Children’s / Teenage fiction: True stories told as fiction

Book SynopsisThe inspirational story of Lisa Jura''s escape from Nazi-controlled Austria to England on the famed KindertransportFourteen-year-old Lisa Jura was a musical prodigy who hoped to become a concert pianist. But when Hitler''s armies advanced on pre-war Vienna, Lisa''s parents were forced to make a difficult decision. Able to secure passage for only one of their three daughters through the Kindertransport, they chose to send gifted Lisa to London for safety. As she yearned to be reunited with her family while she lived in a home for refugee children on Willesden Lane, Lisa''s music became a beacon of hope. A memoir of courage, survival, and the power of music to uplift the human spirit, this compelling tribute to one special young woman and the lives she touched will both educate and inspire young readers. Based on a true story of a 14 year old girl Lisa Jura, who had to flee her home in Vienna and rebuild her life in London, the story brings home the reTrade ReviewThe book focuses on themes of courage, survival and the power of music and will both educate and inspire young readers. * Teach Primary *This is a true story, sympathetically told, which should inspire young people to face the challenges of life in a positive way. It is a book worthy of any library. * The School Librarian *

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Book SynopsisThis is the story of seventeen-year-old Elena, whose armor against anxiety becomes artillery against herself as she battles on both sides of a lose-lose war in a struggle with anorexia. Told entirely from Elena''s perspective and co-written with her mother, Elena''s memoir is a fascinating and intimate look at a deadly disease, and a must-read for anyone who knows someone suffering from an eating disorder.

