![The Boy Who Invented TV: The Story of Philo Farnsworth](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0375845615.jpg?itok=eK1oRaF3)
Two machines captivated young Philo Farnsworth: a telephone and a phonograph. Both had cranks and both connected people with others (one in real time, the other through music). These and other inspirations motivated young Philo to invent what was to become known as the television. His early story is fascinatingly told and well illustrated.
The Boy Who Invented TV: The Story of Philo Farnsworth
![The Trouble with Henry: A Tale of Walden Pond](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0763618284.jpg?itok=49IfdnBE)
Henry David Thoreau moved to Concord, Massachusetts around the same time that the Alcott family did (in 1845). Like the Alcotts, Thoreau had a distinctive philosophy; his involved the conservation of natural places. This handsomely illustrated and informally told glimpse at a particular activity is based on Thoreau’s work to prevent a factory being built in Concord. (Walden Pond (opens in a new window) is now a state park.)
The Trouble with Henry: A Tale of Walden Pond
![Henry Hikes to Fitchburg](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0395968674.jpg?itok=X6F2wV6G)
A dapper brown bear named Henry and his friend decide to visit another town. As Henry hikes, he leisurely soaks in the flora and fauna as he meets a number of his contemporaries (and a sly way to introduce historical figures such as Mrs. Alcott, Mr. Emerson, and Mr. Hawthorne). His friend, however, misses these as he takes the train. Other books about Henry are also inspired by Thoreau and provide a brief introduction to his life and beliefs.
Henry Hikes to Fitchburg
![Louisa: The Life of Louisa May Alcott](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0805081925.jpg?itok=T9YN34dn)
This handsomely illustrated picture book biography glimpses some of the events that shaped the 19th girl who grew into a beloved writer still read today. Several poems written by Louisa as a child are included as are facts about her family and other useful or simply intriguing information.
Louisa: The Life of Louisa May Alcott
![Testing the Ice](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0545052513.jpg?itok=q9qx3cEV)
Baseball great, Jackie Robinson, never joined his children at the lake near their Connecticut home until the winter he made sure its ice was safe for skating. His daughter recognizes that courage is shown in many ways — from testing ice to breaking the baseball color barrier. Rich illustrations extend this well-told family story.
Testing the Ice
![Django: World's Greatest Jazz Guitarist](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1596434228.jpg?itok=1wZVzaVl)
Born into a poor Roma family, Django Reinhardt’s musical talent takes him to perform on European stages for appreciative audiences. Here, the basics of his life are presented in vibrant, expressive paintings and a poetic text. An author’s note encourages finding out more about this little known musician.
Django: World’s Greatest Jazz Guitarist
![You Never Heard of Sandy Koufax?](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0375837388.jpg?itok=Uv8A279U)
Sandy Koufax’s early career with the Brooklyn Dodgers was not terribly memorable. But by 1961, the team had moved to Los Angeles and Koufax had perfected his pitch. His amazing story his told through the voice of an unnamed teammate and illustrated with stylized, stunning illustrations.
You Never Heard of Sandy Koufax?
![The Daring Miss Quimby](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0823419967.jpg?itok=nZygFnDu)
She was the first woman to gain a pilot’s license and to cross the English Channel in an airplane alone. The life and accomplishments that this remarkable woman achieved in her short career are energetically conveyed in a readable, informative text and lively images.
The Daring Miss Quimby
![Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy US Marshall](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0822567644.jpg?itok=ie4fwK-N)
Formerly enslaved in the 19th century, Bass Reeves escaped Texas and lived with Indians. It was in Indian Territory that he gained the skills he most needed when he became a lawman, known for his talent and integrity. Lively language and stylized illustrations provide a memorable portrait of this real western hero.
Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy US Marshall
![Shining Star: The Anna May Wong Story](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1600602592.jpg?itok=o9Jwd_sB)
Anna May Wong grew up in San Francisco in the 1920s, working diligently in her family’s laundromat but secretly daydreaming of becoming a movie star. When she set out to realize her dream, she soon discovered the lack of opportunity in Hollywood for Asian American actors. After traveling in Europe and China, Anna May ultimately decided to portray only roles she felt presented a positive image of Asians, leading the way for the many actors who followed in her footsteps.
Shining Star: The Anna May Wong Story
![The Secret World of Walter Anderson](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0763635839.jpg?itok=PL37v44S)
Walter Anderson “may be the most famous American artist you’ve never heard of.” But he and his passion for nature on the U.S. Gulf coast are introduced through an evocative text and luminous illustrations. An extensive author’s note provides additional information and several reproductions of Anderson’s work.
The Secret World of Walter Anderson
![One Hen: How One Small Loan Made a Big Difference](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1554530288.jpg?itok=XvdHatlC)
This fictionalized story of Kojo, a boy from Ghana, who changes his world with a small loan and one hen, is based on a real person. Kwabena Darko lives in West Africa and started a system of micro-loans in villages that would not otherwise have access. Additional resources and sources for further information allow readers to find out more.
