Children’s / Teenage general interest: History and the past

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Book SynopsisHere is the story of how the Statue of Liberty got its pedestal when Joseph Pulitzer, a Jewish immigrant and famous newsman, created one of the first American crowdfunding campaigns to raise money for it.When Joseph Pulitzer first saw the Statue of Liberty''s head in Paris, he shared sculptor Auguste Bartholdi''s dream of seeing France''s gift of friendship stand in the New York harbor. Pulitzer loved words, and the word he loved best was liberty. Frustrated that many, especially wealthy New Yorkers, were not interested in paying for the statue''s needed pedestal, Pulitzer used his newspaper, the New York World, to call on all Americans to contribute. Claudia Friddell''s text and Stacy Innerst''s illustrations capture this inspiring story of how one immigrant brought together young and old, rich and poor, to raise funds for the completion of a treasured national monument.

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Book SynopsisThroughout his life, Abraham Lincoln tried to make life easier for others. Then during the darkest days of the Civil War, when everyone needed hope, President Lincoln cleared a path for all Americans to a better future.As a boy, Abraham Lincoln helped his family break through the wilderness and struggle on a frontier farm. When Lincoln was a young man, friends made it easier for him to get a better education and become a lawyer, so as a politician he paved the way for better schools and roads. President Lincoln cleared a path to better farming, improved transportation, accessible education, and most importantly, freedom. Author Peggy Thomas uncovers Abraham Lincoln's passion for agriculture and his country while illustrator Stacy Innerst cleverly provides a clear look as President Lincoln strives for positive change.Trade Review★ "Why have another book about Abe Lincoln in your library collection? Because this one is special. [It] provides an excellent backdrop for studying various policies in the U.S. government that exist today. It is an impeccable book to introduce the figure of Abraham Lincoln and initiate more research into his life and legacy." —School Library Connection, starred review"Beginning with his family’s creation of a farm out of woodland when he was 7 and ending with the Emancipation Proclamation, the narrative follows Lincoln’s life experiences as farmer, entrepreneur, and self-educated statesman, all the way to the presidency. Innerst creates engaging, sepia-toned scenes with watercolor-based artwork, and the design of the spreads, with dark paper and handwritten lettering for quotations from Lincoln’s writings, gives the feel of old documents." —Kirkus Reviews "A great non-fiction picture book choice for elementary through high school. Whether an introduction to Lincoln as president, or a unit starter for a government class – so many ways to use it. And I love the on-going thread of “Clearing a path”. The subtitle may be about an agricultural legacy, but his legacy is much deeper." —Kiss the Book

