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This poem is a love letter to black life in the U.S. 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, and Gwendolyn Brooks. Robust back matter provides valuable historical context and additional detail for those wishing to learn more.

Open this book to discover that “science + poetry = surprise!” — one describes why while the other presents wonder. Encounter spring’s wonder and why in this handsomely illustrated introduction to “equation poems.”

So you think rap is modern? Well, it is, but its genesis began long ago! Discover where rap started in this rhythmic, clearly sourced, and stunningly illustrated poetic introduction to it.

A puddle laments the rain and some of those who run over and in her. That is until the last school bell rings and she reflects the beautiful colors of the sky’s rainbow. Semiabstract watercolors combine with a rhythmic text just right to share aloud.

Rhymes from around the world — Norway to New Zealand, Jamaica to Tonga — are presented in both English and their original language. Colorful, childlike illustrations create a diverse, inviting collection.

Nature comes alive in each classic haiku accompanied by an expressive, imaginative painting. The poems appear in both English and Japanese, which is also transliterated to facilitate pronunciation. 

Sports are for everyone! Short, rhythmic poems about a range of familiar (as well as less well known sports like lacrosse) are presented in a highly illustrated, format sure to read aloud well. 

A picture book biography of Jane Austen, one of the most beloved writers of all time. Young Jane was a bit quiet and shy, but she observed people and loved to read. She devoured everything in her father’s massive library and before long, she began creating her own stories — and went on to invent an entirely new kind of novel.

Mikey’s dad has left home to fight overseas during World War I, and Mikey wants to do something big to help. His teacher suggests that the class participate in a knitting bee in Central Park to knit clothing for the troop, and when the girls turn it into a competition, the boys just have to meet the challenge.

Born in England in the early 19^th century, Anna was encouraged by her father to observe, study, and document the natural world. Together, they also experimented with light as a way to photograph and record her botanic specimens. Unfortunately, none of the photographs exist today as the “prints faded over time, like memories.” Later she created books using cyanotype (known today as sun prints). Lush but muted illustrations in blues and white evoke the period and this scientist’s work. Additional resources are included.

From a very young age, Barbara Jordan had a voice that stood out. The repeated refrain, “what can you do with a voice like that?” is answered as Jordan grows personally and politically. Even after retiring from the U.S. Congress, Jordan continued to use her voice to educate and inspire. Handsomely illustrated, this brief but informative look at the impact of one woman is highly readable. Additional resources are included.  

What happens when you plant a seed? With a bit of care, something grows. The first children’s librarian from Puerto Rico, Pura Belpré (for whom an American Library Association literary award is named) planted seeds of stories throughout New York City where she worked, introducing children to tales from her homeland in Spanish and English. Illustrations bring the time and period to life.

Eliza Schuyler Hamilton’s life and accomplishments come into focus through letters written to an imagined-yet-unborn great granddaughter. Eliza’s insights go beyond that of her famous husband, Alexander (about whom additional material is included at the end). Handsome illustrations evoke a 19^th century style and period.

The women in Senator Gillibrand’s family inspired this examination of those active in the women’s suffrage movement from the late 19^th to early 20^th century. Some like Susan B. Anthony and Harriet Tubman are well known. Others such as Inez Mulholland and Lucy Burns are lesser known. Together, these portraits present an accessible look at early activists. Stylized illustrations enhance the presentation.

She was a composer, an instrumentalist, the wife of a man whose name would become synonymous with jazz, and basically a woman before her time. Generous illustrations evoke the period in with Lil lived just as her story in verse suggests her musical talent. Readers will enjoy meeting this fascinating woman. Timeline, additional resources, and documentation are included.

Little Red is one tough cookie. When a menacing wolf blocks the path to her grandmother’s house, she looks him in the eye, answers his questions, and continues on her journey. The wolf “might have scared some little girls. But not this little girl.” This phrase is repeated throughout the story. Woollvin’s street-smart character cannot be fooled by the wolf, even when he dresses up as her grandma. 

Bilingual book celebrates the bond between parent and child in the animal kingdom. Babies — whether in snowy dens, warm lagoons, cozy nests, or living rooms — are carried and cuddled, nurtured and nuzzled.

Winter brings with snow, clinging to branches, “crouching in doorways,” and settles “softly, so softly.” It is followed by signs of an approaching season … spring! Gentle language and textured, boldly lined illustrations present another season by an award-winning husband/wife team.

Beaver is good at many things, just not at making friends. That changes when Raccoon and Beaver make a snowman (actually, a snow animal!) together. Their collaboration helps them realize that they have lots in common — including friendship. Lighthearted illustrations and text present a snowy adventure that grows a friendship.

A fox emerges from its burrow to find food in a snowy landscape, hunting a mouse and a hare. The fox becomes the hunted when a wolverine emerges from another lair. The small fox makes it back to its den where it can find safety and rest. Dramatic illustrations and lyrical narration effectively tell a realistic story.

As seasons change, days get shorter and colder. Animals adapt, children await snow, and there are holidays to celebrate. Straightforward text and crisp photographs document winter and introduce some of its characteristics in informative yet poetic narration.

When Bear invites Izzy, a small chipmunk, to his home, she knows that it must be very important; Bear never asks for much. Izzy and other animal friends brave a blizzard to get to Bear’s to share a very special occasion. Illustrations from varied perspectives add humor and heart to the tale of warm friendship on a cold night.

Snowflakes begin to fall as almost everyone says goodnight. But the snowplow and its driver are just gearing up for a long night. Morning comes with closed schools but clear streets and only then do the snowplow and driver say good night! Richly hued illustrations and gently rhyming text present a snowy night’s work.

In spite of a storm and with a bit of human help, a struggling but tenacious robin returns home to its mate. There it finds its Christmas bird cake and a watchful, caring young person to celebrate the reunion. Realistic illustrations chronicle the bird’s intense journey, appropriate for any time of the year.