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The basic life and accomplishments of Abraham Lincoln are introduced in free verse and detailed illustrations in an open format. A concluding note provides additional information.

This is the story of librarian Pura Belpré, told through the eyes of two young children who are introduced to the library and its treasures just before Christmas. Lulu Delacre’s lovely illustrations evoke New York City at the time of the Great Depression, as well as the close-knit and vibrant Puerto Rican community that was thriving in El Barrio during this time. Bilingual Spanish-English text.

Ali, a contemporary boy living in Bagdad enjoys soccer, “loud, parent-rattling music,” and Arabic calligraphy. Ali finds solace in it during the noise of war much like 13th century calligrapher Yakut. Dynamic, evocative illustrations make this book memorable, sure to remind readers that children are similar world-over.

Wangari Maathai’s native Kenya was a changed land, literally blowing away because its trees and growth had been destroyed. Rather than complain, she started a reforestation effort for which she was the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Handsome illustrations combine with crisp text to tell the story of one person’s impact.

Self-taught artist Clementine Hunter used paint and canvas to record life in the rural south. Her work was first hung on a clothesline, much later in galleries. This attractive picture book biography concludes with an author’s note and actual images by Hunter.

Not all pirates did their dirty work on the sea and not all of them were men. The stories in history and lore of the Sea Queens are presented in an evocative format with bold illustrations, separating fact from fiction.

Alexander Calder — Sandy — had a vivid imagination and a fascination with the circus; his sketches of the circus became 3-dimensional. Vivid illustrations combine with an informal text to introduce a man whose art continues to inspire and intrigue.

Dramatic illustrations depict a range of possible sabertooth cats, likely relatives to the cats that live today in the wild and in people’s homes. How information about these extinct animals has come to light is clearly presented and is sure to pique curiosity.

Poems piece together the story of the quilters of Gee’s Bend in Wilcox County, Alabama. Though over a hundred years old, the art of quilting is alive and is now accessible through poetry and vivid illustration.

This fact and fun-filled look at female contributions to the American Revolution provides a serious but lighthearted introduction to a range of known and unknown women. Affable illustrations include thought and speech bubbles.

When Colton Wescott sees this sign for the Pony Express, he thinks he has the solution to his problems. He’s stuck with his ma and two younger sisters on the wrong side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, with no way to get across. They were on the wagon train heading to California when Pa accidentally shot Colton and then galloped away. Ma is sick, and Colton needs money to pay the doctor. He’d make good money as a Pony rider. he also needs to get to California to deliver freedom papers to Ma’s sister, a runaway slave. The Pony Express could get him there too…

The ghost of George Washington introduces Sara to other presidential ghosts.

Espionage played an important role in defeating the British, as is demonstrated in this cleverly-formatted, intriguing book.

The life and times of Eleanor Roosevelt are presented chronologically as though one is examining a scrapbook. Much like the approach the author uses for other historical figures, this look at Eleanor is almost intimate, certainly thorough, and compelling.

As she did in My Name Is Celia/Me llamo Celia, Monica Brown tells the story of young Gabriel García Márquez’s life in this bilingual picture book. Brown also provides children with a simple introduction to magical realism by showing how young Gabriel’s surroundings and imagination merged in fantastic ways, fostering his creativity and building the foundation for the legendary characters and stories he would later create. Beautiful illustrations complement the lyrical text.

What must it be like to live in the White House, especially if you’re not at all like other children of your time? Read about Alice — Theodore Roosevelt’s oldest child — and her unconventional approach to life in the White House.

How are dogs, alligators, sheep, cats, and a host of other animals similar? They’ve all been residents of the president’s house as presidential pets! Comical illustrations combine with the often laugh out loud funny tales of pets in the White House.

The large format of this collection of stories both factual and fictionalized has been created by about 100 notable authors and illustrators with an introduction by historian David McCullough. Ideal for sharing aloud at home or in the classroom, activities and additional resources are up-to-date at a companion website (opens in a new window).

George Washington is well known not only as the first President of the United States, but also for his legendary dental problem. The rhyming countdown (as GW heads toward no teeth at all) introduces an historical figure with humor, verve, and real (if unusual) information.

This book of miscellany is a browsers’ paradise. Using photography, illustration, and a busy layout, the authors offer information on range of subjects-love, bugs, fights, dancing, you name it.

In 1950’s Appalachia, the Collins family leads a hard existence. The youngest sister, Carolina, is adrift, when her guitar-playing cousin, Tadpole, unexpectedly arrives. Tadpole’s beautiful singing and positive outlook inspire the family, but when they learn he’s on the run from an abusive uncle, they worry the uncle will come and take Tadpole away.

The Whydah Galley was a real, fast-moving ship that was involved in 18th century slave trade, transporting people from Africa to the Caribbean until captured by pirates. How the Whydah and her treasures were discovered by underwater archaeologists is revealed in informal text and dramatic illustrations. Additional resources are included.

Information about the symbols, emblems, and gods from Ancient Egypt is included with step-by-step instructions on how to draw them. A guide to pronunciation and where to go for more information on Egyptian antiquities is also included.