restored the once neglected rooms of the White House to their former glory. Through her charm and elegance she became an icon of style whose influence is still felt today. Kids will be fascinated to read about a first family whose youth, intelligence, and good looks captivated America in the early 1960’s. 8-12 years

When Jackie Saved Grand Central: The True Story of

Jacqueline Kennedy’s Fight to Save an American Icon

By Natasha Wing, Illustrated by Alexandra Boiger

Before she was a First Lady of the United States, Jackie Kennedy was a born-and-raised New Yorker. She loved everything about her city, from the natural beauty of the parks to the architectural history of the buildings. So, when the owners of Grand Central wanted to build a skyscraper on top of the famous train station, Jackie knew they had to be stopped. She helped inspire thousands of people to come together and fight to protect the historic landmark. 6-9 years

When Mrs. Kennedy Went Abroad

By Vibhuti Patel, Illustrated by Jacqueline Duheme

When President and Mrs. Kennedy traveled to Paris in 1961, Jacqueline Duheme painted scenes from their historic trip. She continued to paint as she accompanied the first lady and her sister on a later tour of India, Pakistan, Rome, and London. Now these whimsical and imaginative paintings make their first appearance together in this book along with line drawings, anecdotal recollections, and historic photographs. 6-9 years

Jackie and the Mona Lisa

By Debbie Rovin Murphy, Illustrated by Jen Bricking

Jackie Kennedy loved the arts. And America loved Jackie Kennedy. The first lady knew she had the country’s attention–what would she do with it? Encourage Americans to appreciate art, of course! She turned the White House into a historical site filled with some of America’s most treasured artifacts and pieces of art. She brought Shakespearean theater to the White House and ballerinas to the South Lawn. And most epically, she brought the Mona Lisa to the states (much to the chagrin of many Parisians) to encourage Americans to visit museums–and it worked! An inspiring story about one of the nation’s most influential first ladies. 6-9 years 

Jackie Kennedy (My Itty-Bitty Biography)

By Meeg Pincus, Illustrated by Jeff Bane

The My Itty-Bitty Bio series are biographies for the earliest readers. This book examines the life of former First Lady Jacqueline Lee “Jackie” Kennedy Onassis in a simple, age-appropriate way that will help young readers develop word recognition and reading skills. Includes a table of contents, author biography, timeline, glossary, index, and other informative backmatter. 4-7 years

Jacqueline Kennedy

By Lucia Tarbox Raatma

Jacqueline Kennedy became First Lady on January 20, 1961. But before she lived at the White House, she was a respected reporter. Learn about her childhood, education, and goals as first lady of the United States. 4-8 years

The book descriptions 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

You may like:

Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy

https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/first-families/jacqueline-lee-bouvier-kennedy/

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

Kids Books John F. Kennedy https://barbaralowell.com/kids-books-john-f-kennedy

Books For Kids The White House https://barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-the-white-house

 

 

Books For Kids: Harriet Tubman

Moses: When Harriet Tubman Let 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 the name Moses. 5-8 years

Before She Was Harriet

By Lesa Cline-Ransome, Illustrated by James E. Ransome

We know her today as Harriet Tubman, but in her lifetime she was called many names. As General Tubman, she was a Union spy. As Moses, she led hundreds to freedom on the Underground Railroad. As Minty, she was a slave whose spirit could not be broken. And as Araminta, she was a young girl whose father showed her the stars and the first steps on the path to freedom. 

She Persisted: Harriet Tubman

By Andrea Davis Pinkney, Illustrated by Alexandra Boiger and Gillian Flint

Born enslaved, Harriet Tubman rose up to become one of the most successful, determined and well-known conductors of the Underground Railroad. With her family’s love planted firmly in her heart, Harriet looked to the North Star for guidance–and its light helped guide her way out of slavery. Her courage made it possible for her to help others reach freedom too.

Harriet Tubman: A Little Golden Book Biography

By JaNay Brown-Wood, Illustrated by Robert Paul, Jr.

Inspire and educate your little one with this Little Golden Book biography. It’s the perfect introduction to nonfiction for preschoolers. This Little Golden Book tells the story of a true hero who helped to free enslaved Black people as a conductor on the Underground Railroad.

Harriet Tubman Conductor on the Underground Railroad

By Ann Petry

Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad was praised by the New Yorker as “an evocative portrait,” and by the Chicago Tribune as “superb.” It is a gripping and accessible portrait of the heroic woman who guided more than 300 enslaved people to freedom.

