“As a child of two parents in the military, Deb Haaland moved around a lot when she was young. She especially cherished her time spent with her grandparents in their ancestral home, in present-day New Mexico, where they taught her their pueblo values. Through all the moves, she persisted in focusing on her studies, eventually earning a law degree. An enrolled member of the Laguna Pueblo nation, Deb was one of the first two Native American women to be elected to Congress, where she represented New Mexico’s 1st District. In 2021, when the Senate confirmed her as President Biden’s secretary of the Interior Department, she became the first Native American in history to become a cabinet secretary. Deb believes in correcting past mistakes and wants to create a future across the United States and the world that her ancestors would be proud of. She continues to break barriers and inspire future generations to dream of greater opportunities.” — publisher […]
Illustrators: Flint, Gillian
She Persisted: Dorothy Height
“Growing up as a Black girl in the 1920s and 1930s, Dorothy Height was denied access to a local swimming pool as well as admission to Barnard College because of her race. But she persisted in pushing for change, and became a seminal figure in both the civil rights and women’s rights movements. She went on to be awarded the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom.”– publisher […]
She Persisted: Ella Fitzgerald
“Having lost her mother at a young age, Ella Fitzgerald struggled as a child, especially during the Great Depression. But after winning over the audience with her singing at an Amateur Night at the Apollo, Ella’s career began, and she eventually went on to become a world-renowned singer known as the First Lady of Song.” — publisher […]
She Persisted: Simone Biles
Simone Biles didn’t always have it easy as a child. When her birth mother was no longer able to take care of her and her siblings, they moved in with her grandparents. But she always loved to run, jump, and bounce around. After trying gymnastics for the first time on a field trip at age six, Simone continued with the sport, working hard and facing many challenges along the way. Eventually, she reached a professional level, competing in world championships and at the Olympics. She kept competing and persisted, going on to become the most decorated US gymnast of all time. She also used her fame to speak up on important issues and to help other people. Through it all, she inspired kids everywhere to follow their dreams. […]
Balletball
“Nini loves everything about ballet—the sparkles, the costumes, the twirling! But in the spring there’s only baseball practice. Baseball is nothing like ballet. Or is it?
Nini hates baseball. She hates that baseball is not ballet. She especially hates that Mom signed her up to play, but now she’s stuck with the sport. Nini just can’t bring herself to try. Her team starts to lose, but not even her teammates’ disappointment will change her feelings. A pep talk from her coach and sparkly shoelaces help—a little. When Nini makes a game-winning catch using her ballet moves, she realizes that change might not be so bad after all, and ballet and baseball have more in common than she thought.” — publisher […]
Lady Miss Penny goes to lunch
The Lady Miss Penny loves doing all sorts of things with her best friend, Milady but she loves going out to eat the most! Lady Miss Penny knows just how to behave at a restaurant. She can SIT, STAY, and PLAY like the very best pup. But when Lady Miss Penny invites all her animal friends to dinner at the fancy restaurant, she has to teach them all the Restaurant Rules from scratch. And they’re not very good at following the rules… Who knew table manners could be so fun? Lady Miss Penny’s comical dos and don’ts are sure to bring giggles as kids learn to recite her catchy 10 Restaurant Rules! […]
