Children's Virtual Bookshelves: New Biographies
These are all the titles you would currently find on our Children's New Biographies bookshelf. Mouse over the "i" button to read the jacket flap and click on the image to place a copy on hold.
After years of dedication and diligent training, Simone Biles and her collection of gold medals have proven she is the greatest gymnast of her time! She is still a young woman with a lot to prove as she gears up for another Olympic games. Follow Simone's path to greatness in this title for early readers. Special features include a hometown map, a profile, quotes and more.
Hallie Morse Daggett loved spending time outdoors, hiking among the tall trees of the forests in California's Siskiyou Mountains. She wasn't afraid of the bears, coyotes, and wildcats. But Hallie was afraid of fire and understood the threat it posed to the forests, wildlife, and people. And more than anything, she wanted to devote her life to protecting her beloved outdoors; she decided she would work for the US Forest Service. But in the 1880s the Forest Service didn't hire women, thinking they couldn't handle the physical challenges of the work or the isolation. But the Forest Service didn't know Hallie or how determined she could be. This picture-book biography tells the story of Hallie Morse Daggett, the first woman "fire guard" hired by the US Forest Service, whose hard work and dedication led the way for other women to join the Forest Service.
When Winslow Homer watches the sea, he studies it patiently, making sure to notice every detail before bringing it to life again in his paintings. The fabled painter Winslow Homer always had a deep respect for the elemental power and beauty of the ever-changing ocean. Whenever he set up his easel, he was drawn back to its frothing waves smashing against rocks, gleaming like mirrors in the sunlight. He knew it took patience to get his painting just right to capture the life of the ocean. Breaking Waves- Winslow Homer Paints the Sea describes the artist's process from season to season, readers are shown the many blues, greys, browns, and golds that Winslow Homer used to depict the changing sea. Additional content in the back of the book further explains his work and passion for the ocean. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
This title introduces readers to Jose Altuve, covering his early life, career, and life off the field. This title features informative sidebars, detailed infographics, vivid photos, and a glossary.
This title introduces readers to Antonio Brown, covering his early life, career, and life off the field. This title features informative sidebars, detailed infographics, vivid photos, and a glossary.
This title introduces readers to Todd Gurley, covering his early life, career, and life off the field. This title features informative sidebars, detailed infographics, vivid photos, and a glossary.
This title introduces readers to Pat Mahomes, covering his early life, career, and life off the field. This title features informative sidebars, detailed infographics, vivid photos, and a glossary.
This luminous picture book tells the fascinating true story of artist Nek Chand and how his secret art project--hidden away in a jungle--became one of India's most treasured wonders, second only to the Taj Mahal. In the bustle of the busy streets of Chandigarh, India, Nek Chand saw something no one else did. Where others saw rocks and stones, Nek saw the boyhood village he missed so dearly. Where others saw broken plates and glass, Nek saw laughing men. And where others saw trash, Nek saw beauty. Nek Chand's incredible rock garden, built from stone and scraps and concrete, began as a way for him to express his long-felt grief at having to leave his boyhood village due to the violence caused by the partition of India. What began as a secret and personal (not to mention initially illegal) project became so much more, not only to Nek but to all of India.
Help kids ages 6 to 9 discover the life of Barack Obama--a story about hope, change, and breaking down barriers Barack Obama became the first African American president of the United States. Before he made history fighting for the environment, health care, and civil rights, he was a smart kid who knew he wanted to help others. He worked hard to become a lawyer, a senator, and then the president, all so that he could make people's lives better. With this Barack Obama children's book, you can explore how he went from being a boy growing up in Hawaii to one of the most celebrated leaders in the world. How will his extraordinary journey inspire you? This Barack Obama children's book includes: A lasting legacy―Learn how Barack made the world a better place―for today and future generations. Word definitions―Explore a glossary for some of the more advanced words in this Barack Obama children's book. Visual timeline―See how Barack progressed from a kid to the president in this unique Barack Obama children's book. If you've been searching for a Barack Obama children's book that explains the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How of his life, The Story of Barack Obama has everything you need!
A timely picture book biography about Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman in Congress, who sought the Democratic nomination to be the president of the United States. Shirley Chisholm famously said, "If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair." This dynamic biography illuminates how Chisholm was a doer, an active and vocal participant in our nation's democracy, and a force to be reckoned with. Now young readers will learn about her early years, her time in Congress, her presidential bid and how her actions left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire, uplift, and instruct.