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Book SynopsisHere is a true story of how the great nations of America and England almost went to war in 1859 over a pig—but learned to share instead.In 1859, the British and Americans coexist on the small island of San Juan, located off the coast of the Pacific Northwest. They are on fairly good terms--until one fateful morning when an innocent hog owned by a British man has the misfortune to eat some potatoes on an American farmer's land. In a moment of rash anger, Lyman Cutlar shoots Charles Griffin's pig, inadvertently almost bringing the two nations to war. Tensions flare, armies gather, cannons are rolled out . . . all because of a pig! Emma Bland Smith's humorous text and Alison Jay's folksy illustrations combine in this whimsical nonfiction picture book that models the principles of peaceful conflict resolution.Trade ReviewA Bank Street College of Education Best Book of the YearNCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade BookWinner of the Washington Library Association Towner Award★ "Two wars have been fought with England on American soil, and now in 1859, on the Northwest Coast island of San Juan, war number three is about to erupt [over a pig]. Smith deftly captures the retrospective absurdity of this historical incident with deadpan narration that will have young audiences slapping their foreheads in mock dismay over the childish behavior of hotheaded adults. Jay adds absurdity of her own in her visual parody of nineteenth-century art—portly, self-important men straining at their buttons, rendered in the dusty hues and crackled surfaces of naïve folk art and portraiture." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review★ "Jay’s crackled, primitivist illustrations of cannons and distant figures in antique dress and uniforms add a proper sense of period to Smith’s brisk account of the historical episode, which the author presents as a timely case study in how countries with differences can find peaceable alternatives to armed conflict." —Booklist, starred review ★ "History has never been as much fun as you’ll find it represented in this cute picture book! The illustrations are very compelling and practically beg the reader to turn the page to see what comes next. This would be an excellent book to share with young or even older children when discussing this aspect of American history. Elementary libraries should definitely include this book in their collections." —School Library Connection, starred review"This is a true tale about two mighty nations, an ill-fated pig, and a most unusual war. It is also a story about sharing.' That opening, in black, sans-serif lettering, is followed by...a jaunty, lighthearted tone that proceeds throughout the text. Colorful, stylized art against apparently distressed surfaces is an impeccable complement. Weirdly fascinating." —Kirkus Reviews"Smith’s narrative dives into a strange and humorous slice of history that nearly started another war between the two countries. This porcine altercation is detailed with lofty humor that makes for an intriguing and endearing read. Jay’s distinctive illustrations, rendered in alkyd paint with crackle glaze varnish, lend an old-timey feel and playful whimsy that matches the tone of the text. The book’s humor and whimsy provide an interesting narrative nonfiction read for elementary classrooms." —School Library Journal"(A) funny explanation of a little-known event in American history... Alison Jay (A Lady Has the Floor) uses alkyd paint on paper with a crackle glaze varnish to give each illustration an old-timey feel; her colorful, folk-art style brings to life the various (often hot-headed) figures in the story. Bland Smith (Journey) delicately balances the absurd humor of the situation with the seriousness of the potential for yet another British-American war... an entertaining read and useful resource for young historians." -- Shelf Awareness

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Book SynopsisIncluded in Smithsonian Magazine's Ten Best Children’s Books of 2022In this real-life adventure, daredevil and groundbreaking journalists Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland race against each other–and the clock–as they circle the globe by ship, train, and foot. Join these two stereotype-shattering reporters as they prove that not only is traveling around the world possible, but that women are just as curious, capable, and courageous as any man.Nellie Bly was an energetic and eager reporter, but she wasn't able to think of a good story for her editors. Wishing she was on the other end of the earth, Nellie had an inspiration–she would travel around the world, just like in the fictional adventure book Around the World in Eighty Days. When a fellow journalist, Elizabeth Bisland, heard about Nellie's plans, she decided to up the stakes–by beating Nellie in her own race! This exciting American history story about two pioneering women who paved the way for equality will inspire young readers. The perfect choice for parents and teachers looking for:Books for kids ages 7 - 10 about women's historyFeminist picture books about historical women, and daring books for girlsAmerican history books for kidsTrade ReviewBank Street Best Book of the Year"In this swiftly paced picture book adventure, Hannigan traces the 1889–1890 circumnavigation of the globe undertaken by two intrepid women journalists...In acrylic inks and colored pencil, Gibbon provides brightly colored, intricately doodle-like accompaniment as numbered spreads portray the women’s impressively conveyed journeys." —Publishers Weekly"On November 18, 1889, two journalists left New York separately, each determined to circle the globe. Few women worked as journalists, and fewer would have dared to take such a difficult journey alone....the journalists' travels made the world seem smaller, while demonstrating the capabilities of women....Varied in composition, the mixed-media artwork illustrates the travelers' experiences and their times effectively. A spirited, historical picture book." —Booklist"Two creative, energetic women set out on an around-the-world journalists’ dream assignment in this book....The pages are colorful and have lovely landmarks of the locations Bly and Bisland pass through during their travels....This empowering...[and] unusual story with its driven women and epic tour belongs on the biography shelves, but the adventure shelves, too." —School Library Journal"The real-life story of two intrepid female journalists and their competition to circumnavigate the globe. Hannigan recounts the hair-raising, breakneck race, including the challenges each women faced—seasickness, late ships, surly sailors, and more...The acrylic ink and colored pencil illustrations are colorful with fine details. ...[T]here's much to love in this historic tale of female derring-do." —Kirkus Reviews"Hannigan’s text and Gibbon’s ink and colored pencil illustrations...effectively compare and contrast the personalities of the racers. A host of brief, breathless quotations from periodicals, commentators, and the subjects themselves offer insight into how the race was experienced by late nineteenth-century media consumers. An author’s note alerts readers that the staged frenemy coverage masked just how much Bly and Bisland had in common, from obstacles both faced as women working in male-dominated journalism to their deaths by pneumonia and their interments in the same cemetery. Also included are brief biographies of ten female investigative journalists from the nineteenth to twenty-first centuries, a chatty note by Gibbons on her research, and a bibliography." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

