Flames consume a forest, and an owl seeks refuge. Helicopter wings chop, and water drops to drench the branches below. Using spare, lyrical language, this debut picture book takes readers inside the journey of a screech owl that fled the flames to ride along with a firefighting helicopter during the 2020 California Creek wildfire. Vivid imagery highlights the fear and danger of the experience–as well as an astonishing moment of connection. 5-8 years
Fire Escape: How Animals and Plants Survive Wildfires
By Jessica Stremer, Illustrated by Michael Garland
Goats and beavers. Drones and parachutes. Pinecones and beetles. What do they have in common? Believe it or not, they are all crucial tools in fighting, preventing, and adapting to wildfires!
These vicious fires are spreading faster and burning hotter than at any other time in history. Ongoing droughts, warming weather, and a history of poor forest management have extended the traditional wildfire season beyond the summer months. It is a matter of life and death for wildlife worldwide.
This nonfiction book focuses on unique angles to a hot topic, including injury rehabilitation efforts, species that use wildfires to their advantage, how to help area repopulation, and the animals that help to prevent and fight wildfires. A riveting, kid friendly text is accompanied by stunning woodcut illustrations and full-color photographs, as well as extensive back matter with glossary, sources, and index. 8-12 years
When Forests Burn: The Story of Wildfire in America
By Albert Marrin
Wildfires have been part of the American landscape for thousands of years. Forests need fire–it’s as necessary to their well-being as soil and sunlight. But some fires burn out of control, destroying everything and everyone in their path.
In this book, you’ll find out about:
how and why wildfires happen
how different groups, from Native Americans to colonists, from conservationists to modern industrialists, have managed forests and fire
the biggest wildfires in American history–how they began and dramatic stories of both rescue and tragedy
what we’re doing today to fight forest fires
Chock full of dramatic stories, fascinating facts, and compelling photos, When Forests Burn teaches us about the past–and shows a better way forward in the future. 10-14 years
Fire in Their Eyes: Wildfires and the People Who Fight Them
By Karen Magnuson Beil
What drives some people to stand in the path of a wall of flame? Who are these brave, foolhardy, visionary firefighters? This intimate look at the elite groups that fight wildfires explores the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of these courageous few as they battle wilderness blazes from Alaska to Maine. From the grueling training of a smokejumper class in Montana, through harrowing fights with some up-close-and-personal wildfires, to a group of inspired conservationists who use fire as a tool for preservation, Karen Magnuson Beil takes readers where only a few have ventured–into the heart of one of nature’s most destructive andunpredictable forces: fire. 10-12 years
I Survived the California Wild Fires
by Lauren Tarshis
The people of Northern California were used to living with the threat of wildfires. But nothing could have prepared them for the devastating 2018 fire season, the deadliest in 100 years and the most destructive in history. In the 20th I Survived book, readers join eleven-year-old Josh as he leaves his New Jersey home for the rural northern California town where his cousins live. Still reeling from the life-changing challenges that propelled him and his mother across the country, Josh struggles to adapt to a more rustic, down-to-earth lifestyle that couldn’t be more different from the one he is used to. Josh and his cousin bond over tacos and reptiles and jokes, but on a trip into the nearby forest, they suddenly find themselves in the path of a fast-moving firestorm, a super-heated monster that will soon lay waste to millions of acres of wilderness and — possibly — their town. Josh needs to confront the family issues burning him up inside, but first he’ll have to survive the flames blazing all around him. 8-11 years
Wildfires: National Geographic Readers
by Kathy Furgang
Learn all about wildfires—how they happen, why they’re important, and when they’re dangerous—in this fascinating level 3 reader. It’s sure to ignite your interest, with color photographs, interesting facts, and more. 6-8 years
Extreme Wildfire: Smoke Jumpers, High-Tech Gear, Survival Tactics, and the Extraordinary Science of Fire
By Mark Thiessen
In one moment, there’s a simple spark, and then roaring flames surge 200 feet into the air, devouring forests. Trees, from root to canopy, are burned to the ground. Airtankers and helicopters hover above, executing an air attack. Brave firefighters, equipped with flame resistant suits, leap from helicopters onto the treetops and descend to the blazing forest floor. In this book, young readers will learn about the ecological impacts of wildfires, the ins and outs of fire science including tactics for prevention and containment, cutting-edge technology used to track wildfires and predict fire behavior, and about the impressive skill, survival tactics, and bravery required to control a wildfire. Also included are expert tips, fun facts, and breathtaking photos taken by the author. 8-12 years
Escape From the Wildfire
By Dorothy Bentley
Escape from the Wildfire offers a fictional account based on the real-life facts of the disastrous wildfire of 2021 that destroyed the town of Lytton, British Columbia after days of scorching heat. Dorothy Bentley’s own experiences of living through a wildfire led her to research the experience of Lytton residents so she could write the story of a resilient teen surviving an environmental catastrophe.
The summer of 2021 is hot even for B.C.’s arid interior under a record-breaking heat dome. Fourteen-year-old Jack hangs out with his friends Scott, Tess, and Indigenous teen Rory. On June 30, a wildfire inferno descends with horrifying suddenness. Jack must flee for his life, evacuated to a nearby town. Jack and his friends are aware of the context and possible causes of the wildfire He must come to terms with the loss of his entire village, the idea of starting all over again, and the need to change how we interact with the climate we depend on to survive. 11-18 years
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Did you know that horses can sleep standing up? Or that they have the largest eyes of any land mammal? Find out all about their senses, life cycle, behavior, and more in this fact-filled book. Stunning photos give readers an up-close look at these loyal, majestic companions that have been living and working alongside people for thousands of years. 4-7 years
The Everything Book of Horses and Ponies
By DK
Would you like to learn how to take care of a horse, what equipment to use, or enter the world of equestrian sports? Discover their secrets in this fun book. With colorful photos, fur-tastic facts, and bite-sized information, this book takes you into their fascinating world. Find out about favorite breeds from Shire to Shetland pony. Learn about horses and ponies from around the globe, and be amazed by their beautiful coloring and patterns. 4-8 years
Horses (Little Genius)
By Teesh Holladay, Illustrated by Amelia Herbertson
With super-simple concepts about breeds, colors, features, and more, this book is the perfect introduction for little learners. Each spread features a simple fact about what they eat, where they live, how to take care of them, and what they do, accompanied by illustrations of horses in action. 3 years+
The Book of Horses: The Ultimate Guide to Horses Around the World
By Mortimer Children’s Books
This book celebrates the world of the magnificent horse. It transports readers from the Mongolian steppe to the thrilling racetrack. Discover the white horses of the Camargue that gallop through the sea, the lithe thoroughbreds that race at 43 miles an hour, and the brave war horses that plunged into the horror of battle, and many more. At the same time, readers will learn how to care for them, keeping them in top condition. 8-12 years
The Big Book of Horse Trivia for Kids
By Bernadette Johnson
Whether you are a superfan, budding equestrian, or just plain curious, this trivia book is a galloping good time packed with fun facts. Discover the answers to questions including:
What was the their oldest known ancestor like and in what era of Earth’s history did they live?