Frederick Douglass knew where he was born but not when. He knew his grandmother but not his father. And as a young child, there were other questions, such as Why am I a slave? Answers to those questions might have eluded him but Douglass did know for certain that learning to read and to write would be the first step in his quest for freedom and his fight for equality. Told from first-person perspective, this picture-book biography draws from the real-life experiences of a young Frederick Douglass and his attempts to learn how to read and write. Author Shana Keller (Ticktock Banneker's Clock) personalizes the text for young readers, using some of Douglass's own words. The lyrical title comes from how Douglass "paid" other children to teach him.
From an early age in Glasgow, Scotland, June Almeida loved learning about science and nature. A good student, she was especially interested in biology and won the top science prize at her school. Creative and observant, June noticed details that others often missed. She dreamed of attending university but economic hardships caused her to leave school at age 16. Still, June was determined to pursue her passion for science. She was hired by a local hospital to work in its lab, using a microscope to magnify and examine cells. Her work helped doctors treat patients. June later worked in labs in London and in Toronto. Her skill in using the electron microscope to examine cells and help identify viruses earned her promotion and respect in the science community. When June was 34 years old, she discovered the first human coronavirus. Her groundbreaking work continues to help researchers today in the fight against illnesses caused by viruses, including COVID-19.
This title introduces readers to Mookie Betts, covering his early life, career, and life off the field. This title features informative sidebars, detailed infographics, vivid photos, and a glossary.
This title introduces readers to Steph Curry, covering his early life, career, and life off the court. This title features informative sidebars, detailed infographics, vivid photos, and a glossary.
This title introduces readers to DeAndre Hopkins, covering his early life, career, and life off the field. This title features informative sidebars, detailed infographics, vivid photos, and a glossary.
This title introduces readers to Lionel Messi, covering his early life, career, and life off the field. This title features informative sidebars, detailed infographics, vivid photos, and a glossary.
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * Michelle Obama's worldwide bestselling memoir, Becoming, is now adapted for young readers. Michelle Robinson was born on the South Side of Chicago. From her modest beginnings, she would become Michelle Obama, the inspiring and powerful First Lady of the United States, when her husband, Barack Obama, was elected the forty-fourth president. They would be the first Black First Family in the White House and serve the country for two terms. Growing up, Michelle and her older brother, Craig, shared a bedroom in their family's upstairs apartment in her great-aunt's house. Her parents, Fraser and Marian, poured their love and energy into their children. Michelle's beloved dad taught his kids to work hard, keep their word, and remember to laugh. Her mom showed them how to think for themselves, use their voice, and be unafraid. But life soon took her far from home. With determination, carefully made plans, and the desire to achieve, Michelle was eager to expand the sphere of her life from her schooling in Chicago. She went to Princeton University, where she learned what it felt like to be the only Black woman in the room. She then went to Harvard Law School, and after graduating returned to Chicago and became a high-powered lawyer. Her plans changed, however, when she met and fell in love with Barack Obama. From her early years of marriage, and the struggle to balance being a working woman, a wife, and the mom of two daughters, Michelle Obama details the shift she made to political life and what her family endured as a result of her husband's fast-moving political career and campaign for the presidency. She shares the glamour of ball gowns and world travel, and the difficulties of comforting families after tragedies. She managed to be there for her daughters' swim competitions and attend plays at their schools without catching the spotlight, while defining and championing numerous initiatives, especially those geared toward kids, during her time as First Lady. Most important, this volume for young people is an honest and fascinating account of Michelle Obama's life led by example. She shares her views on how all young people can help themselves as well as help others, no matter their status in life. She asks readers to realize that no one is perfect, and that the process of becoming is what matters, as finding yourself is ever evolving. In telling her story with boldness, she asks young readers: Who are you, and what do you want to become?
Discover an inspiring picture book biography about Hazel Ying Lee, the first Chinese American woman to fly for the US military. Hazel Ying Lee was born fearless--she was not afraid of anything, and the moment she took her first airplane ride, she knew where she belonged. When people scoffed at her dreams of becoming a pilot, Hazel wouldn't take no for an answer. She joined the Women Airforce Service Pilots during World War II. It was a dangerous job, but Hazel flew with joy and boldness. This moving, true story about a groundbreaking figure will inspire young readers to challenge barriers and reach for the sky.
The curiosity, drive, and perseverance of the nineteenth-century woman scientist who pioneered the use of aquariums to study ocean life are celebrated in this gorgeous, empowering picture book. How did a nineteenth-century dressmaker revolutionize science? Jeanne Power was creative: she wanted to learn about the creatures that swim beneath the ocean waves, so she built glass tanks and changed the way we study underwater life forever.Jeanne Power was groundbreaking: she solved mysteries of sea animals and published her findings at a time when few of women's contributions to science were acknowledged.Jeanne Power was persistent: when records of her research were lost, she set to work repeating her studies. And when men tried to take credit for her achievements, she stood firm and insisted on the recognition due to her. Jeanne Power was inspiring, and the legacy of this pioneering marine scientist lives on in every aquarium.
