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Over and Under the Canyon

by Kate Messner and Christopher Silas Neal

"Over and Under the Canyon takes young readers on a thrilling tour of a desert canyon ecosystem. Over the canyon, the sun scalds the air, baking desert mud to stone. But under the shade of the cliffs hides another world, where bighorn sheep bound from rock to rock on the hillside, roadrunners make their nests in sturdy cacti, and banded geckos tuck themselves into the shelter of the sand. Discover the wonders concealed in the curves of the canyon, the magic of a desert wildflower bloom, and all the unexpected creatures that bring the desert to life." -- publisher

Any Child Informational

Maria Tallchief

2020

by Jennifer Marino Walters, Nigel Dobbyn and Daniela Geremia

"Maria Tallchief was inspired to dance while watching Osage dancers as a child in Oklahoma. For tribal ceremonies only men were allowed to dance. But, Maria went on to become America's first prima ballerina." -- publisher

Biography

Hold the Flag High

2021

by Catherine Clinton and Shane W. Evans

"Hold the Flag High is the true story of William Carney, the first Black Medal of Honor winner and Civil War hero. As sergeant of the Massachusetts 54th, an all-Black regiment, he was one of only a few Black officers to serve during the Civil War. In the Battle of Fort Wagner, he risked life and limb to make sure that “Old Glory” never stopped waving." -- published

Biography Cross Group

E is for Everyone! Every Vote and Every Voice

2020

by Elissa Grodin and Victor Juhasz

"This streamlined ABC approach uses poetry and colorful artwork to explain the basic building blocks of America's democratic system of government, from its earliest beginnings to how it works in today's world. For ages 4‒8, from the author‒illustrator team of D is for Democracy: A Citizen's Alphabet. Back matter provides further explanation for key concepts such as branches of government. Civics lessons are always timely, always important, and often very complicated. And despite the easy banter in today's media, many adult Americans are still in the dark when it comes to knowing their rights and responsibilities as citizens of a democratic society. So how do we help our youngest citizens to understand this important information in ways that make sense? This streamlined ABC approach uses poetry and colorful artwork to explain the basic building blocks of America's democratic system of government, from its earliest beginnings to how it works in today's world. From amendments and elections to Congress and our Constitution, E is for Everyone! Every Vote and Every Voice: A Democracy Alphabet helps make our system of government understandable for young readers. Back matter provides further explanation for key concepts such as the Bill of Rights, Founding Fathers, and branches of government. For ages 4‒8, from the author‒illustrator team of D is for Democracy: A Citizen's Alphabet." -- publisher

Incidental

Lobe Your Brain

2021

by Leanne Boucher Gill

"Your brain does a lot, even if you don't realize it! Lobe Your Brain takes kids on a tour through the lobes of a human brain and shows all of the cool things a brain can do and the many reasons to love your lobes! Kids know that their brain does a lot, like make them move, smile, remember, think, feel, and emote. But do they know how it really works? Readers will take a tour of the lobes of the human brain to discover all the cool things that it can do in this must-have introduction for all nonfiction collections. Includes kid-friendly examples, simple explanations, and basic anatomy illustrations that show different parts of his brain and central nervous system, basic neurological function, and how everything flows." -- publisher

Informational

The Ocean in Your Bathtub

2020

by Seth Fishman and Isabel Greenberg

"From shore to suburb, the ocean connects all of us in unexpected ways—through the weather, our water, our food sources, and more! In their signature informative and child-friendly style, the award-winning creators of A Hundred Billion Trillion Stars explore how the ocean affects everyone—no matter where they live—and how everyone affects the ocean. Fans of Jess Keating’s Shark Lady and Kate Messner’s The Brilliant Deep will be hooked. Did you know that oceans cover 71 percent of our planet and contain 97 percent of the Earth’s water? That seven out of every ten breaths you take contains oxygen that comes from oceanic plant life? No matter how far from the ocean you live, it is part of your life, every single day. And you are part of the ocean’s life, too. Every time you flush the toilet or throw something away, you might be sending it to the ocean—and every time you do a good deed, such as picking up litter or recycling, you are helping the ocean! Acclaimed creators Seth Fishman and Isabel Greenberg explore how the Earth’s five oceans affect daily life for everyone on the planet, presenting surprising information about the ocean ecosystem in a fun, accessible story. Isabel Greenberg’s vibrant illustrations are the ideal match to Seth Fishman’s engaging, playful text. Perfect for curious kids and classroom learning. Includes backmatter about the water cycle and ocean ecosystem." -- publisher

