This engrossing and thorough biography of an American legend reads like a great story. The author, a black woman who passed away in the 1990's, uses the term "Negro" throughout the book (originally published in 1955), so young readers may need instruction regarding the term's background and use. While many books relate Harriet Tubman's story, this one may retell it the best.

Rich descriptors establish this memoir’s compelling setting so that readers feel the African heat , the desperation of starving families seeking sustenance from dry, barren farmland, and the wind’s power to help a helpless community. Against this backdrop a small, young boy with an insatiable appetite for knowledge lets curiosity drive his desire to help his family and his village. T ...

“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 ...

An amazing story of a clever and courageous canine and the man (one among many) that she saved. The gritty and harrowing story of survival as Japanese POWs always maintains a hopeful tone. Recommended for young adult readers.

Richly colored illustrations that look photographic in places provide a somber but hopeful backdrop to this true story of bravery, self-discovery, and hope rooted in an unbearably painful circumstance. Lisa knows the heartwrenching decision her parents made to save her life, and so, with the support of a new, loving community in Britain, Lisa dedicates herself to the thing she loves the most to ma ...

Kehret, who contracted polio in 1949, describes the diagnosis, severe symptoms, treatments, physical therapy, walking sticks and more in this moving memoir. B&W illustrations.

This captivating, true story is full and adventure and alive with anticipation. It begs for discussion on setting a goal and working hard to achieve it. Exquisite word selection creates outstanding mental images while the story's pace enables readers to feel the character's experience, sensing the anticipation of each problem faced and the sheer joy of a goal achieved. This story also provides a g ...

In his trademark photobiography style, Freedman chronicles the life and accomplishments of Lewis Hine, schoolteacher turned activist and his fight against child labor in the early 1900's. Haunting photographs taken by Hine highlight the well-developed text, breathing life into this man's story.

A biography of the modest Frenchman who, after being blinded at the age of three, went on to develop a system of raised dots on paper that enabled blind people to read and write.

Before Wilma was five years old, polio had paralyzed her left leg and doctors said she'd never walk. But Wilma refused to believe that, and eventually won Olympic titles and became the first American woman to earn three gold medals.

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 ...

Vibrant, full-color illustrations describe the life and accomplishments of Gertrude Ederle, the first woman to swim the English Channel and a figure in the early women's rights movement. Full color.

This acclaimed memoir tells the unforgettable story of a young boy's journey from a refugee camp in Sudan to Chicago, where his family survived on welfare. Mawi followed his father's advice to "treat people . . . as though they were angels sent from heaven," and realized his dream of a full-tuition scholarship to Harvard University.

As a young boy, Rick Hansen loved to fish and play ball. At 15, an accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. However, Rick was a very determined young man. He'd still fish and play ball and live out his dreams -- he'd just learn to do them differently. Boy in Motion shows how Rick literally set his dreams in motion made them come to life. Sensitive text and lovely watercolor illustrations c ...

The intriguing story of Eleanor Roosevelt told by an award-winning author traces the life of the former first lady, from her early childhood through the tumultuous years in the White House to her active role in the founding of the United Nations after World War II. 140 photos.

Who knew? Rosa Parks started the Montgomery bus boycott in 1956, right? Well, no, she was preceded by sixteen-year-old Claudette Colvin who refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus. Claudette had grown up in rural Pine Level, Alabama, and moved to inner-city Montgomery as a young teen. She was nurtured by wise parents and wise teachers who gave her courage to see right from wrong and justic ...

This 1988 Newbery Medal Book tells the story of Abraham Lincoln with photographs and prints, providing a vivid look at the life and times of one of the nation's great leaders.

This presentation of Lincoln's life as viewed by his children gives the reader a more personal look at the man. A gratifying portrayal that conveys whatever his position in life, Lincoln took time to enjoy his boys.