The 18th picture book in the New York Times bestselling series of biographies about heroes tells the story of Walt Disney, who made dreams come true. This friendly, fun biography series focuses on the traits that made our heroes great--the traits that kids can aspire to in order to live heroically themselves. Each book tells the story of one of America's icons in a lively, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers and that always includes the hero's childhood influences. At the back are an excellent timeline and photos. This volume features Walt Disney, who makes dreams come true for himself and countless kids around the world.
Coretta Scott King Honor-winning author Tonya Bolden chronicles the life of an intrepid lawyer and civil rights pioneer. Dovey Johnson Roundtree was most famous for her successful defense of an indigent Black man accused of the murder of Mary Pinchot Meyer, a prominent white Washington, DC, socialite, in 1965. Despite her triumph in this high-profile case, Roundtree continued to represent the poor and the underserved. She was the first lawyer to bring a bus desegregation case before the Interstate Commerce Commission, clinching the ruling that enabled Robert F. Kennedy to enforce bus integration. She was also among the first Black women to enter the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, and was one of the first ordained female ministers in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Tracing Roundtree's life from her childhood in Jim Crow North Carolina through her adulthood, Tonya Bolden illuminates a little-known figure in American history who believed the law should serve the people, and places her firmly in the context of twentieth-century civil rights and African American culture.
With grace and determination, Maria Tallchief became the world's first Native American prima ballerina! Her story of triumph dances through the pages of this leveled reader. A profile, hometown map, timeline, and other features highlight Maria's rise to success!
This title introduces readers to Tom Brady, covering his early life, career, and life off the field. This title features informative sidebars, detailed infographics, vivid photos, and a glossary.
This title introduces readers to Kevin Durant, covering his early life, career, and life off the court. This title features informative sidebars, detailed infographics, vivid photos, and a glossary.
This title introduces readers to LeBron James, covering his early life, career, and life off the court. This title features informative sidebars, detailed infographics, vivid photos, and a glossary.
This title introduces readers to Aaron Rodgers, covering his early life, career, and life off the field. This title features informative sidebars, detailed infographics, vivid photos, and a glossary.
This title introduces readers to Mike Trout, covering his early life, career, and life off the field. This title features informative sidebars, detailed infographics, vivid photos, and a glossary.
The most renowned Native American Indian potter of her time, Maria Povika Martinez learned pottery as a child under the guiding hands of her ko-ōo, her aunt. She grew up to discover a new firing technique that turned her pots black and shiny, and made them--and Maria--famous. This inspiring story of family and creativity illuminates how Maria's belief in sharing her love of clay brought success and joy from her New Mexico Pueblo to people all across the country.
Winner of the SCBWI Golden Kite Award for Illustrated Books for Older Readers APublishers Weekly Best Book of 2020 ANew York TimesBest Children's Book of 2020 Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2020 Booklist Best Books of 2020 Horn Book Fanfare 2020 Booklist Chicago Public Library Best of the Best 2020 Jewish Journal Twenty of the Best 2020 (Non-Holiday) Jewish Books for Kids A National Jewish Book Award 2020 Finalist for Middle Grade Fiction A 2021 Golden Dome Book Award Selection "Harrowing, engaging and utterly honest." --Elizabeth Wein,The New York Times Book Review "A captivating chronicle of eight turbulent years." --The Wall Street Journal From a beloved voice in children's literature comes this landmark memoir of hope amid harrowing times and an engaging and unusual Holocaust story. With backlist sales of over 2.3 million copies, Uri Shulevitz, one of Farrar, Straus and Grioux's most acclaimed picture-book creators, details the eight-year odyssey of how he and his Jewish family escaped the terrors of the Nazis by fleeing Warsaw for the Soviet Union inChance. It was during those years, with threats at every turn, that the young Uri experienced his awakening as an artist, an experience that played a key role during this difficult time. By turns dreamlike and nightmarish, this heavily illustrated account of determination, courage, family loyalty, and the luck of coincidence is a true publishing event.
