Children's Books Catalog
True History: The Legacy of Jim Crow
Author: Jennifer Sabin and Clarence A. Haynes
The true story of the discriminatory laws and ideas that affected African American life for generations. In the late nineteenth century, white lawmakers in the United States created a set of policies, collectively called “Jim Crow,” that created segregated facilities, like schools and parks, for African Americans in the South. But Jim Crow–type policies didn’t just affect the South. These policies have had far-reaching effects across America, impacting where Black people live, how they’re treated by the criminal justice system, and how they’re portrayed in TV and film. The Legacy of Jim Crow explores the details that have far too often been covered up, along with exclusive interviews with experts, including Pulitzer Prize–winning author Jeffrey C. Stewart.
Tristan Strong Punches A Hole In The Sky (Book 1)
Author: Kwame Mbalia
Seventh grader Tristan Strong feels anything but strong ever since he failed to save his best friend when they were in a bus accident together. All he has left of Eddie is the journal his friend wrote stories in. Tristan is dreading the month he's going to spend on his grandparents' farm in Alabama, where he's being sent to heal from the tragedy.
But on his first night there, a sticky creature shows up in his bedroom and steals Eddie's notebook. Tristan chases after it--is that a doll?--and a tug-of-war ensues between them underneath a Bottle Tree. In a last attempt to wrestle the journal out of the creature's hands, Tristan punches the tree, accidentally ripping open a chasm into the MidPass, a volatile place with a burning sea, haunted bone ships, and iron monsters that are hunting the inhabitants of this world.
Tristan finds himself in the middle of a battle that has left Black American folk heroes John Henry and Brer Rabbit exhausted. In order to get back home, Tristan and these new allies will need to entice the god Anansi, the Weaver, to come out of hiding and seal the hole in the sky. But bartering with the trickster Anansi always comes at a price. Can Tristan save this world before he loses more of the things he loves?
Tristan Strong Keeps Punching (Book 3)
Author: Kwame Mbalia
After reuniting with Ayanna, who is now in his world, Tristan travels up the Mississippi in pursuit of his archenemy, King Cotton. Along the way they encounter new haints who are dead set on preventing their progress north to Tristan's hometown of Chicago. It's going to take many Alkean friends, including the gods themselves, the black flames of the afokena gloves, and all of Tristan's inner strength to deliver justice once and for all.
Treasure Island: Runaway Gold
Author: Jewell Parker Rhodes
Three kids. One dog. And the island of Manhattan, laid out in an old treasure map.
Zane is itching for an adventure that will take him away from his family’s boarding house in Rockaway, Queens. So when he is entrusted with a real treasure map, leading to a spot somewhere in Manhattan, Zane wastes no time in riding the ferry over to the city to start the search with his friends Kiko and Jack and his dog, Hip-Hop.
Through strange coincidence, they meet a man who is eager to help them find the treasure: John, a sailor who knows all about the buried history of Black New Yorkers of centuries past—and the gold that is hidden somewhere in those stories.
As a vicious rival skateboard crew follows them around the city, Zane and his friends begin to wonder who they can really trust. And soon it becomes clear that treasure hunting is a dangerous business…
Together, United (An All Because You Matter Book)
Author: Tami Charles
Illustrator: Bryan Collier
With an inspirational message of unity comes the profound final installment of the All Because You Matter trilogy from powerhouse author Tami Charles and award-winning illustrator Bryan Collier!
A lyrical and astounding proclamation of unity and love, this stunning picture book serves as a reminder and a clear declaration that together, we are all part of something much greater. Courageous and bold, this final follow-up to the New York Times bestselling All Because You Matter and acclaimed We Are Here is a message of optimism: that alone we are strong, but together we are unstoppable!
Tami Charles’ powerful and rhythmic text reminds young readers of their brilliance as individuals and the immense power they hold when their voices come together as one. Breathtaking illustrations by renowned artist Bryan Collier, evoke the beauty and wonder of how we are all connected together in the world and our ability to change it for the better. Together, United is a community touchstone and a reminder that the best way to a better future is to create it together… united.
