New York Times bestselling author and first black female American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Misty Copeland offers advice for on and off the dance floor to young readers based on letters she’s received over the years from fans.As the first African American principal female dancer at American Ballet Theatre, Misty Copeland has spent most of her career navigating a white-dominated industry that puts many barriers in her path. Through it all, Misty has credited the many mentors who have helped her become the dancer and person she is today. With Misty’s profile now at peak heights, she has now found herself in a mentor role herself, often asked for advice on everything from dance-specific questions to life lessons about being the “other” in certain spaces by her fans. As Misty herself has said, “I think it’s really important to have a community around you, a support system, mentors, people that are going to be there for you on those days when you just aren’t strong enough to do it yourself.” Given that philosophy, Misty is thrilled to bring this book of advice to life, covering everything from body confidence to balancing various commitments and how to break out of your comfort zone. Each section includes personal anecdotes from Misty about the topic that bring her perspective to life. Read more

This beautifully illustrated board book edition of Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by #1 New York Times bestselling author Vashti Harrison showcases women who changed the world, and is the perfect goodnight book to inspire big dreams.Dream Big, Little One features eighteen trailblazing Black women in American history, including heroes, role models, and everyday women who did extraordinary things—bold women whose actions and beliefs contributed to making the world better for generations to come. Whether they were putting pen to paper, soaring through the air, or speaking up for the rights of others, the women profiled in these pages took a stand against a world that didn't always accept them. The leaders in this book may be little, but they all did something big and amazing. Read more

Meet May! The next book of The Calendar Kids Series! A new way to teach the months of the year. May is excited to share her love for gardening with her friends. She shows her friends April and June how her garden helps her make lei to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month. She also loves to make salsa for Cinco de Mayo with her garden vegetables. What May loves most of all is using the flowers in her garden to gift to her mom for Mother's Day. This year she has a special surprise planned. Will her garden be ready for her Mother's Day surprise? Read more

Grab your Js and hit the court with this Who Was? biography about NBA superstar Michael Jordan.Meet the man who changed the game forever. Michael Jordan has always been competitive--even as a young boy, he fought for attention. His need to be the best made him a star player on his college basketball team and helped him become an NBA legend, both for his skills and his endorsements. His Nike contract for Air Jordan basketball shoes set an unmatched precedent for professional athletes. Author Kirsten Anderson takes readers through each exciting moment, detailing the iconic reverse lay-ups and jump shots of Michael Jordan's storied career.Look for more Who HQ titles:Who Is LeBron James?Who Was Kobe Bryant?Who Is Shaquille O'Neal?Who Is the Man in the Air?: Michael Jordan Read more

Told in a new Who HQ Now format for trending topics, this Who Was? biography details NBA superstar Kobe Bryant's legendary career and the impact of his legacy on the sports world and beyond.Kobe Bryant was just an eighteen-year-old high-school basketball player when he decided to enter the National Basketball Association's draft. Though he was the thirteenth overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets, he would never play a single game for them. Instead, Kobe was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he would spend his entire twenty-season career, winning five championships and numerous awards. Author Ellen Labreque takes readers through each exciting moment, from his iconic dunks to his 81-point game--all the milestones that span Kobe Bryant's legendary career and legacy. Read more

How did a young boy from Ohio go on to become one of the greatest basketball players of all time? Read about the incredible life and career of LeBron James in this addition to the #1 New York Times best-selling Who Was? series.Today, LeBron James is an international superstar who has won four NBA Championships, earned two Olympic gold medals, written books, and starred in blockbuster movies. He has played for the Los Angeles Lakers, the Miami Heat, and the Cleveland Cavaliers, and has gained fans across the country as he led each of those three teams to victory. Many basketball lovers consider LeBron James to be one of the greatest players of all time. But how did LeBron come to be "King James?" Find out all about LeBron's childhood, how he started playing basketball at the age of nine, and went on to rule the court in this new book for young readers!Look for more Who HQ titles: Who Is Michael Jordan?Who Was Kobe Bryant?Who Is Shaquille O'Neal?What Are the Summer Olympics? Read more

