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.

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.

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 ...

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.

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.

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 ...

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.

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 ...

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.

This thoughtful presentation highlights both the perceptive approach her music teacher took to understand Glennie's passion and open avenues of unheard-of possibility, and Glennie's same creative spirit that shaped her formative years. Her resilience led her to figure out ways to convincingly show what had not yet been done, could be done. An inspiring for young readers and teachers as well.

Sudan. A country where growing up is risky and challenging. Salva's story begins with a harrowing flee into the woods from his schoolhouse. With danger never far away, Salva makes his way to Ethiopia only to be driven from there at gunpoint. As his story unfolds in 1985 and the years after, readers are introduced to Nya, a young girl who walks all day to deliver dirty water to her family. Water pl ...

A riveting retelling of the events surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Combining gripping , fast-moving narrative and photographs, Swanson brings history to life. A mesmerizing reading experience!

This short biography highlights the gentle character of Princess Di. It lays a foundation of her youth and servant’s spirit and how she carried that into her adult life and duties as a Princess. The biographers keep this story to the facts and appropriate for all ages.

Warm collage illustrations perfectly complement the layers of this story. On the surface, two siblings, bored from sitting inside trying to entertain themselves (hinting of quarantine experience to which many young children can now relate), are encouraged by their grandmother to "learn to fly" -- to use their imaginations for escape. On a secondary layer, the grandmother shares the creative fortit ...

What does it take for us to understand that deep sorrow, regret, and brokenness are consequences of entitlement? This coming of age illustrated story pits bravery and courage against bullying and entitlement. And when truth comes to light, regret is a powerful teacher. Gently told with powerful impact that may challenge unjust patterns of behavior.

Generosity of spirit colors conquers all else in dire times. Moral beauty abounds in Mama's thinking as she selflessly transforms a gift for those less fortunate that costs far more than money. Her son, feeling a similar generosity but limited by understanding, blossoms by following in his mother's footsteps. Heartwarming, soul-searching, restoring.

Zulay enjoys her friendships, but the challenge of having to learn to walk with a cane seems insurmountable. However, she has dreams of running a race, and it may take courage and hard work to face her greatest challenge yet. The unique challenges blindness present are shown in a thoughtful, age-appropriate way that resounds with help and hope.