Children's Literature - Genres/Indianapolis

Graphic novels aren't just for superheroes! George Washington Carver has been plucked from history books and his life and accomplishments have been depicted in an informative nonfiction graphic novel. The subject's birth, childhood, education, and inventions have been skillfully told with detailed art. Further reading lists, timelines, glossaries, and indexes make these titles useful in classroom discussion. Graphic Planet is an imprint of Magic Wagon, a division of ABDO Publishing Group. Grades 3-6.

Sally is a young girl living in rural Alabama in the early 1900s, a time when people were struggling to grow food in soil that had been depleted by years of cotton production. One day, Dr. George Washington Carver shows up to help the grown-ups with their farms and the children with their school garden. He teaches them how to restore the soil and respect the balance of nature. He even prepares a delicious lunch made of plants, including "chicken" made from peanuts. And Sally never forgets the lessons this wise man leaves in her heart and mind. Susan Grigsby's warm story shines new light on a Black scientist who was ahead of his time.

African American Legends for Little Learners(c) is created to be an introductory series that teaches black history education to our youngest learners. Illustrations are bright, colorful and fun to keep children engaged while they interact with this book. Parents, we encourage you to read with your child, or assist them with any complex words if they are already independent readers. Our goal is to help children become familiarized with historical imagery and associate positive learning experiences with them. With our series, your child will develop a solid foundation of knowledge they can explore and build upon for years to come!

George Washington Carver was a skilled botanist who became famous for his work with peanuts and other plants. Readers will discover the captivating life of this incredible scientist in this engaging scientific biography. Using colorful photos and graphs, children will learn why Carver was known as "The Plant Doctor" as a child and how his work with peanuts, sweet potatoes, and pecans helped change the way people used plants! The helpful glossary and index aid in better understanding of the content, while a simple, interesting experiment leaves children engaged and excited to learn more!

The first African American woman to travel in space, Mae Jemison has broken barriers in science and medicine to become one of the most admired women worldwide. This fascinating book describes how Jemison refused to let anyone stand in the way of her dreams. She became a doctor and worked in the Peace Corps until NASA invited her to join the astronaut program. Today, she is an important advocate for science in education--especially for girls and women. Jemison also continues to push scientific research to improve life in developing countries.

In this title, examine the life of imaginative space traveler and medical innovator Mae Jemison. Readers will enjoy digging into Jemison's personal story, beginning with her childhood in Chicago where she watched Star Trek and conducted dozens of her own science experiments. Students can trace Jemison's success, from her education at Stanford University and Cornell University to her years volunteering with the Peace Corps, before her acceptance into the NASA space program and flight into space on the Endeavour. Engaging text and photos offer insight on topics such as astronomy, gravity, and biomedical engineering. While a timeline, glossary, and index supplement the text, an entertaining science activity allows readers their own hands-on experience based on the science that inspired this woman's groundbreaking career. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards.Checkerboard Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

While watching Star Trek on television as a child, Mae Jemison was certain she would one day visit space. As an adult, she made this dream a reality when she became the first black female NASA astronaut. Jemison became a medical doctor before applying for NASA's Space Shuttle program. Then, in 1992, she blasted off on the shuttle Endeavour and conducted scientific experiments to test the effects of space on human bone cells. Jemison has dedicated her life to science education and to finding ways to use technology to help communities around the world. Find out how Jemison's passion for science led to her many impressive achievements.

* 2021 NSTA-CBC Best STEM Books Award In this imaginatively illustrated book from the Work It, Girl series, discover how Mae Jemison became the first African American woman in space in this true story of her life. Then, learn 10 key lessons from her work you can apply to your own life. When Mae Jemison was a little girl, she loved science, dancing, and dinosaurs. She watched the Apollo moon landings and wondered why none of the astronauts were women--and she just didn't buy the answers she was given... Work It, Girl is an empowering series of biographies featuring modern women in the world of work, from designers and musicians to CEOs and scientists. Each of these vibrantly illustrated books tells the story of a remarkable woman in 10 chapters that highlight transformative moments in her life, following the ups and downs that she faced on her road to success. At the end, 10 key lessons show what you can learn from these moments, and self-reflection questions help you apply these lessons to your own life. Brightly colored photo illustrations of 3-D cut paper artwork featuring inspiring quotes from these amazing women bring their stories to vivid life. Learn how to work it as you lay the foundations for your own successful career.

Based on the New York Times bestselling book and the Academy Award-nominated movie, author Margot Lee Shetterly and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award winner Laura Freeman bring the incredibly inspiring true story of four black women who helped NASA launch men into space to picture book readers!  Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden were good at math...really good. They participated in some of NASA's greatest successes, like providing the calculations for America's first journeys into space. And they did so during a time when being black and a woman limited what they could do. But they worked hard. They persisted. And they used their genius minds to change the world. In this beautifully illustrated picture book edition, we explore the story of four female African American mathematicians at NASA, known as "colored computers," and how they overcame gender and racial barriers to succeed in a highly challenging STEM-based career. "Finally, the extraordinary lives of four African American women who helped NASA put the first men in space is available for picture book readers," proclaims Brightly in their article "18 Must-Read Picture Books of 2018." "Will inspire girls and boys alike to love math, believe in themselves, and reach for the stars."

Get to know the woman who made many of NASA's early missions possible in this fascinating, nonfiction Level 3 Ready-to-Read, part of a series of biographies about people "you should meet!" Meet Katherine Johnson, a brilliant mathematician who worked at NASA in the early 1950s until retiring in 1986. Katherine's unparalleled calculations (done by hand) helped plan the trajectories for NASA's Mercury and Apollo missions (including the Apollo 11 moon landing). She is said to be one of the greatest American minds of all time. A special section at the back of the book includes extras on subjects like history and math, plus inspiring careers for math lovers. With the You Should Meet series, learning about historical figures has never been so much fun!

