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The Phone Book
Stay Safe, Be Smart, and Make the World Better with the Powerful Device in Your Hand
By Jessica Speer, Illustrated by Lesley Imgart
So . . . you got a phone! You can text your friends, play games, and take cool pictures! You have the whole world in your pocket—power to be used as a force for good or, um, not so good.
Fraught with cyberbullying, disinformation, fake stuff, tech addiction, and so much more, the digital world can be downright sad, awkward, and nasty. But have no fear, kids—The Phone Book is here! Packed with research-based explanations, techy tidbits, and real stories from hundreds of teens and preteens, this phone book (the fun kind) will be your guide on the path of light, teaching you healthy phone habits and ways to stay safe online. And while you’re on your journey, super illustrations, activities, and secret codes will reveal the power of your phone and the superpowers you have to wield it. Go forth, be informed, and slay the dark side of technology! 8-13 years
BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends) A Girl’s Guide to Happy Friendships
By Jessica Speer, Illustrated by Elowyn Dickerson
Friendships are tough to navigate, even for adults. The preteen years can be particularly sticky, but we’ve got your back! Packed with fun quizzes, colorful illustrations, and stories about girls just like you, BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends) is the ultimate interactive guidebook to help you learn the ins and outs of friendship. Explore the topics of gossip, bullying, and feeling left out, along with ways to strengthen the friendships that mean the most to you. Author Jessica Speer is an expert on post-pandemic friendships with experience in helping tweens, teens, and young adults navigate their social relationships. 10-12 years
The No More Bullying Book for Kids: Become Strong, Happy and Bully-Proof
By Vanessa Green Allen, Illustrated by Emmeline Pidgen
A friend talks about you behind your back. What do you say? You need a bigger allowance. How do you ask your parents? You ruin your friend’s favorite book. How do you apologize? Here are the exact words you’ll need in these situations — plus more than 200 others. Look inside for the tools, tips, techniques (and actual words!) to help you untangle your tongue and speak out with confidence and grace. Written by professional school counselor Vanessa Green Allen, The No-More Bullying Book for Kids puts the power back in kids hands with tools that will give them confidence in the face of bullying and help them feel really good about who they are―which is all that actually matters. 8-12 years
Life Skills for Kids
By Karen Harris
With the help of this guide, kids can learn foundation skills such as the basics in cooking, handling emergencies, communication skills, setting goals, running appliances, and so much more! Complete with illustrations heading each chapter, this book is sure to help your loved ones master necessary life skills! 8-11 years
Life Skills for Kids covers a lot of topics including:
Self-regulation
Decision making strategies
Basic navigation skills
Age-appropriate ways to make and save money
Calling 911 and keeping calm during emergencies
The importance of chores
How to use appliances safely
Ways to start building independence in the kitchen
And much more!
Life Skills for Tweens
by Ferne Bowe
The preteen years are an important time to learn and discover the world and shape who you will be in it.
While these are exciting times, they can also be tricky. Preteens are dealing with big emotions and physical changes that they may not feel equipped to handle.
They may feel unsure of how to behave or what to do in certain situations. They may be worried about making friends or dealing with increased responsibilities and stress. 8-13 years
A Smart Girl’s Guide: Knowing What to Say
By Patti Kelley Criswell, Illustrated by Brenna Hansen
A friend talks about you behind your back. What do you say? You need a bigger allowance. How do you ask your parents? You ruin your friend’s favorite book. How do you apologize? Here are the exact words you’ll need in these situations — plus more than 200 others. With tools, tips, techniques (and actual words!) to help you untangle your tongue and speak out with confidence and grace. 9-11 years
Middle School Safety Googles Advised: Exploring the Weird Stuff from Gossip to Grades, Cliques to Crushes, and Popularity to Peer Pressure
By Jessica Speer, Illustrated by Lesley Imgart
Take a large group of kids in puberty, send them to a new school, and add a generous dose of tests, homework, and hormones, not to mention diverse personalities, bland food, and unpleasant odors. That’s middle school, and it can be a little . . . weird.
