Books For Kids: Jesse Owens

Who Was Jesse Owens

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

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Wilma Rudolph, Champion Sprinter https://barbaralowell.com/wilma-rudolph-champion-sprinter

Books For Kids: Jackie Robinson https://www.barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-jackie-robinson

 

Books For Kids: Juneteenth

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

Holidays For Kids: Juneteenth https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/juneteenth.php

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

Books For Kids: Ona Judge

Ona Judge Outwits the Washingtons: An Enslaved Woman Fights for Freedom

By Gwendolyn Hooks, Illustrated by Simone Agoussoye

Soon after American colonists had won independence from Great Britain, Ona Judge was fighting for her own freedom from one of America’s most famous founding fathers, George Washington.

George and Martha Washington valued Ona as one of their most skilled and trustworthy slaves, but she would risk everything to achieve complete freedom. Born into slavery at Mount Vernon, Ona seized the opportunity to escape when she was brought to live in the President’s Mansion in Philadelphia. Ona fled to New Hampshire and started a new life. But the Washingtons wouldn’t give up easily. After her escape, Ona became the focus of a years-long manhunt, led by America’s first president.

Gwendolyn Hooks’ vivid and detailed prose captures the danger, uncertainty, and persistence Ona Judge experienced during and after her heroic escape. 9-12 years

Never Caught, The Story of Ona Judge:

George and Martha Washington’s Courageous Slave Who Dared to Run Away

By Erika Armstrong Dunbar, Illustrated by Kathleen Van Cleve

Born into a life of slavery, Ona Judge eventually grew up to be George and Martha Washington’s “favored” dower slave. When she was told that she was going to be given as a wedding gift to Martha Washington’s granddaughter, Ona made the bold and brave decision to flee to the north, where she would be a fugitive.

From her childhood, to her time with the Washingtons living in the slave quarters, to her escape to New Hampshire, Erica Armstrong Dunbar, along with Kathleen Van Cleve, share an intimate glimpse into the life of a little-known, but powerful figure in history, and her brave journey as she fled the most powerful couple in the country. 9-13 years

Runaway: The Daring Escape of Ona Judge

By Ray Anthony Shepard, Illustrated by Keith Mallett

Ona Judge was enslaved by George and Martha Washington. She served as Martha’s maid. Ona was widely known for her excellent skills as a seamstress, and was raised alongside Washington’s grandchildren. She was frequently mistaken for George Washington’s granddaughter. This poetic biography follows her childhood and adolescence until she decides to run away. With extensive backmatter, this poem may serve as a new introduction to American slavery and Ona Judge’s legacy. 3-6 years

The Escape of Oney Judge: Martha Washington’s Slave Finds Freedom

By Emily Arnold McCully

When General George Washington is elected the first President of the United States, his wife chooses young Oney Judge, a house slave who works as a seamstress at Mount Vernon, to travel with her to the nation’s capital in New York City as her personal maid. When the capital is moved to Philadelphia, the Washingtons and Oney move, too, and there Oney meets free blacks for the first time.

At first, Oney can’t imagine being free – she depends on the Washingtons for food, warmth, and clothing. But then Mrs. Washington tells Oney that after her death she will be sent to live with Mrs. Washington’s granddaughter. Oney is horrified because she knows it is likely that she will then be sold to a stranger – the worst fate she can imagine. Oney realizes she must run. One day she sees an opportunity and takes it, ending up in New Hampshire, where she lives the rest of her life, poor but free. 6-9 years

Taking Liberty: The Story of Oney Judge, George Washington’s Runaway Slave

By Ann Rinaldi

Oney Judge is a slave. But on the plantation of Mount Vernon, the beautiful home of George and Martha Washington, she is not called a slave. She is referred to as a servant, and a house servant at that—a position of influence and respect. When she rises to the position of personal servant to Martha Washington, her status among the household staff—black or white—is second to none. She is Lady Washington’s closest confidante and for all intents and purposes, a member of the family…or so she thinks.

Slowly, Oney’s perception of her life with the Washingtons begins to crack as she realizes the truth: No matter what it’s called, it’s still slavery and she’s still enslaved.

