Curriculum Connections: Historical fiction, based on true events, biographical account; Susan B Anthony, point of view; Bessie Keith Pond- young girl main character, Story elements: setting; Berkley, California- 1896, Plot and character development, illustrations enhance meaning and tone, Conflict: man vs man, man vs society. Comprehension strategies; cause and effect relationships, author's purpo ...

When Ann Fay's challenge to recover from polio is compounded by her father's inability to cope with psychological war wounds, Ann Fay's attempts to fix both problems fail miserably. But when she realizes burdens are for sharing and quality relationships require humility and trust, she walks a once-lonely path with help. As she becomes less dependent upon clunky, uncomfortable braces for her polio- ...

"Mama always said you should live a life the same way you piece a quilt...You was the one to decide how your story turns out." Irene Latham's quilt metaphor depicts the story's arc, while its details explore how perception forms. This is a poignant story of racial tension, misguided understanding, and loss. "Sometimes things don't make sense, no matter how hard you try to figure it. Them are the t ...

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 ...

During a trip to secure funding for the struggling revolution, Benjamin Franklin gets pulled into a scientific quandary involving a Dr. Mesmer, the human mind, and the first use of a "blind study" in scientific research. This unforgettable story is complemented by intriguing and intricate illustrations, creating a truly mesmerizing reading experience. Highly recommended!

Text and illustration combine to provide an engaging look at the characteristics and causes of blizzards.

A beautiful and lushly illustrated story of family, remembrance, and resiliency told entirely in dialogue between a grandfather and he is granddaughter. Unforgettable!

“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 ...

During a crisis, how many things have to go right before you wonder if a larger plan is playing out? Survivors and rescuers confront this question in a dramatic, real-life story of survival. The writing is unrelentingly gripping, giving readers multiple perspectives as the storm rages, the waves rise, and the rescue plays out. (Includes mild language in very few quotes from individuals as they sha ...

A thorough but accessible biography that includes interesting graphic representations of some concepts.

Courage can require more than a brave act; it can call on on to overcome the past and its associated fears to act for the benefit of others. This story, set in Northeastern Pennsylvania's col country, explores themes of courage, family, friendship, and acceptance. A gentle yet powerful reading experience.

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.

How does a man decide to ignore life-threatening consequences in order to attempt the rescue of others? When a hurricane batters and breaks not one tanker, but two in half the same night, it leaves 84 seaman at its mercy. Survival is against all odds, and this story's authors pay relentless attention to detail and perspective that places readers in the midst of split-second decisions that risk eve ...

The fast-paced story captures the desperation some families experienced when the Berlin Wall was erected. As the protagonist and her brother face critical decisions, readers will explore their own thinking and possible choices given the story's extraordinary circumstances. The result is a reading-based thrill ride.

In this companion to "Alexander Hamilton: From Orphan to Founding Father, " readers learn that Hamilton's wife Eliza was a spirited girl who grew up to be a strong woman. Eliza lived for 50 years after Alexander's death, and during that time rescued many children in need and preserved her husband's historical legacy. Full color.

A young Jewish boy recalls life in Hitler's Germany. Although Daniel is a fictitious character, his story was inspired by the real experiences of many of the more than one million children who died in the Holocaust.

A poem cycle that reads as a novel, this Newbery Medal winner tells the story of Billie Jo, a girl who struggles to help her family survive the dust bowl years of the Depression.