Yes, there are cool things about middle school, like more independence, new friends, and new activities. But there’s baffling stuff too, like harsh judgment, the whole “popularity” thing, and, of course, drama. With insights from hundreds of students, this guidebook explores the halls of middle school, especially the odd behaviors that lurk in the shadows. Slip on your lab coats, because we’re going to dissect these behaviors one by one to understand what’s really going on. With fun illustrations and choose-your-own-adventure-style scenarios, Middle School—Safety Goggles Advised will help you deal with the drama and define who you are and how to navigate life when things get, well, weird. 11-14 years
The book descriptions are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Animals Communicate
By Nadia Ali
Whales whistle, fireflies glow, and skunks spray–that’s how they communicate! Find out how mammals, reptiles, birds, and other animals send messages and signals to stay safe, make friends, and care for their young. Accessible and fun K-3 level information reveals the animal world to young readers and researchers. 5-8 years
How to Talk to a Tiger…And Other Animals…How Critters Communicate
By Jason Bittel
Ever wanted to talk to a tiger? Or chatter with a cheetah? Or yak with a yak? This book brings together a babble of more than 100 beasties and explores the amazing ways they talk to each other. From fish that fart to alligators that dunk to fire worms that flash, you’ll discover that wildlife have the strangest ways of sending a message. 8-12 years
How and Why Do Animals Communicate
By Bobbie Kalman
This book shows how animals communicate to share information, attract mates, or scare away enemies. They sing, growl, howl, spray smelly scents, and make their body parts bigger. Children will have fun learning about these communication skills. 8-12 years
How to Speak Animal
By Aubre Andrus and Dr. Gabby Wild
We know animals can’t speak and express themselves in the same way as humans … but even the smallest and quietest animals have incredible ways of communicating with each other. With wildlife veterinarian expert Dr. Gabby Wild as a guide, How to Speak Animal helps kids understand how animals communicate through sound, body language, and behavior. It’s full of expert insights and real-life stories of humans exploring ways to “talk” to animals, from teaching great apes sign language to speaking “dolphin.” Packed with animal photography that helps illustrate key concepts, this book profiles more than 60 different creatures―from birds to mammals to reptiles and more―and their amazing ways of communicating with each other. 8-12 years
Animal Communication
By Michell Garcia Anderson
First to fourth graders will dive into the fascinating lives of their favorite animals and learn about the remarkable ways in which they communicate! How do elephants show affection? What animals communicate by scratching on trees? Young learners will read an animal behavior case study exploring fun facts about the ways animals communicate using different cues! 6-10 years
Animal Talk: All the Incredible Ways That Animals Communicate
By Michael Leach and Meriel Lland, Illustrated by Asia Orlando
For many animals, communicating is as important to their life chances as finding food and water. This book explores the variety of innovative ways animals “talk” to each other. Whether it is releasing a cloud of ink to confuse, roaring to intimidate, dancing to attract a mate, or howling to locate one another, the range of messaging methods in the natural world is quite astonishing (and sometimes quite disgusting!).
Animal Talk is an introduction to ingenious communication strategies in the natural world. Meet birds and spiders who dance to attract a mate, vultures that throw up on their own food to put off other animals, lions who roar at rival prides to test out their strength, and many more. You’ll never look at nature the same way again! 7-9 years
How Do Animals Communicate?
By Sara Howell
Introduce young readers to the myriad ways in which the assorted members of the animal kingdom communicate. The means of animal communication turn out to be as intriguing and varied as the content that is being communicated, from mating signals and announcements regarding location and food availability to warning alarms and simple tokens of affection and protectiveness. Echolocation, pheromones, bioluminescence, scent marking, tail wagging, nuzzling, the elephant’s trumpet, the honeybee’s waggle dance, and more all get their due in this brief, but surprisingly comprehensive, volume. Perfect for animal lovers and whisperers, while also a useful resource for life science units. 6-10 years
The book descriptions are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Book Author
Animals Have Families
By Nadia Ali
A baby kangaroo lives in its mother’s pouch. A zebra group is called a dazzle. A mother octopus has 50,000 babies! Find out how animal families care for their young, keep one another safe, and share duties. Accessible and fun K-3 level information reveals the animal world to young readers and researchers. 5-8 years
Sisters and Brothers: Sibling Relationships in the Animal World
By Robin Page and Steve Jenkins
Steve Jenkins and Robin Page investigate sibling relationships throughout the animal kingdom. In this book you will learn that anteaters are always only children and nine-banded armadillos are always born as identical quadruplets. You will also learn that falcons play-hunt in the sky in this book perfect for animal lovers. 4-8 years
What is a Family?
By Annette Griffin, Illustrated by Nichola Cowdery
Ants have a colony.
Bats have a cloud.
Chickens have peeps,
where they can get loud.
All the way from A to Z, this alphabet primer celebrates all kinds of families, giving each animal family a name. With dolphins and their pods, iguanas and their messes, and kitties and their litters, it’s easy to learn about what makes a family of animals. 1-5 years Board Book
Baby Animals and Their Families
By Suzi Eszterhas
Around the world, baby animals grow up in all kinds of families. Whether it’s albatrosses raising babies in big colonies or sibling pairs of polar bears, baby animals with their families are not only adorable―they can teach us about animal behavior, too. 3-6 years
Family: Teaching Love and Affection Towards Family Through Animals in the Wild
By Jaye Garnett, Illustrated by Melanie Mikecz
We play. We love. We care. We are family! Explore the many ways animals express their love and show affection towards members of their family in this story that celebrates the universal bond shared between families of all kinds. From elephant families traveling together holding onto each other for guidance, to a mom chimpanzee grooming her little baby, little ones will love flipping through the sturdy board pages and seeing their favorite animals being comforted by their loved ones.1-4 years Board Book
Meet My Family! Animal Babies and Their Families
By Laura Purdie Salas, Illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman
What kind of families do animal babies have? All different kinds! This book introduces a wolf pup cared for by the pack, a young orangutan snuggling with its mother high in a tree, a poison dart frog tadpole riding piggyback on its dad, and more. Featuring rhyming verse and informational text, this book lets you discover just how diverse the animal kingdom really is! 5-9 years
Animal Families: Safari
Illustrated by Jane Ormes
Find out the different names for mother and father animals while on safari — and then lift the flap to find the babies and learn what they are called. There is even a gatefold ending that includes the group names of the animals. This introduction to animal families features screen-printed artwork and bold neon ink to capture the attention and imagination of babies and toddlers. 2-5 years
All Kinds of Animal Families
By Sophy Henn
From a clownfish mommy and daddy to cheetah daddies who adopt cubs, every combination of modern human family life is reflected here. It’s a warm and friendly introduction to the topic for preschool children, concluding that love is the common factor among all families. 5-8 years
The book descriptions are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Animals Live in Homes
By Nadia Ali
A bear sleeps in a den. A snake might coil around a branch to rest. A crab carries its home on its back! Find out where all kinds of animals live–in the water, up in the trees, or burrowed underground. Accessible and fun K-3 level information reveals the animal world to young readers and researchers. 5-8 years
My Very First Book of Animal Homes
By Eric Carle
In the colorful board book, young children can match each animal with the home it lives in. Where do the bees live? Where does the bird live? Full of vibrant animals, this book is lots of fun for young children. 2-5 years
Do You Know Where Animals Live?
