After setting world records for track in high school and college, he won a slot on the 1936 U.S. Olympic team. That year, the Olympics were in Berlin, then controlled by the Nazis, and Hitler was certain they would be a chance to prove to the world that Aryans were superior to all other races. But the triumph of Jesse's will helped him run through any barrier, winning four gold medals and the hearts of millions, setting two world records, and proving the Nazi dictator unmistakably wrong.The story of Jesse Owens comes alive for young readers with Carole Boston Weatherford's award-winning free verse poetry. Eric Velasquez tackles this challenging subject with the use of pastels for the first time in twenty years-a technique that is both heart-stopping and immediate.

    Daddy gathers wood. Mama cooks. Ben and the other slaves go out to work. Each day is the same. Full of grueling work and sweltering heat. Every day, except one, when the bell rings and Ben is nowhere to be found. Because Ben ran. Yet, despite their fear and sadness, his family remains hopeful that maybe, just maybe, he made it North. That he is free.

    Demi sets King Tutankhamun’s life in the context of the religious beliefs of his ancestors.Born to a pharaoh who had the revolutionary idea that all of Egypt must worship only one god, Tut ascended the throne and restored religious freedom to the Upper and Lower kingdoms. He allowed his subjects to worship either the one god, Aten, of his father or the many shapes and forms of the sun god, Amun, whom they had worshiped since ancient times.Using research that includes the artifacts in King Tutankhamun’s tomb, Demi shares the rich details of the king’s life, from ostrich to lion hunts, to the challenges of ruling his Kingdom. Demi’s storytelling skills and magnificent artwork, inspired by Egyptian line in paintings, architecture, sculpture, and jewelry, reveal the life of a remarkable king who has been watching us “across a span of more than 3,000 years.”

    In a series of spreads a rabbit hops, a crow flies, a horse trots, a gull glides and an eagle soars. . . . Wry line and watercolor art portray physical features and animal landmarks.

    in full color. The story of the Pilgrims is vividly retold in simple language for beginning readers.

    How did America become the land of the free?In Sweet Land of Liberty, Ellis the Elephant sets off on a quest to find out.Through an amazing afternoon at the library, Ellis travels through time and discovers the pivotal moments that have shaped our nation’s unique history, including,the Pilgrims’ first Thanksgivingthe Boston Tea PartyGeorge Washington crossing the Delawarepioneers settling the great frontierthe first man on the moonand many more of the astounding events and people whose dreams, courage, and hard work have made America great.With its vivid illustrations and charming rhymes, Sweet Land of Liberty is a must read for children and parents alike who want to explore our nation’s great history—and discover why America is a free and exceptional nation.

    "Hello, Stranger-Friend" begins Maya Angelou's story about Thandi, a South African Ndebele girl, her mischievous brother, her beloved chicken, and the astonishing mural art produced by the women of her tribe.  With never-before-seen photographs of the very private Ndebele women and their paintings, this unique book shows the passing of traditions from parent to child and introduces young readers to a new culture through a new friend.

    But Mount Rushmore would never be finished by Gutzon. It would be his son who would complete the fourteen-year task and present America with one of its most iconic symbols.

    War Admiral in the race of the century! Seabiscuit was the grandson of one of the greatest racehorses of all time, but he'd lost practically every race he'd ever run. Who would want a funny-looking racehorse on a losing streak? Enter Charles Howard -- automobile tycoon, risk taker, and racing aficionado -- who scooped up Seabiscuit for a bargain price. With the support and care of a clever new trainer and a loving jockey, 'Biscuit began winning bigger and bigger races. Then came the biggest race of all. As Seabiscuit prepared to face War Admiral, the top racehorse in the country, the entire nation was on the edge of its seat: Could Seabiscuit really beat the Triple Crown champion? This true story of hope and determination will inspire readers of all ages!

    One Christmas Eve after the reindeer are asleep, Santa sees a present still in the sack -- Harvey Slumfenburger's present. And so he starts a very long journey on foot . . . by plane . . . on skis . . . and so on until he reaches Harvey's hut, slides down the chimney, and delivers the last Christmas present, safe and sound.

    So of course, everyone in the town of Windy Flats always counts on his speed when a message has to get out fast. Then something new comes to town: the telegraph, which can send Morse code messages with the speed of electricity. At first, no one believes the newfangled contraption can deliver a message quicker than Jackrabbit. . . . But in a race between man and machine, who will be left in the dust?   An author's note includes information about the invention of the telegraph, a Morse code key, and a riddle written in Morse code for kids to transcribe."A strikingly accomplished debut.... A terrific tall tale about the costs and opportunities of technology." —Publishers Weekly, Starred"Good, quick-moving fun. Kids may marvel that communication existed before the telephone and Internet." —Kirkus ReviewsFrom the Hardcover edition.

    Book by Daulaire, Ingri, D'Aulaire, Edgar Parin

    Tutored by her father, the mathematician Theon, Hypatia quickly became an authority in the subjects of mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy. Word spread of her brilliance, and scholars from all over the world journeyed to Alexandria to seek her teachings.

    This could be a moment to be scared, but Thomas and his grandfather huddle with Ringo the cat on their porch and share stories in the darkness. This lovely picture book is also a strong choice to share about overcoming fears.Too early to go to bed, and with only flashes of lightning to see by, Thomas and his grandfather happily find themselves rediscovering the half-forgotten scents and sounds of their world. They have a wonderful time learning important new things about each other in a spirited conversation.Mary Stolz and Pat Cummings have each brought their unique talents to this lyrical tale about a magical, stormy night and a special relationship between grandfather and grandson. A Coretta Scott King Honor Book.Storm in the night.Thunder like mountains blowing up.Lightning licking the navy-blue sky.Rain streaming down the windows,babbling in the downspouts.And Grandfather? . . .And Thomas? . . .And Ringo, the cat?They were in the dark.

    Long ago, people grew afraid when each day had fewer hours of sunshine than the day before. Over time, they realized that one day each year the sun started moving toward them again. In lyrical prose and cozy illustrations, this book explains what the winter solstice is and how it has been observed by various cultures throughout history. Many contemporary holiday traditions were borrowed from ancient solstice celebrations. Simple science activities, ideas for celebrating the day in school and at home, and a further-reading list are included. Illustrated by Jesse Reisch.