She was born in slavery and dreamed of being free. She was willing to risk everything—including her own life—to see that dream come true. After her daring escape, Harriet became a conductor on the secret Underground Railroad, helping others make the dangerous journey to freedom.

Escape North! The Story of Harriet Tubman

By Monica Kulling, Illustrated by Teresa Flavin

This book is an easy-to-read page-turning account of Harriet Tubman’s life. It follows her childhood in slavery, to her years as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, to her later work as a suffragette and as a spy in the Civil War. This remarkable true story brings to life one of America’s greatest female role models. 

An Apple For Harriet Tubman

By Glennette Tilley Turner, Illustrated by Susan Keeter

Like other enslaved African American children, young Harriet Tubman had to work hard. She spent long hours in her master’s orchard picking the juicy apples she was forbidden to eat. Harriet vowed to one day be free and grow apple trees of her own. As an adult, she made her escape to the North. She then repeatedly returned south, risking her life, to lead slaves to freedom. 

Who Was Harriet Tubman?

By Yona Zeldis McDonough, Illustrated by Nancy Harrison

Born a slave in Maryland, Harriet Tubman knew first-hand what it meant to be someone’s property. She was whipped by owners and almost killed by an overseer. It was from other field hands that she heard about the Underground Railroad. After her escape to Philadelphia, she returned to the South again and again to help slaves escape to freedom. 

Minty: A Story of Young Harriet Tubman

By Alan Schroeder, Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

They called her “Minty.” When she grew up, she became known as Harriet Tubman. She was the courageous and heroic woman who helped hundreds of slaves escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad. But she was a little girl once too. Minty, short for Araminta, was a headstrong young slave whose rebellious spirit often got her into trouble. When her father taught her the skills necessary to escape, she listened carefully and learned what to do. 

The Story of Harriet Tubman: A Biography For New Readers

By Christine Platt

Discover the life of Harriet Tubman―a story about courage, bravery, and freedom

Harriet Tubman became a celebrated leader in the fight to free people from slavery. Before that, she was a determined young girl who believed that everyone deserved to be free. Harriet Tubman bravely used the Underground Railroad―a network of secret routes and safe houses―to free herself and many other enslaved people. Explore how Harriet Tubman went from being a slave on a plantation in Maryland to one of the most important figures in American history. How will her courageous spirit inspire you? 

Harriet Tubman Freedom Fighter

By Nadia L. Hohn, Illustrated by Gustavo Mazali

Harriet Tubman was a brave woman who was born enslaved in Maryland in the 1800s. After risking everything to escape from her slave master and be free, she went on to lead many people to freedom on a journey known today as the Underground Railroad.

This book covers some of the amazing aspects of her life: She led 13 escapes—all successful and at great personal risk—between 1850 and 1860. This book also covers some of the lesser-known amazing aspects of her life: During the Civil War, Harriet Tubman enlisted African American men to be soldiers. She served as a spy and led a battle under the command of a Union Army colonel!

Beginning readers will learn about the milestones in Harriet Tubman’s life in this Level Two I Can Read biography. This biography includes a timeline and historical illustrations all about the life of this inspiring figure, as well as a rare historical photograph of her. Much mythology and conflicting lore exists about Harriet Tubman. This book was carefully vetted by noted expert Dr. Kate Larson.

When Harriet Met Sojourner

By Catherine Clinton, Illustrated by Shane W. Evans

Two women with similar backgrounds. Both slaves and both fiercely independent. Both great women in different ways. Harriet Tubman was the brave pioneer who led her fellow slaves to freedom. Sojourner Truth was a strong woman who spoke up for African American rights. One day in 1864, the lives of these two women came together. 

DK Biography: Harriet Tubman

By Kem Knapp Sawyer

Harriet Tubman tells the story of the famous abolitionist, from her childhood as a slave on a Maryland plantation, to her dramatic escape, to her tireless work as an organizer of the Underground Railroad. This book is full of archival photographs and amazing facts. 

Aunt Harriet’s Underground Railroad in the Sky

By Faith Ringgold

Cassie and her brother Be Be meet a train full of people. Be Be joins them. The train departs before Cassie can climb aboard. With Harriet Tubman as her guide, Cassie retraces the steps escaping slaves took on the real Underground Railroad and is reunited with her brother. 