How smart are they?
Why are Thoroughbreds called Thoroughbreds?
What’s the difference between a trot, a canter, and a gallop.
You’ll learn about famous racehorses in history: Flora Temple, Man o’ War, Seabiscuit, Secretariat, and French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte’s last horse, whose stuffed remains you can see in a museum to this day! 8-12 years
All About Horses: A Kid’s Guide to Breeds, Care, Riding, And More!
By Kelly Milner Halls
Do you know a young child who dreams of riding? Or loves to learn about what it takes to care for one? This book can teach them! They’ll saddle up and become an expert as they read up on what horses eat, all the gear that keeps them strong and healthy, and how to get started riding.
Kids will take a look at the most popular breeds and what makes them special―like the big and strong Clydesdale and the lean and fast Tennessee Walker. They’ll even learn about how they communicate with humans and how to build a loving bond that lasts a lifetime. 6-9 years
Horses
By Laura Driscoll
Saddle up for a look at kids’ favorite horses—sporting, working, and different breeds, too—in this photographic book for the youngest fan. 3-8 years
Gallop! 100 Fun Facts About Horses
By Kitson Jazynka
Calling all pony lovers, horse fanatics, and bookworms! Trot through 100 equine facts in this leveled reader for fluent readers. Packed with weird-but-true facts and lots of equestrian animal info, this Level 3 Reader gallops right into the world of horses–from wild ponies to superstar racers to the shared history of humans and horses. 7-9 years
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Preaching to the Chickens: The Story of Young John Lewis
By Jabari Asim, Illustrated by E.B. Lewis
John wants to be a preacher when he grows up—a leader whose words stir hearts to change, minds to think, and bodies to take action. But why wait? When John is put in charge of the family farm’s flock of chickens, he discovers that they make a wonderful congregation! So he preaches to his flock, and they listen, content under his watchful care, riveted by the rhythm of his voice. Includes an author’s note about John Lewis, who grew up to be a member of the Freedom Riders, chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, a demonstrator on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, and a U.S. congressman. 5-8 years
John Lewis in the Lead: A Story of the Civil Rights Movement
By Kathleen Benson, Illustrated by Benny Andrews
The son of an Alabama sharecropper, John Lewis experienced the injustice of segregation early in life. Inspired to action by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Lewis joined with civil rights leaders who believed in fighting segregation peacefully. From Nashville, Tennessee, to Selma and Montgomery, Alabama, Lewis was in the forefront of the major civil rights protests of the 1960s. In the face of physical attacks, he persevered with dignity and a devotion to nonviolence, helping southern black people gain the right to vote.
Lewis continued his commitment to human rights from his home base in the South straight to the nation’s capital. In 1986, Lewis was elected to represent Georgia in the United States Congress. This is a celebration of the life of a legend of American history. Lewis’s passionate belief in justice is a beacon for all who wish to make our country a better place. 8-11 years
The Story of John Lewis
By Tonya Leslie, Illustrated by Jerrard K. Polk
John Lewis was a civil rights leader and United States congressman who never stopped speaking for justice, equality, and peace. Before he marched with Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement, John was a thoughtful kid who loved learning but wasn’t able to go to a good school because of segregation. He wanted to make a difference in his community, so he organized peaceful protests to end segregation and fight for equal rights for Black Americans. Explore how John went from being a young farm boy to a famous activist, politician, and leader. 7-10 years
Because of You, John Lewis
By Andrea Davis Pinkney, Illustrated by Keith Henry Brown
When young Tybre Faw discovers John Lewis and his heroic march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in the fight for voting rights, Tybre is determined to meet him. Tybre’s two grandmothers take him on the seven-hour drive to Selma, Alabama, where Lewis invites Tybre to join him in the annual memorial walk across the Bridge. And so begins a most amazing friendship! 7-10 years
I am John Lewis
By Brad Meltzer, Illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos
This book spotlights John Lewis, known for his role in the Civil Rights Movement, his help organizing the March on Washington and the Selma Voting Rights March, and for his lifelong dedication to public service as a member of the House of Representatives. And John Lewis was never afraid to get in “good trouble.” This biography includes: A timeline of key events, photos, comic-book-style illustrations, and childhood moments. 5-9 years
John Lewis
By Denise Lewis Patrick, Illustrated by Steffi Walthall
When John Lewis was a teenager, he asked Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to help integrate a segregated school in his hometown. From then on, John Lewis never stopped organizing, from Freedom Rides, to the marches in Selma and Washington, and more. He believed in getting into “good trouble” for good causes. He became a Civil Rights activist and a United States Representative. 6-8 years.
John Lewis
By Meeg Pincus, Illustrated by Jeff Bane
The My Itty-Bitty Bio series are biographies for the earliest readers. This book examines the life of civil rights activist John Lewis, in a simple, age-appropriate way. It will help young readers develop word recognition and reading skills. Includes a table of contents, author biography, timeline, glossary, index, and other informative backmatter. 4-7 years
March (Book One of Four) Graphic Novels
By John Lewis and Andrew Aydin, Illustrated by Nate Powell
Congressman John Lewis was an American icon, one of the key figures of the civil rights movement. His commitment to justice and nonviolence took him from an Alabama sharecropper’s farm to the halls of Congress. From a segregated schoolroom to the 1963 March on Washington. And from receiving beatings from state troopers to receiving the Medal of Freedom from the first African-American president. 13 and up
John Lewis: Civil Rights Champion and Congressman
By Alisa Morretta
The history of the United States is filled with African American leaders who heroically fought for equality through words and deeds. These men and women sacrificed their safety and, in some cases, their lives for the cause.
