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Product Description: Joseph Bruchac tells the compelling story of how a young boy named Curly seeks a vision in the hope of saving his people — and grows into the brave and fierce warrior Crazy Horse. Sioux artist S. D. Nelson’s paintings, in the traditional ledger style of the Plains Indians, evokes the drama and the tragedy of this important American figure.

Like most Lakota Sioux boys, Slow yearns for the special vision or manly deed that will inspire his permanent, adult name. Encouraged by splendid stories of his father’s bravery, wisdom and leadership, Slow focuses his energy on becoming a warrior. Friends gradually begin to associate his name with careful deliberation. When the moment of his manhood arrives, Slow rides heroically against Crow warriors, earning the name Tatan’ka Iyota’ke (translated, on the final page, as Sitting Bull). — Publishers Weekly

A considerable amount of information is packed into this pictorial presentation of the reenactment of the first Thanksgiving, held at Plimoth Plantation museum in October, 2000. Five chapters give background on the Wampanoag people, colonization, Indian diplomacy, the harvest of 1621, and the evolution of the Thanksgiving story. — School Library Journal

Julie-Ann is a Gwichya Gwich’in from Tsiigehtchic in the Northwest Territories. She is a Canadian Ranger, a mother of twin daughters, a hunter, a trapper, and a student. Julie-Ann shares her family’s story and the story of her land, observing, “The land has a story to tell, if you know how to listen.” A glossary of Gwichya Gwich’in words is provided. (The Land Is Our Storybook)

Product description: Why was I adopted? What was it like where I was born? How did you find me? Children have many questions about adoption. With a perceptive text and dynamic photographs of adopted children and their families, the creators of this book demystify adoption for young children and celebrate the joy that comes with adding to a family.

In the mid-19th century, the carpenter who found a nugget of gold in a river near Sutter’s mill had no idea that this would begin a rush to the West. Authentic voices from journals and other original sources are seamlessly incorporated in the generously illustrated, engaging, and informative book.

Jane watched animals. Her ability to quietly observe allowed her to learn about animals up close, from childhood to her adult life as a respected scientist watching chimpanzees in the wild. Brief text and textured illustrations chronicle Goodall’s work which “opened a window for us to the world of chimpanzees.”

Walter was a shy child and son of a wealthy banker, who found companionship in myriad exotic animals. This unique look at a how a child’s loneliness and passion created a museum and contributed to the study of wildlife is told in energetic illustrations and accessible language.

Neftali always loved nature and words. This fondness allowed Neftali — better known as Pablo Neruda — to create poetry in a “voice [that] was heard across nations and ocean.” Rich language and lush illustrations that incorporate words in Spanish and English are sure to enthuse young writers while introducing this Nobel-winning poet.

George Washington Carver was always curious and grew into a recognized scientist in spite of the challenges of the time in which he lived. His life and accomplishments become accessible to younger children through the voice of a tree planted by young George, augmented by child-like full color illustrations.

Emma Lazarus, a prolific and skilled poet, only once wrote a poem on request. It is the one for which she is best known: the poem is mounted on the base of the Statue of Liberty. Emma’s story is sprinkled with her writing, complemented by expressive illustrations.

Perhaps it was growing up in a time before television that fueled Jim Henson’s creativity, fondness for puppets, and love of invention that resulted in his lasting contributions. Henson’s life (including the Muppets) is presented in clear text and spirited illustrations.

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.

With war approaching, Baba (the author’s father) builds a sturdy home for his family in Shanghai. The family, their activities, and house unfold in stunning, varied art and lyrical language in an expansive format to reveal a glimpse of an historical time through the lens of one family.

Ida Lewis grew up on the sea as she and her parents kept the Lime Rock Lighthouse in Rhode Island. The story of how Ida saved numerous seafarers in the period before modern technology is revealed in dramatic illustration and readable text — ideal for sharing aloud.

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.

Mark Twain’s daughter, Susy, writes a journal to set the record straight about her famous writer father. Cleverly formatted as a book within a book, illustrations, journal, and narration (in Susy’s voice) present a readable, engaging, and documented look at the writer and his family.

Writing begins with a young child’s ability to see and hear letters and sounds. In a large, sturdy format, letters, numbers, and colors are introduced using full-color photographs and crisp graphics — just right to share with the youngest child.

J.M. Barrie was always a storyteller. Here his life and selections from his work — including Peter Pan — are presented in a handsomely illustrated and formatted book. Sources consulted as well as a selection of Barrie’s work are included.

Though he practiced medicine, William Carlos Williams never stopped writing poetry. This picture book biography celebrates the amazing man who found a way to earn a living and to honor his calling to be a poet.

The author recalls childhood visits to Orani, her father’s island homeland, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea where old and young alike enjoy Sardinia’s beauty and activities.

Arizona Houston Hughes, an Appalachian girl who dreams of seeing the world, grows up to become a teacher who inspires generations of schoolchildren.

A young man relives the pleasure of his childhood experiences while on a fishing trip with his son and father.

The joy shared between grandparents and grandchildren is presented in photographs and brief text following an introduction by Desmond Tutu.