Oney must make a choice. Does she stay where she is, comfortable, with this family that has loved her and nourished her and owned her since the day she was born? Or does she take her liberty—her life—into her own hands, and like her father, become one of the Gone? 12 years+

Oney Judge: Escape From Slavery and the President’s House

By Duchess Harris and Lindsay Wyskowski

President George Washington and his wife enslaved more than 150 people in the mid-1700s. In 1796, one of their slaves escaped. Her name was Oney “Ona” Judge. Oney Judge: This biography explores her story and her legacy. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Core Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO. 8-11 years

Answering the Cry for 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. 9-12 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

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Books For Kids: Maya Angelou

BOOKS FOR KIDS: MAYA ANGELOU

Rise! From Caged Bird to Poet of the People, Maya Angelou

By Bethany Hegedus, Illustrated by Tonya Engel

Writer, activist, trolley car conductor, dancer, mother, and humanitarian Maya Angelou’s life was marked by transformation and perseverance. In this picture-book biography geared towards older readers, Bethany Hegedus lyrically traces Maya’s life from her early days in Stamps, Arkansas, through her work as a freedom fighter to her triumphant rise as a poet of the people.

A foreword by Angelou’s grandson, Colin A. Johnson, describes how a love of literature and poetry helped young Maya overcome childhood trauma and turn adversity into triumph. Coupled with Tonya Engel’s metaphorical and emotive illustrations, this biography beautifully conveys the heartaches and successes of this truly phenomenal woman, and is a powerful tribute to the written word.

Who Was Maya Angelou?

By Ellen Labrecque, Illustrated by Dede Putra

Born in Missouri in 1928, Maya Angelou had a difficult childhood. Jim Crow laws segregated blacks and whites in the South. Her family life was unstable at times. But much like her poem, “Still I Rise,” Angelou was able to lift herself out of her situation and flourish. She moved to California and became the first black—and first female—streetcar operator before following her interest in dance. She became a professional performer in her twenties and toured the U.S. and Europe as an opera star and calypso dancer. But Angelou’s writing became her defining talent. Her poems and books, including I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, brought her international acclaim.

Maya Angelou, Little People Big Dreams

By Lisbeth Kaiser, Illustrated by Leire Salaberria

Maya Angelou spent much of her childhood in Stamps, Arkansas. After a traumatic event at age eight, she stopped speaking for five years. However, Maya rediscovered her voice through wonderful books, and went on to become one of the world’s most beloved writers and speakers. This book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of Maya Angelou’s life.

Maya Angelou, My Itty-Bitty Bio

By Emma E. Haldy, Illustrated by Jeff Bane

The My Itty-Bitty Bio series are biographies for the earliest readers. This book examines the life of Maya Angelou in a simple, age-appropriate way that will help children develop word recognition and reading skills. Includes a timeline and other informative backmatter.

Maya Angelou, Little Guides to Great Lives

By Danielle Jawando, Illustrated by Snir Noa

Maya Angelou was an African–American author, poet, playwright and civil rights activist. She wrote seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and a long list of plays, films and television shows. Never taking “No” for an answer, Maya used her voice and her art to overcome prejudice and difficulty and to become an inspiration to those around her and to future generations.

Her story is a rich and remarkable one – a tale filled with strength, hardship and hope. Maya learned the importance of using her own voice to help others and change the world!

My Painted House, My Friendly Chicken, and Me

By Maya Angelou, Illustrated by Margaret Courtney-Clarke

Full color photographs. “Hello, Stranger-Friend” begins Maya Angelou’s story about Thandi, a South African Ndebele girl, her mischievous brother, her beloved chicken, and the astonishing mural art produced by the women of her tribe.  With never-before-seen photographs of the very private Ndebele women and their paintings, this unique book shows the passing of traditions from parent to child and introduces young readers to a new culture through a new friend.

Life Doesn’t Frighten Me

By Maya Angelou, Illustrated by Jean-Michel Basquiat

Shadows on the wall
Noises down the hall
Life doesn’t frighten me at all
 
Maya Angelou’s brave, defiant poem celebrates the courage within each of us, young and old. From the scary thought of panthers in the park to the unsettling scene of a new classroom, fearsome images are summoned and dispelled by the power of faith in ourselves.

