People have kept old and interesting things for a long, long time — in fact, Princess Bel-Shati Nannar in 550 BC kept her collections in what she called a museum. Read about unusual and interesting collections housed in museums in this gripping, informative, and highly readable book.
The Museum Book: A Guide to Strange and Wonderful Collections
Regardless of where they are found, mazes are amazing! Visit mazes that can be found around the world in this brief, informative, and intriguing look at these mysterious labyrinths.
Mazes Around the World
Slide back to 1897 with Mattie, Alex, and Sophie where they meet a young writer named Jack London who might be involved in the mystery of a stolen dog. Before the children return to their own time, they learn about life during the Yukon Gold Rush in this highly readable fantasy, part of the Time Spies series.
Gold in the Hills: A Tale of the Klondike Gold Rush
This fun, fact-filled glimpse at the states begins with a warning that many of the facts are “wacky and outrageous” but buckle up and join the romp! (Leominster, MA, was the birthplace of the plastic lawn flamingo, for example.) Factoids combine with humorous illustrations to engage travelers on the go!
Go, Go America
Celebrate the birthday of the United States with food and fun while learning the history and meaning behind the various festivities. Elegant, crisp color photographs are sourced as is the information provided in this examination of an all-American day.
Celebrate Independence Day with Parades, Picnics, and Fireworks
Fourth-grader Kenny goes with his older brother Byron and his parents on a road trip from Flint, Michigan to the South, where Byron will be spending the summer with his grandparents, away from the temptations of city life. Curtis mixes humor with the volatility of the South in the summer of 1963.
The Watsons Go To Birmingham - 1963
Ms. Frizzle, the amazing teacher whose students experience field trips in extraordinary fashion, now moves into history and other social studies areas. In this installment, Ms. Frizzle and her class travel by dragon to 11th century China to experience its history.
Ms. Frizzle’s Adventures: Imperial China
Colorful illustrations by two award-winning artists decorate Gilchrist’s short poem celebrating different aspects of America — which combine to make a rich, unified whole.
My America
A range of poets introduce various aspects of African American history and culture. The alphabet is used as the device to introduce and organize the carefully selected poetry and stylized paintings to create an evocative whole.
Ashley Bryan’s ABC of African American Poetry
Growing up in Soviet-controlled Czechoslovakia, Sis craved Western pop culture, subverted authority in small ways, and maintained a strong fear of the secret police. This title won the Sibert medal for distinctive non-fiction for children.
The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain
They have come in all colors and sizes and times throughout American history and their impact is still felt. Meet 100 interesting, diverse women whose contributions range from helping people escape injustice to creating fashion. Portraits accompany each engaging biographical essay.
Remember the Ladies: 100 Great American Women
An introduction by baseball great Hank Aaron opens this riveting look at the history of the Negro League. A large format supports revealing portraits of League players and an absorbing narration revealed in nine innings. Endnotes and further readings conclude this memorable and accessible history.
We Are the Ship: The Story of the Negro League Baseball
The significance and impact of Dr. King and why his birthday is celebrated is presented in a handsome package. Fluid text combines with stunning illustrations done in scratchboard and paint, to make a sometimes difficult subject accessible to younger children. Also available in Spanish.
Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King
When young Iqbal is sold into slavery at a carpet factory, his arrival changes everything for the other overworked and abused chidren there. It is Iqbal who explains to them that despite their master’s promises, he plans on keeping them as his slaves indefinetely. But it is also Iqbal who inspires the other children to look to a future free from toil…and is brave enough to show them how to get there.
This moving fictionalized account of the real Iqbal Masih is told through the voice of Fatima, a young Pakistani girl whose life is changed by Iqbal’s courage.
Iqbal
When Frances sees an organ grinder and his monkey sleeping outside of their apartment, she can think of little else — even during the Christmas pageant. It is then she finds just the right words. Soft, evocative illustrations enhance this touching story about concern and caring.
Great Joy
Julie loves to hear her grandfather’s larger-than-life, highly imagined tales of long ago when he emigrated from Russia to New York City. Grandma, however, recalls the same events in a very different way. With fresh illustrations, these 25-year-old tales remain humorous and vivacious.
The Castle on Hester Street
Though born years and miles apart, the paths of two extraordinary women would one day cross briefly. The women, who are known now as Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman, would come to play a significant role in securing rights for African Americans. Stylized illustrations and brief text present the people, the period, and their encounter.
When Harriet Met Sojourner
Read about dogs with cat icons, and then turn the book over to learn about cats – with dog icons. Informative, informal text combines with textured collage illustrations for an intriguing and edifying look at these familiar animals.
Dogs & Cats
From a sharecropper family, Althea Gibson went on to become a highly skilled tennis player and to break down the game’s racial barriers. Strong, varied illustrations accompany the lucid text to present a compelling portrait of a complex woman and accomplished athlete.
Playing to Win: The Story of Althea Gibson
As a pirate, Jack Plank was not a very good plunderer, although he makes up for it as a fine storyteller. He wows Mrs. Del Fresno’s daughter and her other boarders with his stories as he seeks another profession. This episodic yarn spins a wonderful read aloud.
Jack Plank Tells Tales
This riveting account is based on the true story of Henry Brown, a slave who literally mailed himself to freedom. Dramatic illustrations show what young Henry endured during his grueling trip to Pennsylvania.
Henry’s Freedom Box
Ancient Egypt is established before the boy king, who has fascinated so many, begins his reign. Carefully crafted illustrations evoke the time and the place in which King Tutankhamen lived and ruled in traditional two-dimensional illustrations.
Tutankhamen’s Gift
Ever wonder why Thanksgiving is celebrated or how certain foods came to be traditional? This and more is explained in lively language — carefully researched — and presented in an attractive package with hands-on activities for children.
Turkeys, Pilgrims, and Indian Corn: The Story of the Thanksgiving Symbols
Through a fictionalized diary of young girl, the difficult journey to a new world, the difficulties as well as the successes unfold. This highly readable account presents the Mayflower and its landing with humor and hope.