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Book SynopsisA fascinating picture book biography about the double life of Hedy Lamarr, who was both an extremely famous actress and also a serious inventor and scientistTrade Review“Brilliance unrecognized. Bombshell actress Hedy Lamarr was worshipped for her beauty and elegance, but what the public didn't know was that she was an inventor. Interspersing descriptions of her various inventions and Lamarr's own words, the straightforward text and appealing, appropriately retro-feeling illustrations present a wide-eyed Lamarr as a multifaceted talent and portray both her life as a Hollywood star and her inquisitiveness and intellectual creativity, from her childhood in Austria through her acting heyday to her recognition as an inventor in her 80s. In this clear, appealing tale of an unsung heroine, Wallmark does not explicitly discuss the second-class status of female scientists but instead focuses on her subject's personality and achievements. The process of invention and inspiration are explained in a succinct and inspiring way, as is Lamarr's working partnership with composer and inventor George Antheil; their invention is relevant and used frequently in technology today. Fifty years later, Lamar is recognized, and her response forms the book's conclusion: ‘It's about time.’ Wu's illustrations focus on the book's white principals but include secondary characters of color, neatly shifting mode to help illustrate the technological principles under discussion. The extensive backmatter includes a timeline, bibliography, further reading—and, emblematic of the subject, a description of Lamarr's invention and a list of her films. Revelatory to young audiences in more ways than one.” —Kirkus “Even readers who don't know Hedy Lamarr, ‘the world’s most beautiful woman,’ will become fans after learning how she balanced her fame as a 1930s movie star with a passion for science and inventing. Growing up in Austria, Lamarr acted in plays and explored mechanics before making it big in Hollywood. Both her artistic and scientific processes, success, and challenges are shown as the book focuses on her creation of a secure torpedo guidance system using ‘frequency-hopping,’ a technology that, though ignored during its initial inception, is found in many personal electronics today. Strong digital art, spread across colorful pages with varied layouts, is both dignified and fun, with diagrams of scientific principles placed near portraits of Lamarr's famous costars (Clark Gable, Judy Garland). Consistent in style and substance with the duo's previous Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code (2017), this includes helpful back matter and featured quotes that offer insight into Lamarr’s perspective: in her unique life, she never failed to ‘do good . . . think big . . . [and] build.’” —Booklist “For Austrian-born actress Hedy Lamarr, promoted during her Hollywood Golden Age reign as ‘the world’s most beautiful woman,’ making movies was a day job. A childhood passion for tinkering blossomed into the impulse for serious invention, and when she was off set, Lamarr retreated to her workshop. This picture book biography focuses on her acclaimed work with composer George Antheil to design and patent a ‘frequency hopping’ device that would undermine an enemy’s ability to redirect torpedoes and thus give the Allies an advantage in World War II. The patent was approved, but ‘the Navy had neither the time nor the money to implement a new system during wartime. . . . Even worse, they classified the technology SECRET. This prevented anyone, including the inventors, from using it.’ After the design was declassified and the patent expired, a new generation of inventors scooped up the idea and applied it to wireless communication technology, but Lamarr and Antheil never made a penny from it, and they waited decades to receive acknowledgment of their innovation. Wallmark and Wu do a laudable job of breaking the development of ‘frequency hopping’ into understandable steps, with Wallmark explaining how communication between a ship and its launched torpedo could be intercepted, and Wu demonstrating through simple visuals how shifting rapidly among frequencies is key to securing it. Many STEM-for-girls biographies fan excitement over women’s achievements, but this title actually brings the central scientific concept within middle-grade reach. A closing note, a bibliography, timeline, filmography, and list for further reading are included.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “This picture book biography introduces young readers to the Hollywood legend famous for her beauty and the many hit movies in which she starred throughout the 1940s and 1950s, and her passion for science and technology. Lamarr’s zeal is conveyed superbly. Growing up in Austria in the 1920s, she wanted to understand how things worked. She took apart her toys to study their mechanisms and, during long walks with her father, explored subjects ranging from streetcars to the night sky. She also reenacted her favorite scenes from movies on a stage she built beneath her father’s desk. Wallmark brings Lamarr to life by including quotes from her subject. During World War II, Lamarr worked with another inventor on technology called frequency hopping, which is still in use today and allows users to send and receive secure cell phone messages and protect computers from hackers. The back matter includes a spread detailing frequency hopping in more depth. Vibrant digital artwork expands upon the text by showcasing a handful of Lamarr’s other inventions and using period details to convey the golden era of Hollywood. VERDICT A must for both school and public libraries, especially where collections are looking to increase their STEM holdings and round out biography collections with women working in science.” —School Library Journal “Laurie Wallmark’s lively biography also explains Lamarr’s most brilliant idea (conceived with the composer George Antheil), which improved the guidance system for torpedoes and led to today’s wireless communications. Katy Wu’s digitally created illustrations add cartoonish energy and color.” —Washington Post“Brilliance unrecognized. Bombshell actress Hedy Lamarr was worshipped for her beauty and elegance, but what the public didn't know was that she was an inventor. Interspersing descriptions of her various inventions and Lamarr's own words, the straightforward text and appealing, appropriately retro-feeling illustrations present a wide-eyed Lamarr as a multifaceted talent and portray both her life as a Hollywood star and her inquisitiveness and intellectual creativity, from her childhood in Austria through her acting heyday to her recognition as an inventor in her 80s. In this clear, appealing tale of an unsung heroine, Wallmark does not explicitly discuss the second-class status of female scientists but instead focuses on her subject's personality and achievements. The process of invention and inspiration are explained in a succinct and inspiring way, as is Lamarr's working partnership with composer and inventor George Antheil; their invention is relevant and used frequently in technology today. Fifty years later, Lamar is recognized, and her response forms the book's conclusion: ‘It's about time.’ Wu's illustrations focus on the book's white principals but include secondary characters of color, neatly shifting mode to help illustrate the technological principles under discussion. The extensive backmatter includes a timeline, bibliography, further reading—and, emblematic of the subject, a description of Lamarr's invention and a list of her films. Revelatory to young audiences in more ways than one.” —Kirkus “Even readers who don't know Hedy Lamarr, ‘the world’s most beautiful woman,’ will become fans after learning how she balanced her fame as a 1930s movie star with a passion for science and inventing. Growing up in Austria, Lamarr acted in plays and explored mechanics before making it big in Hollywood. Both her artistic and scientific processes, success, and challenges are shown as the book focuses on her creation of a secure torpedo guidance system using ‘frequency-hopping,’ a technology that, though ignored during its initial inception, is found in many personal electronics today. Strong digital art, spread across colorful pages with varied layouts, is both dignified and fun, with diagrams of scientific principles placed near portraits of Lamarr's famous costars (Clark Gable, Judy Garland). Consistent in style and substance with the duo's previous Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code (2017), this includes helpful back matter and featured quotes that offer insight into Lamarr’s perspective: in her unique life, she never failed to ‘do good . . . think big . . . [and] build.’” —Booklist “For Austrian-born actress Hedy Lamarr, promoted during her Hollywood Golden Age reign as ‘the world’s most beautiful woman,’ making movies was a day job. A childhood passion for tinkering blossomed into the impulse for serious invention, and when she was off set, Lamarr retreated to her workshop. This picture book biography focuses on her acclaimed work with composer George Antheil to design and patent a ‘frequency hopping’ device that would undermine an enemy’s ability to redirect torpedoes and thus give the Allies an advantage in World War II. The patent was approved, but ‘the Navy had neither the time nor the money to implement a new system during wartime. . . . Even worse, they classified the technology SECRET. This prevented anyone, including the inventors, from using it.’ After the design was declassified and the patent expired, a new generation of inventors scooped up the idea and applied it to wireless communication technology, but Lamarr and Antheil never made a penny from it, and they waited decades to receive acknowledgment of their innovation. Wallmark and Wu do a laudable job of breaking the development of ‘frequency hopping’ into understandable steps, with Wallmark explaining how communication between a ship and its launched torpedo could be intercepted, and Wu demonstrating through simple visuals how shifting rapidly among frequencies is key to securing it. Many STEM-for-girls biographies fan excitement over women’s achievements, but this title actually brings the central scientific concept within middle-grade reach. A closing note, a bibliography, timeline, filmography, and list for further reading are included.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “This picture book biography introduces young readers to the Hollywood legend famous for her beauty and the many hit movies in which she starred throughout the 1940s and 1950s, and her passion for science and technology. Lamarr’s zeal is conveyed superbly. Growing up in Austria in the 1920s, she wanted to understand how things worked. She took apart her toys to study their mechanisms and, during long walks with her father, explored subjects ranging from streetcars to the night sky. She also reenacted her favorite scenes from movies on a stage she built beneath her father’s desk. Wallmark brings Lamarr to life by including quotes from her subject. During World War II, Lamarr worked with another inventor on technology called frequency hopping, which is still in use today and allows users to send and receive secure cell phone messages and protect computers from hackers. The back matter includes a spread detailing frequency hopping in more depth. Vibrant digital artwork expands upon the text by showcasing a handful of Lamarr’s other inventions and using period details to convey the golden era of Hollywood. VERDICT A must for both school and public libraries, especially where collections are looking to increase their STEM holdings and round out biography collections with women working in science.” —School Library Journal “Laurie Wallmark’s lively biography also explains Lamarr’s most brilliant idea (conceived with the composer George Antheil), which improved the guidance system for torpedoes and led to today’s wireless communications. Katy Wu’s digitally created illustrations add cartoonish energy and color.” —Washington Post