Women have made some of the most important scientific discoveries of all time. In this title, readers learn about mathematician Katherine Johnson from her early career as a human computer to her work putting the first man into space, the first man into orbit, and the first man on the moon. A timeline, sidebars, fun facts, glossary, and index supplement the text. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

As a child, Katherine Johnson loved to count. She counted the steps on the road, the number of stars in the sky, the number of dishes and spoons she washed in the kitchen sink. Boundless, curious, and excited by calculations, young Katherine longed to know as much as she could about math, about the universe. From Katherine's early beginnings as a gifted student to her heroic accomplishments as a prominent mathematician at NASA, this is the story of a ground-breaking American icon who not only calculated the course of moon landings but, in turn, saved lives. A Christy Ottaviano Book

History recognizes the leadership and voice Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. brought to the civil rights movement in 1960s America. A 30-foot tall statue of Dr. King gazes into the future full of hope for all humanity. His words of peace are carved in the walls of the monument as a reminder to all Americans of the power of peaceful protest. Learn all about the first national memorial to an African American.

This biography examines the remarkable life of Martin Luther King Jr. using easy-to-read, compelling text. Through striking black-and-white images and rich color photographs and informative sidebars, readers will learn about King's family background, childhood, education, and inspirational work as a leader of the civil rights movement in the United States. Informative sidebars enhance and support the text. Features include a table of contents, timeline, facts page, glossary, bibliography, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards.Essential Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

In this book from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy best-selling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Martin Luther King Jr., the inspiring minister and civil rights activist. Little Martin grew up in a family of preachers: his dad was a preacher, his uncle was a preacher, his grandfather was a preacher...so maybe he'd become a great preacher too. One day, a friend invited him to play at his house. Martin was shocked when his mother wouldn't let him in because he was black. That day he realized there was something terribly unfair going on. Martin believed that no one should remain silent and accept something if it's wrong. And he promised himself that--when he grew up--he'd fight injustice with the most powerful weapon of all: words. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the inspiring activist's life. Little People, BIG DREAMS is a best-selling series of books and educational games that explore the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream. This empowering series offers inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. The board books are told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to babies and toddlers. The hardcover versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. Boxed gift sets allow you to collect a selection of the books by theme. Paper dolls, learning cards, matching games, and other fun learning tools provide even more ways to make the lives of these role models accessible to children. Inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world with Little People, BIG DREAMS!

This title will familiarize readers with Martin Luther King Jr. Day by explaining the "whos, whats, and whys" of it. Complete with a More Facts section and bolded glossary terms. Young readers will gather basic information about Martin Luther King Jr. Day through easy-to-read text alongside compelling and historical photographs. Aligned to Common Core standards and correlated to state standards. Abdo Kids is a division of ABDO.

Martin Luther King Jr. believed everyone was equal. He worked hard to peacefully change laws and unite people. Let's celebrate him on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The My Itty-Bitty Bio series are biographies for the earliest readers. This book examines the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. in a simple, age-appropriate way that will help children develop word recognition and reading skills. Includes a timeline and other informative backmatter.

Illustrated by Bryan Collier Winner of the 2001 NY Times Best Illustrated Children's Book Award, Rappaport weaves her simple and graceful text and the words of Martin Luther King Jr. into a captivating narrative, telling the story of Dr. King's life in a way that is entirely accessible for young readers. A chronology and bibliography offer the resources for exploring his life further, and stunning, full-colour collage art by the 2001 Coretta Scott King Medal winner Bryan Collier offer an unforgettable portrait of a man who helped change the world forever. All ages.

Commemorating the birthday of this champion of civil rights, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebrates the accomplishments and efforts of Dr. King. This compelling new title from Crabtree looks at Martin Luther King, Jr., his life, and the different celebrations in his honor every year. Full color photographs and detailed text bring to life the story of a great man.

An introduction to the Martin Luther King Day holiday, including its history and the way it is celebrated.

Graphic novels aren't just for superheroes! Martin Luther King Jr. has been plucked from history books and his life and accomplishments have been depicted in an informative nonfiction graphic novel. The subject's birth, childhood, education, and civil rights leadership have been skillfully told with detailed art. Further reading lists, timelines, glossaries, and indexes make these titles useful in classroom discussion. Graphic Planet is an imprint of Magic Wagon, a division of ABDO Publishing Group. Grades 3-6.

NAACP Image Award Nominee "In a word, stunning." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Through artful prose and beautiful illustrations, Donna Jo Napoli and Kadir Nelson tell the true story of Wangari Muta Maathai, known as "Mama Miti," who in 1977 founded the Green Belt Movement, an African grassroots organization that has empowered many people to mobilize and combat deforestation, soil erosion, and environmental degradation. Today, more than 30 million trees have been planted throughout Mama Miti's native Kenya, and in 2004 she became the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Wangari Muta Maathai has changed Kenya tree by tree--and with each page turned, children will realize their own ability to positively impact the future.

Wangari Maathai, winner of the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize and founder of the Green Belt Movement, grew up in the highlands of Kenya, where fig trees cloaked the hills, fish filled the streams, and the people tended their bountiful gardens. But over many years, as more and more land was cleared, Kenya was transformed. When Wangari returned home from college in America, she found the village gardens dry, the people malnourished, and the trees gone. How could she alone bring back the trees and restore the gardens and the people? Bill McKibben, author ofThe End of Nature, says: "Wangari Maathai's epic story has never been told better--everyone who reads this book will want to plant a tree!" With glowing watercolor illustrations and lyrical prose, Claire Nivola tells the remarkable story of one woman's effort to change the fate of her land by teaching many to care for it. An author's note provides further information about Wangari Maathai and the Green Belt Movement. In keeping with the theme of the story, the book is printed on recycled paper.

