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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

Harley the Hero

2021

by Peggy Collins

"An exciting picture book inspired by a real-life classroom service dog with themes of friendship, neurodivergence, and courage An exciting picture book inspired by a real-life classroom service dog with themes of friendship, neurodivergence, and courage Harley the service dog is on the job! He goes to school every day with Ms. Prichard to make sure she feels safe. Their students are a lot of fun, but Harley can’t play with them while he’s wearing his work vest. They write him lots of letters instead, and everything is perfect in the best, most quiet class in the whole school. Until the day the old stage curtains catch fire. As the fire alarm blares and chaos erupts, Harley remembers that Ms. Prichard isn’t the only human in his class who gets upset by loud noises. Inspired by a true story, Harley the Hero celebrates the work of service animals and the normalization of neurodivergence. Author-illustrator Peggy Collins brings Harley and his class to charming life and concludes with an Author’s Note about the real dog behind the fictional Harley." -- publisher

Incidental

Game, Set, Sisters!

2021

by Jay Leslie and Ebony Glenn

"An uplifting picture book biography about the unwavering bond between sisters and tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams. In 1989, two opponents faced off in their first tennis tournament. But they weren’t just rivals, they were also sisters. Sisters who would go on to become legends. The first sisters in professional tennis ever to be ranked #1 and #2 in the world. The first sisters to both reach the top of the rankings, and do it together. The only sisters to ever win Grand Slam titles and Olympic gold medals together. From their beginnings on a crumbling Compton tennis court to their shining achievements on the most prestigious stages, Game, Set, Sisters!: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams tells the inspirational story of two of the most beloved athletes in history and how despite being served the most challenging hardships in life—illness, family, loss, racism—they always continued to swing back stronger." -- publisher

Biography

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

Grandmama’s Pride

2016

by Becky Birtha and Colin Bootman

"Six-year-old Sarah Marie, her mother, and her little sister travel down south to visit Grandmama in the summer of 1956. Grandmama makes every effort to shield her granddaughters from the prejudice that still plagues her town. But as Sarah Marie learns to read, she notices Grandmama's town is filled with signs and rules that she's never understood before. As Sarah Marie tries to make sense of the world around her, she’s left wondering if life in the South will ever change." -- publisher

Beautiful Life Oppression & Resilience

A Neighborhood Walk, A Musical Journey

2021

by Pilar Winter Hill and Olivia Duchess

"Based on the story of an internationally renowned violin prodigy of color. One bright city morning, Penelope and her mom make their way to the farmer's market. On street corners and train platforms, musicians and performers enchant Penelope, speaking to her through their floating, booming notes. The noise of the city keeps the pair moving—until Penelope hears a sound so magical she knows she has to play the instrument that makes it." -- publisher

Flying High

2020

by Michelle Meadows and Ebony Glenn

"A lyrical picture book biography of Simone Biles, international gymnastics champion and Olympic superstar. Before she was a record-breaking, world-famous gymnast, Simone Biles spent time in foster care as a young child. Nimble and boundlessly energetic, she cherished every playground and each new backyard. When she was six years old, Simone’s family took shape in a different way: her grandparents, Ron and Nellie Biles, adopted her and her sister Adria. Simone was also introduced to gymnastics that same fateful year, launching a lifelong passion fueled by remarkable talent, sacrifice, and the undying support of her family. From her early competitions to the height of her success as an Olympic champion, this is the story of the world’s greatest gymnast. For fans of She’s Got This by Laurie Hernandez and Nadia: The Girl Who Couldn’t Sit Still." -- publisher

Biography

We Wait for the Sun

2021

by Katie McCabe and Raissa Figueroa

"A beautiful and uplifting non-fiction picture book from trailblazing civil rights lawyer and activist Dovey Johnson Roundtree. In the hour before dawn, we slip out of the house, and the midsummer night is dark and cool. As I follow the swish, swish of my grandmother’s skirts, I can smell the damp earth beneath my feet and feel the dewy air on my face. Moving through the darkness toward the woods where blackberries grow, I’m certain my Grandma Rachel and I are the only ones awake in the whole world. From civil rights trailblazer Dovey Johnson Roundtree comes a stunning picture book about a precious early-morning moment between her and her grandmother—the woman who taught her everything she knew about self-worth, strength, and justice. With vivid, vibrant illustrations from Raissa Figueroa, We Wait for the Sun is a resonant, beautiful story told through one exquisite page turn after another." -- publisher

Biography

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

Something Happened in Our Park

2021

by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, Ann Hazzard and Keith Henry Brown

"When Miles's cousin Keisha is injured in a shooting, he learns to use his imagination and creativity to help him cope with his anxieties. He also realizes people can work together to reduce the likelihood of violence. This important follow-up to the bestselling, groundbreaking, and inspiring Something Happened in Our Town, is a much-needed story to help communities in the aftermath of gun violence. When Miles's cousin Keisha is injured in a shooting, he realizes people can work together to reduce the likelihood of violence in their community. With help from friends and family, Miles learns to use his imagination and creativity to help him cope with his fears. This book can help provide parents with helpful messages of reassurance and empowerment. Includes an extensive Note to Parents and Caregivers with guidelines for discussing community gun violence with children, and sample dialogues." -- publisher

Oppression & Resilience