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Elsie and her father leave Boston to begin afresh after Elsie’s mother dies. Elsie takes with her a pet canary. It is Timmy Tune and a host of other animals that help Elsie turn “her house into a true prairie home.” Lyrical language and evocative watercolors tell a touching story.

Angelica Longrider, the “wildest wildcat in Tennessee” and larger than life (first introduced in Swamp Angel) moves to the open spaces of Montana where she finds a fine, feisty steed to be her sidekick. This original tall tale is folksy in its telling and exaggerated paintings, and sure to please.

While looking for gold, four French boys accidentally discovered what was to be considered the best preserved and most famous prehistoric art. How the Lascaux cave was found is presented here in rich watercolors and stimulating text. The author’s note provides additional information as well as a photograph of the discoverers.

In the second installment of the classic series, Laura and her family travel in a covered wagon to settle in Kansas. Additional background materials are included in this 75th anniversary edition including letters from Laura, information about the book’s first printing and a bit about the play. Garth Williams’ black and white illustrations have been gently colored for a fresh new look.

Eve Bunting tells the inspiring true story of the first Ellis Island immigrant, fifteen-year-old Annie Moore of Cork, Ireland. An afterword provides information about Annie and her family. Photos are paired with the vibrant illustrations.

There were always discoveries to be made in their grandmother’s attic; and Gee always had a story to go along with it. On this visit, the cousins find an autographed baseball that leads to a story about the Negro Baseball League and its stars, Josh Gibson and Satchel Paige. Exciting, predictable, and well-paced, this is sure to appeal to children.

She seemed born to pitch when growing up in a small Ohio town and pitch she did at a time when women only wore skirts or dresses. Stylized illustrations combine with the fictionalized voice of Alta Weiss to present a memorable glimpse of early baseball, one young woman’s passion for the game, and a quick look at women in the sport.

A sister and brother travel to Johannesburg in search of their mother as their baby sister becomes ill. On the way, they become aware of what apartheid means for the people in their country.

Amos, a mouse, presents scientist, inventor, and early American Benjamin Franklin from his viewpoint. First published in 1939, Ben and Me uses humor and lively language ideal for sharing aloud to bring Ben and Amos to life.

High in the Appalachian hills, a woman comes every two weeks on horseback to deliver books to Cal’s family. Cal has no interest in reading, but he wonders what could possibly make her long treks in the snow and wind worthwhile? Young readers will discover a moving introduction to the story and courage of Kentucky’s Pack Horse Librarians.

Rachek always begs her Grandmother Oma to tell the story of Oma’s two lives: the one before American and the one after. The first part recounts her marriage prior to World War I and then her family’s move from Poland to Germany to seek safety. Ironically, two of her three daughters spent time in concentration camps but all survived and were reunited in the United States. The illustrations really add to readers’ understanding of this horrible time in history.

When Emily Post’s book of etiquette enters the young narrator’s house, his mother uses it to limit her children’s behavior; that is, until the children remind their mother of her Post transgressions. Characters from Emily Post’s book (such as Mrs. Worldly) reveal that even Emily misbehaved sometimes in this playful introduction to etiquette, family, and the early 20th century.

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.)

When Nettie and her family travel to the South, they see enslaved people. Nettie is literally sickened by it and realizes how wrong slavery is. This fictional story is both realistic and heart wrenching. Readers sense that Nettie will grow into an Abolitionist much like Louisa May Alcott became.

Louisa May Alcott briefly worked as a nurse during the Civil War before becoming ill herself. In this Magic Tree House fantasy, Jack and Annie travel back to the Civil War, meeting Clara Barton and help nurse the soldiers wounded in battle.

Imogene’s town has abandoned the building which she makes into a museum. Can feisty Imogene save the museum from destruction in the name of progress? She finds a letter (George Washington slept there!), protests, and puts herself in a stockade until the building is saved. This book is fast, funny, and rich with an appreciation for history.

Ten year old Allie Sherman resists her family’s move until she learns that they will live on Strawberry Hill. It is on this intriguing sounding street that Allie finds a friend, confronts racism, and comes to appreciate her family. Set during the Great Depression, this nostalgic novel continues to ring true.

Based in the author’s experiences of her father’s return from a war, this sophisticated, evocative story still resonates. Lizzie goes out with her dad to call crows, the pests that eat the family’s crops. Call them Lizzie does but her father decides not to shoot them. Atmospheric illustrations further distinguish this timeless story.

When Dorothy and Henry see a notice that the city of Boston cannot afford to buy three trained elephants, they begin city-wide campaign to raise the needed $6,000. Working together, the children are successful and present the pachyderms to the mayor for the zoo. Inspired by actual events in 1914, this can-do tale will empower, engage and perhaps inspire.

In this latest installment of the ever-popular Magic Tree House series, Jack and Annie go to New Orleans on All Saint’s Day in 1915 to find a young musician named Louis Armstrong. Music, mystery, and ghosts combine for another riveting quest for the sibling adventurers.

When Thembi’s family learns that South Africa will hold elections, her 100-year-old grandmother announces that she too will vote now that she has the opportunity. This story of quiet determination pays tribute to the people of South Africa and the privilege of casting a ballot. Pastel sketches convey the joy and warmth of the bond between Thembi and Gogo.

Realistic but soft and evocative illustrations recall a boy’s wonder as man first walked on the Moon. This attractive book was rereleased in time for the 40th anniversary of this memorable event.

The story of a Russian family’s emigration to the United States parallels the travel from Paris of Bartholdi’s statue of Lady Liberty. Both tell moving sagas and intersect in a unique way. poignant illustrations make this a memorable presentation.

The murder of a young knight, a white wolfhound, and a faithful page in medieval France all come together to create a fast-paced, gripping mystery.