Florence Griffith Joyner's story is truly inspiring. From chasing jackrabbits across the desert and growing up in a low-income neighborhood to the pinnacle of her sport, FloJo worked hard, prayed, and developed her own sense of style both on and off the track. Young readers will cheer as the girl known as "Dee Dee" becomes one of the fastest women in history.

A simple, rewarding telling of how one boy, used to bright city lights, found wonder in the night sky. One visit to the planetarium planted the seed of curiosity that grew by persistence and his parent's support over many years. Currently an avid scientist in the place where his love for stars began, Neil Degrasse Tyson's story inspires pursuit of passion even when young. NOTE: The first page desc ...

True events at the US border become the basis for this thoughtfully told narrative. Readers grow in understand with the young protagonist who doesn't fully comprehend the situation, yet the kindness of a stranger speaks clearer than all else. So much so that young Naomi learns the beauty of kindness and wears it herself. A poignant telling of a border crossing that is no longer open.

Strong character and perspective lead readers to the heart of this story. A young boy follows his older sister obediently, but the reader understands his thoughts as they intersperse the text -- self-doubt and low confidence. Althought he walks in his sister's shadow, he challenges himself to overcome a few obstacles and act in ways usually reserved by those older and wiser. This is a unnique, mea ...

A tender rendering of how a grandchild learns to value the life and experiences her grandmothers share with her, though they differ widely. Cross-cultural expectations may vary in practice, but so many aspects of life they share in common and young Nina adapts quickly. A strong comparison book with a similarly strong theme of love woven throughout.

Peer pressure can be especially tricky in the lunch room. How best to feel better after your meal has been mocked? Sometimes confoming seems like the best way; it's easier. And then someone else, and someone else does the same. What was once an eclectic table that proudly represented a collection of cultures is covered in sandwiches. A relatable celebration of heritage and learning from others.

Jack Russel terrier Fenway thinks life without a leash is way more fun. He doesn't need to wait on his humans, he can play chase with the other dogs, and he can brag about all of it to the canines next door. Being free also means he can ignore Hattie's calls for him to come. And in doing so, he can find himself alone and lost. Will such an experience change Fenway's thoughts about the dreaded leas ...

The power of courage and hope transcended Helen's disability. This concise but rich retelling of Helen's life shows that growth and overcoming is possible through resilience, and this is evidenced first by Helen's parents, her teacher Annie, and then another teacher Sarah who believed Helen could accomplish even more. Well-written for young readers.

This heartwarming picture book, written by the superstar's mother and sister, teaches that hard work and determination are much more important in becoming a champion.

In Carle's characteristic cut-paper style, the life cycle of a seed to flower to seed takes. on new life. How can a tiny seed do what it is made to do when circumstances are not favorable? How can it possibly survive and thrive. A heartwarming theme simply told through creative and appealing illustrations.

A National Book Award finalist teams up with a celebrated illustrator to tell the story of Sarah Hale, who in the 1800s began a letter-writing campaign to designate a day to celebrate the Pilgrims' arrival in America. Full color.

Poppy has not planned ahead, like Cornbread, and now Poppy has a problem that will require creative problem solving, courage, and friendship — the kind that sticks with you and sees a thing through with you, no matter what. Lively illustrations convey humor and warmth, complementing the text's charm and enduring lessons.

This delightful duo are best of friends, mostly. Sometimes they see things very differently, like ferris wheels (what fun!; too high!), cheese (so delicious!; a belly ache waiting to happen!), and an unexpected treasure (it belongs to the one who discovered it!; it belongs to the one who knows how to cook it!). Differences can cause problems, but they can also cause growth that look like patience, ...

A classic tale by Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo, America's beloved storyteller. Once, in a house on Egypt Street, there lived a china rabbit named Edward Tulane. The rabbit was very pleased with himself, and for good reason: he was owned by a girl named Abilene, who adored him completely. And then, one day, he was lost. . . . Kate DiCamillo takes us on an extraordinary journey, from the depths o ...

Samantha (known as Sam) is a fisherman's daughter who dreams rich and lovely dreams--moonshine, her father says. When her tall stories bring disaster to her friend Thomas and her cat Bangs, Sam learns to distinguish between moonshine and reality. A Caldecott Medal winner.

Caldecott Medal WinnerNewbery Honor BookAPALA Award Winner A story about the power of sharing memories--including the painful ones--and the way our heritage stays with and shapes us, even when we don't see it. New England Book Award WinnerA New York Times Best Children's Book of the YearA Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book While driving through Ohio in an old Pontiac, a young girl's Chinese immigra ...

An enjoyable book about the various careers in forestry. Students are given a glimpse into the scientific jobs involving trees and the wild. Fromt the publisher: This title introduces readers to the amazing paths a career in STEM has to offer where the forest is their office! The careers of forester, forest ranger, logger, firefighter, and urban forester are examined, as are the STEM technique ...