The 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

You may like: Harriet Tubman https://barbaralowell.com/harriet-tubman

Books For Kids Underground Railroad https://barbaralowell.com/books-kids-underground-railroad

Books For Kids Sojourner Truth https://barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-sojourner-truth

Kids Books: Sacagawea & Lewis & Clark

The Crossing:

Lewis & Clark’s Historic Journey Seen Through a Brand-New Pair of Eyes

By Donna Jo Napoli, Illustrated by Jim Madsen

This young, lyrical picture book reveals the adventure and natural wonders that Lewis and Clark encountered on their Western expedition in the early 1800s. Told from the point of view of Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, the baby on Sacagawea’s back, this story offers a fresh perspective of a young country and gives voice to a character that readers may be familiar with. Jean is on the Sacagawea dollar. 4-8 years

Sacagawea: Courageous Trailblazer

By James Buckley, Jr., Illustrated by Cassie Anderson

What did 33 men in the 1800s need to find their way through the wilderness on a trip across America? They needed a woman—and they found one in Sacagawea, the Native American teenage mother who helped the Lewis and Clark expedition survive. She and her baby braved floods, hunger, storms, and snakes to help the expedition that opened the West. This is the life story of an amazing pioneer who endured hardship in her youth but nevertheless became a fearless leader and a role model for generations to come. 8-12 years

How We Crossed the West

By Rosalyn Schanzer

Appealing art and descriptive text bring Lewis and Clark alive for young adventurers. Carefully chosen text from Lewis and Clark’s actual journals opens a fascinating window into this country’s exciting history. 8-12 years

Sacagawea National Geographic Kids

By Kitson Jazynka

Explore one of the most recognized figures in American history with this biography of Sacagawea. Kids will learn about her crucial role in the Lewis and Clark expedition and her influential legacy. The level 3 text provides accessible, yet wide-ranging, information for independent readers. 6-9 years

What Was the Lewis and Clark Expedition

By Judith St. George, Illustrated by Tim Foley

When Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and the “Corps of Discovery” left St. Louis, Missouri, on May 21, 1804, their mission was to explore the vast, unknown territory acquired a year earlier in the Louisiana Purchase. The travelers hoped to find a waterway that crossed the western half of the United States. They didn’t. However, young readers will love this true-life adventure tale of the two-year journey that finally brought the explorers to the Pacific Ocean. 8-12 years

Who Was Sacagawea?

By Judith Bloom Fradin and Dennis Brindell Fradin,

Illustrated by Val Paul Taylor

Sacagawea was only sixteen when she made one of the most remarkable journeys in American history. She traveled 4,500 miles by foot, canoe, and horse, all the while carrying a baby on her back. Without her, the Lewis and Clark expedition might have failed. Through this book, kids will learn the reasons that today she is still remembered and immortalized on a golden dollar coin. 8-12 years

You Wouldn’t Want to Explore With Lewis and Clark

By Jacqueline Morley, Illustrated by Mark Bergin

It’s 1803 and two adventurous young army officers are about to lead an expedition right across the North American continent through the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. They will explore the lands that few Europeans have ever seen and will make many scientific discoveries. Do you have what it takes to go with them? 8-12 years

Sacagawea

By Lise Erdrich, Illustrated by Julie Buffalohead

This is a biography of the Shoshone girl, Sacagawea, from age eleven when she was kidnapped by the Hitdatsa to the end of her journey with Lewis and Clark, plus speculation about her later life. 8-12 years

Lewis and Clark: A Prairie Dog for the President

By Shirley Raye Redmond, Illustrated by John Manders

In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson sends Lewis and Clark out west to explore. He tells them to make maps. He tells them to draw pictures and collect plants. Most importantly, he tells them to send presents! What kind of present is good enough for a president? Beginning readers will enjoy reading about the fun and little-known slice of American history. 5-8 years

The Lewis and Clark Expedition

By John Perritano

This book takes readers on an amazing journey to a fascinating time in U.S. history. The country was experiencing dynamic change and westward expansion. Here are the important people, places and events that helped shape the western United States. 4-8 years

I Am Sacagawea

By Brad Meltzer, Illustrated by Christopher Elipoulos

Sacagawea was the only woman, and the only Native American, to join Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery. They explored the United States from the Mississippi River all the way to the Pacific Ocean in the early 1800s. As a translator, she helped the team communicate with members of the Shoshone tribe. Traveling across the continent, she carried her child on her back. By the time the expedition arrived at the west coast, she proved that she truly was a trailblazer. 5-8 years