As a young girl growing up in Kenya, Wangari was surrounded by trees. But years later when she returns home, she is shocked to see whole forests being cut down, and she knows that soon all the trees will be destroyed. So Wangari decides to do something--and starts by planting nine seedlings in her own backyard. And as they grow, so do her plans. . . .          This true story of Wangari Maathai, environmentalist and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, is a shining example of how one woman's passion, vision, and determination inspired great change.          Includes an author's note. This book was printed on 100% recycled paper with 50% postconsumer waste.    

A picture book biography of scientist Wangari Maathai, the first African woman - and first environnmentalist - to win a Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for planting trees in her native Kenya. Detailed narrative and vibrant images paint a robust portrait of this inspiring champion of women's rights and the environment and engagingly capture the people, clothing and landscape of Kenya.

Robert Smalls, born a slave in 1839 in Beaufort, South Carolina, gained fame as an African American hero of the American Civil War. The Freedom Ship of Robert Smalls tells the inspirational story of Small's life as a slave, his boyhood dream of freedom, and his bold and daring plan as a young man to commandeer a Confederate gunboat from Charleston Harbor and escape with fifteen fellow slaves and family members. Smalls joined the Union Navy and rose to the rank of captain and became the first African American to command a U.S. service ship. After the war Smalls returned to Beaufort, bought the home of his former master, and began a long career in state and national politics. This new edition of The Freedom Ship of Robert Smalls, originally published in 1971, features Louise Meriwether's original narrative, now illustrated by the colorful paintings of renowned Southern artist Jonathan Green.

Coretta Scott King Honor Award for Illustration2019 I couldn't play on the same playground as the white kids.  I couldn't go to their schools.   I couldn't drink from their water fountains.   There were so many things I couldn't do.  In 1963 Birmingham, Alabama, thousands of African American children volunteered to march for their civil rights after hearing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speak. They protested the laws that kept black people separate from white people. Facing fear, hate, and danger, these children used their voices to change the world. Frank Morrison's emotive oil-on-canvas paintings bring this historical event to life, while Monica Clark-Robinson's moving and poetic words document this remarkable time. 

Meet the youngest known child to be arrested for a civil rights protest in Birmingham, Alabama, 1963, in this moving picture book that proves you're never too little to make a difference. Nine-year-old Audrey Faye Hendricks intended to go places and do things like anybody else. So when she heard grown-ups talk about wiping out Birmingham's segregation laws, she spoke up. As she listened to the preacher's words, smooth as glass, she sat up tall. And when she heard the plan--picket those white stores! March to protest those unfair laws! Fill the jails!--she stepped right up and said, I'll do it! She was going to j-a-a-il! Audrey Faye Hendricks was confident and bold and brave as can be, and hers is the remarkable and inspiring story of one child's role in the Civil Rights Movement.

"Not only does this book highlight an important civil rights activist, it can serve as an introduction to child activism as well as the movement itself. Valuable." --Kirkus Reviews starred review "Relatable and meaningful ... A top addition to nonfiction collections." --School Library Journal starred review More than a year before the Greensboro sit-ins, a teacher named Clara Luper led a group of young people to protest the segregated Katz Drug Store by sitting at its lunch counter. With simple, elegant art, Someday Is Now tells the inspirational story of this unsung hero of the Civil Rights Movement. As a child, Clara Luper saw how segregation affected her life. When she grew up, Clara led the movement to desegregate Oklahoma stores and restaurants that were closed to African Americans. With courage and conviction, she led young people to "do what had to be done." Perfect for early elementary age kids in encouraging them to do what is right and stand up for what is right, even at great cost, this is a powerful story about the power of nonviolent activism. Someday Is Nowchallenges young people to ask how they will stand up against something they know is wrong. Kids are inspired to follow the lessons of bravery taught by civil rights pioneers like Clara Luper. This moving title includes additional information on Clara Luper's extraordinary life, her lessons of nonviolent resistance, and a glossary of key civil rights people and terms.

In lyrical text, Carol Boston Weatherford describes Harriet Tubman's spiritual journey as she hears the voice of God guiding her North to freedom on that very first trip to escape the brutal practice of forced servitude. Tubman, courageous and compassionate, and deeply religious, would take 19 subsequent trips back South, never being caught, but none as profound as this first. Harriet Tubman's bravery and relentless pursuit of freedom are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Will Allen is no ordinary farmer. A former basketball star, he's as tall as his truck, and he can hold a cabbage--or a basketball--in one hand. But what is most special about Farmer Will is that he can see what others can't see. When he looked at an abandoned city lot in Milwaukee he saw a huge table, big enough to feed the whole world. No space, no problem. Poor soil, there's a solution. Need help, found it. Farmer Will is a genius in solving problems. In 2008, the MacArthur Foundation named him one for his innovative urban farming methods, including aquaponics and hydroponics. Jacqueline Briggs Martin, author of the Caldecott Medal winner, Snowflake Bentley, and Alice Waters and the Trip to Delicious , along with debut artist Eric-Shabazz Larkin's striking artwork, tells the inspiring story of the African American innovator, educator, and community builder. Farmer Will Allen is the first book of Martin's Food Heroes series, followed by Alice Waters and the Trip to Delicious. In 2015, it was selected by Points of Light Foundation to set a new Guinness World Record for the most children reading the same book across the globe to promote literacy. Nearly 300,000 participated.