One of the most courageous among them is John Lewis. He was on the front lines of this struggle for decades. From the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s to his work as a United States Congressman, Lewis fought for equality for all Americans.
This book uses photographs, sidebars, and primary sources to examine his greatest achievements, both historical and contemporary. It explores how his bravery and dedication to nonviolent direct action affected real change in the United States. 14 and up
The book descriptions are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Blast off into a reading adventure as you learn about the inspiring life of Mae Jemison―the first female African American astronaut. Follow along from her time as a child with big dreams to her exploration in space. This leveled book engages 1st―3rd graders through new vocabulary and high-interest topics like space exploration. 6-10 years
Mae Among the Stars
By Roda Ahmed, Illustrated by Stasia Burrington
When Little Mae was a child, she dreamed of dancing in space. She imagined herself surrounded by billions of stars, floating, gliding, and discovering.
She wanted to be an astronaut.
Her mom told her, “If you believe it, and work hard for it, anything is possible.”
Little Mae’s curiosity, intelligence, and determination, matched with her parents’ encouraging words, paved the way for her incredible success at NASA as the first African American woman to travel in space. 3-8 years
Mae Jemison (You Should Meet)
By Laurie Calkhoven, Illustrated by Monique Dong
Meet Mae Jemison, the first African-American female astronaut! Did you know before Mae was an astronaut, she went to medical school and joined the Peace Corps? But she never forgot her childhood dream to travel to outer space. So, in 1985, she applied to NASA’s astronaut training program. On September 12, 1992, Mae flew into space with six other astronauts aboard the space shuttle Endeavour and made history—just like you can if you follow your dreams! 6-8 years
Mae Jemison
By Jodie Shepherd
Meet Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman to travel to space. Mae was a bright child who was always fascinated by science. The top student and gifted dancer ignored naysayers and worked hard to achieve her dream of becoming a doctor and an astronaut. 6-8 years
Mae Jemison: A Kid’s Book About Reaching Your Dream
By Mary Nhin, Illustrated by Yuliia Zolotava
In the new Mini Movers and Shakers children’s book series comes a cast of characters who have failed, yet succeeded despite overwhelming obstacles. In the third volume, we meet Mae Jemison.
Find out what happens in this kid’s book about flying to space.
Sometimes, we are faced with challenges that seem insurmountable. But with grit and hard work, one can achieve great things! Baby-12 years
Blast Off Into Space Like Mae Jemison
By Caroline Moss, Illustrated by Sinem Erkas
When Mae Jemison was a little girl, she loved science, dancing, and dinosaurs. She watched the Apollo moon landings and wondered why none of the astronauts were women – and she just didn’t buy the answers she was given…
Discover how Mae Jemison became the first African American woman in space, in this true story of her life. Then, learn ten key lessons from her work you can apply to your own life.
Featuring inspiring quotes and mantras, this is a book for all kids wanting to forge their own career path in the field of STEM. 8-12 years
Mae Jemison: Trailblazing Astronaut, Doctor, and Teacher
By Linda Barghoorn
“The first African American woman to travel in space, Mae Jemison has broken barriers in science and medicine to become one of the most admired women worldwide. This book describes how Jemison refused to let anyone stand in the way of her dreams. She became a doctor and worked in the Peace Corps until NASA invited her to join the astronaut program. Today, she is an important advocate for science in education–especially for girls and women. Jemison also continues to push scientific research to improve life in developing countries.” 7-10 years
VIP: Dr. Mae Jemison, Brave Rocketeer
By Heather Alexander, Illustrated by Jennifer Bricking
Soar to the stars with Dr. Mae Jemison in this middle grade nonfiction biography. The books in the VIP series tell the true—and amazing—stories of some of history’s greatest trailblazers. Meet the VERY IMPORTANT PEOPLE who changed the world!
Mae Jemison is the first African American woman to travel to space. She’s also a medical doctor who once joined the Peace Corps. And a trained dancer, too! Experience all the exciting moments in Dr. Jemison’s thrillinglife in this exciting biography, packed with two-color illustrations and fun facts, including the secrets of NASA. 8-12 years
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
By James Buckley, Jr., Illustrated by Gregory Copeland
At the 1936 Berlin Summer Olympics, track and field star Jesse Owens ran himself straight into international glory by winning four gold medals. But the life of Jesse Owens is much more than a sports story.
Born in rural Alabama under the oppressive Jim Crow laws, Owens’s family suffered many hardships. As a boy he worked several jobs: delivering groceries and working in a shoe repair shop to make ends meet. Owens defied the odds to become a sensational student athlete, eventually running track for Ohio State. He was chosen to compete in the Summer Olympics in Nazi Germany where Adolf Hitler was promoting the idea of “Aryan superiority.” Owens’s winning streak at the games humiliated Hitler and crushed the myth of racial supremacy once and for all. 8-12 years
Jesse Owens: Fastest Man Alive
By Carole Boston Weatherford, Illustrated by Eric Velasquez
Jesse Owens grew up during the time of Jim Crow laws, but adversity didn’t stop him. After setting world records for track in high school and college, he won a slot on the 1936 U.S. Olympic team. That year, the Olympics were held in Nazi Germany, where Adolf Hitler believes the Games would prove to the world that people like him were superior to all others. But Jesse, a sharecropper’s son, would ultimately topple Hitler’s hopes, winning four gold medals and the hearts of millions to become known as the fastest man alive. 7-11 years
A Star Like Jesse Owens
By Nikki Shannon Smith, Illustrated by Lisa Manuzak Wiley
Matthew is a young African-American boy who dreams of becoming an Olympic runner like his hero, Jesse Owens. There’s one big problem, though Matthew has asthma, which makes it hard for him to run. When his journalist father is assigned to cover the 1936 Olympics in Germany, Matthew jumps at the chance tag along. He has never been out of Ohio before, let alone to Europe. Will Owens’s amazing Olympic victories inspire Matthew in his own chosen career? 8-11 years
A Picture Book of Jesse Owens
By David A. Adler, Illustrated by Robert Casilla
Before Usain Bolt or Tyson Gay, Bob Beamon or Carl Lewis, Jesse Owens was perhaps the greatest and most famous athlete in track and field history.