By Peter Wohlleben, Translated by Shelley Tanaka
Have you ever wondered ….
Are worms afraid of the rain?
Do fish use farts to communicate?
Why do elephants stomp their feet?
Do animals dream? What do they dream about?
Do animals get scared, feel happy, or become excited like we do?
In this visual, fun, and interactive book, kids will get to know all sorts of animals, from birds and caterpillars in their own backyard, to grizzly bears in chilly Alaska, to puffer fish in the waters of Australia. This book features quizzes, and activities that will help kids study animals in their own backyards—and make the world a better place for them. 7-9 years
Hello Animals, Where Do You Live?
By Loes Botman
This lively board book introduces young children to a range of animals and the special places they live. Loes Botman’s colorful illustrations bring the animals to life. The simple concepts and words make these books perfect for exploring with young children. 1-3 years
Wild Animal Atlas: Earth’s Astonishing Animals and Where They Live
By National Geographic
Captivating critters, eye-grabbing pictures, weird and freaky facts―what better way for kids to learn geography! In this child-friendly atlas, stunning animal photos combine with colorful, easily accessible maps to teach young readers about geography through the wild creatures that fascinate them. Each world region includes a “spotlight” on animals in the area. Thematic spreads deliver the facts about habitats, endangered species, and more. 4-8 years
Whose Habitat Is That?
By Lucile Piketty, Translated by Lucy Brownridge
Swing through the lush jungle canopy, crunch across the glittering ice floes, prowl through the savanna grasslands. In each habitat, a wild creature hides. Can you guess who they are from the clues they give about themselves?
Children learn what the animal eats, where it lives, what it looks like and what animal family it belongs to, as well as some quirky and funny facts about it in this pop-up book. 5-8 years
National Geographic Kids Readers: Animal Homes
By Shira Evans
Young readers learn all about animal abodes–from cozy dens to towering trees–in this pre-reader from National Geographic Kids. Through text features such as a vocabulary tree, kids will be introduced to vocabulary in concept groups, helping them make connections between words and expand their understanding of the world. 2-5 years
Animal Homes
By Jennifer Bové
Read All About Horses
By Nadia Ali
Did you know that horses can sleep standing up? Or that they have the largest eyes of any land mammal? Find out all about their senses, life cycle, behavior, and more in this fact-filled book. Stunning photos give readers an up-close look at these loyal, majestic companions that have been living and working alongside people for thousands of years. 4-7 years
The Everything Book of Horses and Ponies
By DK
Would you like to learn how to take care of a horse, what equipment to use, or enter the world of equestrian sports? Discover their secrets in this fun book. With colorful photos, fur-tastic facts, and bite-sized information, this book takes you into their fascinating world. Find out about favorite breeds from Shire to Shetland pony. Learn about horses and ponies from around the globe, and be amazed by their beautiful coloring and patterns. 4-8 years
Horses (Little Genius)
By Teesh Holladay, Illustrated by Amelia Herbertson
With super-simple concepts about breeds, colors, features, and more, this book is the perfect introduction for little learners. Each spread features a simple fact about what they eat, where they live, how to take care of them, and what they do, accompanied by illustrations of horses in action. 3 years+
The Book of Horses: The Ultimate Guide to Horses Around the World
By Mortimer Children’s Books
This book celebrates the world of the magnificent horse. It transports readers from the Mongolian steppe to the thrilling racetrack. Discover the white horses of the Camargue that gallop through the sea, the lithe thoroughbreds that race at 43 miles an hour, and the brave war horses that plunged into the horror of battle, and many more. At the same time, readers will learn how to care for them, keeping them in top condition. 8-12 years
The Big Book of Horse Trivia for Kids
By Bernadette Johnson
Whether you are a superfan, budding equestrian, or just plain curious, this trivia book is a galloping good time packed with fun facts. Discover the answers to questions including:
What was the their oldest known ancestor like and in what era of Earth’s history did they live?
How smart are they?
Why are Thoroughbreds called Thoroughbreds?
What’s the difference between a trot, a canter, and a gallop.