To Boldly Go: How Nichelle Nichols and Star Trek Helped Advance Civil Rights
Author: Angela Dalton
Perfect for fans of Hidden Figures and Mae Among the Stars! To Boldly Go tells the true story of Nichelle Nichols and how she used her platform on Star Trek to inspire and recruit a new generation of diverse astronauts and many others in the space and STEM fields.As Lieutenant Uhura on the iconic prime-time television show Star Trek, Nichelle Nichols played the first Black female astronaut anyone had ever seen on screen. A smart, strong, independent Black woman aboard the starship Enterprise was revolutionary in the 1960s when only white men had traveled to outer space in real life and most Black characters on TV were servants.Nichelle not only inspired a generation to pursue their dreams, but also opened the door for the real-life pioneering astronaut Sally Ride, Dr. Mae Jemison, and more.This empowering tribute to the trailblazing pop culture icon reminds us of the importance of perseverance and the power of representation in storytelling. You just might be inspired to boldly go where no one like you has ever gone before!
Tiana's Kind Pony (Disney Princess: Palace Pets)
Author: Amy Sky Koster
Welcome to the magical world of Palace Pets, where each Disney Princess has a furry pet to love and care for! Bayou is a pony who moves to New Orleans to be Princess Tiana’s special Palace Pet! But will this shy pony fit in at the lively city? Young readers and Disney Princess Palace Pets fans ages 4 to 6 will love this book, which is full of sweet, cuddly pets–and 30+ stickers!
Through the Storm (Isla of Adventure)
- Author: Dela Costa
It’s a rainy day on the island of Sol. At first, Isla Verde doesn’t mind a little bit of gloomy weather. It’s part of nature’s wonders, after all! As the drizzle becomes a heavy downpour, Isla and her friends decide to have a slumber party. But in the morning, they realize that the storm left quite a mess. Luckily, stormy days are easily weathered with friends. And Isla’s got plenty of those!
This Makes Me Happy: Dealing With Feelings
Author: Courtney Carbone
This Makes Me Happy follows a young girl on a field trip to the fair, complete with a roller coaster, pie-eating contest, and petting zoo! But when her pesky nut allergy keeps her from having a treat with her class, the girl learns that even the happiest of days can have unhappy moments. By reflecting on her trip and recognizing the many feelings that arose during it, she is able to feel less overwhelmed—and more confident about her positively happy day.
While children enjoy expressing themselves—be it through laughter or tears—they don’t always have the words to articulate their emotions. The Dealing with Feelings series is designed to give voice to what’s brewing inside, showing children how to name their emotions as they also learn to read. Colorful stickers are included in each book.
They Call Me Teach: Lessons in Freedom
Author: Lisa Cline-Ransome
Illustrator: James E. Ransome
In this stirring and powerfully illustrated story, an enslaved young man uses his ability to read and write to educate others in the pursuit of freedom.
Back inside the store
I write up receipts
for Master’s deliveries
for Master’s orders
In ’tween
I write up a receipt
for her freedom
The young man known as Teach secretly learned to read, write, and use numbers growing up alongside the master’s son. And although on this Southern plantation these are skills he can never flaunt, Teach doesn’t keep them to himself: In the course of a week, he’ll teach little ones the alphabet in the corner stall of a stable and hold a moonlit session where men scratch letters in the dirt. He’ll decipher a discarded letter bearing news of Yankee soldiers and forge a pass for a woman hoping to buy precious time on a perilous journey north. And come Sunday, Teach will cross the swamp to a hidden cabin, reading aloud to the congregation God’s immortal words to the pharaoh: Let my people go. With a spare, moving first-person narration told in an era-appropriate dialect, complemented by stunning watercolor illustrations, the celebrated duo of Lesa Cline-Ransome and James E. Ransome honor the bravery and generosity of spirit behind countless untold acts of resistance during the time of slavery. An author’s note highlights the vital role of literacy and education toward the securing of freedom, both historically and to the present day.
There Was a Party for Langston
Author: Jason Reynolds
Back in the day, there was a heckuva party, a jam, for a word-making man. The King of Letters. Langston Hughes. His ABCs became drums, bumping jumping thumping like a heart the size of the whole country. They sent some people yelling and others, his word-children, to write their own glory.
Maya Angelou, Amiri Baraka, and more came be-bopping to recite poems at their hero’s feet at that heckuva party at the Schomberg Library, dancing boom da boom, stepping and stomping, all in praise and love for Langston, world-mending word man. Oh, yeah, there was hoopla in Harlem, for its Renaissance man. A party for Langston.
Their Just Desserts
Author: Tracy Badua / Alechia Dow
Baker extraordinaire Laila Thomas and budding journalist Lucy Flores are living it up at the top of the junior high food chain as eighth graders. But between busy schedules and kinda-boyfriends, these two best friends haven’t gotten to hang out as much. So, when Jaden, an ex-competition rival, begs the duo to step back into the world of cooking competitions and crime—the answer is yes.