The 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

National Geographic Lewis and Clark Expedition For Kids: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/history/lewis-and-clark/

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

Kids Books: American Revolution

If You Were a Kid During the American Revolution

By Wil Mara, Illustrated by Kelly Kennedy

When British soldiers accuse Samuel Richardson’s father and uncle of being rebellious Patriots, Samuel must work together with his cousin Molly to help the family make an escape. Follow along on their adventure as they witness the early days of the American Revolution and come up with a daring plan to save their fathers. 6-9 years

Independent Dames: What You Never Knew About the Women and Girls of the American Revolution

By Laurie Halse Anderson, Illustrated by Matt Faulkner

Listen up! You’ve all heard about the great men who led and fought during the American Revolution. But did you know that the guys only made up part of the story? What about the women? The girls? The dames? Didn’t they play a part? Of course they did! 6-10 years

King George What Was His Problem?

By Steve Sheinkin, Illustrated by Tim Robinson

Entire books have been written about the causes of the American Revolution. This isn’t one of them. It’s the story of the birth of our nation, complete with soldiers, spies, salmon sandwiches, and real facts you can’t help but want to tell everybody you know. 

Answering the Cry of Freedom: Stories of African Americans and the American Revolution

By Gretchen Woelfle, Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

Even as American Patriots fought for independence from British rule during the Revolutionary War, oppressive conditions remained in place for the thousands of enslaved and free African Americans living in this country. But African Americans took up their own fight for freedom by joining the British and American armies; preaching, speaking out, and writing about the evils of slavery; and establishing settlements in Nova Scotia and Africa.

The thirteen stories featured in this collection spotlight charismatic individuals who answered the cry for freedom, focusing on the choices they made and how they changed America both then and now. These individuals include: Boston King, Agrippa Hull, James Armistead Lafayette, Phillis Wheatley, Elizabeth “Mumbet” Freeman, Prince Hall, Mary Perth, Ona Judge, Sally Hemings, Paul Cuffe, John Kizell, Richard Allen, and Jarena Lee. Includes individual bibliographies and timelines, author note, and source notes.

You Wouldn’t Want to Be at the Boston Tea Party!

By Peter Cook, Illustrated David Antram

This lively book will interest young and reluctant readers by making them part of the story and inviting them to become the main character. Grades 2-3

Ben’s Revolution: Benjamin Russell and the Battle of Bunker Hill

By Nathaniel Philbrick, Illustrated by Wendell Minor

Benjamin Russell is in school on the morning of April 19, 1775. His teacher announces, The war’s begun, and you may run!” Ben knew this day was coming. After all, tensions had been mounting between the colonists and the British troops ever since the Boston Tea Party. And now they have finally reached the breaking point. Much to Ben’s surprise, Boston is sealed off later that day, leaving him stuck outside the city, in the middle of a war, with no way to reach his family. But Ben isn’t worried, he’s eager to help the Patriots! 7-9 years

Guts and Glory: The American Revolution

By Ben Thompson

From George Washington crossing the icy Delaware River, to Molly Pitcher fearlessly firing her cannon, the people of the American Revolution were some of the bravest and most inspiring of all time. Jump into a riot in the streets of Boston, join the Culper Spy Ring as they steal secrets in the dead of night, and watch the signing of the Declaration of Independence in this book about the birth of the United States. 10-13 years

George vs. George

The American Revolution as Seen from Both Sides

By Rosalyn Schanzer

This story introduces anew the two enemies, both named George. George Washington is the man who freed the American colonies from the British. And George III, is the British king who lost them. Two leaders on different sides of the Atlantic, yet with more in common than we sometimes acknowledge. Was King George a “Royal Brute” as American patriots claimed? Or was he, as others believed, “the father of the people?” Was George Washington a scurrilous traitor, as the king’s supporters claimed? Of should we remember and celebrate him as “the father of our country?” History teaches us that there are two sides to every story. 9-12 years

And Then What Happened Paul Revere?

By Jean Fritz, Illustrated by Margot Tomes

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 and funny book highlights little-known facts about patriot Paul Revere. 7-9 years

What Is The Declaration of Independence?