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

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Kids Books: Mary Anning’s Dinosaur

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

The Fossil Hunter: How Mary Anning Unearthed the Truth About Dinosaurs, by Kate Winter

Have you ever found something mysterious? Something you had no idea what it was but you had this feeling it was important, that it held a secret? Mary Anning was a fossil hunter, scouring the cliffs and seashores of Lyme Regis for strange rocks and shells. Monstrous marine reptiles and dinosaurs had once reigned the land and seas here millions of years ago, disappearing only to leave mysterious traces for humans to puzzle over.

Mary’s fossils paved the way for modern paleontology and helped to piece together a picture of how the dinosaurs lived and evolved. Little did she know that 200 years later we would still be talking about her amazing discoveries and how she influenced our understanding of the history of the earth. 7-11 years

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

You may like: Books For Kids: Dinosaur Hunters https://barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-dinosaur-hunters/

Mary Anning Facts, National Geographic Kids https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/history/general-history/mary-anning-facts/

Charlotte Zolotow Award 2012 – 2020

CHARLOTTE ZOLOTOW AWARD

The Charlotte Zolotow Award is awarded each year to a picture book published in America that shows excellence in text.

2020

Johnny’s Pheasant

By Cheryl Minnema

“Pull over, Grandma! Hurry!” Johnny says. Grandma does, and Johnny runs to show her what he spotted near the ditch: a sleeping pheasant. What Grandma sees is a small feathery hump. When Johnny wants to take it home, Grandma tries to tell him that the pheasant might have been hit by a car. But maybe she could use the feathers for her craftwork? So home with Grandma and Johnny the pheasant goes . . .

It’s hard to say who is most surprised by what happens next—Grandma, Johnny, or the pheasant. But no one will be more delighted than the reader at this lesson about patience and kindness and respect for nature, imparted by Grandma’s gentle humor, Johnny’s happy hooting, and all the quiet wisdom found in Cheryl Minnema’s stories of Native life and Julie Flett’s remarkably evocative and beautiful illustrations.

2019

Little Brown

By Marla Frazee

Little Brown is one cranky canine because no one ever plays with him at the animal shelter. Or maybe no one ever plays with him because he is cranky. Either way, Little Brown decides today is the day to take action, so he takes all of the toys and sticks and blankets from all of the dogs at the shelter and won’t give them back. But what will happen now?

2018

A Different Pond

By Bao Phi

A Different Pond is an unforgettable story about a simple event – a long-ago fishing trip. Graphic novelist Thi Bui and acclaimed poet Bao Phi deliver a powerful, honest glimpse into a relationship between father and son – and between cultures, old and new. As a young boy, Bao and his father awoke early, hours before his father’s long workday began, to fish on the shores of a small pond in Minneapolis. Unlike many other anglers, Bao and his father fished for food, not recreation. A successful catch meant a fed family. Between hope-filled casts, Bao’s father told him about a different pond in their homeland of Vietnam. Thi Bui’s striking, evocative art paired with Phi’s expertly crafted prose has earned this powerful picture books six starred reviews and numerous awards.

2017

Freedom in Congo Square

By Carole Boston Weatherford

This poetic, nonfiction story about a little-known piece of African American history captures a human’s capacity to find hope and joy in difficult circumstances and demonstrates how New Orleans’ Congo Square was truly freedom’s heart.

Mondays, there were hogs to slop,

mules to train, and logs to chop.

Slavery was no ways fair.

Six more days to Congo Square.

As slaves relentlessly toiled in an unjust system in 19th century Louisiana, they all counted down the days until Sunday, when at least for half a day they were briefly able to congregate in Congo Square in New Orleans. Here they were free to set up an open market, sing, dance, and play music. They were free to forget their cares, their struggles, and their oppression.

This story chronicles slaves’ duties each day, from chopping logs on Mondays to baking bread on Wednesdays to plucking hens on Saturday, and builds to the freedom of Sundays and the special experience of an afternoon spent in Congo Square. This book includes a forward from Freddi Williams Evans (freddievans.com), a historian and Congo Square expert, as well as a glossary of terms with pronunciations and definitions.

