Meet Jet, Chuck, Donnie and Bruce — not only ninjas skilled in martial arts but clever, bright and brave. The first books in the series about ninja meerkats are fast and funny, silly and generously illustrated, just right for light summer reading!
Ninja Meerkats: The Clan of the Scorpion
Iditarod racers often run in families of humans and the dogs that run. The grueling, exciting race is introduced in clearly labeled photographs and crisp text just right for dipping in and out of for a glimpse at the brave animals and people who run it.
Mush! Sled Dogs of the Iditarod
This remarkable story is based on the life of Billy Wong, a Chinese-American who travels to Europe, becomes fascinated with bullfighting, and decides to become a matador. Eventually, Billy’s determination and recognition of what makes him unique helps him realize his dream. Luminous watercolors illustrate this sensitive picture book biography.
El Chino
“Along with well-known figures such as Jim Thorpe and National Hockey League hit man Jordin Tootoo, Schilling introduces Olympic wheelchair racer Cheri Becerra-Madsen, speed skier Ross Anderson, ice dancer Naomi Lang, and eight other less-familiar Native American athletes of the present and recent past. Most of the portraits are based on personal interviews; all include tribal affiliations, career notes (sometimes in boldface), brief sidebars, and small, black-and-white action photos.” — Booklist
Native Athletes in Action (Native Trailblazers)
Colorful mice are shown skating when the outline of a cat appears on the ice. The cat with a hat winds up joining the skating party. Limited vocabulary is enhanced by vibrant illustrations that together create mild tension to move the tale to its sunny conclusion.
Mice on Ice
Short, rhyming verse combines with outdoor scenes as a boy and his dad share a camping trip. Their day is presented from fishing to cooking their dinner, until the boy — with “Nodding head/Time for bed” — is carried into their tent by his dad.
In the Woods
Greg doesn’t think he needs a resolution for the New Year; he’d be hard to improve on. But he’s not sure his parents agree. Once again, family and school lives are revealed with ardent honesty through Greg’s voice and comic drawings.
The Last Straw
In this rhyming adventure, Mr. Magee and his dog Dee learn to ski. They didn’t expect to run into a very curious moose, however, which turns their outing a real cliffhanger!
Learning to Ski with Mr. Magee
Bonnie O’Boy’s first bike ride is a humdinger, taking her (and readers) on an animated, imaginative jaunt through her backyard. It lasts until Bonnie bumps into reality again. Child-like illustrations and lively language combine for an unforgettable ride.
The Best Bike Ride Ever
William Hoy wasn’t born deaf but lost it as a boy growing up in rural Ohio. In spite of his hearing loss, Hoy went on to become a remarkable major league baseball player at the end of the 19th century. His little known story is sure to inspire contemporary readers who will meet him in this handsome, detailed picture book biography.
Silent Star: The Story of Deaf Major Leaguer William Hoy
Mason winds up joining the basketball team under relentless encouragement from his best friend, Brody, even though Mason knows he’s a klutz. The disasters mount especially when the class bully joins an opposing team. Children will appreciate the situations Mason finds himself in and enjoy the gratifying resolutions.
Mason Dixon Basketball Disasters
When Vinson’s grandfather visits from China, the boy has conflicting feelings about his grandfather’s old ways. A visit to Chinatown to experience the lion dancers celebrate the Chinese New Year bring Ming Da (Vinson) and his grandfather closer. Watercolor and ink illustrations add power to the warm, plausible story.
Crouching Tiger
In this coming-of-age story, the children of the longhouse are 11-year-old Ohkwa’ri and Itsi:tsia. Twin brother and sister, they live in a Mohawk town in the traditional homelands of what is now eastern New York State in 1491. Reflecting the balance between male and female roles in Iroquois society, the book’s chapters alternate between the events and perspectives of Ohkwa’ri and Itsi:tsia, who very definitely see things differently. Bruchac seamlessly incorporates an impressive amount of information about pre-contact Mohawk culture, society, and beliefs, and tells a good story as well. — Oyate
Children of the Longhouse
Joe Louis’ boxing match against Max Schmeling in 1938 reverberated in the U.S. and through the world. Its drama is presented in rhythmic text and stunning illustrations.
A Nation’s Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis
A dog saved the people of Nome, Alaska in 1925 when a sled team was the only way to fetch essential diphtheria serum during a blizzard. Balto led that team, but his story continues in this engagingly told and illustrated book when the brave canine is in turn helped by America’s children.
The Incredible Life of Balto
Women and girls haven’t always played basketball. In fact, it was a struggle to play while acting “lady-like” in the late 1800s. Readers will enjoy learning about Agnes Motley and the competition that launched women into basketball through vivid prose and lively illustration.
Basketball Belles: How Two Teams and One Scrappy Player Put Women’s Hoops on the Map
In this familiar sing-along, Grandma has as much fun as her sports-loving granddaughters at a big league baseball stadium.
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
A bicyclist rides begins his outing near the sea and rides through cities, towns, and the country with the water always in view. Restrained but effective language complements the highly stylized illustrations in limited colors accentuated by the glossy yellow road the bicyclist rides on.
Along a Long Road
Unlikely friends, Cork (a short muskrat who enjoys the water) and Fuzz (a tall possum who doesn’t) find that practice can turn fear into an unexpected adventure. Expressive illustrations and understated humor present a memorable, exciting everyday escapade.
The Swimming Lesson
As an Asian American child growing up in California, Sammy Lee was only allowed to use the public pool on Wednesdays. But Sammy was not easily deterred from his dream of becoming an Olympic diver, and at the 1948 Summer Olympics in London, he became the first Asian American to win a gold medal in U.S. history.
Sixteen Years in Sixteen Seconds: The Sammy Lee Story
Freddy is back with his super shoes, his purple zapatos, to help solve a mystery and save a squirrel loose in school. Likeable characters in fast-paced, recognizable activities make these novels appealing and accessible to newly independent readers. Look for the 3rd installment of Freddy’s adventures in Zapato Power: Freddie Ramos Zooms to the Rescue
Zapato Power: Freddie Ramos Springs into Action
Only one ‘unsatisfactory’ tarnishes Stink’s report card: physical education. Smaller children will empathize with Judy Moody’s little brother as he tries to find a sport that he likes and can excel in — which just might be thumb-wrestling! The series continues with verve and good humor.
Stink and the Ultimate Thumb-Wrestling Smackdown
Stylized illustrations place readers in the 1920s and 1930s, a time when baseball was played on the streets, listened to on radio, and enjoyed in stadiums. A rhythmic text introduces some of the period’s heroes while capturing its spirit.
This Is the Game
Baseball is America’s pastime — even for nocturnal animals like bats! As in the other books about these engaging creatures, the fun is seeing them wear baseball togs as they prepare for and play the game. Rhyming text and realistic illustrations highlight spectators and players.