Book Finder

The year is 1777, and young Maddy Rose’s brother Jonathan has gone to fight with Washington. Maddy Rose is also doing her part for the revolution. She has worked out a simple, clever system to inform Jonathan about ships docked in the harbor: her petticoats and stockings have particular meanings as they hang on the line.

Learn about Crispus Attucks, an escaped slave whose freedom ended when he died in the Boston Massacre, — as well as many other lesser-known black men and women who made enormous contributions to U.S. independence. Readers will discover Edward Hector, the brave wagoner of Brandywine; artilleryman and slave Austin Dabney; William Lee, the aide and closest companion of George Washington throughout the war; and many others.

Everyone knew Abigail was different. Instead of keeping quiet, she blurted out questions. Instead of settling down with a wealthy minister, she married a poor country lawyer named John Adams. Instead of running from the Revolutionary War, she managed a farm and fed hungry soldiers. Instead of leaving the governing to men, she insisted they “Remember the Ladies.” Instead of fearing Europe’s kings and queens, she boldly crossed the sea to represent her new country. And when John become President of the United States, Abigail became First Lady, and a powerful advisor.

On the stormy night of April 26, 1777, young Sybil Ludington rode on her horse spreading the word that the British were coming. They had already set fire to the nearby town of Danbury, Connecticut and the glow of the flames had turned the night sky to fiery red. Sybil rode through the countryside to alert the patriots with the cry of “Muster at Ludington’s!”

Trace the stories of heroic, patriotic women such as Abigail Adams, Martha Washington, Phillis Wheatley, Mercy Otis Warren, Sarah Livingston Jay, and others. Details are gleaned from their letters, private journals, lists, and ledgers. The bravery of these women’s courageous acts contributed to the founding of America and spurred the founding fathers to make this a country that “remembered the ladies.”

Who will outsmart whom — Phineas Bump, the 1790 U.S. census taker who rides into Tunbridge, Vermont, heartsick, saddle-sore, and down on his luck but determined to count the people for his job, or the townsfolk who don’t want to be counted because they think they’ll have to pay more taxes? When young rascal Boston Pepper gets an idea, it switches their thinking: more people would mean more government representation and more votes to get things done!

Jennie’s favorite aunt is sending her a new hat, and Jennie is sure it will be beautiful. But when the box arrives, the hat inside is very plain. She had imagined a wonderful hat with big colorful flowers and even tries to make her own hat from a straw basket! Jennie is almost ready to give up on her dream when she receives a fanciful surprise from some very special friends.

Follow the story of Abigail and John Adams as they forge an equal and loving partnership that will last a lifetime and help shape a young republic. The Adamses were firsthand witnesses to historical events such as the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, the American Revolution, and the Continental Congresses. They met revolutionary leaders and heroes including Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and America’s first president, George Washington along the way. See history through the eyes of Abigail and John Adams as you learn the true story behind their powerful and influential union. See an exclusive digital version of Abigail & John.

Valentines come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Some are homemadeand some are store-bought. Some are funny and some are not. Sam wants to give just the right valentine to the most popular girl in the class, Tiffany. But what kind is the right kind? Mary Ann helps Sam figure out how to make all sorts of valentines. But will Tiffany even notice Sam if he gives her a special valentine?

Dyslexia is no longer a mystery. MRI scans and other tools of neuroscience have advanced our understandings in the last decade. We now know what to do to help students become skilled, confident learners. In Conquering Dyslexia, Dr. Hasbrouck shares the instructional approaches that work best for children who have this disorder, and the most current information for parents so they can advocate for their children and communicate with educators effectively. This book addresses: what is dyslexia, how to identify it, early diagnosis and intervention, teaching students, and supporting English Learners.

How do children develop reading skills — and when these skills don’t develop typically, how can we best identify challenges and intervene? Find the answers in this comprehensive volume on dyslexia: its root causes, the most effective methods of diagnosis and treatment, and the sociopolitical factors that affect intervention. This book brings together contributions from more than 50 top researchers and practitioners, who share their invaluable perspectives, findings, solutions, and questions to shape future dyslexia research.