Jesse Owens was born on a farm to a large family with many siblings. His grandparents had been slaves, and his sharecropper parents were poor. But against all odds, Jesse went on to become one of the greatest athletes in history. He learned to run with such grace that people said he was a “floating wonder.”
After setting multiple world records as a college athlete, including three in less than an hour—”the greatest 45 minutes in sport”—Owens competed in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Adolf Hitler intended for the games to display Aryan superiority, but Jesse disrupted that plan. He became the first American track-and-field athlete to receive four Olympic gold medals and established his legacy as a hero in the face of prejudice. 4-8 years
Just Like Jesse Owens
By Andrew Young and Paul Young Shelton Illustrated by Gordon C. James
As a boy, Andrew Young learned a vital lesson from his parents when a local chapter of the Nazi party instigated racial unrest in their hometown of New Orleans in the 1930s. While Hitler’s teachings promoted White supremacy, Andrew’s father, told him that when dealing with the sickness of racism, “Don’t get mad, get smart.” To drive home this idea, Andrew Young Senior took his family to the local movie house to see a newsreel of track star Jesse Owens racing toward Olympic gold, showing the world that the best way to promote equality is to focus on the finish line. The teaching of his parents, and Jesse Owens’ example, would be the guiding principles that shaped Andrew’s beliefs in nonviolence and built his foundation as a civil rights leader and advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The story is recalled by Paula Young Shelton, Andrew’s daughter. 6-8 years
Jesse Owens (Little People, Big Dreams)
By Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Illustrated by Anna Katharina Jansen
The youngest of ten children, Jesse grew up working in the cotton fields of Alabama. Discovered by his high school track and field coach, Jesse quickly rose to fame as an athlete. He went on to challenge racism on the world stage at the 1936 Berlin Olympics and made new world records. This book features extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the athlete and activist’s life. 4-7 years
Jesse Owens (You Should Meet)
By Laurie Calkhoven, Illustrated by Elizabeth Vukovic
Meet Jesse Owens, an African American runner who won four gold medals at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin! What made his achievement even more memorable was that Adolph Hitler expected the Olympic Games to be a German showcase. In fact, he criticized the United States for even including black athletes on its Olympic roster. According to many reports, after Owens won his fourth gold medal, Hitler stormed out of the stadium. In 1936 Jesse Owens took a stand against racism and made history.
A special section at the back of the book includes extras on subjects like history and math, plus an article filled with interesting facts about the Olympics. 6-8 years
Defying Hitler: Jesse Owens Olympic Trials
By Nel Yomtov, Illustrated by Eduardo Garcia
At the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany, the last thing Adolf Hitler expected was to see a black man compete and win. But Jesse Owens didn’t just win. He was dominant in the track and field events, winning four gold medals and helping to set a world record. Now readers can witness one of the most iconic moments in sports history. 8 and up
Olympic Gold 1936:
How the Image of Jesse Owens Crushed Hitler’s Evil Myth
By Michael Burgan
Jesse Owens’ gold-medal winning feats at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin struck a mighty propaganda blow against Adolf Hitler. The Nazi leader had planned to use the German games as a showcase for supposed Aryan superiority. Instead, there was American black athlete Owens on the podium being photographed by Hitler’s personal photographer, Heinrich Hoffmann. In addition, Owens would figure prominently in the groundbreaking film Olympia by Hitler’s favorite director Leni Riefenstahl. Photos and film captured Owens’ stunning success and revealed how wrong Hitler was in his beliefs. 10-12 years
Jesse Owens: Athletes Who Made a Difference
By Blake Hoena, Illustrated by David Shephard
In 1936, Adolf Hitler attempted to make the Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany, a showcase of Nazi superiority with a new stadium and the first television broadcast of the Games. He didn’t account for African-American sprinter and long jumper James Cleveland “Jesse” Owens, who smashed records throughout his track and field career.
Owens turned Hitler’s Olympic vision on its head by winning four gold medals in the 100m, 200m, 4x100m relay and long jump. Along the way, he broke or equaled nine Olympic records and set three world records. In graphic nonfiction style, this biography takes readers from Owens’s early life to his historic athletic triumphs. 8-12 years
Jesse Owens: Amazing People Who Shaped the World
By James Buckley, Jr.
Jesse Owens is one of the most famous athletes of all time, winning an incredible four gold medals at the 1936 Olympic Games. But he faced discrimination throughout his athletic career.
This biography charts the major events of Jesse’s life; from his childhood growing up on a farm in Alabama, to his family’s move to Ohio in search of better opportunities, to the beginning of his running career and his years as a world record-breaking student athlete, all the way to the Olympics and beyond. 8-11 years
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Juneteenth All Different Now, the First Day of Freedom
By Angela Johnson, Illustrated by E.B. Lewis
Through the eyes of one little girl, All Different Now tells the story of the first Juneteenth, the day freedom finally came to the last of the slaves in the South. Since then, the observance of June 19 as African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. This picture book includes notes from the author and illustrator, a timeline of important dates, and a glossary of relevant terms. All Different Now is a joyous portrait of the dawn breaking on the darkest time in our nation’s history. 5-9 years
Juneteenth A Children’s Story
By Opal Lee, Illustrated by Peter Viska
An engaging way to introduce the history of slavery and freedom to children in words they can understand. Ms. Opal highlights the celebration of Juneteenth and the importance of commemorating this milestone all across America. 5-11 years
Juneteenth
By Drew Nelson and Vaundra Micheaux Nelson, Illustrated by Mark Schroder
June 19,1865, began as another hot day in Texas. Enslaved African Americans worked in fields, in barns, and in the homes of the white people who owned them. Then a message arrived. Freedom! Slavery had ended! The Civil War had actually ended in April. It took two months for word to reach Texas. Still the joy of that amazing day has never been forgotten. Every year, people all over the United States come together on June 19th to celebrate the end of slavery. Join in the celebration of Juneteenth, a day to remember and honor freedom for all people. 7-10 years
Juneteenth for Mazie
By Floyd Cooper
Mazie is ready to celebrate liberty. She is ready to celebrate freedom. She is ready to celebrate a great day in American history. The day her ancestors were no longer slaves. Mazie remembers the struggles and the triumph, as she gets ready to celebrate Juneteenth. 6-9 years
Juneteenth Jamboree
By Carole Boston Weatherford, Illustrated by Yvonne Buchanan
Joining her parents in a community celebration of Juneteenth, Cassie learns about the day when slaves in Texas were freed some two years after the Emancipation Proclamation and wonders why the news took so long to reach them. 8-12 years
Opal Lee and What it Means to be Free:
The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth
By Alice Faye Duncan, Illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo
(Forthcoming book January 2022)
The true story Opal Lee and her vision of Juneteenth as a holiday for everyone, celebrates Black joy and inspires children to see their dreams blossom. Growing up in Texas, Opal knew the history of Juneteenth, but she soon discovered that many Americans had never heard of the holiday that represents the nation’s creed of “freedom for all.”