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Book SynopsisJames "Smelly" Kelly used his super-senses and intelligence to make sure that the New York City subway in the 1930s ran safely throughout his lifetime and beyond.James Kelly smelled EVERYTHING: rats in the shed; circus elephants a mile away; tomorrow''s rain. His sense of smell was EXTRAORDINARY. But what good was a powerful nose? How could his super-sniffer make him special? In the New York City subway, James found his calling--and earned the nickname "Smelly" Kelly. Armed with his super-sniffer and the tools he invented, he tracked down leaks from the dangerous to the disgusting, from the comical to the bizarre. Then, he sprang into action to prevent cave-ins and explosions in the tunnels beneath the city. Smelly Kelly not only hunted leaks but also saved lives--and he discovered the truly extraordinary power inside him. Beth Anderson''s fast-paced text and Jenn Harney''s comical illustrations bring to life this everyday superhero.

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Book SynopsisThe remarkable tale of two young men during the Klondike Gold Rush, told through first-hand diaries, letters, and more—“excellent reading” for middle grade fans of The Call of the Wild and adventure stories (School Library Journal) As thousands head north in search of gold, Marshall Bond and Stanley Pearce join them, booking passage on a steamship bound for the Klondike goldfields. The journey is life threatening, but the two friends make it to Dawson City, in Canada, build a cabin, and meet Jack London—all the while searching for the ultimate reward: gold! A riveting, true, action-packed adventure, with their telegrams, diaries, and letters, as well as newspaper articles and photographs. An author’s note, timeline, bibliography, and further resources encourage readers to dig deeper into the Gold Rush era.Trade Review". . . An eye-opening work, which is a natural companion for Jack London's Call of the Wild and other historical-fiction works about the Klondike gold rush." —Booklist★ "A remarkable collection of documents paints a picture of the Klondike gold rush in vivid detail. . . Adding only transitional paragraphs, the authors skillfully arrange these letters plus diary entries, telegrams and Pearce's articles for the Denver Republican to convey the men's story in compelling, first-person voices. The attractive design incorporates intriguing pull-out quotes, maps, posters, documents and many well-chosen, captioned photographs, including one of Jack London, who camped near Pearce and Bond's cabin . . . an excellent companion to The Call of the Wild. A memorable adventure, told with great immediacy."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review"This is excellent reading... "—School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisIncluded on NPR''s 2022 "Books We Love" ListFinalist, 2023 YALSA Award for Excellence in NonfictionALSC Notable Children''s BookWhat made workers in the American South so tired and feeble during the 19th and early 20th centuries? This exciting medical mystery uncovers the secrets of the parasite hookworm, commonly known as the ?American Murderer,? and is the latest title in Gail Jarrow?s (YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults award-winning author) Medical Fiascoes series.Imagine microscopic worms living in the soil. They enter your body through your bare feet, travel to your intestines, and stay there for years sucking your blood like vampires. You feel exhausted. You get sick easily. It sounds like a nightmare, but that?s what happened in the American South during the 1800s and early 1900s.Doctors never guessed that hookworms were making patients ill, but zoologist Charles Stiles knew better. Working with one of the first public health organizations, he and his colleagues treated the sick and showed Southerners how to protect themselves by wearing shoes and using outhouses so that the worms didn?t spread. Although hookworm was eventually controlled in the US, the parasite remains a serious health problem throughout the world. The topic of this STEM book remains relevant and will fascinate readers interested in medicine, science, history?and gross stories about bloodsucking creatures.