You’ll learn about famous racehorses in history: Flora Temple, Man o’ War, Seabiscuit, Secretariat, and French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte’s last horse, whose stuffed remains you can see in a museum to this day! 8-12 years
All About Horses: A Kid’s Guide to Breeds, Care, Riding, And More!
By Kelly Milner Halls
Do you know a young child who dreams of riding? Or loves to learn about what it takes to care for one? This book can teach them! They’ll saddle up and become an expert as they read up on what horses eat, all the gear that keeps them strong and healthy, and how to get started riding.
Kids will take a look at the most popular breeds and what makes them special―like the big and strong Clydesdale and the lean and fast Tennessee Walker. They’ll even learn about how they communicate with humans and how to build a loving bond that lasts a lifetime. 6-9 years
Horses
By Laura Driscoll
Saddle up for a look at kids’ favorite horses—sporting, working, and different breeds, too—in this photographic book for the youngest fan. 3-8 years
Gallop! 100 Fun Facts About Horses
By Kitson Jazynka
Calling all pony lovers, horse fanatics, and bookworms! Trot through 100 equine facts in this leveled reader for fluent readers. Packed with weird-but-true facts and lots of equestrian animal info, this Level 3 Reader gallops right into the world of horses–from wild ponies to superstar racers to the shared history of humans and horses. 7-9 years
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Preaching to the Chickens: The Story of Young John Lewis
By Jabari Asim, Illustrated by E.B. Lewis
John wants to be a preacher when he grows up—a leader whose words stir hearts to change, minds to think, and bodies to take action. But why wait? When John is put in charge of the family farm’s flock of chickens, he discovers that they make a wonderful congregation! So he preaches to his flock, and they listen, content under his watchful care, riveted by the rhythm of his voice. Includes an author’s note about John Lewis, who grew up to be a member of the Freedom Riders, chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, a demonstrator on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, and a U.S. congressman. 5-8 years
John Lewis in the Lead: A Story of the Civil Rights Movement
By Kathleen Benson, Illustrated by Benny Andrews
The son of an Alabama sharecropper, John Lewis experienced the injustice of segregation early in life. Inspired to action by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Lewis joined with civil rights leaders who believed in fighting segregation peacefully. From Nashville, Tennessee, to Selma and Montgomery, Alabama, Lewis was in the forefront of the major civil rights protests of the 1960s. In the face of physical attacks, he persevered with dignity and a devotion to nonviolence, helping southern black people gain the right to vote.
Lewis continued his commitment to human rights from his home base in the South straight to the nation’s capital. In 1986, Lewis was elected to represent Georgia in the United States Congress. This is a celebration of the life of a legend of American history. Lewis’s passionate belief in justice is a beacon for all who wish to make our country a better place. 8-11 years
The Story of John Lewis
By Tonya Leslie, Illustrated by Jerrard K. Polk
John Lewis was a civil rights leader and United States congressman who never stopped speaking for justice, equality, and peace. Before he marched with Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement, John was a thoughtful kid who loved learning but wasn’t able to go to a good school because of segregation. He wanted to make a difference in his community, so he organized peaceful protests to end segregation and fight for equal rights for Black Americans. Explore how John went from being a young farm boy to a famous activist, politician, and leader. 7-10 years
Because of You, John Lewis
By Andrea Davis Pinkney, Illustrated by Keith Henry Brown
When young Tybre Faw discovers John Lewis and his heroic march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in the fight for voting rights, Tybre is determined to meet him. Tybre’s two grandmothers take him on the seven-hour drive to Selma, Alabama, where Lewis invites Tybre to join him in the annual memorial walk across the Bridge. And so begins a most amazing friendship! 7-10 years
I am John Lewis
By Brad Meltzer, Illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos
This book spotlights John Lewis, known for his role in the Civil Rights Movement, his help organizing the March on Washington and the Selma Voting Rights March, and for his lifelong dedication to public service as a member of the House of Representatives. And John Lewis was never afraid to get in “good trouble.” This biography includes: A timeline of key events, photos, comic-book-style illustrations, and childhood moments. 5-9 years
John Lewis
By Denise Lewis Patrick, Illustrated by Steffi Walthall
When John Lewis was a teenager, he asked Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to help integrate a segregated school in his hometown. From then on, John Lewis never stopped organizing, from Freedom Rides, to the marches in Selma and Washington, and more. He believed in getting into “good trouble” for good causes. He became a Civil Rights activist and a United States Representative. 6-8 years.
John Lewis
By Meeg Pincus, Illustrated by Jeff Bane
The My Itty-Bitty Bio series are biographies for the earliest readers. This book examines the life of civil rights activist John Lewis, in a simple, age-appropriate way. It will help young readers develop word recognition and reading skills. Includes a table of contents, author biography, timeline, glossary, index, and other informative backmatter. 4-7 years
March (Book One of Four) Graphic Novels
By John Lewis and Andrew Aydin, Illustrated by Nate Powell
Congressman John Lewis was an American icon, one of the key figures of the civil rights movement. His commitment to justice and nonviolence took him from an Alabama sharecropper’s farm to the halls of Congress. From a segregated schoolroom to the 1963 March on Washington. And from receiving beatings from state troopers to receiving the Medal of Freedom from the first African-American president. 13 and up
John Lewis: Civil Rights Champion and Congressman
By Alisa Morretta
The history of the United States is filled with African American leaders who heroically fought for equality through words and deeds. These men and women sacrificed their safety and, in some cases, their lives for the cause.