The My Itty-Bitty Bio series are biographies for the earliest readers. This book examines the life of Frederick Douglas in a simple, age-appropriate way that will help children develop word recognition and reading skills. Includes a timeline and other informative backmatter.

Born into slavery, Douglass became an eloquent spokesperson for both black's and women's rights. During and after the Civil War, Douglass became a confidant of presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson. Douglass also argued for African Americans to be allowed to join the Union army in the fight for their own freedom.

Illustrated by Cedric Lucas The success of this penetrating book lies in Miller's ability to convincingly convey the abolitionist Frederick Douglass's thoughts and feelings during his formative years. The result is a searing, personal story that is easily absorbed by young readers - Publishers Weekly.

Few Americans have had as much impact on this nation as Frederick Douglass. Born on a plantation, he later escaped slavery and helped others to freedom via the Underground Railroad. In time he became a bestselling author, an outspoken newspaper editor, a brilliant orator, a tireless abolitionist, and a brave civil rights leader. He was famous on both sides of the Atlantic in the years leading up to the Civil War, and when war broke out, Abraham Lincoln invited him to the White House for counsel and advice. Frederick Douglass for Kids follows the footsteps of a true hero, one of the leading African Americans of his day. And to better appreciate Douglass and his times, readers will: form a debating club; create a sailor's tarpaulin hat and cravat that Douglass wore during his escape; make a Civil War haversack; participate in a microlending program and more

The inspirational, true story of how Frederick Douglass found his way to freedom one word at a time. This picture book biography chronicles the youth of Frederick Douglass, one of the most prominent African American figures in American history. Douglass spent his life advocating for the equality of all, and it was through reading that he was able to stand up for himself and others. Award-winning husband-wife team Lesa Cline-Ransome and James E. Ransome present a moving and captivating look at the young life of the inspirational man who said, "I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong."

Vacant lots. Abandoned houses. Trash--lots of trash. Heidelberg Street was in trouble! Tyree Guyton loved his childhood home--that's where his grandpa Sam taught him to "paint the world." So he wanted to wake people up... to make them see Detroit's crumbling communities. Paintbrush in hand, Tyree cast his artistic spell, transforming everyday junk into magic trash. Soon local kids and families joined Tyree in rebuilding their neighborhood, discovering the healing power of art along the way. This picture book biography of Tyree Guyton, an urban environmental artist, shows how he transformed his decaying, crime-ridden neighborhood into the Heidelberg Project, an interactive sculpture park. The story spans from Tyree's childhood in 1950s Detroit to his early efforts to heal his community through art in the 1980s. Tyree's awards include Michigan Artist of the Year and International Artist. MAGIC TRASH offers strong themes of working together, the power of art, and the importance of inspiring community--especially kids--to affect action. The Heidelberg Project is internationally recognized for providing arts education to children and adults and for the ongoing development of several houses on Heidelberg Street. Not only does the Heidelberg Project prove that when a community works together it can rebuild itself, but it also addresses the issues of recycling, environmentalism, and community on a global level.

"A stirring, accessible introduction to Gwendolyn Brooks and a must-have for all elementary collections." --School Library Journal (Starred review) "The combination of biography and Brooks' own poems makes for a strong, useful, and beautiful text . . . A solid introduction to a brilliant writer"--Kirkus. Acclaimed writer Alice Faye Duncan tells the story of poet Gwendolyn Brooks, the first Black author to win the Pulitzer Prize. SING a song for Gwendolyn Brooks. Sing it loud--a Chicago blues.   With a voice both wise and witty, Gwendolyn Brooks crafted poems that captured the urban Black experience and the role of women in society. She grew up on the South Side of Chicago, reading and writing constantly from a young age, her talent lovingly nurtured by her parents. Brooks ultimately published 20 books of poetry, two autobiographies, and one novel. Alice Faye Duncan has created her own song to celebrate Gwendolyn's life and work, illuminating the tireless struggle of revision and the sweet reward of success. Included on the Chicago Public Libraries list of Best Informational Books for Young Readers.

Award-winning author-illustrator Don Tate celebrates the first Black author in the South to be published in this first-ever picture book biography of George Moses Horton. Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award winner Carter G. Woodson Book Award (Elementary) winner ? National Council for the Social Studies ? ?Offers a new perspective with remarkable clarity.? ?Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW ? ?A lovely introduction to an inspirational American poet.? ?School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW ? ?Stirring.? ?Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW George loved words, but he was also enslaved. Forced to work long hours, he was unable to attend school or learn how to read. But he was determined?he listened to the white children?s lessons and learned the alphabet. Then he taught himself to read. Soon, he began composing poetry in his head and reciting it as he sold fruits and vegetables on a nearby college campus. News of the slave poet traveled quickly among the students, and before long, George had customers for his poems. But George was still enslaved. Would he ever be free? In this powerful biography of George Moses Horton, the first southern African-American man to be published, Don Tate tells an inspiring and moving story of talent and determination. A must for Black and American history collections. Available as an ebook. Awards: Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award ?Ezra Jack Keats Foundation, de Grummond Children?s Literature Collection Carter G. Woodson Book Award (Elementary) ?National Council for the Social Studies Christopher Award (Books for Young People) ?Christophers Notable Children?s Books ?Association for Library Service to Children

Winner of the Randolph Caldecott Medal and the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Jean-Michel Basquiat and his unique, collage-style paintings rocketed to fame in the 1980s as a cultural phenomenon unlike anything the art world had ever seen. But before that, he was a little boy who saw art everywhere: in poetry books and museums, in games and in the words that we speak, and in the pulsing energy of New York City. Now, award-winning illustrator Javaka Steptoe's vivid text and bold artwork echoing Basquiat's own introduce young readers to the powerful message that art doesn't always have to be neat or clean--and definitely not inside the lines--to be beautiful.