Every year, Opal looked forward to the Juneteenth picnic–a drumming, dancing, delicious party. She knew from Granddaddy Zak’s stories that Juneteenth celebrated the day the freedom news of President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation finally sailed into Texas in 1865–over two years after the president had declared it! But Opal didn’t always see freedom in her Texas town.
Then one Juneteenth day when Opal was twelve years old, an angry crowd burned down her brand-new home. This wasn’t freedom at all. She had to do something! Opal Lee spent the rest of her life speaking up for equality and unity. She became a teacher, a charity worker, and a community leader. At the age of 89, she walked from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., in an effort to gain national recognition for Juneteenth. 4-8 years
Juneteenth
By Anece Rochell, Illustrated by Audeva Joseph
Daylen is excited and ready to share everything he knows about Juneteenth. This is a picture book that explains the origin, customs, and importance of the Juneteenth Holiday, in a fun and interactive way. Juneteenth ends with a words to know page, to help children build a stronger vocabulary. 4-10 years
The Story of Juneteenth: An Interactive History Adventure
By Steven Otfinoski
The Emancipation Proclamation and the Civil War had brought an official end to slavery, yet some Southern slave owners refused to comply. The road to freedom was still long and hard for many African Americans, but they didn’t give up. Will you: overcome obstacles as you make your way north from Texas, looking to begin a new life of freedom? Will you: seek out your family, from whom you were separated as a child? Will you: fight back when you take work as an apprentice but find that you’re still treated as a slave? This book offers multiple perspectives on history and gives readers a front-row seat to the past. 8-11 years
Juneteenth: First Step Nonfiction, American Holidays
By Robin Nelson
This book is a basic overview of Juneteenth for emergent readers. Color photographs reflect the short, easy-to-understand sentences that improve vocabulary and comprehension. 5-8 years
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Meet Mars! The red planet. Planet Marvelous. Favorite sibling of Earth (or so he claims). Sometimes they’re close (just 34.5 million miles apart). Sometimes they need space (250 million miles apart). Earth and Mars have a lot in common―clouds, mountains, polar icecaps. And while Earth has Earthlings, Mars makes a persuasive case for why people should make the journey to spend time with him. His day is 7 minutes longer. He is home to the largest volcano in the whole solar system. He’s, well, marvelous. 4-8 years
Mars First Friends: Come on Over Rovers!
By Susanna Leonard Hill, Illustrated by Elisa Paganelli
In a solar system full of planets, Mars feels all alone. All Mars wants is someone to play with, but all of the planets are just too busy. Mars can’t help but wonder…will he ever get a playmate? Until one day, Earth sends her little brother Mars his first friends: the rovers Spirit and Opportunity.
Learn about Mars’ rovers through this universal story about man’s―and Mars’―best friends―our beloved pets. This solar system book is the perfect book for little adventurers searching for more books on pets and space books for kids. 4-8 years
Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover
By Markus Motum
Maybe you remember when a little robotic spacecraft landed on a far-off planet. On August 6, 2012, the rover Curiosity touched down on the rocky surface of Mars — and now she’s ready to guide you through her journey firsthand. From idea to creation and beyond, this fact-filled book introduces readers to Curiosity and her mission: to discover more about the red planet and search for evidence of life.
How did Curiosity get her name? What tools does she use to carry out her tasks? In her own voice, the popular NASA rover tells how and why she traveled more than 350,000,000 miles to explore a planet no human has ever visited . . . and what she’s been doing there. 8-12 years
The Mighty Mars Rover: The Incredible Adventures of Spirt and Opportunity
By Elizabeth Rusch
On June 10, 2003, a little rover named Spirit blasted off on a rocket headed for Mars. On July 7, 2003, a twin rover named Opportunity soared through the solar system with the same mission: to find out if Mars ever had water that could have supported life. The Mighty Mars Rovers tells the story of the greatest space robot adventure of all time through the eyes—and heart—of Steven Squyres, professor of astronomy at Cornell University and lead scientist on the mission. This book captures the hair-raising human emotions felt during the adventures with two tough rovers. 10-12 years
National Geographic Reader: Mars
By Elizabeth Carney
Discover the fascinating world of Mars in this colorful book. In this format, kids will learn about the newest information on Mars, the Mars Rover, and our ongoing exploration of the Red Planet. This level 3 reader is written in an easy-to-grasp style to encourage the scientists and explorers of tomorrow! 6-9 years
Rover Throws a Party
Kristin L. Gray, Illustrated by Scott Magoon
It’s Rover’s anniversary on Mars! Time to celebrate by throwing the best party this planet has ever seen. Rover hands out invitations all over town, but it seems like he’s the only one around. Will anyone come to the party, or will Rover be all alone on his big day?