One Hen: How One Small Loan Made a Big Difference
![Neo Leo: The Ageless Ideas of Leonardo da Vinci](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0805087036.jpg?itok=8Tic1m7Z)
Even though Leonardo da Vinci lived a long time ago (born in 15th century Florence), his ideas have intrigued inventors and scientists ever since. In cartoon-like illustrations and brief text, old “Leo” ideas are juxtaposed to newer “Neo” ideas. This playful book is informative and engaging and may inspire further investigation of man and inventions.
Neo Leo: The Ageless Ideas of Leonardo da Vinci
![In Her Hands: The Story of Sculptor Augusta Savage](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1600603327.jpg?itok=e88kL-LP)
Augusta Savage was a born artist, making clay figures even as a child. She pursued her passion, actually earning money for her family until she was old enough to travel from her rural Florida home to New York City where she studied at Cooper Union and became part of what is now known as the Harlem Renaissance.
In Her Hands: The Story of Sculptor Augusta Savage
![An Eye for Color: The Story of Josef Albers](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0805080724.jpg?itok=qLVBFJyz)
As a child, “Josef Albers saw art in the simplest things…” His interest in color and the way colors changed forever altered the way color theory was taught. The author was Albers’ neighbor as a child and provides an assessible, engaging glimpse of how one man’s vision can change the way things are viewed.
An Eye for Color: The Story of Josef Albers
![Bring Me Some Apples and I'll Make You a Pie: A Story About Edna Lewis](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0618158367.jpg?itok=rHdeY2K0)
Edna Lewis grew up on a Virginia farm where she developed a deep appreciation for the rhythm of nature, the beauty in growing things, and the warmth in sharing a home cooked meal. Edna’s early life and passion led to a career as a professional chef known for preserving cooking traditions. Several recipes are included in this handsome, lively book.
Bring Me Some Apples and I’ll Make You a Pie: A Story About Edna Lewis
![The Voice That Challenged a Nation](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0618159762.jpg?itok=o3mOy2IP)
A Newbery Honor book that accounts the life and musical career of the great African American vocalist, Marion Anderson, in the context of the history of civil rights in the United States.
The Voice That Challenged a Nation
![The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0805077065.jpg?itok=1K0sCuX3)
Written in verse, this is a Pura Belpré Award-winning portrait of Juan Francisco Manzano, the poet who was born a slave in Cuba in 1797. Margarita Engle explores Manzano’s poetic interpretations of his world and what freedom really means in a slave society.
The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano
![Bemelmans: The Life & Art of Madeline's Creator](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/067088460X.jpg?itok=tkCzdDpD)
Take a journey through the life of Renaissance man Ludwig Bemelmans, author of the beloved Madeline series and accomplished painter. This book was written by his grandson, John Bemelmans Marciano, who has since continued the legacy of Madeline.
Bemelmans: The Life & Art of Madeline’s Creator
![Yellowstone Moran: Painting the American West](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0670011320.jpg?itok=J3Pp_g7i)
Tom Moran dreamed of seeing the western United States, painting places that were unknown to most. He was allowed to join a team of geologists heading to “the Yellowstone,” the year before it became a national park. Read about what early explorers saw and how they recorded it in picture book biography.
Yellowstone Moran: Painting the American West
![Susanna of the Alamo: A True Story](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0152005951.jpg?itok=ZrOazlIq)
Many people have heard of Davy Crockett and the Alamo. But this story is based on a real but little known woman named Susanna Dickinson who survived the battle at the Alamo in San Antonio. This dramatic, illustrated story is told to engage young listeners (or readers) and bring history to life.
Susanna of the Alamo: A True Story
![Mule Train Mail](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1580891888.jpg?itok=PmYsGACE)
The Grand Canyon is a national park established in the early 20th century. At the bottom of the canyon is the remote village of Supai, accessible only by helicopter, horse, or mule. Join Anthony the Postman as he delivers the mail to his hometown on the Havasupai Indian Reservation, leading a mule train down the steep, striking canyon.
Mule Train Mail
![Who Was Walt Disney?](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0448450526.jpg?itok=UwnaoXlf)
Have you ever wondered about the creator of Mickey Mouse; the man whose name is synonymous with theme parks and family films? Meet Walt Disney in this readable (though unauthorized) biography.
Who Was Walt Disney?
![The Day-Glo Brothers: The True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer's Bright Ideas and Brand-New Colors](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/157091673X.jpg?itok=sQ6Bq1MC)
Ever hear of psychedelic colors? Meet Joe and Bob Switzer who invented interesting new colors — which not only defined a generation but helped save lives. Cartoon-like illustrations complement the tone of this picture book biography.