2016

Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music

By Margarita Engle

Girls cannot be drummers. Long ago on an island filled with music, no one questioned that rule—until the drum dream girl. In her city of drumbeats, she dreamed of pounding tall congas and tapping small bongós. She had to keep quiet. She had to practice in secret. But when at last her dream-bright music was heard, everyone sang and danced and decided that both girls and boys should be free to drum and dream.

Inspired by the childhood of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a Chinese-African-Cuban girl who broke Cuba’s traditional taboo against female drummers, Drum Dream Girl tells an inspiring true story for dreamers everywhere.

2015

Sparky

By Jenny Offill

The ingenious author of 17 Things I’m Not Allowed to Do Anymore and a brilliant illustrator and production designer of the Coraline movie have created a hilarious, touching picture book perfect for young animal lovers. Like the Caldecott Medal-winning Officer Buckle and Gloria, Sparky stars a pet who has more to offer than meets the eye. When our narrator orders a sloth through the mail, the creature that arrives isn’t good at tricks or hide-and-seek . . . or much of anything. Still, there’s something about Sparky that is irresistible.

2014

The Dark

By Lemony Snicket

Laszlo is afraid of the dark.

The dark lives in the same house as Laszlo. Mostly, though, the dark stays in the basement and doesn’t come into Lazslo’s room. But one night, it does.

This is the story of how Laszlo stops being afraid of the dark.

With emotional insight and poetic economy, two award-winning talents team up to conquer a universal childhood fear.

2013

Each Kindness

By Jacqueline Woodson

Chloe and her friends won’t play with the new girl, Maya. Every time Maya tries to join Chloe and her friends, they reject her. Eventually Maya stops coming to school. When Chloe’s teacher gives a lesson about how even small acts of kindness can change the world, Chloe is stung by the lost opportunity for friendship, and thinks about how much better it could have been if she’d shown a little kindness toward Maya.

2012

Me…Jane

By Patrick McDonnell

In his characteristic heartwarming style, 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 Jane Goodall’s autobiography, McDonnell makes this very true story accessible for the very young–and young at heart.

One of the world’s most inspiring women, Dr. Jane Goodall is a renowned humanitarian, conservationist, animal activist, environmentalist, and United Nations Messenger of Peace. In 1977 she founded the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), a global nonprofit organization that empowers people to make a difference for all living things.

The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.

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

You may like The Caldecott Medal 2012-2020 https://barbaralowell.com/caldecott-medal-2012-2020/

 

 

Books For Kids: Stephen Hawking

Stephen Hawking

By Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

When Stephen Hawking was a little boy, he used to stare up at the stars and wonder about the universe. Although he was never top of the class, his curiosity took him to the best universities in England, Oxford and Cambridge. It also led him to make one of the biggest scientific discoveries of the 20th century, Hawking radiation. This book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the brilliant physicist’s life. 4-7 years

Stay Curious: A Brief History of Stephen Hawking

By Kathleen Krull, Illustrated by Paul Brewer

As a young boy, Stephen Hawking loved to read, stargaze, and figure out how things worked. He looked at the world and always asked, Why?

He never lost that curiosity, which led him to make groundbreaking discoveries about the universe as a young man. Even being diagnosed with ALS didn’t slow Stephen down. Those questions kept coming. As his body weakened, Stephen’s mind expanded allowing him to unlock secrets of the universe and become one of the most famous scientists of all time.

Stephen always approached life with courage, a sense of humor, and endless curiosity. His story will encourage readers to look at the world around them with new eyes. 4-8 years

Who Was Stephen Hawking?

By Jim Gigliotti, Illustrated by Gregory Copeland

Stephen Hawking was born exactly three hundred years after the death of the scientist Galileo, so maybe it was written in the stars that he would become a famous scientist in his own right. Although he was diagnosed with a neurological disease at age 21, Stephen did not let the illness define his life.