One of the most courageous among them is John Lewis. He was on the front lines of this struggle for decades. From the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s to his work as a United States Congressman, Lewis fought for equality for all Americans.
This book uses photographs, sidebars, and primary sources to examine his greatest achievements, both historical and contemporary. It explores how his bravery and dedication to nonviolent direct action affected real change in the United States. 14 and up
The book descriptions are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Escape from Saigon: How a Vietnam Orphan Became an American Boy
By Andrea Warren
Over a million South Vietnamese children were orphaned by the Vietnam War. This true account tells the story of Long, who, like more than 40,000 other orphans, is Amerasian — a mixed-race child — with little future in Vietnam. Escape from Saigon allows readers to experience Long’s struggle to survive in war-torn Vietnam, his dramatic escape to America as part of “Operation Babylift” during the last chaotic days before the fall of Saigon, and his life in the United States as “Matt,” part of a loving Ohio family. Finally, as a young doctor, he journeys back to Vietnam, ready to reconcile his Vietnamese past with his American present. 10-14 years
Vietnam War: Discover the People, Places, Battles, and Weapons of America’s Indochina Struggle
By DK Eyewitness Books
Explore the people, places, battles, and weapons of America’s Indochina struggle with DK Eyewitness Books: Vietnam War. See campaigns in the air and battles in jungles, cities, and rice paddies, from Saigon to the Mekong Delta. Learn about the most powerful combat weapons of the age, including napalm bombs and M-60 machine guns. From the assassination of President John F. Kennedy to the Ho Chi Minh Trail to the Viet Cong to the war’s aftermath, discover the Vietnam War, why America went to war in Indochina, and who fought there. 8-12 years
What Was the Vietnam War?
By Jim O’Connor, Illustrated by Tim Foley
The Vietnam War was as much a part of the tumultuous Sixties as Flower Power and the Civil Rights Movement. Five US presidents were convinced that American troops could end a war in the small, divided country of Vietnam and stop Communism from spreading in Southeast Asia. But they were wrong, and the result was the death of 58,000 American troops. Presenting all sides of a complicated and tragic chapter in recent history, Jim O’Connor explains why the US got involved, what the human cost was, and how defeat in Vietnam left a lasting scar on America. 8-12 years
Boots on the Ground: America’s War in Vietnam
By Elizabeth Partridge
America’s war in Vietnam. In over a decade of bitter fighting, it claimed the lives of more than 58,000 American soldiers and beleaguered four US presidents. More than forty years after America left Vietnam in defeat in 1975, the war remains controversial and divisive both in the United States and abroad.
The history of this era is complex; the cultural impact extraordinary. But it’s the personal stories of eight people—six American soldiers, one American military nurse, and one Vietnamese refugee—that create the heartbeat of Boots on the Ground. From dense jungles and terrifying firefights to chaotic helicopter rescues and harrowing escapes, each individual experience reveals a different facet of the war and moves us forward in time. Alternating with these chapters are profiles of key American leaders and events, reminding us of all that was happening at home during the war, including peace protests, presidential scandals, and veterans’ struggles to acclimate to life after Vietnam.
With more than one hundred photographs, award-winning author Elizabeth Partridge captures the intensity, frustration, and lasting impacts of one of the most tumultuous periods of American history. 12-17 years
Patrol: An American Soldier in Vietnam
By Walter Dean Myers, Illustrated by Ann Grifalconi
In a gripping and powerful story-poem, award-winning author Walter Dean Myers takes readers into the heart and mind of a young soldier in an alien land who comes face-to-face with the enemy. This portrait captures one American G.L’s haunting experience.
A young American soldier waits for his enemy, rifle in hand, finger on the trigger. He is afraid to move and yet afraid not to move. Gunshots crackle in the still air. The soldier fires blindly into the distant trees at an unseen enemy. He crouches and waits — heart pounding, tense and trembling, biting back tears. When will it all be over? 6-10 years
Vietnam: A History of the War
By Russell Freedman
Russell Freedman presents a detailed overview of the Vietnam war. Beginning with the rise of communism in Vietnam and detailing the increase of American involvement, Freedman then explains why an exit was so difficult.
In addition to explaining the complex beginnings of the conflict through the catastrophic damage the war caused, Freedman concludes with a hopeful epilogue on modern Vietnam. This is a definitive resource for young history readers as well as anyone who wants a concise and authoritative understanding of the Vietnam War, exploring both the American and Vietnamese perspectives.
Freedman chronicles the history leading up to the war and the unfolding events in Vietnam and in the U.S. as increasing numbers of young men were sent into the jungles to fight. Coverage includes the French war in Vietnam, the rise of Ho Chi Minh, the fall of President Diem, the Tonkin Gulf, the Tet Offensive, the My Lai massacre, the bombing of Cambodia, and the fall of Saigon, as well as the US anti-war movement.