Honor Black History Month with this introduction to Juneteenth for kids ages 6 to 9On June 19, 1865, a Union soldier traveled to Texas to tell the enslaved people who lived there that they were free—that slavery was now illegal in every state. The people danced and sang in celebration of their freedom. Today, we pay tribute to this historical day with a special holiday on June 19 called Juneteenth. This colorfully illustrated story takes kids on an exciting journey through all the events that led up to the first Juneteenth, the day itself, and the impact it had on the future of the United States.What sets this book apart from other Juneteenth books for kids:A thorough history—Kids will learn the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How of Juneteenth, and take a quick quiz to test their knowledge.A visual timeline—Help new readers grasp important details with a visual timeline that marks the major milestones of Juneteenth history.Today's perspective—Kids can explore thought-provoking questions that help them better understand how the history of Juneteenth affects the world they live in today.Teach new readers about an important piece of African American history with this kid-friendly Juneteenth book. Read more

Literary Titan Gold Award Winning BookEvery Child is Unique! Whether they are big or small, short or tall, like to swim, dance, sing or bike. Perhaps they have a special need or disability, or have a different ethnic background. Maybe they wear glasses, talk differently or require a wheelchair to get around. The truth is that all children are different and their individuality should be celebrated, not shunned. And this inspiring and brightly illustrated rhyming picture book does just that.By highlighting the ways kids are different from one another it helps children to accept themselves and others as the beautifully unique individuals that they are. It's OK to be Different encourages kids to be kind and befriend those who are different from themselves, showing young children that they don't have to look alike or enjoy doing the same activities to be kind to one another.Readers will come away with the message: "You should always be kind to those who are different from you. Because to them, YOU are different too."As more children read this book and learn this concept, we can impact the world in a positive way while at the same time teach early literacy. This non-fiction book closes with a short survey for children about kindness and is a terrific way to help you start an age appropriate conversation about diversity.It's OK to be Different is a kid's book that belongs in children's book libraries alongside other popular children's books like Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown because of the simplicity of the rhymes, the detailed illustrations and its uniquely powerful message about kindness and diversity.Themes represented in this book include diversity, kindness, anti-bullying, racism, disabilities and special needs. So if you're looking for a diverse book for kids that can start an important conversation at an early age, you've found it.So, if you are looking for a good children's book for kids 2-4 or 3-5, or even children 6-8 with special needs, this colourful rhyming picture book is a great choice. And don't be surprised if it quickly becomes a favourite they ask to read again and again.One parent left a reader review that said: "Amazing. This really helped my child become more confident. I am really happy with how this book improved how she thinks about herself." It's OK to be Different is all about showing children that the things that make them different are the very things that make them, them. We are all human, but we are not all the same and the things that make us different are the things that make us, unique.It's the perfect gift book for both boys and girls preschool through grade 3. It helps parents and eduators start an age appropriate conversation about race, special needs and other ways adults and children are diverse.NOTE: The paperback, kindle editions were updated July 2020 and the hardcover was updated in August 2020. The updates included a dedicated dedication page and a few revised illustrations. This title is also able in the following additional languages: Spanish, French and German and Hindi.Other Works by this author include: The Wonder of Thunder, and Kids Say and Do the Darndest Things (a parenting journal designed to capture all the crazy, silly, funny, serious and hilarious stuff your kid says and does. Kids Say and Do the Darndest Things is an interactive parenting journal with large fun speech bubbles, questions to ask your child and plenty of lined space for capturing all the greatest moments.) Click on the authors name at the top of this page to find titles from this author. Read more

