Laban Carrick Hill, the bestselling author of the National Book Award Finalist Harlem Stomp, here delivers an inspiring and lyrical story of a gifted craftsman who lived in South Carolina two centuries ago. Dave's superb artistry and the deeply observant poetry he carved onto his pots reveal how he transcended the limitations he faced as a slave.
Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton is a Maasai tribesman of Kenya. In this fascinating autobiography, he shares stories about growing up in his nomadic tribe-from licking sweat off cows' noses to survive a drought, to facing down a lion at age 14, to playing soccer for the president of Kenya. The only member of his family to receive a formal education, Joseph sometimes lived as much as 40 miles away from school. While at school, he learned about Western culture and traditions. A member of two very different communities, Joseph struggled with what he was taught and what he already knew. But eventually, he learned to balance two worlds. Hailed by Children's Literature as a "superb book for any age," Facing the Lion is a riveting tale of one man who took his destiny in his own hands and became an extraordinary citizen of the world.
"An intriguing portrait of a remarkable life and a culture little known to most American readers."-Publishers Weekly "What gives this short, readable book its power is Lekuton's authoritative, intimate view of now and then."-Booklist
Almost anything scares young Eleanor: mice, the dark, and a host of imaginary dangers. But she learns to hide her feelings-her father disapproves of fear, and she longs only to please him. She knows she will always disappoint her beautiful, socialite mother, because Eleanor is painfully shy and plain. As a young debutante in Manhattan, she spends her days teaching needy children and touring crowded tenements. There, she makes a life-changing discovery that later enables her to redefine the role of America's first lady - being shy doesn't matter as long as she's helping others.
Winner of the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award and the Golden Kite award, Eleanor Roosevelt was named an ALA Notable Book and a YALSA Best Book for Young Adults. Author Russell Freedman creates a spirited portrait of the woman who overcame enormous personal obstacles to earn the title, "First Lady of the World." With Barbara Caruso's splendid narration, Eleanor Roosevelt's remarkable life unfolds with clarity and sensitivity.
Tomie celebrates his sixth birthday in style, dresses up as Snow White for his first Halloween, celebrates holidays with his family, suffers through a bout of the chicken pox, and gets to stay up to see the new year in!
On August 4, 1940, an unassuming American journalist named Varian Fry made his way to Marseilles, France, carrying in his pockets the names of approximately two hundred artists and intellectuals - all enemies of the new Nazi regime. As a volunteer for the Emergency Rescue Committee, Fry's mission was to help these refugees flee to safety, then return home two weeks later. As more and more people came to him for assistance, however, he realized the situation was far worse than anyone in America had suspected - and his role far greater than he had imagined. He remained in France for over a year, refusing to leave until he was forcibly evicted. At a time when most Americans ignored the atrocities in Europe, Varian Fry engaged in covert operations, putting himself in great danger, to save strangers in a foreign land. He was instrumental in the rescue of over two thousand refugees, including the novelist Heinrich Mann and the artist Marc Chagall.
This entry in a brand new line of sports biographies from Matt Christopher takes readers onto the field with a beloved quarterback
Drew Brees grew up in a family of athletes, and overcame injuries and setbacks to become one of today's best quarterbacks. This comprehensive biography - complete with photos and fun infographics - shows how Drew Brees went from being a flag football player to Super Bowl MVP and modern legend, and is sure to appeal to legions of football fans.
This entry in a brand new line of sports biographies from Matt Christopher takes readers onto the court with an all-star who reaches for new heights
Blake Griffin is known for being a #1 draft pick, Rookie of the Year, Slam Dunk Contest winner, and one of the best power forwards playing today. But he had to fight to make it onto the NBA court at all after sitting out his first pro season with a devastating knee injury. Learn more about the perennial All-Star in this comprehensive biography, complete with photos and fun infographics.
Leonardo da Vinci was born in a small Italian town in 1452. He trained to be a painter, but he only completed around 13 paintings-one of which was the famous Mona Lisa. Even though Leonardo wanted to learn all he could, he never received a formal education. Struggling to make a living in his 20s, he then moved to Milan, where he flourished. New worlds of discovery opened to him and his interests in engineering, art, theatre, and much more were satisfied. He expanded his knowledge in these fields to become a key figure in the Renaissance and an inventor whose designs of helicopters, parachutes, submarines and many other ingenious devices were well ahead of their time. Acclaimed historian John Phillips introduces young audiences to key figures and events in world history with concise prose and interesting language. "... this work is an attractive and friendly resource for students."-VOYA
This book is a history of the team that explored the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase territory from 1804-06 while seeking the elusive Northwest Passage to the Pacific Ocean.
Russell Martin, author of Beethoven's Hair, and his wife, Lydia Nibley, tell the story of how a lock of Ludwig von Beethoven's hair, clipped from the composer's head on his deathbed in Germany in 1827, ended up in Nazi-occupied Denmark in 1943 and was later sold at auction in London in 1994. Learn about this incredible journey through history and the mysteries revealed about Beethoven's deafness and death. Photographs, correspondence, reserach, and forensics further inform this fascinating story.
Negro league baseball players didn't always get the respect that major leaguers received. And yet many-including Jackie Robinson, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, and Roy Campanella-quickly became standouts in the major leagues after 1947. Others didn't get to prove their mettle in the majors at all-or not until long past their prime. Leroy "Satchel" Paige mixed his blazing fastball with 29 other devastating pitches to win 42 games and strike out 402 batters in 1936. Credited with 175 stolen bases in one year, speedster James "Cool Papa" Bell delighted fans by scoring from first base on a bunt. And powered by steroid-free meals, Josh Gibson hit 75 homeruns in 1931-with one blast sailing 580 feet and another shattering a seat in Yankee Stadium. New York Times best-selling author Carole Boston Weatherford compiles an enthralling summary of Negro league history that includes fascinating tidbits about prominent pitchers, hitters, utility players, teams, and traditions.