The book includes nearly 100 historic photographs and illustrations, as well as candid photographs showcasing the state of Vietnam today. A glossary, source notes, bibliography and index are included. 10-17 years
The Vietnam War: An Interactive Modern History Adventure
By Michael Burgan
It’s the 1960s, and the Vietnam War is raging. You find yourself in the midst of the turmoil. Will you: Enlist in the Marines and volunteer to go to war? Join your fellow young Americans eager to protest the war? Be a young Vietnamese man forced to choose between the communist North and the capitalist South? Everything in this book happened to real people. And YOU CHOOSE what you do next. The choices you make could lead you to jail, to the jungles of Vietnam, or even to death. 8-11 years
Cracker! The Best Dog in Vietnam
By Cynthia Kadohata
Cracker is a German shepherd trained to sniff out bombs, traps, and the enemy. The fate of entire platoons rests on her keen sense of smell. She’s a Big Deal, and she likes it that way. Sometimes Cracker remembers when she was younger, and her previous owner would feed her hot dogs and let her sleep in his bed. That was nice, too.
Rick Hanski is headed to Vietnam. When Cracker is paired with Rick, she isn’t so sure about this new owner. He’s going to have to prove himself to her before she’s going to prove herself to him. They need to be friends before they can be a team, and they have to be a team if they want to get home alive.
Told in part through the point of view of a German shepherd, Cracker! is a glimpse into the Vietnam War as seen through the eyes of a dog and her handler. 8-12 years
Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War
By Steve Sheikin
In 1964, Daniel Ellsberg was a U.S. government analyst, helping to plan a war in Vietnam. It was the height of the Cold War, and the government would do anything to stop the spread of communism―with or without the consent of the American people.
As the fighting in Vietnam escalated, Ellsberg turned against the war. He had access a top-secret government report known as the Pentagon Papers, and he knew it could blow the lid off of years of government lies. But did he have the right to expose decades of presidential secrets? And what would happen to him if he did it? 10-14 years
The Wall
By Eve Bunting, Illustrated by Ronald Himler
A young boy and his father visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. 4-10 years
The book descriptions are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Stubby: Inspired by the True Story of an American Hero of World War I
By Kathy Borrus, Illustrated by Julia Mills
A heartwarming tale of friendship between an American soldier and his best buddy, a dog. Stubby is the true story of the most heroic dog in World War I. From stray puppy to the only dog ever promoted to the rank of Sergeant and the winner of the Purple Heart, Stubby’s remarkable journey is appropriate for all ages.
Sergeant Stubby: How a Stray Dog and His Best Friend Helped Win World War I and Stole the Heart of a Nation
By Ann Bausum
Meet Sergeant Stubby: World War I dog veteran, decorated war hero, American icon, and above all, man’s best friend. Stubby’s story begins in 1917 when America is about to enter the war. A stowaway dog befriends Private James Robert “Bob” Conroy at the Connecticut National Guard camp at Yale University and the two become inseparable. Stubby also wins over the commanding officer and is soon made an official member of the 102nd Infantry of the 26th division. What follows is an epic tale of how man’s best friend becomes an invaluable soldier on the front lines and in the trenches, a decorated war hero and an inspiration to a country long after the troops returned home.
Stubby the Dog Soldier: World War I Hero
By Blake Hoena, Illustrated by Olivia Ian Hurst
A stray dog named Stubby braves the World War I battlefields alongside Private J. Robert Conroy. See the story unfold as this brave little canine makes a big difference in the lives of many World War I soldiers. 5-7 years
Stubby: A True Story of Friendship
By Michael Foreman
Stubby, a brave soldier, a loyal friend… and a dog. From an army training camp to the trenches in France, this is the incredible true story of Sgt. Stubby, the dog who served bravely in the First World War, sniffing out gas attacks, catching spies and winning the hearts of his fellow soldiers. 5-7 years
Stubby the War Dog: The True Story of World War I’s Bravest Dog
By Ann Bausum
Move over, Rin Tin Tin. Here comes Sergeant Stubby! That German shepherd star of the silver screen may have been born behind enemy lines during World War I, but Stubby, the stump-tailed terrier, worked behind enemy lines, and gained military honors along the way.
Private Robert Conroy casually adopted the orphan pup while attending basic training on the campus of Yale University in 1917. The Connecticut volunteer never imagined that his stray dog would become a war hero. He just liked the little guy. When Conroy’s unit shipped out for France, he smuggled his new friend aboard. By the time Stubby encountered Conroy’s commanding officer, the dog had perfected his right-paw salute. Charmed, the CO awarded Stubby mascot status and sent him along with Conroy’s unit to the Western Front.
Stubby’s brave deeds earned him a place in history and in the Smithsonian Institution where his stuffed body can still be seen. Almost 100 years later, Stubby’s great deeds and brave heart make him an animal hero to fall in love with and treasure all over again. 10-14 years
G.I. Dog: Sergeant Stubby Hero Pup of World War I
By Laurie Calkhoven
Meet Stubby: a stray pup who was taken in by a group of American soldiers-in-training and soon found himself whisked off to the front lines of World War I as the official mascot of the 102nd Infantry Regiment. Stubby served bravely by his soldiers’ sides for 18 months and became a hero when he saved his regiment from a surprise gas attack. And he singlehandedly caught an enemy German soldier in No Man’s Land.