By Michael C. Harris, Illustrated by Jerry Hoare

On a hot summer day near Philadelphia in 1776, Thomas Jefferson sat at his desk and wrote furiously until early the next morning. He was drafting the Declaration of Independence, a document that would sever America’s ties with Britain and announce a new nation — the United States of America. Colonists were willing to risk their lives for freedom. The Declaration of Independence made it official. Discover the true story of one of the most radical and uplifting documents in history and follow the action that fueled the Revolutionary War. 8-12 years

American Revolution: DK Eyewitness Books

By Stuart Murray

Be an eyewitness to the American struggle for independence. Discover how a few brave patriots battled a great empire. See the muskets and cannons of the armies. Learn how soldiers were drilled and find out why Yorktown was not the end of the Revolutionary War. 8-12 years

The book description 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

You may like: Books For Kids: Founding Fathers at: https://barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-founding-fathers

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

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

Books For Kids: Alexander Hamilton at: https://barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-alexander-hamilton

American Revolution For Kids https://www.ducksters.com/history/american_revolution.php

 

 

Books for Kids: Sojourner Truth

My Name is Truth: The Story of Sojourner Truth

By Ann Turner, Illustrated by James Ransome

This book tells the remarkable story of how former slave Isabella Baumfree transformed herself into the preacher and orator Sojourner Truth. She was an iconic figure of the abolitionist and women’s rights movements. 6-10 years

So Tall Within: Sojourner Truth’s Long Walk Toward Freedom

By Gary D. Schmidt, Illustrated by Daniel Minter

Sojourner Truth was born into slavery but possessed a mind and a vision that knew no bounds. So Tall Within traces her life from her painful childhood through her remarkable emancipation to her incredible leadership in the movement for rights for both women and African Americans. 4-8 years

Only Passing Through: The Story of Sojourner Truth

By Anne Rockwell, Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

Sojourner Truth traveled the country in the latter half of the 19th century speaking out against slavery and telling her story. She was sold three times by age 13, beaten for not understanding her master’s orders, and watched her parents die of cold and hunger when they could no longer work. Sojourner’s simple yet powerful words helped people understand the truth about slavery. 6-9 years

Who Was Sojourner Truth?

By Yona Zeldis McDonough, Illustrated by Jim Eldridge

Almost 100 years before Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat, Sojourner Truth was mistreated by a streetcar conductor. She took him to court and won her case. Born a slave in New York around 1797, she was later sold and separated from her family. Even after she escaped from slavery, she knew her work was not done. She changed her name from Belle to Sojourner and traveled  around America sharing her story until her death at age 86. 8-12 years

Sojourner Truth’s Step-Stomp Stride

By Andrea Davis Pinkney, Illustrated by 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 helped to end the injustice of slavery. That’s when she changed her name to Sojourner Truth and traveled across the country demanding equal rights for African Americans and women. Many people weren’t ready for her message, but she was brave and her truth powerful. And slowly, but surely as her step-stomp stride, Americans began to change. 5-9 years

Sojourner Truth: Path to Glory

By Peter Merchant, Illustrated by Julia Denos

Sojourner Truth had a difficult childhood. She was born a slave and many of the families she worked from treated her poorly. But when she escaped from slavery, she used her life to teach others about the power of freedom. Level 3 reader, 6-8 years

When Harriet Met Sojourner

By Catherine Clinton, Illustrated by Shane W. Evans

This book is about two women with similar backgrounds. Both were slaves, both were fiercely independent, and both were great in different ways. Harriet Tubman was a brave pioneer who led her fellow slaves to freedom. Sojourner Truth was a strong woman who spoke up for African American rights. One day in 1864, they met. This is a portrait of two remarkable women, from their inauspicious beginnings to their pivotal roles in the battle for America’s future. 4-8 years

Sojourner Truth: Fighting for Freedom

By Jeri Cipriano, Illustrated by Scott R. Brooks

Sojourner Truth was born to slaves. She had no choice. But when she grew to be a young mother herself, she ran away with her child looking for freedom. She used her voice to speak for all slaves wanting to be free. 5-8 years

The book descriptions 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

You may like: Harriet Tubman at: https://barbaralowell.com/harriet-tubman

Books For Kids: Harriet Tubman at: https://barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-harriet-tubman

Books For Kids: The Underground Railroad at: https://barbaralowell.com/books-kids-underground-railroad

Books For Kids: Rosa Parks

Rosa

By Nikki Giovanni, Illustrated by Bryan Collier

Over sixty years after her refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama city bus, Rosa Parks is still one of the most important figures in the American civil rights movement. This book is a tribute to her courageous action and the events that followed. 