Ira Aldridge dreamed of being on stage one day performing the great works of William Shakespeare. But in the early 1800s, only white actors were allowed to perform Shakespeare. Despite being discouraged by his teacher and father, Ira determinedly pursued his dream and set off to England, the land of Shakespeare. There, Ira honed his acting skills and eventually performed at the acclaimed Theatre Royal Haymarket. Through perseverance and determination, Ira became one of the most celebrated Shakespearean actors throughout Europe.

This title introduces Michael Jordan who has had a great influence on his sport and in his society. Career highlights, battles along the way, and humanitarian contributions are discussed. Jordan's legacy is told through informative sidebars, captivating photos, and engaging text. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards.SportsZone is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

"Not every flying hero has a cape." --Michael Jordan Essential facts and stories all young basketball fans should know, plus inspiring quotes and brilliant photos Michael Jordan left his mark on the game as a larger-than-life competitor who dazzled the world, pushed the boundaries of his sport, and never settled for anything less than the best. The Chicago Bulls legend is known as the greatest basketball player of all time, but he is so much more than just an athlete. The man who made fans want to "Be Like Mike" revolutionized the world of sports, is an ambassador for the game around the world, and serves as a role model to millions.⯠In The Legend of Michael Jordan, readers will learn about MJ's early days growing up in North Carolina, his six championships with the Chicago Bulls, the impact he had on fashion and pop culture, and his burning desire to win.⯠This must-own book is a great way to introduce young ballers to basketball's Greatest of All Time. Other titles in this series: The Legend of Kobe Bryant

No single group of people serve as more important role models for your kids than the star athletes they watch performing at the highest levels on TV and in stadiums and arenas. These books will be a source of inspiration, especially for some of your students who have not yet found the thrill in reading.

This title compares classic star Michael Jordan and contemporary champion LeBron James. From scoring and rebounding to defense and leadership, chapters explore and compare each player's skills on the court. The title also features end-of-chapter fact boxes for side-by-side player comparison, as well as a glossary. It will be up to the reader to decide who is the all-time basketball hero. SportsZone is an imprint of Abdo Publishing Company.

Every basketball fan knows the legend of Michael Jordan. But not everyone knows that Michael was passed over for the high school varsity team! Or that he finished his college degree even after he was drafted to play for the NBA! On and off the court, Michael is an inspiration to all sports fans.

A dynamic author-illustrator team follows the threetime heavyweight champ through twelve rounds of a remarkable life. "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. . . . I'm the prettiest thing that ever lived!" From the moment a fired-up teenager from Kentucky won 1960 Olympic gold to the day in 1996 when a retired legend, hands shaking from Parkinson's, returned to raise the Olympic torch, the boxer known as "The Greatest" waged many a fight. Some were in the ring, against opponents like Sonny Liston and Joe Frazier; others were against societal prejudice and against a war he refused to support because of his Islamic faith. Charles R. Smith Jr.'s rap-inspired verse weaves and bobs and jabs with relentless energy, while Bryan Collier's bold collage artwork matches every move -- capturing the "Louisville loudmouth with the great gift of rhyme" who shed the name Cassius Clay to take on the world as Muhammad Ali. Back matter includes a time line.

In this book from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy best-selling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the incredible life of Muhammad Ali, "the greatest" boxer of all time. When he was little, Muhammad Ali had his bicycle stolen. He wanted to fight the thief, but a policeman told him him to learn how to box first. After training hard in the gym, Muhammad developed a strong jab and an even stronger work ethic. His smart thinking and talking earned him the greatest title in boxing: Heavyweight Champion of the World. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of "The Greatest's" life. Little People, BIG DREAMS is a best-selling series of books and educational games that explore the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream. This empowering series offers inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. The board books are told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to babies and toddlers. The hardcover versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. Boxed gift sets allow you to collect a selection of the books by theme. Paper dolls, learning cards, matching games, and other fun learning tools provide even more ways to make the lives of these role models accessible to children. Inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world with Little People, BIG DREAMS!

Muhammad Ali was born as Cassius Clay in Louisville, Kentucky. Early in his life, his skills developed from those he needed to stand up to a playground bully into the championship form that earned him a gold medal in the 1960 Olympics. As a professional fighter, Ali became known not just for the speed and agility with which he won three world heavyweight championships, but also for his charm, wit, and showmanship. Outside the ring, the courage of his stand against the military draft made him both a revered cultural hero and a lightning rod for the issues that divided Americans during the Vietnam War. In the decades following his boxing career, Ali has become regarded as one of the most recognized people on the planet. He has lent his name, influence, and generosity to a host of humanitarian causes. Today, having earned the affection of billions of people worldwide, the people's champ is, as ever, The Greatest.

Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., was known for his battles in the ring as well as his achievements outside of it. An outspoken activist, he joined the Nation of Islam and followed Malcolm X during the Civil Rights Movement. He refused to fight in the Vietnam War for a cause he did not believe in, even though some saw him as a coward. Even with failing health from Parkinson's disease, Ali continued to fight for and defend people who were less advantaged. Follow Ali's journey from amateur to heavyweight champion, and learn how he fought in the boxing ring and advocated for peace and justice outside of it.

Muhammad Ali was born as Cassius Clay in Louisville, Kentucky. Early in his life, his skills developed from those he needed to stand up to a playground bully into the championship form that earned him a gold medal in the 1960 Olympics. As a professional fighter, Ali became known not just for the speed and agility with which he won three world heavyweight championships, but also for his charm, wit, and showmanship. Outside the ring, the courage of his stand against the military draft made him both a revered cultural hero and a lightning rod for the issues that divided Americans during the Vietnam War. In the decades following his boxing career, Ali has become regarded as one of the most recognized people on the planet. He has lent his name, influence, and generosity to a host of humanitarian causes. Today, having earned the affection of billions of people worldwide, the people's champ is, as ever, The Greatest.