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Book SynopsisAnyone - no matter how young - can make a difference! Meet 50 incredible kids who had a positive impact in their communities and the world.Trade Review“Kids and young adults accomplish amazing things, as Weintraub shows in 50 profiles. Horton features each individual, their portraits enclosed in frames set against playful, thematic backgrounds. The subjects range from artists to inventors, activists to scientists. They include Joan of Arc, Louis Braille, S.E. Hinton, Tavi Gevinson, Pablo Picasso, and Venus and Serena Williams. The figures each receive a page that describes how their curiosity, passion, or quest led to their achievements and notoriety: ‘Some children ask their parents if they can have a cat or dog, but Aisholpan, a 10-year-old girl living in the mountains of Mongolia, asked her parents for an eagle,’ Weintraub writes of Aisholpan Nurgaiv, known as the Eagle Huntress. By focusing on individuals from different eras and geographies, Weintraub affirms that there are myriad ways to live and to make an impact.” —Publishers Weekly “The stories and achievements of 50 amazing people—all of whom began their journeys as children—are brought together in this collection. Kids who were born with unique talents, such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Clara Schumann, are joined by courageous youth, such as Anne Frank and Ruby Bridges, and by hardworking young scientists and athletes, such as Akrit Jaswal (the youngest person to perform surgery in modern history) and Pelé, considered by many to be the best soccer player in the world. Many included, such as Thandiwe Chama and Om Prakash Gurjar, have overcome great obstacles and have become advocates for children, literacy, and equality. Each full-page biography is accompanied by a bold, full-page color portrait, which gives further insight into their passion, and the seamlessly flowing text makes this both an interesting and fast read. Young readers are sure to find inspiration as they read about unique children from all over the world who were able to change the world around them and be encouraged to follow their dreams and fight for what is right.” —Booklist “People from different countries and eras who have achieved significant accomplishments by the age of 18 are the subjects of this contemporary collective biography, which opposes jaunty, intensely colored portraits against breezy, one-page descriptions. Under each illustration, there is often a personal quotation. For example, Katie Stagliano, who started a foundation called Katie’s Krops that encourages young people to grow vegetables to feed the hungry, said: ‘I believe that youth have the power to do incredible things.’ Indeed. Pablo Picasso, Louis Armstrong, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Clara Schumann are well-known for having developed their talents early. Perhaps the more interesting figures are the kids who are still teenagers or in their early 20s now. Young women, including trans woman activist Jazz Jennings, and young men from countries including the U.S., Canada, Zambia, India, Pakistan, Brazil, and Syria are among the currently living biographees. Joining Malala Yousafzai are Mongolian Aisholpan Nurgaiv, a champion eagle hunter (unusual both for her age and gender), and Rhode Islander Nicholas Lowinger, a young Jew who founded Gotta Have Sole, an organization that provides new shoes to kids in homeless shelters. . . . Will give some readers inspiration and ideas for ways that they can help their own communities right now.” —Kirkus“Kids and young adults accomplish amazing things, as Weintraub shows in 50 profiles. Horton features each individual, their portraits enclosed in frames set against playful, thematic backgrounds. The subjects range from artists to inventors, activists to scientists. They include Joan of Arc, Louis Braille, S.E. Hinton, Tavi Gevinson, Pablo Picasso, and Venus and Serena Williams. The figures each receive a page that describes how their curiosity, passion, or quest led to their achievements and notoriety: ‘Some children ask their parents if they can have a cat or dog, but Aisholpan, a 10-year-old girl living in the mountains of Mongolia, asked her parents for an eagle,’ Weintraub writes of Aisholpan Nurgaiv, known as the Eagle Huntress. By focusing on individuals from different eras and geographies, Weintraub affirms that there are myriad ways to live and to make an impact.” —Publishers Weekly “The stories and achievements of 50 amazing people—all of whom began their journeys as children—are brought together in this collection. Kids who were born with unique talents, such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Clara Schumann, are joined by courageous youth, such as Anne Frank and Ruby Bridges, and by hardworking young scientists and athletes, such as Akrit Jaswal (the youngest person to perform surgery in modern history) and Pelé, considered by many to be the best soccer player in the world. Many included, such as Thandiwe Chama and Om Prakash Gurjar, have overcome great obstacles and have become advocates for children, literacy, and equality. Each full-page biography is accompanied by a bold, full-page color portrait, which gives further insight into their passion, and the seamlessly flowing text makes this both an interesting and fast read. Young readers are sure to find inspiration as they read about unique children from all over the world who were able to change the world around them and be encouraged to follow their dreams and fight for what is right.” —Booklist “People from different countries and eras who have achieved significant accomplishments by the age of 18 are the subjects of this contemporary collective biography, which opposes jaunty, intensely colored portraits against breezy, one-page descriptions. Under each illustration, there is often a personal quotation. For example, Katie Stagliano, who started a foundation called Katie’s Krops that encourages young people to grow vegetables to feed the hungry, said: ‘I believe that youth have the power to do incredible things.’ Indeed. Pablo Picasso, Louis Armstrong, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Clara Schumann are well-known for having developed their talents early. Perhaps the more interesting figures are the kids who are still teenagers or in their early 20s now. Young women, including trans woman activist Jazz Jennings, and young men from countries including the U.S., Canada, Zambia, India, Pakistan, Brazil, and Syria are among the currently living biographees. Joining Malala Yousafzai are Mongolian Aisholpan Nurgaiv, a champion eagle hunter (unusual both for her age and gender), and Rhode Islander Nicholas Lowinger, a young Jew who founded Gotta Have Sole, an organization that provides new shoes to kids in homeless shelters. . . . Will give some readers inspiration and ideas for ways that they can help their own communities right now.” —Kirkus

