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The narrator describes her eyes and those of her family as “eyes that kiss in the corner and glow like warm tea.” Poetic language and handsome illustrations evoke Asian art and culture create an affirming portrait of a family and their heritage, to be enjoyed by all cultures.

The joy of a summer swim in a pool is jubilantly depicted in animated illustrations augmented by well-placed, lyrical language that bubbles up along with the young swimmer. The girl is ultimately joined by a more reluctant younger swimmer with floaties on his arms, sure to reassure more timid swimmers that pleasure awaits.

A boy and his playful pup have a great day outdoors — best day ever! That is until the pup gets in a bit of trouble. All’s well that ends well though, and boy and dog return outside to play. The illustrations depict the boy unhindered by his wheelchair in this inclusive and appealing book.

It’s hard for a princesa to leave a beautiful island filled with “glassy, blue waves; spicy hot heat — and sandy, snug hugs” and to go into the belly of a dragon. But with her parents and brothers, Anita becomes a fearless dragon herself, flying to a new life in another country. Soft illustrations combine with a touching narration in this gentle but powerful story of immigrations

A cat and dog live together and are awakened at the same time. Their distinct personalities shine through in line drawings and limited text on open pages that follow them through the day. Sometimes the pair cooperate, other times they are distinctly different, but always likeable.

Where is baby elephant? None of the animals and their young on the first or even the second foldout have seen her. Of course, baby elephant is with her mommy revealed on the final pages of this handsomely illustrated book with large gatefolds presented on well-made pages.

A tiny cat traverses a very big city, meeting some things that are scary (barking dogs), but other things that are quite nice (like the shopkeeper who gives the kitty food and the boy who takes it home). Simply lined illustrations from various perspectives and brief text make combine to make this a winning and satisfying story.

Take a jaunt through a jungle to meet animals with a short rhyme and then lift the flap to “hear” and see them hiss, roar, and more. Durable pages and boldly shaped animals create an attractive, interactive book sure to engage young listeners

Momo, a black and white border collie, explores the great outdoors with a young canine friend named Boo. Crisp photographs on sturdy, well-designed pages make this seek-and-find book and adventure as well as an opportunity to talk about what young readers are viewing.

Bella’s beret from her Grand-pere blows off her head landing on different animals and people until Bella finds it again in the spring. Short rhymes introduce each head, including a flamingo dancer who exclaims, “hip hip, Ole!” The fuzzy red beret just right for touching on the cover and when it’s on Bella’s head adds a playful dimension.

With just enough adult humor that foreshadow the next animal, readers of all ages will appreciate the silly (and completely wrong) sounds that come out of each creature as the pages turns. Large-eyed animals appear a bit clueless as they mouth sounds that young readers will recognize as erroneous in this playful, very funny book.

Bea loves lions but does not like sand — “too gritty, too sticky and too scratchy” — and so she is not thrilled when her mother tells her that they’re heading to the beach. But a sand lion and imagination help Bea recognize the joy of being seaside. End papers are filled with information about lions in this childlike, joy-filled book. Also available in Spanish/English: Bea en el mar/Bea by the Sea.

Everything is changing for 11-year-old Alex and, as an autistic person, change can be terrifying. With the first day of high school only a couple of months away, Alex is sure that having a friend by his side will help. So, he’s devised a plan – impress the kids at school by winning a trophy at the PAWS Dog Show with his trusty sidekick, Kevin.

The story of one of the most famous events in U.S. history, focusing on the role of Samuel Adams. Considered the leader of the protest movement against Britain’s authority in Massachusetts, Samuel Adams convinced many people to join the Sons of Liberty. Presented in graphic novel format.

From the controversial, unpopular taxes on tea through the defiant act of dumping hundreds of chests of British cargo into the harbor, this exciting retelling puts readers in the middle of this historic event. Detailed watercolor illustrations bring this story of early American protest to life, depicting the colonial era and the charged atmosphere of Boston in the weeks leading up to the Boston Tea Party.  Informational backmatter includes a bibliography, index, and historic map of Boston.

A gripping view of the Revolutionary War through the eyes of a 12-year-old spy. When young Sophia Calderwood witnesses the execution of Nathan Hale in New York City, she resolves to do all she can to help the American cause. Recruited as a spy, she becomes aware that someone in the American army might be switching sides, and she uncovers a plot that will grievously damage the Americans if it succeeds. 

As the former Colonies struggle for freedom, the American Revolution is in the hands of a brave and resourceful teenage girl. At sixteen, Susanna Bolling is like America in rebellion; she craves independence. When British General Cornwallis invades her family’s Bollingbrook Plantation, she overhears his secret plan to defeat the Patriots. Much to her shock, she finds herself at the center of the war.

The U.S. Constitution brought to life for young readers!In this visual celebration of the U.S. Constitution and America’s founding fathers, Caldecott Medalist Peter Spier tells the stirring American tale of how this most important document came to symbolize freedom, justice, equality, and hope for all citizens.

An illustrated history of how the Constitution came to be. In May 1787 delegates from across the country—including George Washington, James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin—gathered in Philadelphia and, meeting over the course of a sweltering summer, created a new framework for governing: the Constitution of the United States. Their efforts turned a shaky alliance of states into a nation that would prosper and grow powerful, drawing its strength for centuries to come from “We the people” and inspiring hope for freedom around the world.

Born into a life of slavery, Ona Judge eventually grew up to be George and Martha Washington’s “favored” enslaved person. When she was told that she was going to be given as a wedding gift to Martha Washington’s granddaughter, Ona made the bold and brave decision to flee to the north, where she would be a fugitive. From her childhood, to her time with the Washingtons and living in the slave quarters, to her escape to New Hampshire, readers will get a glimpse into the life of a little-known, but powerful figure in history.

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!”