Known for his groundbreaking work in physics, and identified by his wheelchair and computerized voice system, Stephen continued his research until his death in 2018. He is best known for his black hole theories and his best-selling book A Brief History of Time. Stephen Hawking is an example of a person who had a great mind, but an even greater spirit. 8-12 years

Stephen Hawking: Cosmologist Who Gets a Big Bang Out of the Universe

By Mike Venezia

Meet renowned physicist Stephen Hawking. This book presents the life and work of the British physicist who overcame the challenges of ALS to become one of the foremost scientists of the twentieth century.

This book combines a mix of historical reproductions, photos, and cartoon-style illustrations that bring to life Stephen Hawking’s work and contributions. 6-10 years

All About Stephen Hawking

By Chris Edwards, Illustrated by Amber Calderon

As an Oxford student, Stephen Hawking never expected that people across the world would know his name, or that his hobby of stargazing would lead him to be one of the world’s greatest scientists. Stephen Hawking made cosmology, or the study of the universe, accessible to everyone. 

He was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at the age of twenty-one, but didn’t let that stop him from receiving a graduate degree from Cambridge and going on to be an expert in the scientific origin of the universe and black holes. Hawking is best known for writing A Brief History of Time, which explained cosmology in non-scientific terms so that non-scientists could understand it. 10-12 years

The Living Einstein: The Stephen Hawking Story

By Dissected Lives

Despite his debilitating illness, Stephen Hawking found ways to share his knowledge of the universe. He was a bright man who was always hungry for knowledge. He experimented, studied and explored anything and everything from the physical world to the cosmos. Be inspired by his story. Learn from his discoveries. 8-12 years

Stephen Hawking: A Life Beyond Limits

By Alex Woolf

In 1974, Stephen Hawking shook the world of physics. His theory on black holes went against everything the science community accepted as fact. How did he make such revolutionary discoveries? From a childhood spent building model airplanes to recognition as one of the greatest scientists of his time, Stephen’s genius and endless curiosity powered his work. Find out how this boy who loved science became one of history’s greatest trailblazers! 8-13 years

The Extraordinary Life of Stephen Hawking

By Kate Scott, Illustrating by Ester Mols

Stephen Hawking was: a physicist, a cosmologist, an author and one of the cleverest people who ever lived. While studying at Oxford University, Stephen Hawking was diagnosed with motor neurone disease, which meant that eventually he was completely paralyzed, and could only talk via a computer.

But that never held him back, and because of his work on time and space, he changed the way the world thinks about the universe.

Discover more about the life of a man who is known for his incredible contribution to science. 7-12 years

Little Guides to Great Lives: Stephen Hawkings

By Isabel Thomas, Illustrated by Marianna Madiz

Stephen Hawking was one of the world’s most renowned scientists and cosmologists. His ground–breaking research into black holes and the Big Bang has helped to explain the beginnings of our universe and his book A Brief History of Time has sold over 10 million copies. Diagnosed with a form of motor neuron disease when he was a young man, Stephen was inspired to achieve his goals as fast as possible. Through incredible determination and skill, he became a legendary scientist, a best–selling author, and the man that changed the way we think about the universe.

The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.

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

You may like: Carl Sagan, The Boy Who Reached For the Stars https://barbaralowell.com/carl-sagan/

Books For Kids: Scientists https://barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-scientists

Behind the Bookcase: Young Miep Gies

BEHIND THE BOOKCASE: MIEP GIES, ANNE FRANK AND THE HIDING PLACE

By Barbara Lowell, Illustrated by Valentina Toro

Miep Gies risked her life to keep a secret. Behind the bookcase in her office, stairs led to a hiding place where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis. Once a refugee herself, Miep knew the power of kindness. Her selflessness, humanity, and bravery sheltered Anne for a time. Because of Miep, Anne Frank’s story lives on. –Behind the Bookcase Jacket

 YOUNG MIEP GIES

Miep Gies was born in Vienna, Austria, in 1909. Her name was Hermine Santrouschitz. After Austria’s loss in World War I, food was scarce and Miep became malnourished as many of Austria’s children did. Her parents were concerned that their eleven-year-old daughter might die.

