Although his circumstances appeared to be an insurmountable challenge for realizing his musical passion, Louis (and readers) realize the powerful beauty of kindness given (and accepted) and the reward of hope and dependability. A valuable read.

Martin Luther King, Jr. is having some problems with his best friend, Bobby. They are going to different schools this year, and Bobby's dad is not letting his son play with Martin. When Martin learns why, he is confused and hurt--but he learns a lesson that he will never forget. Full color.

A perceptive look at how an artist discovers his skill, begins to play with it, and then, in spite of resistance and challenge, figures out how it becomes a way to express observations, ideas, and a unique perspective while serving those it captures. While this message could be presented in any arena, that it is a true experience of a black NFL player during a segregated era makes this a doubly po ...

“Unlike my parents, I had no concept of what war was actually like.” With these words, 10-year-old Leon Leyson foreshadows his shattered innocence. Deft writing presents horrific injustices of war, grievous loss, and unfathomable disdain for humanity with an authentic voice that acknowledges such evil but chooses to more significantly highlight every scrap of hope and celebrate every s ...

Based on the childhood of NFL superstar twins Tiki and Ronde Barber, this inspiring story, written along with the award-winning author of "Hoops," illustrates the values of family and the importance of never giving up. Full color.

Another stunning picture book biography of a prominent twentieth-century African-American in the arts, from the creative team behind Alvin Ailey.

This easy-to-read, page-turning account surveys the life of Harriet Tubman, including her childhood in slavery and her later work in helping other slaves escape north to freedom through the Underground Railroad.

Learn about the abolitionist Frederick Douglass and his fight for freedom in this Step 3 Biography Reader! Frederick Douglass was a keystone figure in the abolitionist movement, and his story has impacted generations of people fighting for civil rights in America. He was born to an enslaved mother and grew up with the horrors of slavery. In the course of his childhood, he was able to learn to read ...

Compelling, life-sized, carefully-detailed illustrations, punctuate the depth of Frederick Douglass's devotion to justice and liberty for all. The dark pain of loss at a young age translated into grim determination to learn words because "...Frederick sensed that words had power. ...he traded food for words." In a world of fast food and e-books, Rappaport reminds us to value the influence of speak ...

While recounting the details of this historical movement, the author leaves readers with a deep respect for the courage shown by the people involved. An engrossing and inspiring read! A note from the author regarding terminology in the book: "Many words have been used to describe people of color. I use 'black' and 'African American' interchangeably and with equal respect in the pages that follow. ...

Once a kidnapped slave baby, George Washington Carver found freedom in learning everything he could about the world around him. Overcoming poverty and racism, George became a brilliant scientist and a gifted professor who dedicated his expertise to helping black farmers escape the devastating grip of poverty. George's scientific creativity knew no limits. His ingenious experimentation with peanut ...

The story of Harriet Tubman's childhood as a young slave is told in this book which is written especially for younger readers. Tubman, a young slave nicknamed "Minty", was a feisty, stubborn girl with a dream of escape, and whose rebellious spirit often got her into trouble. Full-color illustrations.

Renowned educator Christine King Farris, older sister of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., joins with celebrated illustrator Chris Soentpiet to tell this "outstanding" (School Library Journal) and inspirational story of how one boyhood experience inspired a movement that would change the world as we know it. Mother Dear, one day I'm going to turn this world upside down. Long before he became a ...

Sojourner Truth traveled the country in the latter half of the 19th century as one of the most powerful voices speaking out against slavery. Through her own story, Sojourner helped people understand the hideous truth about slavery. An ALA Notable Children's Book. Illustrations.

Filled with suspense, romance, and historical detail, here's a very young biography of the Powhatan Indian princess who played a vital role in early Colonial and Native American relations.

This biography tells the story of a woman who rose from a bleak world of poverty and discrimination to unprecedented success. "This impressive picture book will delight young readers as it gives a sense of this remarkable woman and the times in which she lived."N"School Library Journal" (starred review). Illustrations.