Incidental Informational

An Apple for Harriet Tubman

2016

by Glennette Tilley Turner and Susan Keeter

"Like other enslaved African American children, young Harriet Tubman had to work hard. In her master's orchard, she spent long hours picking the juicy apples she was forbidden to eat. Harriet vowed to one day be free and to grow apple trees of her own. When she was grown, she made her escape to the North. Then, repeatedly risking her life, she returned to lead many other African Americans to freedom." -- publisher

Biography Oppression & Resilience

Runaway

2021

by Ray Anthony Shepard and Keith Mallett

"A powerful, lyrical OwnVoices picture book about the enslavement of Ona Judge and her self-emancipation from George Washington’s household. Ona Judge was enslaved by the Washingtons, and served the President's wife, Martha. Ona was widely known for her excellent skills as a seamstress, and was raised alongside Washington’s grandchildren. Indeed, she was frequently mistaken for his granddaughter. This biography follows her childhood and adolescence until she decides to run away. This book doesn’t shy away from the horrors of slavery, nor the complex role of house servants. Author Ray Anthony Shepard implicates the reader in Ona’s decision to emancipate herself by using a rhetorical refrain, “Why you run, Ona Judge?” This haunting meditation welcomes meaningful and necessary conversation among readers. Illustrator Keith Mallett’s rich paintings include fabric collage and add further feeling and majesty to Ona’s daring escape." -- publisher

Cross Group Oppression & Resilience

King Tutankhamun Tells All!

2021

by Chris Naunton and Guilherme Karste

"An entertaining new illustrated book for young readers that brings King Tut back to life so he can share his own version of history. What would happen if the famous people of ancient Egypt were given the opportunity to tell their version of historical events—in their own words? It would be incredible! In this highly entertaining and comically illustrated book, King Tut is brought back to life to let readers in on the juicy details of his truly remarkable life. In King Tutankhamun Tells All! readers hear firsthand what it was like to be rudely awakened from the afterlife by archaeologist Howard Carter, who discovered Tut’s tomb in 1922. Listen to Tut brag about his collection of blingy 18-carat gold sandals; discern the fake news from the truth about Tut’s premature death; and relish the gory detail of Tut’s mummification in this exciting book by Egyptologist Chris Naunton. Bringing to life the biography of famous figures from Egyptian history, this book helps young readers learn through the voice of one of history’s most interesting kings." -- publisher

Biography

Nicky & Vera

2021

by Peter Sís

"In December 1938, a young Englishman canceled a ski vacation and went instead to Prague to help the hundreds of thousands of refugees from the Nazis who were crowded into the city. Setting up a makeshift headquarters in his hotel room, Nicholas Winton took names and photographs from parents desperate to get their children out of danger. He raised money, found foster families in England, arranged travel and visas, and, when necessary, bribed officials and forged documents. In the frantic spring and summer of 1939, as the Nazi shadow fell over Europe, he organized the transportation of almost 700 children to safety. Then, when the war began and no more children could be rescued, he put away his records and told no one. It was only fifty years later that a chance discovery and a famous television appearance brought Winton’s actions to light. Peter Sís weaves Winton’s experiences and the story of one of the children he saved, Vera Gissing. Nicky & Vera is a tale of decency, action, and courage told in luminous, poetic images by an internationally renowned artist." -- publisher

Biography