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Book SynopsisDiscover the man behind everyone's favorite call to action, "Full speed ahead!" in this inspiring and engaging biography about the first Admiral of the United States Navy, David Glasgow Farragut.At the age of nine, David Glasgow Farragut was appointed a midshipman in the US Navy by President James Madison. It was the start of a celebrated career. Farragut sailed aboard ships along the Delaware River, in the Caribbean, and across the Atlantic Ocean, even rounding the tip of South America, all while rising through the naval ranks from midshipman to admiral. When the Civil War began, Captain Farragut dedicated his life to protecting the United States as it was being torn in two. When President Lincoln asked him to capture New Orleans, the city Farragut once called home, and later to take Mobile Bay, the officer had only one order for his fleet: Full speed ahead! Noted nonfiction writer Louise Borden's in-depth research uncovers a man dedicated to his country -- a man who earned the title of America's first admiral.Trade Review"Discover the true story behind the man who coined the phrase full speed ahead...Boasting maps, portraits, and some solid narrative verse, the book will be of interest to kids passionate about 19th-century naval warfare...(and) is a helpful resource for educators and librarians looking to fill out their Civil War collections....ably describes one man’s contribution to U.S. naval history."—Kirkus Reviews"Borden’s free-verse text reads quickly and smoothly, drawing readers into [David] Farragut’s story...The use of quotes within the narrative is quite effective, and the illustrations, showcased in a handsome, large-format volume, include portraits, paintings of ships at sea, documents, and photos...A well-researched biographical account of remarkable man." —Booklist

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Book SynopsisIn the late 1970s, grain prices had tanked, farm auction notices filled newspapers, and people had forgotten that food didn't grow in grocery stores. So, on February 5, 1979, thousands of tractors from all parts of the US flooded Washington, DC, in protest.Author Lindsay H. Metcalf, a journalist who grew up on a family farm, shares this rarely told story of grassroots perseverance and economic justice. In 1979, US farmers traveled to Washington, DC to protest unfair prices for their products. Farmers wanted fair prices for their products and demanded action from Congress. After police corralled the tractors on the National Mall, the farmers and their tractors stayed through a snowstorm and dug out the city. Americans were now convinced they needed farmers, but the law took longer. Boldly told and highlighted with stunning archival images, this is the story of the struggle and triumph of the American farmer that still resonates today.Trade ReviewA Bank Street College of Education Best Book of the YearNCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book"Accessible prose and quotations from primary sources enrich this nonfiction photo-illustrated picture book, which recounts the American farmers’ protests that took place in the 1970s and ’80s. The volume has a visually institutional bent, but its coverage of lesser-known protests makes it a solid school or library resource. Back matter includes an author’s note, a farm protest timeline, a table detailing U.S. farm prices through the years, and a list of sources." —Publishers Weekly"A narrative nonfiction account of the American Agricultural Movement of the 1970s and 1980s, which uses sparse text and plenty of tractor photos. This is a well-researched look at the power of protest, the violence protesters sometimes endure at the hands of law enforcement, and the importance of community organization and activism." —School Library Journal "The U.S. has a long history of using protest to fight injustice, and this photo-essay takes readers back to 1977, when farmers were going broke selling their crops for less than it cost to produce them. The text and photos [provide]...facts about this important but often overlooked moment in history." —Booklist "This important book shows a different kind of labor struggle, one that can be easily overlooked because it revolves around a commodity that is often taken for granted. However, like the laborers in California and other areas who worked so hard for a living wage, the story of these farmers is one that needs to be told." —School Library Connection "I loved the captioned photographs, and the succinct text on every page. Plenty of additional information including an author's note, statistics, a timeline and source notes. A fascinating look at a peaceful protest." —Kiss the Book