Explicit instruction is systematic, direct, engaging, and success oriented — and has been shown to promote achievement for all students. This highly practical and accessible resource gives special and general education teachers the tools to implement explicit instruction in any grade level or content area. The authors are leading experts who provide clear guidelines for identifying key concepts, skills, and routines to teach; designing and delivering effective lessons; and giving students opportunities to practice and master new material. Sample lesson plans, lively examples, and reproducible checklists and teacher worksheets enhance the utility of the volume. 

From one of the preeminent experts on reading and dyslexia, the most comprehensive, up-to-date, and practical book available on identifying, understanding, and overcoming reading problems — now revised to reflect the latest research and evidence-based approaches. Extensively updated information on helping both dyslexic children and adults become better readers, with a detailed home program to enhance reading.

Tulsa, Oklahoma, once housed an area called Black Wall Street. Successful African Americans owned and operated business in Greenwood, a section of the city. Without downplaying the horror, author and illustrator combine talents to present this brutal historical event in words and image. Additional resources are included.

Kenny is a whirlwind of everyday activities. Children will recognize what Kenny does in four vignettes — from getting up to getting dressed to getting ready for bed with lots in-between.  Swirling black lines and touches of color on open pages present an active boy in a warm family.

She was named after a white actress of the time, but this young Black girl’s life took a very different path. Claudette Colvin became a 15-year-old activist who refused to give up a bus seat to a white woman — before Rosa Parks. This early chapter biography makes a difficult and complex time and life accessible to younger readers. Look for additional titles in this thoroughly researched, well conceived, and thoughtfully presented series.

Extensive research about a previously unknown African American aviator whose story of perseverance and desire to fly resulted in a handsome, well told biography. Banning crossed the country gaining support and respect along the way. Extensive back matter is included.

While Milo and his sister travel on a subway, Milo observes other passengers drawing them in his sketchbook. But appearances don’t always reveal the whole story Milo learns. When he and his sister arrive at the prison to visit their mom, so does a boy from the subway. The illustrator’s signature illustrations are the perfect complement to the moving, understated text.

The author first “met” Zora Neale Hurston in college intrigued by a friend’s delight in Hurston’s stories. With equal delight, Hurston’s life and “storycatching” comes to life through an informal telling echoed in animated illustrations worth multiple examinations.

Henry Brown’s unique method to escape from slavery is presented in lyrical language and rich, multi-layered mixed media illustration. A box took Henry from slavery to freedom after his entire family had been “sold south.” Further resources are included.

Meet colorful characters of the Wild West including a cigar-chewing stagecoach driver named Mary as well as other formerly enslaved people. The comic book format provides a brief but factual introduction to the period, to spark young readers’ interest in learning more about lesser known people of the Old West.

Nine months before Rosa Parks’ history-making protest on a city bus, Claudette Colvin, a 15-year-old Montgomery, Alabama, high-school student, was arrested and jailed for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger. Based on extensive interviews with Colvin and many others, this book presents the first in-depth account of an important yet largely unknown civil rights figure, skillfully weaving her dramatic story into the fabric of the historic Montgomery bus boycott and court case that would change the course of American history.

“Do you want to play?” That’s what Jamie, with her favorite yellow truck, asks new kid Dylan, who only seems to want to line up his cars. This story gently explores learning about others and finding new ways to have fun. One of the most common issues for kids with autism is friendship. Children’s books sometimes depict the neurotypical child as doing their autistic pal a favor by befriending them, often forcing them to change a part of themselves. This story shows us that children with autism are more than capable of making meaningful contributions to relationships, and suggests how neurotypical children can alter their own approach to create a true connection.

This picture book explores sensory differences. For the young girl in the story, the vibration in her feet when she runs, the tap-tap-tap of her fork on the table at mealtime, the trickle of cool water running over her hand — these are the things that calm her jitters down. This book is for anyone who has ever felt the need for a wiggle, stomp, or squeeze!