Join Stubby on his incredible journey from puppy to soldier to high-ranking sergeant as he narrates his story of heroism. This “dog’s-eye view” takes readers into the heart of the action of WWI and will leave them cheering for Stubby and his human companions as they overcome countless obstacles and prove time and again why a dog really is man’s best friend. 7-10 years
Dog Diaries #7: Stubby
By Kate Klimo, Illustrated by Tim Jessell
Stubby the war dog narrates the story of his life–from his days as a stray to his time on the battlefields of France! Adopted by Private John Robert Conroy in 1917 when the dog wandered into training camp, Stubby soon became the mascot for the 26th Yankee division–even learning how to salute. When the men were shipped out for France, Conroy smuggled Stubby on-board. The rest is the kind of incredible true story that dog-crazy middle graders love. By the end of the war, Stubby had served in 17 battles, been injured by mustard gas and a grenade; found and captured a German spy; shaken hands with Woodrow Wilson; and become the first dog given rank in the United States Armed Forces! 7-10 years
Why Did Sergeant Stubby Go to War?
By Cathy Werling, Illustrated by Christina Garcia
Stubby, a homeless dog who could have been left for lost saved countless lives in World War I. He became the most decorated animal in American military history. Stubby, a mix of Boston terrier and pit bull, was discovered, rescued, and taught by Private Robert Conroy and his colleagues, who were training for World War I at Yale University in 1917. Conroy smuggled Stubby aboard a transport ship to Europe with the U.S. 102nd Infantry, 26th Yankee Division. His commanding officer discovered the dog several days later and was quite displeased–until Stubby saluted the officer with his paw as the soldiers had trained him to do.
In the trench warfare of Europe, Stubby would bark to alert the regiment of surprise mustard gas attacks and incoming artillery fire, giving the soldiers time to grab their gas masks or hit the bottom of the trenches before a raid. Trained to differentiate between German and English speakers, Stubby would also locate wounded English-speaking soldiers in the trenches and bark until paramedics arrived. He even once caught a German spy.
Stubby braved through 17 WWI battles, saving countless Allied soldiers’ lives through his actions. For his courage, he received many military honors and marched in the Victory Parade. 5-11 years
The book descriptions are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
What Was Pearl Harbor?
By Patricia Brennan Demuth, Illustrated by John Mantha
By Dona Herweck Rice
You Are There! Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941, examines the events leading up to the attack, highlights the critical components, and details the aftermath and its effects. This high-interest book includes an index, captions, glossary, and table of contents, sidebars, detailed images, and in-depth Reader’s Guide. Aligned with state standards, the text features complex and rigorous content appropriate for students preparing for college and career readiness. 10-14 years
Ranger in Time: Attack on Pearl Harbor
By Kate Messner, Illustrated by Kelley McMorris
I Survived meets The Puppy Place in this adventure novel as Ranger — a time-traveling golden retriever — races to the rescue on the day of the attack. Ranger travels back to 1941 Hawaii, where World War II is on everyone’s minds. That includes Ben Hansen, a young sailor stationed at Pearl Harbor, and twins Paul and Grace Yamada who are making their weekly market trip when Japanese bombs begin to fall from the sky. As the surprise attack puts all of Ranger’s new friends in danger, his search-and-rescue training kicks in to high gear. Can he help them survive against all odds? 7-10 years
I Survived the Bombing of Pearl Harbor
By Lauren Tarshis, Illustrated by Scott Dawson
The bombing of Pearl Harbor comes to life for a new generation of readers! Eleven-year-old Danny Crane is alone on his favorite beach in Hawaii when the world is torn apart and World War II officially hits the United States. Does he have what it takes to find his way home in the midst of the bombs, the smoke, and the destruction of the day that will live in infamy? 7-10 years
The Attack on Pearl Harbor: A Day That Changed America
By Christy Serrano
Beatrix Potter Scientist
By Lindsay Metcalf, Illustrated by Junyi Wu
Everyone knows Beatrix Potter as the creator of the Peter Rabbit stories. But before that, she was a girl of science. As a child, Beatrix collected nature specimens; as a young adult, she was an amateur mycologist presenting her research on mushrooms and other fungi to England’s foremost experts. Like many women of her time, she remained unacknowledged by the scientific community, but her keen eye for observation led her to an acclaimed career as an artist and storyteller. A beloved author is cast in a new light in this picture book story. 4-8 years
Beatrix Potter and the Unfortunate Tale of a Borrowed Guinea Pig
By Deborah Hopkinson, Illustrated by Charlotte Voake
This story stars a young Beatrix Potter, creator of The Tale of Peter Rabbit and many other classic children’s books. Deborah Hopkinson takes readers back to Victorian England and the home of the budding young artist and animal lover Beatrix Potter.
When Beatrix brings home her neighbor’s pet guinea pig, so that she can practice painting it, well . . . dies! Now what? Written in the form of a “picture letter,” this mostly true tale is a wonderful introduction to a beloved author/illustrator. An author’s note includes photographs and more information about Beatrix Potter’s life and work. 6-8 years
Saving the Countryside: The Story of Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit
By Linda Elovitz Marshall, Illustrated by Ilaria Urbinati
Growing up in London, Beatrix Potter felt the restraints of Victorian times. Girls didn’t go to school and weren’t expected to work. But she longed to do something important, something that truly mattered.