Jaden is desperate: His father is accused of stealing prized jewels on the set of an amateur kids’ holiday baking show. The plan is for Laila to smash the competition while Lucy investigates behind the scenes—but their half-baked plan gets turned totally upside down when Lucy ends up in front of the cameras instead.
As the investigation and competition heat up, Lucy and Laila’s bond is put to the ultimate test. Can they solve this bakeoff mystery, or will they—and their friendship—crack under pressure?
The World Belonged To Us
Author: Jacqueline Woodson
It's getting hot outside, hot enough to turn on the hydrants and run through the water--and that means it's finally summer in the city! Released from school and reveling in their freedom, the kids on one Brooklyn block take advantage of everything summertime has to offer. Freedom from morning till night to go out to meet their friends and make the streets their playground--jumping double Dutch, playing tag and hide-and-seek, building forts, chasing ice cream trucks, and best of all, believing anything is possible. That is, till their moms call them home for dinner. But not to worry--they know there is always tomorrow to do it all over again--because the block belongs to them and they rule their world.
True History: The Founders Unmasked
Author: Jennifer Sabin
Introducing a new nonfiction series for the next generation of activists, uncovering the hidden history of The United States through an anti-racist lens.
The true story of the men—and women—surrounding the founding of America.
In the summer of 1776, when Thomas Jefferson arrived in Philadelphia to sign the Declaration of Independence, declaring that “all men are created equal,” he wasn’t alone. With him was Robert Hemings, just one of the many Black people Jefferson enslaved.
But who was Robert Hemings?
Discover his story and the true history of those who really helped build America. Featuring riveting interviews with historians, including Margaret Kimberley, author of Prejudential: Black America and the Presidents, The Founders Unmasked is a quest for the whole truth: the good and the bad.
Tristan Strong Keeps Punching (Book 3)
Author: Kwame Mbalia
After reuniting with Ayanna, who is now in his world, Tristan travels up the Mississippi in pursuit of his archenemy, King Cotton. Along the way they encounter new haints who are dead set on preventing their progress north to Tristan's hometown of Chicago. It's going to take many Alkean friends, including the gods themselves, the black flames of the afokena gloves, and all of Tristan's inner strength to deliver justice once and for all.
Tristan Strong Destroys the World (Book 2)
Author: Kwame Mbalia
Tristan Strong, just back from a victorious but exhausting adventure in Alke, the land of African American folk heroes and African gods, is suffering from PTSD. But there's no rest for the weary when his grandmother is abducted by a mysterious villain out for revenge.
Tristan must return to Alke--and reunite with his loud-mouthed sidekick, Gum Baby--in order to rescue Nana and stop the culprit from creating further devastation. Anansi, now a "web developer" in Tristan's phone, is close at hand to offer advice, and several new folk heroes will aid Tristan in his quest, but he will only succeed if he can figure out a way to sew broken souls back together.
Trailblazers: Beyoncé: Queen of the Spotlight
Author: Ebony Joy Wilkins
Bring history home and meet some of the world's greatest game changers! Get inspired by the true story of one of the world's most famous singers. This biography series is for kids who loved Who Was? and are ready for the next level.
Beyoncé Knowles became famous as the lead singer of the popular group Destiny's Child. But on her own, she's had even bigger hits. From movies to Grammy Awards to performing at the Super Bowl halftime show, Beyoncé is one of the world's most amazing superstars. Find out how the girl who entered local singing competitions became one of history's greatest trailblazers!
Trailblazers is a biography series that celebrates the lives of amazing pioneers, past and present, from all over the world. Get inspired by more Trailblazers: Neil Armstrong, Jackie Robinson, Jane Goodall, Harriet Tubman, Albert Einstein, Beyoncé, and Simone Biles. What kind of trail will you blaze?
Together, a Forest: Drawing Connections Between Nature's Diversity and Our Own
Author: Roz MacLean
Joy and her peers are eager to visit a nearby forest for a class trip. But Joy's excitement quickly turns into anxiety when she is asked to choose one thing in the area for a school assignment.
Seeing her classmates connecting with the natural environment, Joy discovers how each of their choices reflect the ways they relate to and interact with the world.
Together, a Forest begins as an exciting journey into nature and blossoms into a meditation on how our unique personalities and ways of being help create a more vibrant and beautiful world. The forest reveals that everyone―including those of us with disabilities and neurodivergence―belong to nature. There is no one right way for a mind, body, or person to be.
Tiana's Perfect Plan
Author: Anika Noni Rose
After traveling all winter, Tiana and Naveen are back in New Orleans in time for Mardi Gras. Tiana wants everything to be just right, putting the finishing touches on their party favors and parade float.