Jacqueline Woodson's National Book Award and Newbery Honor winner is a powerful memoir that tells the moving story of her childhood in mesmerizing verse.A President Obama "O" Book Club pickRaised in South Carolina and New York, Woodson always felt halfway home in each place. In vivid poems, she shares what it was like to grow up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s, living with the remnants of Jim Crow and her growing awareness of the Civil Rights movement. Touching and powerful, each poem is both accessible and emotionally charged, each line a glimpse into a child’s soul as she searches for her place in the world. Woodson’s eloquent poetry also reflects the joy of finding her voice through writing stories, despite the fact that she struggled with reading as a child. Her love of stories inspired her and stayed with her, creating the first sparks of the gifted writer she was to become.Includes 7 additional poems, including "Brown Girl Dreaming." Praise for Jacqueline Woodson:"Ms. Woodson writes with a sure understanding of the thoughts of young people, offering a poetic, eloquent narrative that is not simply a story . . . but a mature exploration of grown-up issues and self-discovery.”—The New York Times Book Review Read more

Shares with children that being bilingual is a superpower.Spanish is My Superpower takes an empathetic approach to being bilingual and teaches children how amazing and unique it is to be able to speak more than one language. Told from childrens' perspective, this story provides parents, teachers, and counselors with an entertaining way to teach children the value of speaking Spanish and being bilingual.I used to be afraid that speaking SpanishMade me different and stand out.But I’ve learned to be proud of my heritageBecause it’s what I’m all about!Look for more in this series, Teacher Tools, and visit the author's profile to find out about new titles and offerings. Read more

As a kid, Jackie Robinson loved sports. And why not? He was a natural at football, basketball, and, of course, baseball. But beyond athletic skill, it was his strength of character that secured his place in sports history. In 1947 Jackie joined the Brooklyn Dodgers, breaking the long-time color barrier in major league baseball. It was tough being first- not only did "fans" send hate mail but some of his own teammates refused to accept him. Here is an inspiring sports biography, with black-and-white illustrations throughout. Read more

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER B is for Beautiful, Brave, and Bright! And for a Book that takes a Bold journey through the alphabet of Black history and culture.   Letter by letter, The ABCs of Black History celebrates a story that spans continents and centuries, triumph and heartbreak, creativity and joy.   It’s a story of big ideas––P is for Power, S is for Science and Soul. Of significant moments––G is for Great Migration. Of iconic figures––H is for Zora Neale Hurston, X is for Malcom X. It’s an ABC book like no other, and a story of hope and love. In addition to rhyming text, the book includes back matter with information on the events, places, and people mentioned in the poem, from Mae Jemison to W. E. B. Du Bois, Fannie Lou Hamer to Sam Cooke, and the Little Rock Nine to DJ Kool Herc.   Read more

Born a slave in Maryland, Harriet Tubman knew first-hand what it meant to be someone's property; she was whipped by owners and almost killed by an overseer. It was from other field hands that she first heard about the Underground Railroad which she travelled by herself north to Philadelphia. Throughout her long life (she died at the age of ninety-two) and long after the Civil War brought an end to slavery, this amazing woman was proof of what just one person can do. Read more

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The story of a poor boy from Brazil who became the greatest soccer player of all time and one of the most important athletes of the twentieth century!His parents may have named him Edson Arantes do Nascimento, but to the rest of the world, he was known as Pelé. The soccer forward stunned Brazil when he began playing for the Santos soccer club at age fifteen. He then went on to captivate the world when he joined his country's national soccer team and helped them win three World Cup championships. Although he was hailed as a national hero for his accomplishments in soccer, Pelé was also an influential person both on and off the pitch. His work with organizations like UNICEF helped improve conditions for children around the world. Young readers can learn more about the man who connected soccer with the phrase "The Beautiful Game." Read more

National Book Award–winning and #1 New York Times–bestselling author Dr. Ibram X. Kendi brings a global icon to life in the first major biography of Malcolm X for young people in more than thirty years--perfect for fans of blockbuster hit STAMPED: A REMIX with Jason Reynolds.As a youth, Malcolm endured violence, loss, hunger, foster care, racism, and being incarcerated. He emerged from it all to make a lasting impact. As a Black Muslim. As a family man. As a revolutionary. Malcolm’s life story shows the promise of every human being. Of you!To trace Malcolm’s childhood and adult years, Kendi draws on Malcolm’s stirring oratory style, using repetition and rhetoric. Short, swift chapters echo Malcolm’s trademark fast walk. An abundance of never-before-published letters, notes, flyers, photos, extensive source notes, and more give young readers a front-row seat to his life.One hundred years after his birth in 1925, Malcolm’s antiracist legacy lives on in this thoughtful and accessible must-read for all people. For you!Just like history, Malcolm lives. Read more