Learn About The Life Of Muhammad Ali As He Battled Racism And Became One Of The Most Talented Boxers Of All Time.

Legendary Athletes introduces readers to the people who have made significant impacts both athletically and socially. Muhammad Ali: Boxing Champ & Role Model highlights Muhammad Ali's childhood and rise to fame. Career highlights, battles along the way, and humanitarian contributions are also discussed. The boxing champ's lasting legacy is told through informative sidebars, captivating photos, and engaging text. SportsZone is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.

Wilma Rudolph wanted to run and jump like other children, but she had a serious disease that kept her leg from growing well. She did not give up and went on to one day win Olympic gold medals.

In this book from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy best-selling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Wilma Rudolph, the remarkable sprinter and Olympic champion. Wilma was born into a family with 22 brothers and sisters, in the segregated South. She contracted polio in her early years and her doctors said she would never walk again. But Wilma persisted with treatment, and she recovered her strength by the age of 12. At school, Wilma showed a talent for basketball and sprinting, earning the nickname "Skeeter" (mosquito) as she ran so fast. Wilma was in college when she went to the 1960 Olympics. She not only won gold in sprint events, but also broke world records with her sprinting skill. She had beaten polio to become an Olympic champion. She is a huge inspiration to many women in sports around the world. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the athlete's life. Little People, BIG DREAMS is a best-selling series of books and educational games that explore the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream. This empowering series offers inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. The board books are told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to babies and toddlers. The hardcover versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. Boxed gift sets allow you to collect a selection of the books by theme. Paper dolls, learning cards, matching games, and other fun learning tools provide even more ways to make the lives of these role models accessible to children. Inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world with Little People, BIG DREAMS!

This award-winning true story of Black Olympic runner Wilma Rudolph, who overcame childhood polio and eventually went on to win three gold medals, is illustrated by Caldecott medal-winning artist David Diaz. Before Wilma Rudolph was five years old, polio had paralyzed her left leg. Everyone said she would never walk again. But Wilma refused to believe it. Not only would she walk again, she vowed, she'd run. And she did run--all the way to the Olympics, where she became the first American woman to earn three gold medals in a single Olympiad. This dramatic and inspiring true story is illustrated in bold watercolor and acrylic paintings.  

When doctors told her parents that she may never walk again, no one could have imagined that Wilma Rudolph would grow up to become the world's fastest woman. This awe-inspiring book shows how, with grace, perseverance, and dedication, young Wilma used her inner strength to overcome physical disabilities caused by polio to win three gold medals for the USA in track and field at the 1960 Olympics. A sports superstar and an icon worldwide, her legacy continues to inspire youth and African-American communities today.

Legendary Athletes introduces readers to the people who have made significant impacts both athletically and socially. Wilma Rudolph: Track & Field Inspiration highlights Wilma Rudolph's childhood and rise to fame. Career highlights, battles along the way, and humanitarian contributions are also discussed. The track & field inspiration's lasting legacy is told through informative sidebars, captivating photos, and engaging text. SportsZone is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.

When did Wilma begin to run? What was the first important race she ever won? Cub Reporter interviews her to find out! Learn how Wilma overcame polio and became the first American woman to win three gold medals at a single Olympic Games. Readers will see how to use interviewing skills and journalistic questions to reveal the story behind a famous American.

Stephen Curry is considered to be the greatest shooter in National Basketball Association (NBA) history. He's set the record for the most three-pointers made in a regular season. He's also been named league MVP for multiple seasons. Stephen Curry is an impressive athlete, but his life off the court is just as fascinating. Learn about his rise to stardom, his intense training drills, how he works hard to be a mentor to kids, and much more.

This title introduces readers to Stephen Curry, providing exciting details about his life and going deep inside the key moments of his NBA career. The title also features fun facts and quotes, a glossary, and further resources. SportsZone is an imprint of Abdo Publishing Company.

Eyewitness Basketball tells the whole story of the game--from James Naismith's nailing a peach basket to the wall of a local gym for the first informal game to the incredible feats of basketball's super-size stars of today.

In this book from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy best-selling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Aretha Franklin, "The Queen of Soul." The fourth of five children, Aretha was born in Tennessee and took the stage at an early age in her father's church choir. She went on to become the best-selling rhythm and blues singer of all time, and the first woman to be installed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the broadcaster's life. Little People, BIG DREAMS is a best-selling series of books and educational games that explore the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream. This empowering series offers inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. The board books are told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to babies and toddlers. The hardcover versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. Boxed gift sets allow you to collect a selection of the books by theme. Paper dolls, learning cards, matching games, and other fun learning tools provide even more ways to make the lives of these role models accessible to children. Inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world with Little People, BIG DREAMS!

Aretha Franklin was a legendary singer and activist. Her music helped shape the civil rights movement and inspired many people. Aretha Franklin: Legendary Singer explores her life and legacy. Easy-to-read text, vivid images, and helpful back matter give readers a clear look at this subject. Features include a table of contents, infographics, a glossary, additional resources, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Core Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

Meet pop star Beyoncé! In this engaging title, readers will follow Beyoncé's career from Destiny's Child to her first solo album Dangerously in Love to singing the national anthem at President Barack Obama's inauguration to a record 62 Grammy Award nominations! Beyoncé's charitable work is also featured. Table of contents, map, "Did You Know" fact boxes, a "Snapshot" graphic with vital information, glossary, and index are included. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Big Buddy Books is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

From scoring hit after hit on the R & B and pop music charts to slaying it onscreen as an actor, Beyoncé does it all. Explore the personal and professional life of Queen Bey and follow her journey from a girl who planned to become a superstar to her life today as a Grammy-winning singer with multiple platinum albums.