Rosa’s Bus: The Ride to Civil Rights

By Jo S. Kittinger, Illustrated by Steven Walker

Like all buses in Montgomery, Alabama in the 1950s, Bus Number 2857 was segregated. White passengers sat in the front and black passengers sat in the back. That is until Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white passenger. Her arrest sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a major event in the Civil Rights movement. It was led by the young minister, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. For 382 days, black passengers walked instead of riding the bus. 

A Girl Named Rosa: The True Story of Rosa Parks

By Denise Lewis Patrick, Illustrated by Melissa Manwill

The “A Girl Named” series tells the stories of how ordinary American girls grew up to be extraordinary women. Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in 1955. How did she come to be so brave? Learn the defining moments in her childhood and adolescence that led to her bravery. 

It’s Her Story: Rosa Parks

By Lauren Burke, Illustrated by Shane Clester

A graphic novel for children ages 6 to 9. Rosa Parks was the courageous thinker and leader known as the Mother of the Civil Rights Movement. Long before the Montgomery Bus Boycott made her famous, she was a social justice activist and organizer. In honor of her work, she received a Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This is her story.

Who Was Rosa Parks?

By Yona Zeldis McDonough, Illustrated by Stephen Marchesi

In 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give her bus seat to a white passenger in Montgomery, Alabama. This seemingly small act triggered civil rights protests across America and earned her the title “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement.” 

Back of the Bus

By Aaron Reynolds, Illustrated by Floyd Cooper

A boy and his mother are riding the bus in Montgomery, Alabama like any other day, way in the back of the bus. The boy passes time by watching his marble roll up and down the aisle with the motion of the bus…until a big commotion breaks out from way up front. With simple words and powerful illustrations, this story recounts the pivotal arrest of Rosa Parks at the dawn of the Civil Rights Movement. 

Rosa Parks (Little Leaders)

By Lisabeth Kaiser, Illustrated by Marta Antelo

Rosa Parks grew up in Alabama, where she learned to stand up for herself at an early age. Rosa went on to become a civil rights activist. In 1955, she refused to give up her seat to a white man on a segregated bus, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Her courageous decision had a huge impact on civil rights, eventually leading to the end of segregation on public transport. She never stopped working for equal rights. This book includes a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the activist’s life. 

Boycott Blues: How Rosa Parks Inspired a Nation

By Andrea Davis Pinkney, Illustrated by Brian Pinkney

Rosa Parks took a stand by keeping her seat in the front of the bus. When she was arrested, her supporters protested by refusing to ride. After 382 days of walking, they walked Jim Crow right out of Montgomery, Alabama. 

Rosa Parks (A True Book)

By Christine Taylor-Butler

On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks was arrested when she refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white man. Almost overnight, she became an icon of the rapidly growing civil rights movement. Young readers will learn how she continued to fight for civil rights after her arrest. 

Rosa Parks/National Geographic Kids

By Kitson Jazynka

Find out about the life of Rosa Parks and how her actions in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955, helped end racial segregation in America. Her life story has enduring lessons to teach young readers. 

The Bus Ride That Changed History: The Story of Rosa Parks

By Pamela Duncan Edwards, Illustrated by Danny Shanahan

In 1955, a young woman named Rosa Parks took a big step for civil rights when she refused to give up her seat on a bus for a white passenger. The bus driver told her to move. Jim Crow laws told her to move. But Rosa Parks stayed where she was, and a chain of events was set into motion that would eventually change the course of American history. 4-7 years

The 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

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

 

 

 

 

Kids Books: Girls Playing Baseball

Catching the Moon: The Story of a Young Girl’s Baseball Dream

By Crystal Hubbard, Illustrated by Randy Duburke

This is the true story of Marcenia Lyle, an African American girl who grew up to become “Toni Stone,” the first woman to play for a professional team. One day in the 1930s, Marcenia and the boys she plays ball with learn that Gabby Street, a famous baseball manager, is scouting children for a baseball summer camp sponsored by the St. Louis Cardinals. Eager to earn a spot, Marenia plays her best, but is discouraged when Mr. Street tells here there are no girls in his camp. Convinced that baseball is her destiny, Marcenia won’t give up, ultimately proving her skill and passion to Mr. Street and her dubious parents. 6-10 years.