As Beatrix spent her summers in the country and found inspiration in nature, it was through this passion that her creativity flourished.There, she crafted The Tale of Peter Rabbit.
She would eventually move to the countryside full-time, but developers sought to change the land. To save it, Beatrix used the money from the success of her books and bought acres and acres of land and farms to prevent the development of the countryside that both she and Peter Rabbit cherished. Because of her efforts, it’s been preserved just as she left it. This picture book shines a light on Beatrix Potter’s lesser-known history and her desire to do something for the greater good. 4-8 years
Little Naturalists: Beatrix Potter Wrote (Board Book)
By Kate Coombs
Beatrix Potter had a love for animals from an early age, and she grew up drawing and painting them with amazing detail and accuracy. She was best known for her children’s book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit.
She lived in London for many years but used income from her children’s books to buy Hill Top Farm in England. While living there and in Scotland, she developed a love of landscape and flora, which she included in her artwork. In all, Beatrix wrote twenty-three children’s tales, inspiring people to follow their dreams and care for plants and animals.
Kate Coombs’s narrative and Seth Lucas’s art teach young readers about this inspiring children’s author and artist, encouraging little naturalists to Be Kind and Be Adventurous. Baby to 3 years
Who Was Beatrix Potter
By Sarah Fabiny, Illustrated by Mike Lacey
Born into wealth in 1860’s London, Beatrix Potter always had a vivid imagination. Her early interests included natural history and archaeology, and Potter delighted in sketching fossils and fungi. After briefly illustrating Christmas cards with her brother, Bertram, Potter wrote and illustrated her well-known book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit.
The book was rejected by several publishes until Frederick Warne eventually took a risk and published the story in 1902 – a risk that paid off. Peter Rabbit was a huge success and readers loved hearing about Peter’s mischievious adventures in the lush English countryside.
As she got older, Beatrix Potter became a proud conservationist, working hard to defend the landscape she loved so well against industrialization and logging. Now over one hundred years old, Peter Rabbit and his animal friends have become cultural touchstones and continue to delight readers of all ages. 8-12 years
The Tale of Beatrix Potter
By Sara Schonfeld
Born to a wealthy family in Victorian London, Beatrix Potter never had many playmates. When she got lonely, she turned to the animals in her playroom: rabbits, mice, frogs, hedgehogs… even a snake! From an early age, she was a talented painter, and she published her art as a young woman. Her dream of becoming a children’s book author, though, didn’t come true until she was in her mid-thirties. After writing a letter about four little bunnies to a friend’s son, Beatrix created The Tale of Peter Rabbit. The story was turned down several times but was finally picked up by Frederick Warne & Co. Beatrix spent the rest of her life in the countryside, painting, drawing, farming, and protecting the land she loved so much. 6-8 years
Beatrix Potter and Her Paint Box
By David McPhail
All her life, Beatrix Potter loved to paint. From a young age, she painted the bunnies, mice, and other pets who populated her family home. These characters later populated her stories, which are beloved the whole world over. With beautiful scenes rich in detail, David McPhail transports us to the charming English countryside and the wonderful world of Beatrix Potter. 4-8 years
Becoming Beatrix Potter: The Life of Beatrix Potter and the World of Peter Rabbit
By Amy M. O’Quinn
Beatrix Potter forged her own creative path to independence, fame, and financial success. Peter Rabbit, Hunca Munca, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, Squirrel Nutkin, Jemima Puddle-Duck—many readers are familiar with these animal characters created by British author and illustrator Beatrix Potter.
But Beatrix was so much more than a painter of watercolor bunnies in little blue jackets or naive ducks waddling about in bonnets and shawls. She was a natural scientist, mycologist, environmentalist, conservationist, preservationist, farmer, and expert sheep breeder.
Beatrix was a woman ahead of her time, making her own decisions and handling her own business affairs, despite living in a Victorian society that was unaccustomed to unmarried women doing so. Becoming Beatrix: The Life of Beatrix Potter and the World of Peter Rabbit covers Potter’s early life and influences, artistic work, fascination with animals and the natural sciences, and interest and research with fungi, as well as her writing and illustration journey and her later years as a wife, farmer, businesswoman, environmentalist, and conservationist. 8-12 years
A Celebration of Beatrix Potter
Art and Letters by more than 30 of Today’s Favorite Children’s Book Illustrators
With illustrious tales of characters like Peter Rabbit, Squirrel Nutkin, and Jemima Puddle-Duck, Beatrix Potter established herself as one of the most cherished and influential author/illustrators of children’s literature. To mark her milestone birthday, this collection features illustrations of Potter’s characters, as interpreted by well-known illustrators. Each illustration is accompanied by text from the artist explaining what that character means to them, making this a true celebration of Beatrix Potter. All ages
Beatrix Potter
By Charlotte Guillian
Introduce students to Beatrix Potter, the author of children’s favorites like Peter Rabbit. This biography uses simple text structures and clear images to help readers learn about this amazing writer. 6-8 years
The book descriptions are primarily from the publisher.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Book Author
