Book Finder

Habari gani? What news? Synthia Saint James presents the language and origins of Kwanzaa with enticing writing and bold pictures that honor the people and colors of Africa.

Ms. Frizzle, an unflappable science teacher, drives the magical school bus into a cloud where the children shrink to the size of water droplets and follow the course of water through the city’s waterworks system.

Young stargazers learn about different star colors and brightness, how to locate major constellations, and how to make mini-planetariums by using coffee cans and flashlights.

Exploring its history, geography, climate, and culture, this unique book takes readers on the ultimate adventure of climbing Mount Everest.

Every year the narrator and his family take a trip down to Cottondale, Florida, to visit his grandmother, Bigmama. This autobiographical story recalls the joys of summer and the contrast between the author’s life in the city and Bigmama’s lush, rural home. While the illustrations suggest it was a period of segregation, this thought never overpowers the carefree summer celebration.

The basics of the events that led up to the Boston Tea Party in 1773 are revealed gradually, building through the familiar cadence of “The House That Jack Built.” Rhyming text and realistic illustrations successfully introduce the event that preceded the Revolutionary War. Small Colonial and English mice appear on each page, adding humor and a touch of information to this otherwise straightforward, clearly illustrated historical book.

Some dinosaurs have long necks, some have long tails. Some dinosaurs are large, some are quite small. All are introduced in broad, simple shapes and bright colors with a minimum of text to create a non-threatening introduction to a broadly appealing subject.

The large format of this book is perfect for the theatrical, sometimes spectacular, full color illustrations of the larger-than-life dinosaurs of yesteryear. The brief but informative text adds to the drama.

Full-color photographs on well-composed pages introduce a multicultural cast of kids. Each child expresses what he or she is thankful for — from family and friends to a pet mouse — in this handsome and useful book.

In simple text and crisp, clear color photographs, grandparents of all sizes, shapes, ages, and abilities are shown. This attractive book introduces the idea that each of us is different but still have much in common.

Martin Luther King Jr. grew up fascinated by big words. He would later go on to use these words to inspire a nation and call people to action. In this award-winning book, powerful portraits of King show how he used words, not weapons, to fight injustice.

Ever wonder why popcorn pops? When did it become a favorite food? With humor and verve in text and illustration, dePaola presents scientific and historical information about popcorn in this delectable book.

The famous civil rights activist Rosa Parks has simplified her autobiography for young readers in this Puffin Easy to Read book. She describes how she was arrested for not giving up her bus seat and shows that her personal role was part of a wider political struggle.

Crisp illustrations fold out to illustrate the way Sam’s garden grows. Simply told in a familiar cadence, this cumulative tale may inspire young children to grow a garden while exploring their environment.

Although Kwanzaa commemorates an ancient African harvest ritual, it is a relatively new holiday in North America. Seven Candles for Kwanzaa comfortably explains the origins, language, and daily themes of this warm and festive seven-day holiday.

The complicated, sometimes disconcerting life of Galileo is presented in a multi-faceted, intricately illustrated, completely original biography. Differing typefaces combine with illustrations in various styles to create an informative, engaging, and unusual glimpse of the man and his genius.

This illustrated vignette from the career of Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play baseball in the major leagues, depicts his strength and that of his teammate Pee Wee Reese, who stood together against the prejudice of both fans and players. This powerful story makes the life and times of Robinson come alive for younger readers.

Set in the 1950s, this book by Mildred Taylor is frank in its portrayal of racism. Lois and Wilma are proud when their father buys a brand new gold Cadillac. Only their mother won’t ride in it. On a trip from their home in Ohio to Mississippi, there are no admiring glances only suspicion directed toward the black man driving such a fancy car. For the first time, Lois knows what it’s like to feel scared because of her skin color.

Everyone’s favorite science teacher is back as Ms. Frizzle takes her class on a journey into the Mesozoic Era. The Magic School Bus becomes a time machine, giving the students a first-hand look at many dinosaurs and the eras in which they lived. The text and illustrations are blended in this amazing fact and trivia-filled field trip to the past.

Six-year-old Ruby Bridges became the first African American to integrate an elementary school. Her memories of that year, when so much hatred was directed at her, makes for a powerful memoir. A 1999 Parents’ Choice Gold Award Winner.

After a busy day at his family’s Chinese take-out restaurant in Brooklyn, the young narrator enjoys his favorite dinner: pizza! Lewin’s highly realistic watercolor illustrations show the bustle, the food, and the way the boy works with his family.

With simplified vocabularies, large print, and plenty of illustrations, this book describes the life and accomplishments of Carter G. Woodson, the man who pioneered the study of African American history. This is one of five biographies in the Great African Americans Series.

Did you know that corn is a grass? Early American Indian farmers figured out how to cultivate corn and shared their knowledge with the European settlers. Easy to read language and crisp illustrations provide a glimpse into the importance of corn throughout history.

Kingsville, on the border of Mexico and Texas, comes to life in words and pictures in this book. Readers will share the simple joys of eating, dancing, and celebrating as the artist remembers her own childhood. Her stories, presented in both English and Spanish, are accompanied by her bright paintings.