You may know that Beyoncé is a gifted R & B star who has made a splash in the worlds of music, dance, and acting. But did you know that Beyoncé: * was super shy as a child, yet she loved to ham it up in music and dance classes? * goes by Bee among family and friends? * once had her toe broken by a bodyguard when he stepped on it while trying to protect her? Want to know more about the life of this talented celebrity? Read on to learn all about Beyoncé's childhood, family, career, true personality, current projects, and more!

Contemporary R&B artist Beyonc#65533; Knowles entered singing competitions as a young child, long before she burst into stardom as a member of Destiny's Child. This fascinating book takes a close-up look at Beyonc#65533;'s life and career including her mega success as a solo artist.

This title examines the fascinating life of Beyoncé. Readers will learn about Beyoncé's childhood, family, and rise to fame. Colorful graphics, oversize photos, and informative sidebars accompany easy-to-read, compelling text that explores Beyoncé's early interest in music and talent in singing that led to her membership in Destiny's Child and eventually the release of her solo albums Dangerously in Love, B'Day, I Am . . .Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards.Essential Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

This stunning picture book biography of Nelson Mandela by Kadir Nelson is a recipient of the Coretta Scott King Honor award. In this lush, acclaimed book, award-winning author-illustrator Kadir Nelson tells the story of global icon and Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela in poignant free verse and glorious illustrations. It is the story of a young boy's determination to change South Africa, and of the struggles of a man who eventually became the president of his country. Mandela believed in equality for all people, no matter the color of their skin. Readers will be inspired by Mandela's triumph and his lifelong quest to create a more just world. Resources in the back include an author's note and a bibliography listing additional sources for readers who want to find out more. Perfect for sharing at home or in the classroom. Kadir Nelson's acclaimed books include The Undefeated, winner of the Caldecott Medal as the most distinguished picture book of the year, Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans, and Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom.

On December 5, 2013, former South African President Nelson Mandela passed away at the age of 95. People around the world mourned the death of this human rights activist. Thousands of South Africans waited hours to walk past his casket to pay their respects, and world leaders and celebrities attended his funeral, including Pope Francis, several US presidents, and Bono. Mandela was born in 1918 in South Africa. While in law school, he joined the African National Congress. The ANC spoke out against South Africa's apartheid laws, which allowed separate treatment of people based on skin color. He began his activism in the 1940s and was arrested many times before he received a life sentence in 1964. After spending more than 25 years in jail, Mandela was released in 1990 and soon after partnered with South African President F. W. de Klerk to help end apartheid. They won the Nobel Peace Prize together in 1993. The next year, Mandela became the first African president of South Africa. After his term as president, he continued his work as a human rights advocate until he retired in 2004. After a long illness, he died in 2013. He will be remembered for his leadership for years to come.

Nelson Mandela helped create a new world for South Africa in his fight against apartheid. Readers will learn about Mandela's fight for peace and equality and how he used peaceful protests to make his way from a political prisoner to the first South African President of Africa in this nonfiction biography. Featuring colorful images, informational text, timelines, a glossary of terms, and an index, readers are sure to be inspired by Mandela's amazing life.

Discusses the life and achievements of Nelson Mandela, discussing his childhood, education, family, and influence.

Join TIME to explore the full story of Nelson Mandela, the remarkable man whose incandescent smile, forgiving spirit and work for reconciliation made him one of the most significant leaders of the 20th century and one of the most admired people in the world. This sweeping, richly illustrated volume traces the twin journeys of Mandela and his nation away from the hateful system of racist apartheid to the creation of the modern South Africa where all people are free. Here is Mandela's journey in full detail: his birth in a grass hut as a prince of the Thembu tribe... his work as an inspiring young lawyer fighting for civil rights for blacks... his years as an underground freedom fighter... and the 27 years he spent in jail as a political prisoner. And here is his incredible return to freedom, when he moved the world by vowing to forgive his captors and to reconcile all the people of his land, steering his nation away from a racial war. In addition to its historic photos, maps and charts, the book features a personal and insightful introduction by TIME managing editor Richard Stengel, the co-writer of Mandela's autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom. Here is history as only TIME can tell it: rich, clear, incisive and filled with the details that bring the story of one of our great modern heroes to fresh, inspiring life.

African American Legends for Little Learners(c) is created to be an introductory series that teaches black history education to our youngest learners. Illustrations are bright, colorful and fun to keep children engaged while they interact with this book. Parents, we encourage you to read with your child, or assist them with any complex words if they are already independent readers. Our goal is to help children become familiarized with historical imagery and associate positive learning experiences with them. With our series, your child will develop a solid foundation of knowledge they can explore and build upon for years to come!

A charmingly illustrated gift book profiling 50 famous women scientists from the ancient Greek mathematician, philosopher, and astronomer, Hypatia, to Marie Curie, a physicist and chemist. A recent U.S. Department of Education survey found that high school girls take the same number of math and science classes as boys and earn slightly higher grades, but only 15 percent of U.S. collegiate women major in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Encouraging young women and girls to pursue STEM career tracks has never been more important. Women in Science highlights notable women's contributions to various scientific fields and inspires readers both young and old. A fascinating collection full of striking, singular art, the book features 50 profiles and illustrated portraits of women in STEM from the ancient to the modern world, and also contains infographics about interesting and relevant topics such as lab equipment and rates of women currently working in STEM fields. Profiles feature well-known figures, such as biologist Rachel Carson and primatologist Jane Goodall, as well as lesser-known pioneers, such as Dr. Patricia Bath, the first African-American woman to receive a medical patent, and Barbara McClintock, a Nobel Prize-winning cytogeneticist.