The inspirational and true story of James Herman Banning, the first African American pilot to fly across the country, comes to life in this picture book biography perfect for fans of Hidden Figures and Little Leaders. Includes art from a Coretta Scott King award-winning illustrator. The inspirational and true story of James Herman Banning, the first African American pilot to fly across the country, comes to life in this picture book biography perfect for fans of Hidden Figures and Little Leaders. Includes art from a Coretta Scott King award-winning illustrator. James Herman Banning always dreamed of touching the sky. But how could a farm boy from Oklahoma find a plane? And how would he learn to fly it? None of the other pilots looked like him. In a journey that would span 3,300 miles, take twenty-one days, and inspire a nation, James Herman Banning proved that you can't put barriers on dreams. Louisa Jaggar incorporates over seven years of research, including Banning's own writings and an interview with the aviator's great-nephew. She teams up with cowriter Shari Becker and award-winning illustrator Floyd Cooper to capture Banning's historic flight across the United States.
A moving and powerful introduction to the life and art of renowned artist, Judith Scott, as told by her twin sister, Joyce Scott and illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist, Melissa Sweet. Judith Scott was born with Down syndrome. She was deaf, and never learned to speak. She was also a talented artist. Judith was institutionalized until her sister Joyce reunited with her and enrolled her in an art class. Judith went on to become an artist of renown with her work displayed in museums and galleries around the world. Poignantly told by Joyce Scott with Brie Spangler and beautifully illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist, Melissa Sweet, Unbound is inspiring and warm, showing us that we can soar beyond our perceived limitations and accomplish something extraordinary.
Though a disability stunted his growth and left him with a hunched back, William Henry "Chick" Webb did not let that get in the way of his musical pursuits. Even as a young child, Chick saw the world as one big drum, pounding out rhythms on everything from stair railings to pots and pans. His love of percussion brought him to the big time as an influential big band leader. This picture-book biography details the life of black American jazz drummer Chick Webb, who in the 1930s led one of the big bands of the swing era, earning him the nickname the "King of the Savoy."
This title introduces readers to Drew Brees, covering his early life, career, and life off the field. This title features informative sidebars, detailed infographics, vivid photos, and a glossary.
This title introduces readers to Joel Embiid, covering his early life, career, and life off the court. This title features informative sidebars, detailed infographics, vivid photos, and a glossary.
This title introduces readers to Aaron Judge, covering his early life, career, and life off the field. This title features informative sidebars, detailed infographics, vivid photos, and a glossary.
This title introduces readers to Sidney Crosby, covering his early life, career, and life off the ice. This title features informative sidebars, detailed infographics, vivid photos, and a glossary.
This title introduces readers to Russell Westbrook, covering his early life, career, and life off the court. This title features informative sidebars, detailed infographics, vivid photos, and a glossary.
A biography of astrophysicist Jocelyn Bell Burnell, who helped build a radio telescope that contributed to her discovery of pulsars, a new type of star. Some scientists consider it the greatest astronomical discovery of the twentieth century. Despite this achievement, she was overlooked in favor of two male colleagues when the Nobel Prize for physics was awarded. Bell is still working and teaching today, recognized for her contribution.
Scientist. Artist. Rule-breaker. The vibrant and daring life of Marianne North by the award-winning author of Super Women and Rachel Carson and Her Book That Changed the World. In 1882, Marianne North showed the gray city of London paintings of jaw-dropping greenery like they'd never seen before. As a self-taught artist and scientist, Marianne North subverted Victorian gender roles and advanced the field of botanical illustration. Her technique of painting specimens in their natural environment was groundbreaking. The legendary Charles Darwin was among her many supporters. Laurie Lawlor deftly chronicles North's life, from her restrictive childhood to her wild world travels to the opening of the Marianne North Gallery at Kew Gardens to her death in 1890. The North gallery at Kew Gardens remains open to the public today. Becca Stadtlander's award-winning lush, verdant artwork pairs wonderfully with the natural themes.
A picture-book biography about science superstar Neil deGrasse Tyson, the groundbreaking American astrophysicist whose work has inspired a generation of young scientists and astronomers to reach for the stars! Perfect for STEM curricula and readers of all ages. Young Neil deGrasse Tyson was starstruck when he first visited the sky theater at the Hayden Planetarium in New York City. He couldn't believe the crowded, glittering night sky at the planetarium was real--until a visit to the country years later revealed the impossible. That discovery was like rocket fuel for Neil's passion about space. His quest for knowledge took him from the roof of his apartment building to a science expedition in northwest Africa, to a summer astronomy camp beneath a desert sky, and finally back home to become the director of the Hayden Planetarium, where it all began. Before long, Neil became America's favorite guide to the cosmos. This story of how one boy's quest for knowledge about space leads him to become a star astrophysicist is perfect for young readers who are fascinated by the universe, aspiring scientists, and the dreamer in all of us. It will ignite your own sense of wonder.