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Book SynopsisA compelling biography of a girl who was determined to play sports in Pakistan in spite of the Taliban's threats against her and her family.Trade Review“As a girl growing up in the Tribal Areas of Pakistan, Maria Toorpakai Wazir was, by virtue of her gender, prohibited from reading books, watching television, and playing sports. To gain access to these freedoms, she began dressing up as a boy, which earned her the nickname Genghis Khan. She discovered the sport of squash as an outlet for her energy and quickly excelled at it, becoming the only female athlete in a club of 400 males. Yet, after she received an award from the president of Pakistan, the Taliban threatened the lives of her and her family. Lord (Little Sap and Monsieur Rodin, 2006) explores how Wazir negotiated the fundamentalist constraints of Taliban rule with the need to be herself. Malik’s artwork is extraordinary, with each page displaying brilliant colors and poster-worthy images that contribute to the narrative’s overall messages of female empowerment and triumph against impossible odds. An ideal supplement to any collection focusing on multicultural or gender studies, this book has something for every reader.” —Booklist“As a girl growing up in the Tribal Areas of Pakistan, Maria Toorpakai Wazir was, by virtue of her gender, prohibited from reading books, watching television, and playing sports. To gain access to these freedoms, she began dressing up as a boy, which earned her the nickname Genghis Khan. She discovered the sport of squash as an outlet for her energy and quickly excelled at it, becoming the only female athlete in a club of 400 males. Yet, after she received an award from the president of Pakistan, the Taliban threatened the lives of her and her family. Lord (Little Sap and Monsieur Rodin, 2006) explores how Wazir negotiated the fundamentalist constraints of Taliban rule with the need to be herself. Malik’s artwork is extraordinary, with each page displaying brilliant colors and poster-worthy images that contribute to the narrative’s overall messages of female empowerment and triumph against impossible odds. An ideal supplement to any collection focusing on multicultural or gender studies, this book has something for every reader.” —Booklist