We are resilience. We are hope. We are dreamers.   Yuyi Morales brought her hopes, her passion, her strength, and her stories with her, when she came to the United States in 1994 with her infant son. She left behind nearly everything she owned, but she didn't come empty-handed. Dreamers is a celebration of making your home with the things you always carry: your resilience, your dreams, your hopes and history. It's the story of finding your way in a new place, of navigating an unfamiliar world and finding the best parts of it. In dark times, it's a promise that you can make better tomorrows.   This lovingly-illustrated picture book memoir looks at the myriad gifts migrantes bring with them when they leave their homes. It's a story about family. And it's a story to remind us that we are all dreamers, bringing our own strengths wherever we roam. Beautiful and powerful at any time but given particular urgency as the status of our own Dreamers becomes uncertain, this is a story that is both topical and timeless. The lyrical text is complemented by sumptuously detailed illustrations, rich in symbolism. Also included are a brief autobiographical essay about Yuyi's own experience, a list of books that inspired her (and still do), and a description of the beautiful images, textures, and mementos she used to create this book. A parallel Spanish-language edition, Soñadores, is also available.   Winner of the Pura Belpré Illustrator Award! A New York Times / New York Public Library Best Illustrated BookA New York Times BestsellerRecipient of the Flora Stieglitz Strauss AwardA 2019 Boston Globe - Horn Book Honor RecipientAn Anna Dewdney Read Together Honor BookNamed a Best Book of 2018 by Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, Shelf Awareness, NPR, the Boston Globe, the Chicago Tribune, Salon.com-- and many more!A Junior Library Guild selectionA Eureka! Nonfiction HonoreeA Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Blue Ribbon titleA Bank Street Best Children's Book of the YearA CLA Notable Children's Book in Language ArtsSelected for the CBC Champions of Change Showcase Read more

The perfect primer for kids ages 8-12, A Child's Introduction to Asian American and Pacific Islander History is packed with remarkable stories, groundbreaking events, and inspirational people, that have made a lasting impact on the history and culture of the United States. The latest entry in the award-winning Child’s Introduction series is an inspirational and essential look at the impact and influence that AAPI peoples have made to the culture of the United States. The book is packed with profiles of dozens of AAPI trailblazers from from all walks of life, including political activist Grace Lee Boggs, Vice President Kamala Harris, actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and dozens of others who have made contributions to music, food, sciences, technology, and more. Kids will learn key terms like "Asian American" and "Pacific Islander," how to pronounce common Asian names,  and the discrimination members of the community have faced (and continue to face). They will be introduced to a wide variety of traditions, from Diwali to Lunar New Year and signature dishes, like poi and pho, all giving greater visibility to Asian Americans for young learners.    Featuring charming illustrations and a lively design, as well as a pull-out poster, A Child's Introduction to Asian American and Pacific Islander History is much-needed addition every home library and classroom.     Read more

The #1 New York Times bestseller!This chapter book edition of the #1 New York Times bestseller by luminaries Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds is an essential introduction to the history of racism and antiracism in America RACE. Uh-oh. The R-word. But actually talking about race is one of the most important things to learn how to do.Adapted from the groundbreaking bestseller Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You, this book takes readers on a journey from present to past and back again. Kids will discover where racist ideas came from, identify how they impact America today, and meet those who have fought racism with antiracism. Along the way, they’ll learn how to identify and stamp out racist thoughts in their own lives.  Ibram X. Kendi’s research, Jason Reynolds’s and Sonja Cherry-Paul’s writing, and Rachelle Baker’s art come together in this vital read, enhanced with a glossary, timeline, and more. Read more