But then she gets an unexpected letter from Naveen's parents, the king and queen of Maldonia. They've decided to join the celebration!
Determined to make it the best Mardi Gras ever, Tiana sets out on a new adventure with some old friends to find the perfect ingredients for a special addition. But soon she finds that perfect might not be the goal . . . and she may already have all she needs.
Tiana's Bayou Adventure (Disney Princess)
Author: Josef Lemoine
Hop aboard a boat and journey into the bayou with Tiana and Louis the jazz-loving alligator! Learn about zydeco from Louis and meet Tiana’s newest animal friends in this beautifully illustrated Little Golden Book based on the Disney Parks attraction Tiana’s Bayou Adventure! It’s perfect for Disney Parks and Disney The Princess and the Frog fans ages 2 to 5 and collectors of all ages!s.
This Makes Me Jealous: Dealing with Feelings
Author: Courtney Carbone
This Dealing with Feelings book about jealousy helps kids understand what they're feeling when they're upset. Now a part of the premier early reading line, Step into Reading!When a new girl named Amy comes to school and interrupts show-and-tell, a little girl feels ignored. She doesn't want to share with Amy. When the kids play soccer, Amy scores a goal. Everyone cheers, and the girl is jealous. How does Amy feel? Can the little girl give her a chance to become a new friend?The Dealing with Feelings series of early readers is designed to give voice to what's brewing inside. Through short, simple text and repetitive observational phrases, children will learn to name their emotions as they learn to read.Step 2 Readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories, for children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help. Rhyme and rhythmic text paired with picture clues help children decode the story.
Think Big, Little One
Author: Vashti Harrison
This board book edition of Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World by New York Times bestselling author Vashti Harrison is a beautiful first book to teach your little dreamers to follow all their biggest ideas.
Featuring eighteen women creators, ranging from writers to inventors, artists to scientists, this board book adaptation of Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World introduces trailblazing women like Mary Blair, an American modernist painter who had a major influence on how color was used in early animated films, environmental activist Wangari Maathai, and architect Zaha Hadid.
The irresistible full-color illustrations show the Dreamers as both accessible and aspirational so reader knows they, too, can grow up to do something amazing.
They Built Me for Freedom: The Story of Juneteenth and Houston's Emancipation Pa
Author: Tonya Duncan Ellis
When people visit me, they are free—to run, play, gather, and rejoice.
They built me to remember.
On June 19, 1865, the 250,000 enslaved people of Texas learned they were free, ending slavery in the United States. This day was soon to be memorialized with the dedication of a park in Houston. The park was called Emancipation Park, and the day it honored would come to be known as Juneteenth.
In the voice and memory of the park itself—its fields and pools, its protests and cookouts, and, most of all, its people—the 150-year story of Emancipation Park is brought to life. Through lyrical text and vibrant artwork, Tonya Duncan Ellis and Jenin Mohammed have crafted an ode to the struggle, triumph, courage, and joy of Black America—and the promise of a people to remember.
There Is A Flower At The Tip Of My Nose Smelling Me
Author: Alice Walker
Pulitzer Prize-winning author and activist Alice Walker invites readers young and old to see the world—and our place in it—through new eyes in this new edition featuring art from Queenbe Monyei.
With beautifully poetic text and joyous illustrations to guide readers through their read, There Is a Flower at the Tip of My Nose Smelling Me is an ode to the natural world and our place in it. Celebrating the connections and interconnections between self, nature, and creativity, this gently provocative text opens up the world to a reader, and a reader to our world.
From the celebrated author of The Color Purple and other classics comes a beautiful, lyrical picture book for fans of her work of all ages.
The Year We Learned to Fly
Author: Jacqueline Woodson
Jacqueline Woodson and Rafael López's highly anticipated companion to their #1 New York Times bestseller The Day You Begin illuminates the power in each of us to face challenges with confidence.
On a dreary, stuck-inside kind of day, a brother and sister heed their grandmother’s advice: “Use those beautiful and brilliant minds of yours. Lift your arms, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and believe in a thing. Somebody somewhere at some point was just as bored you are now.” And before they know it, their imaginations lift them up and out of their boredom. Then, on a day full of quarrels, it’s time for a trip outside their minds again, and they are able to leave their anger behind. This precious skill, their grandmother tells them, harkens back to the days long before they were born, when their ancestors showed the world the strength and resilience of their beautiful and brilliant minds. Jacqueline Woodson’s lyrical text and Rafael Lopez’s dazzling art celebrate the extraordinary ability to lift ourselves up and imagine a better world.