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Book SynopsisMeet Wu Chien Shiung, the famous physicist who overcame prejudice to prove she could be anything she wanted. This engaging biography follows her as she battles sexism and racism to become the Queen of Physics.Trade Review"A wonderfully written biography of an important woman scientist hardly known outside of her field of physics. Yes, the difficult science is thoroughly understandable in this picture book biography, but it is the heroism and ethical components of the main character, Madame Wu, whom we follow from birth into old age that centers this powerful little book. Not just for little girls, but for children of all ages. About achievement, honesty, hard work that follows a passion. Do not miss this one." --Jane Yolen, author of Owl Moon, How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight, and many other books "Huang utilizes spirited mixed-media images with a neutral palette to illuminate Shiung's journey." --Kirkus

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Book SynopsisThe extraordinary true story of a young girl's courage in the face of violence and extremism, and an incredible testament to what can be achieved when we stand up for what we believe in. This illustrated adaptation of Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai's bestselling memoir, I Am Malala, introduces readers of 7+ to the remarkable story of a teenage girl who risked her life for the right to go to school. Raised in a changing Pakistan by an enlightened father from a poor background and a beautiful, illiterate mother, Malala was taught to stand up for her beliefs. When terrorists took control of her region and declared that girls were forbidden from going to school, Malala refused to sacrifice her education. And on 9 October 2012, she nearly paid the ultimate price for her courage when she was shot on her way home from school. The book follows Malala's incredible journey to recovery in the aftermath of the attack, from the life-saving surgery she receives in a Birmingham hospital to her reunion with her family and their eventual relocation to England. Today Malala is a global symbol of peaceful protest and the youngest ever person to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Her story of bravery and determination in the face of extremism is more timely now than ever.* This is an abridged, illustrated chapter book edition of I AM MALALA (Malala's bestselling young adult memoir), made suitable for readers aged 7 and up. This edition features black and white line art and age-appropriate extra content after the main text. *