In 2013, NASA programmed their Curiosity rover to hum “Happy Birthday to You” in honor of its first year on Mars. Inspired by this anecdote, this is the tale of a lonely rover and his party, accompanied by fascinating Mars rover facts that help explain the real science behind the story. This fun birthday tale provides an accessible, kid-friendly look at one of NASA’s coolest programs. 3-7 years
Night Night, Curiosity
By Brianna Caplan, Illustrated by Ryan O’Rourke
In this rhyming bedtime book, a girl whose mother works at NASA imagines that she’s exploring Mars with the Curiosity rover as she gets ready for bed. She describes taking off, observing Mars, communicating with mission control, and operating the rover. Young space explorers everywhere will want to head for Mars, too. 3-7 years
Red Rover: Curiosity on Mars
By Richard Ho, Illustrated by Katherine Roy
Mars has a visitor. It likes to roam…observe…measure…and collect. It explores the red landscape―crossing plains, climbing hills, and tracing the bottoms of craters―in search of water and life. It is not the first to visit Mars. It will not be the last. But it might be…the most curious. Join Curiosity on its journey across the red planet in this nonfiction picture book by Richard Ho, illustrated by Sibert Honor winner Katherine Roy. 3-6 years
Spirit and Oppy
By Rachel Viniguerra, Illustrated by Samantha Gottwalt
Have you heard the story of the twin sisters who explored the surface of Mars? They were NASA’s twin rovers, Spirit and Opportunity (or Oppy for short). The two sisters traveled to Mars in 2003 and explored the vast planet. Although Oppy’s mission was only meant to last 90 days, she explored for 15 years overcoming obstacles with creative solutions. The sisters showed the world just how much two small rovers can do right up until the end of their missions. 5-9 years
Exploring Space: From Galileo to the Mars Rover and Beyond
By Martin Jenkins, Illustrated by Stephen Biesty
For centuries, humans have looked up at the night sky and wondered what it’s like deep in space, far from Earth — and now we’ve begun to find out. We’ve landed on the moon, put robots on Mars, and sent space probes billions of miles to explore the far reaches of our solar system. Find out what life is like on the International Space Station, what the chances are that we will ever settle on Mars, where in the solar system we might find alien life, and why visiting other stars will almost certainly remain a dream. Budding astronomers, junior astronauts, and anyone who has ever gazed up at the stars will enjoy this glimpse of the infinite wonders of space. 8-12 years
Moving to Mars
By Stef Wade, Illustrated by Erin Taylor
Mars likes peace and quiet and is not happy when unexpected visitors start showing up. But when they leave, Mars realizes being alone isn’t all that great. Mars reaches out to his space friends for comfort and help. Maybe Mars is a people planet after all! Author Stef Wade (A Place for Pluto) interweaves friendship and humor throughout the space story and seamlessly connects nonfiction information to the narrative in the back matter. 5-7 years
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning, The First Paleontologist
By Linda Skeers, Illustrated by Marta Alvarez Miguéns
Mary Anning loved scouring the beach near her home in England for shells and fossils. She fearlessly climbed over crumbling cliffs and rocky peaks, searching for new specimens. One day, something caught Mary’s eye.
Bones. Dinosaur Bones.
Mary’s discoveries rocked the world of science and helped create a brand-new field of study: paleontology. But many people believed women couldn’t be scientists, so Mary wasn’t given the credit she deserved. Nevertheless, Mary kept looking and learning more, making discoveries that reshaped scientific beliefs about the natural world. Grades 1-4
Mary Anning’s Curiosity
By Monica Kulling, Illustrated by Melissa Castrillon
Mary Anning, considered the world’s greatest fossilist, discovered her first big find at the age of twelve. This novel is an imaginative recreation of her childhood in early nineteenth-century Lyme Regis. Grades 2-7
Fossil Hunter: How Mary Anning Changed the Science of Prehistoric Life
By Cheryl Blackford
Mary Anning grew up on the south coast of England in a region rich in fossils. As teenagers, she and her brother Joseph discovered England’s first complete ichthyosaur. Poor and uneducated, Anning would become one of the most celebrated paleontologists ever, though in her time she supported herself selling by fossils and received little formal recognition. Her findings helped shape scientific thinking about extinction and prehistoric life long before Darwin published his famous work on evolution.
With photographs, and paleoart, Fossil Hunter introduces this self-taught scientist, now recognized as one of the greatest fossilists the world has ever known. Grade 5+
The Fossil Girl
By Catherine Brighton
It’s 1811. Ten-year-old Mary Anning, her brother Joe, and their widowed mother are eking out a meager existence running a little fossil shop in the seaside town of Lyme Regis. After a storm wipes out most of the shop’s merchandise, Mary and Joe begin the slow work of restocking the shelves. They search high and low for fossils, and one day Mary spots a huge eye in a cliff face high above the town. She resolves to bring the creature down no matter the risk. The exciting discovery and recovery of the first complete fossil of an Ichthyosaurus is told in a graphic novel format, perfect for reluctant readers. Grades K-3
Rare Treasures: Mary Anning and Her Remarkable Discoveries
By Don Brown
Before the word “dinosaur” was even coined, a young girl discovered a remarkable skeleton on the rocky beach at Lyme Regis in England. Thus began a lifelong passion for an extraordinary woman who became one of the first commercial fossil collectors. Born in 1799, Mary Anning spent a lifetime teaching herself about fossils and combing the rugged ribbon of shore near her home. Her work yielded an astounding treasure trove: fossils of long-extinct creatures that thrilled customers in her shop and excited early paleontologists.
Blind to the dangers of fossil-hunting and to the limitations imposed on women of her era, Mary Anning was a singular scientist who used her sharp eyes and clear mind to compose a picture of ancient life from the bones she unearthed. With his trademark prose and lyrical watercolors, Don Brown distills the life story of this rare treasure of a scientist. Grades Preschool-3
Stone Girl Bone Girl
By Laurence Anhot, Illustrated by Shelia Moxley
Mary Anning, a young girl found a fossilized sea monster, the most important prehistoric discovery of its time. This spectacular tale of a little girl who dared to be different and who followed her dreams will inspire young children. Learn how Mary discovered new fossils – and how her observations rocked the natural history world. Be inspired by Mary’s work as a woman in the field of science – especially as her achievements weren’t recognized until after her death. Grades K-3
History VIPs: Mary Anning
By Kay Barnham
‘She sells sea shells on the sea shore’ – and she really did! This rhyme is thought to have been written about Mary Anning, an amazing fossilist and dinosaur expert, who was almost unknown at the time she lived. This biography explores the life of Mary Anning, from her first fossil finds at the age of ten to her sales of important discoveries to wealthy scientists. Mary’s fossil finds made a great contribution to what scientists understood about pre-historic life.
Through the story of Mary Anning, readers learn about life and society in Victorian Britain. We learn what it was like to be born into a poor family and about the roles of women in society and in the field of science. Grades 4-6
Mary Anning and the Sea Dragon
By Jeannine Atkins, Illustrated by Michael Dooling
Mary Anning loved to scour the shores of Lyme Regis, England, where she was born in 1799, for stone sea lilies and shells. Her father had taught her how to use the tools with which she dug into the sand and scraped at the stones that fell from the cliffs. And he taught her how to look hard for “curiosities.”