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Book SynopsisSelected as an Honor Book at the International Literacy Association''s Children''s and Young Adult Book Awards 2023!Queens. Warriors. Witches. Revolutionaries. History is full of sisters making their mark.Meet incredible women in this nonfiction book for kids, from Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret to tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams. Authors (and sisters!) Olivia Meikle and Katie Nelson have scoured history for jaw-dropping stories of amazing siblings, including:? Why Egyptian ruler Cleopatra went to war against her younger sister Arsinoë? How Native American sisters Maria and Marjorie Tallchief became America?s first star ballerinas? What made samurai sisters Nakano Takeko and Nakano Yuko take on an entire armyThrough the stories of the sisters, readers will go on a whirlwind tour of women?s history, from the courts of Imperial China to the French Revolution. And you?ll discover that stories about sisters aren?t anything new?they can be traced back to ancient tales, from Greek goddesses to Maya mythology.

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Book SynopsisTravel back in time in this collection of exhilarating dinosaur adventures for kids and grandchildren aged 7-10 from paleontologist and YouTuber Kallie Moore.Who needs Jurassic World when the truth is this exciting? Prepare yourself for jaw-dropping discoveries, scandalous stories, and dinosaurs so weird you won?t believe they?re real! The tales in this dinosaur book are all completely true and many are included in a kids? book for the first time. Readers will come face-to-face with incredible prehistoric beasts including the Australian dinosaurs that fossilized into gemstones, the prehistoric shark with a circular saw in its mouth, and the relative of T. rex that was found frozen at the top of a mountain in Antarctica?The book is broken down into chapters covering the whole of Earth?s history:Chapter 1 - The Beginning - featuring prehistoric goo and the first squishy animalsChapter 2 - An Explosion of Life - featuring king-sized trilobites, armored fish, and giant bugs!Chapter 3 - The Age of Reptiles - featuring spiny sauropods, pterosaurs the size of airplanes, and musical dinosaurs.Chapter 4 - The Recent Past - featuring gigantic snakes, Ice Age mammoths and sabre-toothed cats, and the hairy primates that would one day evolve into humans!Every thrilling story has been meticulously researched by author Kallie Moore, a fossil expert who also hosts the hit YouTube show PBS Eons. Beautiful illustrations by critically-acclaimed illustrator Becky Thorns bring incredible prehistoric beasts like Stegosaurus and Triceratops to life for younger readers.Unlike most kids? dinosaur books on the market, Tales of the Prehistoric World shines a light on the work of palaeontologists ? from Susan Hendrickson, who discovered the most complete T. rex ever found, to Nizar Ibrahim, whose discoveries in the Sahara desert changed everything we thought we knew about Spinosaurus (SPOILER: it could swim!)"Will please both fledgling and confirmed dinophiles. . .An insider?s view of exciting sites and finds, with prehistoric portraits aplenty to match." ?KirkusA gift to stand the test of timeThis beautiful hardback book makes the perfect gift for dino-mad kids. The cloth-textured cover is gilded with gold foil, and everything is printed using sustainable FSC certified paper. Collect the seriesPart of Neon Squid?s acclaimed series of educational bedtime stories that also includes Tales of Ancient Worlds and Tales of World War II.

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Book SynopsisIt?s the Second World War as you?ve never seen it before?discover the hidden stories of incredible human spirit during the world?s darkest hour.Everyone knows what Adolf Hitler, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Winston Churchill were doing during World War II, but what about ordinary people? In this beautifully illustrated book for children and grandchildren, war historian Dr. Hattie Hearn reveals some of the most incredible true tales from the war, including:? The Canadian cabin boy who avoided German U-boats crossing the Atlantic? The Navajo soldiers who developed a secret code to outfox their enemies? The African-American jazz singer who worked as a spy for the French ResistanceBeautifully illustrated by Margarida Esteves and featuring stories from all over the world, Tales of World War II also contains jaw-dropping tales including the dog used to find survivors in the London Blitz, the champion cyclist who carried secret messages to help Jews escape the Nazis, and the bear who was recruited by the Polish army!Interspersed throughout the stories are pages explaining the key events of the war?from Pearl Harbor and Dunkirk to D-Day and the Holocaust.The cover features a timeless design with silver foil and a cloth texture, making this book the perfect gift.

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