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Book Synopsis'Significantly more engaging and inspiring than the rival Rebel Girls' GUARDIAN 'It's hard to imagine any group of primary-aged children who wouldn't be inspired' BOOKSELLER 'An absolute must-have for every young person’s bookshelf' HUFFINGTON POST Over half of all the visual artists working today are women, but the paintings and sculptures shown in many galleries and museums tell a different story because they're usually the work of men. In this book Kate Pankhurst, descendent of Emmeline Pankhurst, tells the fascinating stories of some of history's most talented female artists. · Express your feelings and find your identity through art with Frida Kahlo · Run away to the circus and paint with Laura Knight · Help bring talented artists into the spotlight with Peggy Guggenheim · Challenge racism and segregation by creating powerful art with Faith Ringgold Including comic strips, family trees, maps and more, Fantastically Great Women Artists and Their Stories is a celebration of just some of the women whose creativity and dreams have made a mark on the world. A fantastic gift for girls and boys alike! List of women featured: Amrita Sher-Gil, Elisabeth Le Brun, Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Faith Ringgold, Frida Kahlo, Kathe Kollwitz, Dame Laura Knight and Peggy Guggenheim.Trade ReviewIt deploys just the right amount of lively, fascinating detail to inform and inspire. * The Guardian on Fantastically Great Women Scientists and Their Stories *Fantastically Great Women Who Worked Wonders is the third in Kate Pankhurst’s colourful picture-book celebrations of notable females; with their playful use of speech bubbles and perspective shifts, they remain significantly more engaging and inspiring than the rival Rebel Girls. -- Imogen Russell Williams on Fantastically Great Women Who Worked Wonders * The Guardian *It's a tremendously engaging read: smart, informative, inclusive and accessible, with gorgeous, visually creative art. The tone is really joyful and it's hard to imagine any group of primary-aged children who wouldn't be inspired by these stories. -- Fiona Noble on Fantastically Great Women Who Made History * The Bookseller *So many worthy nonfiction books for this age group have good intentions but fail to step beyond simple preaching with boring line drawings. This one succeeds, thanks to its interesting choice of role models, gorgeous colourful illustrations, a sense of humour and sharp language that informs without patronising * The Times on Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World *This book which is a must have for anybody – girl or boy, man or woman – it’s enlightening for one and all … it’s celebratory; laying out key messages in an attractive and engaging way to inspire a new set of admirers * Books for Keeps on Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World *

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Book SynopsisREACH FOR THE STARS and learn all about SPACE in this fact-packed new book from the bestselling creator of the FANTASTICALLY GREAT WOMEN series! Mixing STEM topics with a sweet story of figuring out your place in the world, this is the perfect introduction to space for the next generation of space travellers, whoever they may be. Budding astronaut Luna Scope wants nothing more than to blast off into space and explore the cosmos, but how does she go from a cardboard rocket in her room to running experiments on the International Space Station? Enter Granny, who’s about to teach Luna just how to make her dream a reality. From discovering what shooting stars are really made of and learning how to complete a spacewalk, to rocket building lessons by Mary Jackson and space shuttle trips with Mae Jemison– Luna and her Granny take us on a crash course adventure into how to become a successful astronaut. Meeting incredible female space pioneers along the way, Granny takes Luna on a fact-filled space adventure showing her that ANYONE can be an astronaut if they dream big enough. In fact, just by standing on planet Earth, you’re already closer than you think... From Kate Pankhurst, award-winning creator of FANTASTICALLY GREAT WOMEN, this is the first in a new series tackling popular non-fiction topics in fun new ways. Inspiring young readers to aim high, dream big and see that they too can reach for the stars!Trade ReviewWe Are All Astronauts is a beautiful celebration of female achievements and diversity throughout the history of human spaceflight. It is equally informative and fun. It encourages children, especially young girls, to dream big and to hold onto those dreams. * Hayley Arceneaux - commercial astronaut on the SpaceX mission *WE ARE ALL ASTRONAUTS is a delightful book! Its engaging design fosters a sense of exploration and adventure. I was surprised at how much information is packed into its pages. Children will love this book while they learn about exploring space. * Loretta Hall, author of Wally Funk’s memoir, Higher, Faster, Longer: My Life in Aviation and My Quest for Spaceflight’ *We Are All Astronauts is a fantastic book for youngsters who want to learn about astronauts, space travel and space. I really like the energetic illustrations that just pop and fizz off the page and love how it is crammed full of facts. * Dominic Walliman, author of the Professor Astro Cat series *It’s great to show girls (and boys) that even fifty years ago, women were working as engineers and mathematicians and helping to put humans into space and on the Moon. This book will help all girls dream big and aim high. Space is for everyone. * Sue Nelson, author of Wally Funk's Race for Space *Pitched as “STEM by stealth”, this celebration of female pioneers like Mae Jamison is told via the story of Luna, who is desperate to explore the cosmos. A quintessential Pankhurst title. * The Bookseller *