Along with other families in the Netherlands, the Nieuwenhuises offered to take care of an Austrian child. Miep’s parents sent her to Leiden to live with the Dutch family. They called her Hermine at first, but then gave her the “affectionate Dutch nickname” Miep. Soon, Mr. and Mrs. Neiuwenhuise began to think of Miep as their adoptive child and the four boys in the family referred to her as one of their two sisters.

Through their kindness and lots of Dutch bread, butter, milk, cheese and chocolate, Miep grew healthy. Her foster father took her to school where the children grabbed her hands, sat her down, and taught her to speak Dutch. Soon, Miep was the top student in her class.

Miep embraced the Dutch life. She rode a bicycle for the first time, learned to make butter sandwiches, talked about what she read in the newspaper and learned to love classical music. But ice skating on a frozen canal was something she tried once but would never try again.

When she was thirteen, Miep and her new family moved to Amsterdam. She loved its movie theaters, electric streetcars, the canals winding through the city, the beautiful flower stalls, and all the bicycles racing along the city’s bike paths.

When she was sixteen, she visited her Austrian family. Miep told them that she had grown to love living in Amsterdam and wanted to stay there. She considered herself to be Dutch now. Her parents gave their permission and Miep returned to Amsterdam and her life with the Nieuwenhuise family. In 1941, she married Jan Gies. From the time she was eleven until her death in 2010, at age 100, Miep Gies lived a proud Dutch life.

To learn more about Behind the Bookcase visit https://barbaralowell.com/books-2/behind-the-bookcase/

To learn more about Miep Gies, visit http://www.miepgies.nl/en/

 

 

Books For Kids: September 11

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

To Learn More Visit the National September 11 Memorial and Museum https://www.911memorial.org/

You may like Books For Kids: America’s Flag https://barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-americas-flag

Kids Books: Women’s Right to Vote

Elizabeth Leads the Way: Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the Right to Vote

By Tanya Lee Stone, Illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon

Elizabeth Cady Stanton stood up and fought for what she believed in. From an early age, she knew that women were not given rights equal to men. But rather than accept her lesser status, Elizabeth went to college and later gathered other like-minded women to challenge the right to vote. Here is the inspiring story of an extraordinary woman who changed America forever because she wouldn’t take “no” for an answer. Grades 1-5

Fight of the Century: Alice Paul Battles Woodrow Wilson for the Vote

By Barb Rosenstock, Illustrated by Sarah Green

When Woodrow Wilson was elected President, he didn’t know that he would be participating in one of the greatest fights of the century: the battle for women’s right to vote. The formidable Alice Paul led the women’s suffrage movement and saw President Wilson’s election as an opportunity to win the vote for women. She battered her opponent with endless strategic arguments and carefully coordinated protests, calling for a new amendment to grant women the right to vote.

With a spirit and determination that never quit, even when peaceful protests were met with violence and even when many women were thrown in jail, Paul eventually convinced President Wilson to support her cause, changing the country forever. Framed as a boxing match, this book provides a fascinating and compelling look at an important moment in American history. Grades 2-5

The Voice that Won the Vote: How One Woman’s Words Made History

By Elisa Boxer, Illustrated by Vivien Mildenberger

In August of 1920, women’s suffrage in America came down to the vote in Tennessee. If the Tennessee legislature approved the 19th amendment it would be ratified giving all American women the right to vote. The historic moment came down to a single vote. The voter who tipped the scale toward equality did so because of a powerful letter from his mother. Febb Burn urged her son Harry to “Vote for suffrage and don’t forget to be a good boy.” The Voice That Won the Vote is the story of Febb, Harry, and the letter than gave all American women a voice. Grades 2-5

History Smashers: Women’s Right to Vote

By Kate Messner, Illustrated by Dylan Meconis

In 1920, Susan B. Anthony passed a law that gave voting rights to women in the United States. RIGHT?

WRONG! Susan B. Anthony wasn’t even alive when the Nineteenth Amendment was ratified. Plus, it takes a lot more than one person to amend the constitution.

The truth is, it took millions of women to get that amendment into law. They marched! They picketed! They even went to jail. But in the end, it all came down to a letter from a state representative’s mom. No joke.