Anybody’s Game: Kathryn Johnson, the First Girl to Play Little League Baseball

By Heather Lang, Illustrated by Cecilia Puglesi

In 1950, Kathryn Johnston wanted to play Little League, but an unwritten rule kept girls from trying out. So she cut off her hair and tried out as a boy under the nickname “Tubby.” She made the team―and changed Little League Baseball forever. An inspiring and suspenseful story about what it means to want something so badly you’ll break the rules to do it―and how breaking the rules can lead to change. 5-7 years

The Kid from Diamond Street:

The Extraordinary Story of Baseball Legend Edith Houghton

By Audrey Vernick, Illustrated by Steven Salerno

Beginning in 1922, when Edith Houghton was only ten years old, she tried out of a women’s professional baseball team, the Philadelphia Bobbies. Although she was the smallest on the field, soon reporters were talking about “The Kid” and her incredible skill, and crowds were packing the stands to see her play. 4-7 years

Dirt on Their Skirts:

The Story of the Young Women Who Won the World Championship

By Doreen Rappaport and Lydall Callan, Illustrated by E.B. Lewis

You had to be really, really good to play in the 1946 championship game between the Racine Bells and the Rockford Peaches. Sitting in the stands, Margaret thrills to every crack of the bat. Someday she hopes to join her heroes like Sophie “the Flash” Kurys and Betty “Moe” Trezza. A historic game in the annals of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League is told through the eyes of a fictional young girl. Dirt on Their Skirts is based on written accounts and the memories of the players. 5-8 years

A Strong Right Arm: The Story of Mamie “Peanut” Johnson

By Michelle Y. Green, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson

Motivated by her love of the game and inspired by the legendary Jackie Robinson, Mamie Johnson is determined to be a professional baseball pitcher, but in a sport determined by white men, there is no place for a black woman. Mamie doesn’t give up from the time she insists on trying out for the all-male, all-white Police Athletic League, until she realizes her dream and become one of three women to play in the Negro Leagues. Mamie Johnson’s life shows that with perseverance one can overcome the greatest challenges. 8-12 years

Mighty Jackie: The Strike-Out Queen

By Marissa Moss, Illustrated by C.F. Payne

For as long as she could remember, Jackie Mitchell’s father had told Jackie she could be good at whatever she wanted, as long as she worked at it. Jackie worked at baseball. She worked hard. And before long Jackie could outplay anyone in her neighborhood. She had one pitch — a wicked, dropping curve ball. But no seventeen year old girl could pitch against Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. It was unthinkable. Then on April 2, 1931, the New York Yankees stopped in Tennessee for an exhibition game against the Chattanooga Lookouts. And on that day Jackie Mitchell made baseball history. 5-8 years.

Queen of the Diamond: The Lizzie Murphy Story:

The First Woman to Play on Both Major League All-Star Teams

Lizzie Murphy was good at baseball. In fact, she was better than most boys. But she was born in 1900, and back then baseball was not a game for girls. Lizzie practiced with her brother anyway, and then she talked her way onto the local boys’ team, first as a bat boy, then as a player. Everyone was impressed by her hard catches and fast pitches. By the time she turned fifteen, she was playing for two different amateur boys’ teams. When she turned eighteen, Lizzie did something else that women weren’t supposed to do, she signed up with a professional baseball team, determined to earn her living playing the game. 5-8 years

Girl Wonder: A Baseball Story in Nine Innings

By Deborah Hopkinson, Illustrated by Terry Widener

When Alta Weiss throws a corncob at a tomcat chasing her favorite hen, folks know one thing for sure: she may be a girl, but she’s got some arm. At the age of six, Alta can nail any target, and by seventeen she’s out-pitched every boy in town. Then one day, her father takes Alta to Vermilion, Ohio — home of the semipro baseball team called the Independents. “Where do I sign up?” she asks. But one look at Alta tells the coach all he needs to know: She’s a girl, and girls can’t play baseball. But faster than you can say “strike out,” Alta proves him wrong. Girls can play baseball!