This beautifully illustrated board book edition of instant bestseller Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History showcases women who changed the world and is the perfect goodnight book to inspire big dreams. Featuring 18 trailblazing black women in American history, Dream Big, Little One is the irresistible board book adaptation of Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History. Among these women, you'll find heroes, role models, and everyday women who did extraordinary things - bold women whose actions and beliefs contributed to making the world better for generations of girls and women to come. Whether they were putting pen to paper, soaring through the air or speaking up for the rights of others, the women profiled in these pages were all taking a stand against a world that didn't always accept them. The leaders in this book may be little, but they all did something big and amazing, inspiring generations to come.

Based on the New York Times bestselling book and the Academy Award-nominated movie, author Margot Lee Shetterly and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award winner Laura Freeman bring the incredibly inspiring true story of four black women who helped NASA launch men into space to picture book readers!  Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden were good at math...really good. They participated in some of NASA's greatest successes, like providing the calculations for America's first journeys into space. And they did so during a time when being black and a woman limited what they could do. But they worked hard. They persisted. And they used their genius minds to change the world. In this beautifully illustrated picture book edition, we explore the story of four female African American mathematicians at NASA, known as "colored computers," and how they overcame gender and racial barriers to succeed in a highly challenging STEM-based career. "Finally, the extraordinary lives of four African American women who helped NASA put the first men in space is available for picture book readers," proclaims Brightly in their article "18 Must-Read Picture Books of 2018." "Will inspire girls and boys alike to love math, believe in themselves, and reach for the stars."

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, basketball legend and the NBA's alltime leading scorer, champions a lineup of little-known African-American inventors in this lively, kid-friendly book. Did you know that James West invented the microphone in your cell phone? That Fred Jones invented the refrigerated truck that makes supermarkets possible? Or that Dr. Percy Julian synthesized cortisone from soy, easing untold people's pain? These are just some of the black inventors and innovators scoring big points in this dynamic look at several unsung heroes who shared a desire to improve people's lives. Offering profiles with fast facts on flaps and framed by a funny contemporary story featuring two feisty twins, here is a nod to the minds behind the gamma electric cell and the ice-cream scoop, improvements to traffic lights, open-heart surgery, and more -- inventors whose ingenuity and perseverance against great odds made our world safer, better, and brighter. Back matter includes an authors' note and sources.

The twelfth volume of The Collected Works of Langston Hughes contains Hughes's collections of biographies for children and young adults--Famous American Negroes, Famous Negro Music Makers, and Famous Negro Heroes of America--gathered together for the first time. In these works, Hughes sought to remedy decades of historical and cultural neglect by telling the stories of African Americans who had made vital contributions to the construction of the American identity. Hughes made clear his commitment to an inclusive and diverse accounting of the achievements of African Americans on American soil, from vernacular expression to high culture, oratory to combat, geographical exploration to intellectual introspection. His lively and dramatic portraits of African Americans such as Crispus Attucks, Frederick Douglass, Jackie Robinson, and Mahalia Jackson, battling against exclusivity and adversity to achieve their full potential, present a captivating portrait of America. This volume is a valuable record of the emerging African American struggle for civil rights and positive self- determination. It also documents Hughes's interests as he entered the fifth decade of his life and can be read fruitfully alongside his writings for adults at the time, reflecting his sociocultural and political thought.

Sixteen award-winning children's book artists illustrate the civil rights quotations that inspire them in this stirring and beautiful book. Featuring an introduction by Harry Belafonte, words from Eleanor Roosevelt, Maya Angelou, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. among others, this inspirational collection sets a powerful example for generations of young leaders to come. It includes illustrations by Selina Alko, Alina Chau, Lisa Congdon, Emily Hughes, Molly Idle, Juana Medina, Innosanto Nagara, Christopher Silas Neal, John Parra, Brian Pinkney, Greg Pizzoli, Sean Qualls, Dan Santat, Shadra Strickland, Melissa Sweet, and Raúl the Third.

Winner of the 2020 Caldecott Medal A 2020 Newbery Honor Book Winner of the 2020 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award The Newbery Award-winning author of THE CROSSOVER pens an ode to black American triumph and tribulation, with art from a two-time Caldecott Honoree. Originally performed for ESPN's The Undefeated, this poem is a love letter to black life in the United States. It highlights the unspeakable trauma of slavery, the faith and fire of the civil rights movement, and the grit, passion, and perseverance of some of the world's greatest heroes. The text is also peppered with references to the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks, and others, offering deeper insights into the accomplishments of the past, while bringing stark attention to the endurance and spirit of those surviving and thriving in the present. Robust back matter at the end provides valuable historical context and additional detail for those wishing to learn more.  

The story of the brilliant lawyer who successfully argued the case that ended legal racial segregation in America   When Thurgood Marshall--the great grandson of a slave--was born, African Americans were denied equal rights in America. Segregation was legal. Lynching was common. In some places, African Americans were entirely excluded from public life; they were forbidden to enter public parks and museums or use public swimming pools and restrooms.   After being denied admission to the University of Maryland Law School because of his race, Marshall enrolled at Howard University. He graduated first in his class and set out as a young lawyer determined to achieve equality for all Americans. Here is the story of how he did it--how he devised his legal strategy for expanding "we the people," to include all people.   Thurgood Marshall explores his life, from his childhood in Baltimore to his trailblazing career as a civil rights lawyer, and finally his years as a United States Supreme Court justice.  

Biography of Thurgood Marshall, became the first African American Justice of the Supreme Court.