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Book SynopsisUnleash your IMAGINATION and learn all about INVENTING in this fact-packed new picture book from the bestselling creator of the FANTASTICALLY GREAT WOMEN series and WE ARE ALL ASTRONAUTS. This is the perfect introduction to inventing for the next generation of curious creators, whoever they may be.Can you feel it? That FANTASTICAL FIZZ of CURIOSITY? Lizzy Sparks has the spark, the spark of INVENTION, and she's going to need it because her pet hamster Gizmo is MISSING! That''s where Milly, Lizzy''s super-smart babysitter, comes in. She''s going to show Lizzy how inventors NEVER give up because there''s an inventor in ALL of us. And maybe Lizzy can invent the perfect solution to find Gizmo. Join Lizzy, Milly and Gizmo in the second title of Kate Pankhurst''s new non-fiction picture book series. Including facts on famous female inventors (like Mary Hopkinson and Marie Curie), the industrial revolution, how inventions are made, life-saving inventions, planet-saving inventions and MORE! Mixing STEM topics with a story of adventure and learning will inspire and entertain curious minds. From Kate Pankhurst, award-winning creator of FANTASTICALLY GREAT WOMEN, this is the second in a new series tackling popular non-fiction topics in fun new ways. Inspiring young readers to aim high, dream big and see that they can design their future.

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Book SynopsisFrom the horrors of the slave trade to a book that changed the world, Catherine Johnson celebrates the incredible life of Olaudah Equiano in this gripping true story. From the horrors of the slave trade to a book that changed the world, Catherine Johnson celebrates the incredible life of Olaudah Equiano in this gripping true story. Born in what is now Nigeria in 1745, Olaudah Equiano’s peaceful childhood was brought to an abrupt end when he was captured and enslaved aged 11. He spent much of the next ten years of his life at sea, seeing action in the Seven Years’ War. When he was finally able to buy his freedom, he went on to become a prominent member of the abolition movement and in 1789 published one of the first books by a Black African writer. Journey Back to Freedom focuses on Equiano’s early life, demonstrating the resilience of the human spirit and one man’s determination to be free.Trade Review"Olaudah Equiano's story is one that everyone should read & know, and I can't think of anyone better than [Catherine Johnson] to tell it" – S.F. Said "Expertly researched and written, accessible and absolutely vital" – Sophie Anderson "Johnson’s lively, lightly fictionalised account of Equiano’s life makes gripping reading for 9+" – The Guardian "Meticulously researched, richly imagined and beautifully written … [Johnson's] nuanced approach will lead to thought-provoking discussions, and her engaging style means the book will fly off the shelves" – Reading for Pleasure and Progress "An incredible story of survival and freedom … recounted here as a powerful historical novel … The narrative is fast-paced and immediate – replicating the constant unpredictability of Equiano’s experience. [Johnson] doesn’t shy away from the brutality he experienced, but her words are carefully chosen for young readers." – Film Stories, 'Children's Book of the Week'