One day, when she was eleven, Mary Anning spotted some markings on a wide, flat stone. She chipped at it with her hammer and chisel until the lines of a tooth emerged–and then those of another tooth. Weeks of persistent effort yielded a face about four feet long. But what creature was this? Her brother called it a sea dragon.
Many months later, Mary Anning still had not unearthed what she only then learned was called a fossil. But she found out that her discovery was precious and that the painstaking effort to uncover traces of ancient life was profoundly important. Jeannine Atkins’s engaging portrait is illustrated by Michael Dooling, whose paintings capture young Mary Anning’s devotion to her work, and all the joy she found in it. Grades K-4
The Dog That Dug for Dinosaurs
By Shirley Raye Redmond, Illustrated by Simon Sullivan
There once was a little dog named Tray. He lived in England with his owner, Mary Ann Anning. Besides Mary Ann, Tray loved one other thing: He loved to dig for dinosaur bones. Together he and Mary Ann found small bones, big bones, and even entire skeletons! People came from all around the world to see the bones they found. This is the true story of Tray, the dog that dug for dinosaurs. Grades 1-3
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers. You will notice that there is a discrepancy in Mary’s age when she found the dinosaur.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or commenting below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
America is Under Attack: September 11, 2001 the Day the Towers Fell
By Don Brown
The events of September 11, 2001, changed the world forever. Don Brown narrates the events of the day in a way that is both accessible and understandable for young readers. Straightforward and honest, this account moves chronologically through the morning, from the terrorist plane hijackings to the crashes at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania; from the rescue operations at the WTC site in New York City to the collapse of the buildings. Watercolor illustrations capture the emotion and pathos of the tragedy making this an important book about an unforgettable day in American history. Grades 1-4
Survivor Tree
By Marcie Colleen, Illustrated by Aaron Becker
This hopeful story of a resilient tree that grew (and still grows) at the base of the twin towers is a simple introduction for young readers to gain an understanding of September 11th and the impact it had on America.
One September day, the perfect blue sky exploded. Dust billowed. Buildings crumbled. And underneath it all, a tree sprouted green leaves in its distress. Pulled from the wreckage, the tree saw many seasons pass as it slowly recovered far away from home. Until one day, forever scarred and forever stronger, it was replanted at the 9/11 Memorial.
This story of the real Survivor Tree uses nature’s cycle of colors to reflect on the hope and healing that come after a tragedy—and assures readers of their own remarkable resilience. 4-8 years
Towers Falling
By Jewell Parker Rhodes
When her fifth-grade teacher hints that a series of lessons about home and community will culminate with one big answer about two tall towers once visible outside their classroom window, Dèja can’t help but feel confused. She sets off on a journey of discovery, with new friends Ben and Sabeen by her side. But just as she gets closer to answering big questions about who she is, what America means, and how communities can grow and heal, she uncovers new questions. Like, why does Pop get so angry when she brings up anything about the towers?
Jewell Parker Rhodes tells a story about young people who weren’t alive to witness this defining moment in history, but begin to realize how much it colors their every day. Grades 3-7
What Were the Twin Towers
By Jim O’Connor, Illustrated by Ted Hammond
Discover the true story of the Twin Towers—how they came to be the tallest buildings in the world and why they were destroyed.
When the Twin Towers were built in 1973, they were billed as an architectural wonder. At 1,368 feet, they clocked in as the tallest buildings in the world and changed the New York City skyline dramatically. Offices and corporations moved into the towers—also known as the World Trade Center—and the buildings were seen as the economic hub of the world. But on September 11, 2001, a terrorist attack toppled the towers and changed our nation forever. Discover the whole story of the Twin Towers—from their ambitious construction to their tragic end. Grades 3-7
National Geographic Readers: September 11
By Libby Romero
The events of September 11, 2001, changed the world forever. With photographs and sensitive, age-appropriate text, this Level 3 reader recounts the shocking attacks at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania. This book explains who was behind the attacks, and celebrates the spirit of hope that emerged through the inspiring story of rescue and recovery and the heroes who raced to save lives. 5-8 years
Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey
By Maira Kalman
The John J. Harvey fireboat was the largest, fastest, shiniest fireboat of its time, but by 1995, the city didn’t need old fireboats anymore. So the Harvey retired, until a group of friends decided to save it from the scrap heap. Then, one sunny September day in 2001, something so horrible happened that the whole world shook. A call came from the fire department, asking if the Harvey could battle the roaring flames. In this true story, Maira Kalman brings a New York City icon to life and proves that old heroes never die. Preschool – 3rd Grade
The Survivor Tree: Inspired by a True Story
By Cheryl Somers Aubin, Illustrated by Shelia Harrington
The Survivor Tree: Inspired by a True Story takes the reader on a journey of hope and healing that parallels our nation’s own journey following the events of September 11, 2001.
A month after the collapse of the Twin Towers, workers on the site discovered a few green leaves showing through the gray concrete and ash. Clearing the debris, they found a badly injured Callery Pear Tree. She was rescued, taken to a nursery outside the city, and put in the care of Richie, a City Parks Worker. No one was sure if she would live. But the following spring, a dove built a nest in her branches and new green buds appeared.
Over the years, the tree, although still bearing scars, grew tall and strong. She is planted in a place of honor on the 9/11 Memorial Plaza and now known as “The 9/11 Survivor Tree.” This story describes the experience, memories, and feelings of the tree throughout her healing and her eventual return home. All profits from the sale of this book go to charity. 8-12 years
September 11 Then and Now
By Peter Benoit
Discover the events of September 11th, 2001, in one of the A True Book: Natural Disasters series. This book investigates the events leading up to the disaster, explores it causes, and ponders how the events changed, or could have altered history. 8-11years
Saved by the Boats: The Heroic Sea Evacuation of September 11
By Julie Gassman, Illustrated by Steve Moors
September 11, 2001, was a dark day in U.S. history. Amid the chaos, sea captains and crews raced by boat to the tragic Manhattan scene. Nearly 500,000 people on Manhattan Island were rescued that day in what would later be called the largest sea evacuation in history. In this story of heroism, we come to understand that in our darkest hours, people shine brightly as a beacon of hope. Grades 3-6
10 True Tales: Heroes of 9/11
By Allan Zallo
When Captain Jay Jonas of the Fire Department of New York hears an emergency radio message about the World Trade Center, he has no idea of the terrible conditions he and his team will face. Arriving at the burning building, the firefighters must summon all their courage. On the same morning, just outside Washington, D.C., a jetliner piloted by terrorists slams into the Pentagon. Can Colonel Philip McNair save lives inside the flaming building?