Through illustrations, graphic panels, photographs, sidebars, and more,  Kate Messner smashes history by exploring the little-known details behind the fight for women’s suffrage. Grades 3-7

Around America to Win the Vote:

Two Suffragists, a Kitten, and 10,000 Miles

By Mara Rockliff, Illustrated by Hadley Hooper

In April 1916, Nell Richardson and Alice Burke set out from New York City in a little yellow car, embarking on a bumpy, muddy, unmapped journey ten thousand miles long. They took with them a teeny typewriter, a tiny sewing machine, a wee black kitten, and a message for Americans all across the country: Votes for Women!

The women’s suffrage movement was in full swing, and Nell and Alice would not let anything keep them from spreading the word about equal voting rights for women. Braving blizzards, deserts, and naysayers—not to mention a whole lot of tires stuck in the mud—the two courageous friends made their way through the cities and towns of America to further their cause. Grades K-3

What Is the Women’s Right to Vote?

By Deborah Hopkinson, Illustrated by Laurie A. Conley

From Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton to Gloria Steinem and Hillary Clinton, women throughout US history have fought for equality. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, women were demanding the right to vote. During the 1960s, equal rights and opportunities for women–both at home and in the workplace–were pushed even further. And in the more recent past, Women’s Marches have taken place across the world. Celebrate how far women have come with this inspiring read! 8-12 years

Miss Paul and the President:

The Creative Campaign for Women’s Right to Vote

By Dean Robbins, Illustrated by Nancy Zhang

When Alice Paul was a child, she saw her father go off to vote while her mother had to stay home. But why should that be? So Alice studied the Constitution and knew that the laws needed to change. But who would change them?
 
She would! In her signature purple hat, Alice organized parades, wrote letters and protested outside the White House. She even met with President Woodrow Wilson, who told her there were more important issues to worry about than women voting. But nothing was more important to Alice. So she kept at it, and soon President Wilson was persuaded. This unsung hero will show young voters-to-be how important it is to never back down from a cause you believe in. Preschool – Grade 3

Elizabeth Started All the Trouble

By Doreen Rappaport, Illustrated by Matt Faulkner

She couldn’t go to college.

She couldn’t become a politician.

She couldn’t even vote.

But Elizabeth Cady Stanton didn’t let that stop her.

She called on women across the nation to stand together and demand to be treated as equal to men – and that included the right to vote. It took nearly seventy-five years and generations of women fighting for their rights through words, through action, and through pure determination . . . for things to slowly begin to change.

With the help of these trailblazers’ own words, Doreen Rappaport shows readers just how far this revolution has come, and inspires them to keep it going! Preschool – Grade 3

You Want Women to Vote Lizzie Stanton?

By Jean Fritz, Illustrated by Dyane DiSalvo Ryan

This biography of Elizabeth Cady Stanton is as spirited as the women’s rights pioneer herself.

Who says women shouldn’t speak in public? And why can’t they vote? These are questions Elizabeth Cady Stanton grew up asking herself. Her father believed that girls didn’t count as much as boys, and her own husband once got so embarrassed when she spoke at a convention that he left town.

Luckily Lizzie wasn’t one to let society stop her from fighting for equality for everyone. And though she didn’t live long enough to see women get to vote, our entire country benefited from her fight for women’s rights. Grades 3-7

How Women Won the Right to Vote:

Alice Paul, Lucy Burns, and Their Big Idea

By Susan Campbell Bartoletti, Illustrated by Ziyue Chen

From Newbery Honor medalist Susan Campbell Bartoletti in time to celebrate the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage in America comes the story of the little-known DC Women’s March of 1913.

Bartoletti introduces readers to suffragists Alice Paul and Lucy Burns. They met in a London jail and fought their way through hunger strikes, jail time, and much more to win a long, difficult victory for America and its women.

Includes extensive back matter and dozens of archival images to evoke the time period between 1909 and 1920. Grades 3-7 

The book descriptions used in this post are primarily from the publishers.

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

You may like Books For Kids: Susan B. Anthony https://barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-susan-b-anthony

19th Amendment Women’s Vote Timeline https://www.history.com/news/19th-amendment-women-vote-timeline