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Book SynopsisRebel, Princess, Suffragette: this is the incredible true story of the life of Princess Sophia Duleep Singh, a forgotten heroine of the early twentieth century. Rebel, Princess, Suffragette: this is the incredible true story of the life of Princess Sophia Duleep Singh, a forgotten heroine of the early twentieth century. Born in 1876, Princess Sophia Duleep Singh was the daughter of the last Sikh ruler of the Punjab, and goddaughter of Queen Victoria. After her father lost control of his empire and was exiled to England, Sophia had a privileged but troubled upbringing that left her unsure about where she belonged – in India or England. Sensitive to injustice, she became an suffragette and fought hard to win the vote for women. This is the extraordinary story of her life.Trade Review"Princess Sophia Duleep Singh was a truly remarkable person and Bali Rai brings her wonderfully to life in this short, but action-packed biography … Everyone should know her story and I’d press this into the hands of all young people to inspire them with the sense that you can make a difference to the world, and to let them see through the eyes of this extraordinary woman" – LoveReading4Kids "Fascinating … highlights a troubling period of British history in an accessible manner" – BookTrust, Book of the Day "Takes a complex story and distils it down to the essentials while keeping the narrative clear, accessible and engaging at all times. I can see this being a tremendous hit with teachers looking for resources to use in the classroom that raise a wide range of pressing social issues because it tells its story provocatively but without being tediously didactic. Highly recommended" – The Letterpress Project "So simply done and yet packs an almighty emotional punch … a wonderful addition to any classroom that is investigating the history of the suffragette movement and the history of Empire. This is a fantastic story about a woman who defied authority and achieved incredible things. It’s a wonderful achievement" – The Historian Next Door

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Book SynopsisPrepare to be amazed by these incredible tales of human strength and determination in the face of disaster. Read 15 amazing survival stories, and let the exciting narrative text and dramatic illustrations drop you right into the action. Disasters often make the headlines, but this book focusses on the survivors. Find out how these real-life heroes survived volcanic eruptions, floods, tsunamis, wildfires, plane crashes, shark attacks and much more, using only their wits, their determination and the most basic of tools. From the much anticipated 2018 rescue of the 13 Thai boys who were trapped in a cave, to Steve Callahan, who was adrift at sea for 76 days, you''ll be astonished by these thrilling stories of survival.

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisIn a small village in Punjab, little Milkha Singh grew up, loved by his parents, surrounded by open fields where he could run, play, and fly kites. In the heat of summer, when he had to walk to school barefoot, he would run like the wind so he could get home fast. And then, one day, in the midst of terrible violence and upheaval, his family and home were snatched away forever.

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Book SynopsisJhalkari Bai grew up in Bhojla, many miles away from the city of Jhansi. Far from the grand forts and palaces and illustrious kings and queens of Jhansi, in her village, she was known for her great strength and bravery-fighting off tigers and dacoits all alone. She nurtured a fierce desire to be a soldier, and to do amazing acts of courage.

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Book SynopsisCan it get quirkier than that? See history come alive and pop right out of this book through this amazing collection of unusual stories!

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Book SynopsisFollow your heart like Ritu Karidhal, the Rocket Woman of India, Divyanshu Ganatra, India's first solo paraglider despite losing his sight, and Supraja Dharini, the Turtle Doctor who saved 18 lakh baby turtles. They conquered fears to achieve dreams, showing anything is possible.

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Book SynopsisIf there was one thing that little Mithali loved more than anything else, it was to sleep and dream beautiful dreams. But when her mother encouraged her to follow her dreams, she discovered that it''s harder than she thought. It took her a lot of grit and determination to be the champion cricketer that the world knows today. Inspired by the life of the cricket superstar Mithali Raj.

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Book SynopsisMalala was fearless. In a society where little girls were kept behind closed doors, Malala went to school. When the Taliban came to power and closed all schools for girls in the Swat valley, Malala continued to speak about every child's right to receive an education. She even braved a bullet, yet carried on tirelessly, fighting for girls' rights.In 2014, at the age of seventeen, Malala was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts.

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Book SynopsisWhen Stephen Hawking was a little boy, people often called him odd. He was different. When the other kids were busy playing and having fun Stephen wondered about the mysteries of space, stars and beyond. Then a sudden bout of illness changed his life forever. But Hawkings wasn't one who'd give up so easily. He fought his illness and overcame disabilities, and his genius and endless curiosity powered his work. He went on to make several revolutionary discoveries, including the black hole theory that shook the science world.

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