She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Story

By Audrey Vernick, Illustrated by Don Tate

Effa always loved baseball. As a young woman, she would go to Yankee Stadium just to see Babe Ruth’s mighty swing. But she never dreamed she would someday own a baseball team. Or be the only woman ever inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. From her childhood in Philadelphia to her groundbreaking role as business manager and owner of the Newark Eagles, Effa Manley always fought for what was right. And she always swung for the fences. 4-8 years

The Incredible Women of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League

By Anika Orrock

This book chronicles the history of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League and the stories of the first women to play professional baseball in a league of their own. “In 1941, the world was at war, and with American men fighting overseas, the much needed pastime of professional baseball was in danger of extinction—until women stepped up to the plate.”

In this illustrated history, the League’s story is told by the ones who know it best: the players. Author Anika Orrock collects a variety of funny, charming, wince-worthy, and powerful vignettes told by the players themselves about their time playing the American pastime. 9-12 years

The 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

You may like: Books for Kids: Baseball https://barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-baseball

Girls Baseball Development https://www.usabaseball.com/events/girls-baseball-development/about

Books For Kids: Helen Keller

Helen’s Big World: The Life of Helen Keller

By Doreen Rapport, Illustrated by Matt Tavares

This is an unforgettable portrait of a woman whose vision for innovation and progress changed America and the world forever. 6-8 years

Annie and Helen

By Deborah Hopkinson, Illustrated by Raul Colon

This story focuses on the relationship between Helen and her teacher, Annie Sullivan. The book is interspersed with excerpts of Annie’s letters home, written as she struggled with her angry, wild pupil. With devotion and determination, Annie teaches Helen finger spelling and braille. As Helen comes to understand the language and begins to communicate, she connects for the first time with her family and the world around her. 4-8 years

Helen Keller: The World at Her Fingertips

By Sarah Albee, Illustrated by Gustavo Mazali

When Helen Keller was a baby, she became sick and lost her ability to see and hear. Although many people doubted her ability to persevere, Helen did not let any obstacle stop her from achieving many things in her amazing life.

This book covers some of the well-known and inspiring milestones of Keller’s life—it’s a great supplement for book reports on this iconic historical figure. It also covers some of the lesser-known fun facts—did you know that Helen Keller was a long-time dog lover?

This biography reader includes a timeline, historical photographs, and information about Braille.

Helen Keller: The World at her Fingertips is a Level Two I Can Read, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the engaging stories, longer sentences, and language play of Level Two books are proven to help kids take their next steps toward reading success.

Who Was Helen Keller?

By Gare Thompson, Illustrated by Nancy Harrison

At age two, Helen Keller became deaf and blind. She lived in a world of silence and darkness spending the rest of her life struggling to break through it. But with the help of her teacher, Annie Sullivan, Helen learned to read, write and do many amazing things. 8-12 years

Helen Keller, DK Reader L3

By Leslie Garrett

In this Level 3 reader, the captivating story of Helen Keller unfolds. Children able to read on their own will learn about her life from early childhood to adulthood where she achieved academic success in spite of her many challenges as a deaf and blind young woman. 7-9 years

A Girl Named Helen: The True Story of Helen Keller

By Bonnie Bader

After an illness left her blind and deaf at a very young age, Helen Keller’s world suddenly became dark and quiet. Her parents hired a teacher named Anne Sullivan. Anne connected with Helen and helped her understand the amazing world around her. Helen grew up to become an activist for people with disabilities. 7-10 years

Helen Keller and the Big Storm

By Patricia Lakin, Illustrated by Diane Magnuson

Helen Keller cannot see or hear. But that does not stop her from playing tricks on people, including her new teacher, Annie Sullivan. Still, Annie will not give up on Helen. Can Helen ever learn to trust her new teacher? 6-7 years

Helen Keller’s Best Friend Belle

By Holly M. Barry, Illustrated by Jennifer Thermes

In this story, young readers are introduced to Helen’s beloved dog, Belle. She is Helen’s constant companion. 4-8 years

Helen Keller: Courage in Darkness

By Emma Carlson Berne

Helen Keller lived in darkness and silence, but she dazzled the world with her accomplishments. Her powerful story lives in this biography. Find out about: the illness that destroyed her sight and hearing; her explosive first meeting with teacher Annie Sullivan; her struggle to become the first blind and deaf student awarded a degree from Radcliffe College; and her life as a writer, lecturer, and world traveler. 10 year and up

The book descriptions 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

You may like: Louis Braille, The Boy Who Invented the Braille Alphabet https://barbaralowell.com/louis-braille-braille-alphabet