From the World Trade Center and the Pentagon to a hijacked plane above Pennsylvania, these ten stories of true American heroes on the day that changed America — September 11, 2001. Grades 3-7
Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story
By Nora Raleigh Baskin
Ask anyone: September 11, 2001, was serene and lovely, a perfect day—until a plane struck the World Trade Center.
But right now it is a few days earlier, and four kids in different parts of the country are going about their lives. Sergio, who lives in Brooklyn, is struggling to come to terms with the absentee father he hates and the grandmother he loves. Will’s father is gone, too, killed in a car accident that has left the family reeling. Naheed has never before felt uncomfortable about being Muslim, but at her new school she’s getting funny looks because of the head scarf she wears. Aimee is starting a new school in a new city and missing her mom, who has to fly to New York on business.
These four don’t know one another, but their lives are about to intersect in ways they never could have imagined. Nora Raleigh Baskin weaves together their stories into a novel about that seemingly perfect September day—the day our world changed forever. Grades 3-7
The books descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
“It’s not fair.” Susan B. Anthony was very concerned about fairness and equality for women and girls in America. She knew it wasn’t fair to pay a woman less than a man for the same job. She knew it wasn’t fair not to allow women to vote in elections. In fact, it was illegal for women to vote. But she felt so strongly, she voted in an election–and was arrested–anyway.
Young readers will learn about young Susan B. Anthony and how she grew up to become a suffragette–a fighter for women’s equality. She joined forces with Elizabeth Cady Stanton and others and gave speeches around the country to gain support for women’s right to vote. She fought her whole life, and believed that “failure is impossible.” She was right; her work made the 19th Amendment to the Constitution possible!
Step 3 Readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots about popular topics–for children who are ready to read on their own. 4-6 years.
Susan B. Anthony
By Alexandra Wallner
During Susan B. Anthony’s life, women and men were not considered equal. Women could not own property or vote; nor could they receive good educations. But Susan envisioned a time when women would be treated fairly and so she became a voice for change.
Her speeches and articles about women’s suffrage made her unpopular–people threw rotten eggs at her and even threatened her life–yet she did not give up. In clear and simple words and jewel-like paintings, here is the essential story of the woman whose passion for justice led to the passing of the Nineteenth Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. 6-9 years
Heart on Fire: Susan B. Anthony Votes For President
By Ann Malaspina, Illustrated by Steve James
On November 5, 1872, Susan B. Anthony made history–and broke the law–when she voted in the U.S. presidential election, a privilege that had been reserved for men. She was arrested, tried, and found guilty: “The greatest outrage History every witnessed,” she wrote in her journal. It wasn’t until 1920 that women were granted the right to vote, but the civil rights victory would not have been possible without Susan B. Anthony’s leadership and passion to stand up for what was right. 4-8 years
Who Was Susan B. Anthony?
By Pam Pollack and Meg Belviso, Illustrated by Mike Lacey
Susan B. Anthony may be an international icon but her campaign for women’s rights had personal roots. Working as a school teacher in New York, Anthony refused to settle for less pay than her male colleagues which ignited her lifelong devotion to women’s equality. Anthony toured the United States and Europe giving speeches and publishing articles as one of the most important advocates of women’s rights. Learn more about the woman behind the movement.8-12 years
Susan B. Anthony: Fighter for Women’s Rights
By Deborah Hopkinson, Illustrated by Amy June Bates
Unlike most girls of her time, Susan B. Anthony received an education. And besides reading and writing, her schooling taught her that women should have the same rights as men, above all the right to vote. So from the time she was a young woman until the day she died, Susan worked very hard to change America and make her dream reality. 6-8 years
I Am Susan B. Anthony
By Nancy Parent
Brad feels left out when Xavier and Yadina take a vote without him. Thanks to Susan B. Anthony, they learn that everyone should have a vote! This episode-based 8×8 will focus on the traits that made our heroes great–the traits that kids can aspire to in order to live heroically themselves. 3-5 years
Two Friends: Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass
By Dean Robbins, Illustrated by Sean Qualls and Selina Alko
Some people had rights, while others had none.
Why shouldn’t they have them, too?
Two friends, Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, get together for tea and conversation. They recount their similar stories fighting to win rights for women and African Americans. The premise of this particular exchange between the two is based on a statue in their hometown of Rochester, New York, which shows the two friends having tea. 4-8 years
Why Couldn’t Susan B. Anthony Vote?
And Other Questions About Women’s Suffrage
By Mary Kay Carson
Who was Susan B. Anthony—what did she stand for, why was she arrested, and how did she fight for women’s right to vote? And did she ever see her dream of woman’s suffrage come true? From the first women’s rights convention at Seneca Falls, New York, to the enactment of the 19th Amendment, this lively chronicle introduces Anthony and the American suffragist movement. 7 and up
Susan B. Anthony: Champion for Voting Rights
By Mark Shulman, Illustrated by Kelly Tindall
This is a biography of the woman who was at the forefront of the women’s suffrage movement in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Along with other social reformers such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Frederick Douglass, Anthony not only paved the way for women seeking the right to vote but also spoke out against the institution of slavery, at great personal risk. Full-color illustrations and historically accurate text make this biography an entertaining, educational, and inspiring read for those who enjoy history and graphic novels. 8-12 years
Marching With Aunt Susan
By Claire Rudolf Murphy, Illustrated by Stacy Schuett
This is the inspiring story of the fight for women’s suffrage, based on the experiences of a real girl. All Bessie wants is to go hiking with her father and brothers. But it’s 1896, and girls don’t get to hike. They can’t vote either, which Bessie discovers when Susan B. Anthony comes to town to help lead the campaign for women’s suffrage. Stirred to action, Bessie joins the movement and discovers that small efforts can result in small changes―and maybe even big ones.
Inspired by the diary of the real Bessie Keith Pond, a ten-year-old girl who lived in California during the suffrage campaign, this story offers a thought-provoking introduction to the fight for women’s rights. A story of hope and determination, Marching with Aunt Susan reminds readers that society cannot evolve unless people―even young people―dare to take a stand. 6-10 years
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
