First Published African American Poet (1798-1884)

“A plausible, powerful vision of ingenuity and daring in action.” ―Publishers Weekly

The son of an enslaved blacksmith learns that his father is using the rhythm of his hammering to communicate with travelers on the Underground Railroad. When Pa falls ill, it is up to him to help others along the journey―and also lead his family’s escape. This powerful story of rhythm and craft in nineteenth century America features beautiful oil paintings and back matter that includes more information about the Underground Railroad.

Father of the Underground Railroad (1821-1902)

★ “An illuminating picture book biography of a lesser-known hero.” —Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

The son of former slaves, William Still was motivated by his own family’s experience to collect the stories of thousands of other freedom seekers. As a result, he was able to reunite other families and build a remarkable source of information. Award-winning author-illustrator Don Tate brings to life the incredible true story of William Still. Tate’s powerful words and artwork are sure to inspire young readers in this first-ever picture book biography of the Father of the Underground Railroad.

Journalist and Civil Rights Activist (1862-1931)

★ “Alcorn’s striking, symbol-infused hand-colored prints on creamy vellum get star billing… Author notes, a timeline and more enhance this age-appropriate introduction to difficult issues and the woman who educated the world about them.” ―Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

Blessed with a strong will, an eager mind, and a deep belief in America’s promise of “freedom and justice for all,” Ida B. Wells held her family together, defied society’s conventions, and spoke against injustice. But how could one headstrong young woman help free America from the looming “shadow of lawlessness”? Author Philip Dray tells the inspirational story of Ida B. Wells and her lifelong commitment to end injustice. Award-winning illustrator Stephen Alcorn’s remarkable illustrations recreate the tensions that threatened to upend a nation while paying tribute to a courageous American hero.

Stories of the Civil War (1864)

“At the core of this stirring historical novel is the question of what freedom means…The boy’s first-person, present-tense narrative brings close the thrilling horse racing—on the plantation, at the race course, and in the war—and the African American history in all its complexity.” ―Booklist

Twelve-year-old Gabriel loves to help his father care for the thoroughbred racehorses on Master Giles’s farm. But when Gabriel’s father enlists in a Colored Battalion, it is up to Gabriel to protect the horses and keep them safely out of the clutches of Confederate raiders. Alison Hart mines the complex relationships of the Civil War in this gripping work of historical fiction. Young readers will experience the danger and drama of a time when war split the country and human beings were segregated into owner and owned based on the color of their skin.

Father of Black History Month (1875-1950)

“An important and inspiring tale well told.” ―Kirkus Reviews

Carter G. Woodson’s father believed in being an informed citizen, so Carter read the newspaper to him every day. As a teenager, Carter read to other workers in the coal mines and researched and found more information on the subjects that interested him. “My interest in penetrating the past of my people was deepened,” Carter wrote. His journey would take him many more years, traveling around the world and transforming the way people thought about history. This first-ever picture book biography of Carter G. Woodson emphasizes the importance of pursuing curiosity and encouraging a hunger for knowledge of stories and histories that have not been told.

Discovery of the North Pole (1909)

“Henson’s story is dramatic, although the narrative voice is soft as velvet, while Stephen Alcorn’s artwork appears both washed in bitter cold and defrosted by its hand-tinted quality.” ―Kirkus Reviews

Matthew Henson was born just after the Civil War, a time when slavery had been abolished, but few opportunities were available for black people despite Henson’s yearning for adventure. But in 1909, Admiral Robert Peary invited Henson to join an expedition to the North Pole, and on April 1, Peary, Henson, and four Inuit men began the final 133-mile push to the Pole. Award-winning author Deborah Hopkinson pays tribute to a great but under-recognized figure from America’s past in this remarkable story. Excerpts from Henson’s expedition diaries, a time line, and an epilogue place the story in its historical context.

Civil Rights Activists (1939)

“Brings deserved attention to Chapman and underscores the very worthwhile message that one does not need to be a star to make a difference.” ―Kirkus Reviews

On Easter Sunday 1939, thanks to Oscar Chapman, Marian Anderson performed at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial for a crowd of over 75,000 people. Chapman had helped produce a landmark concert that―for at least one evening―bridged the color divide to bring a city and much of the nation together. Author Deborah Hopkinson tells the inspirational story of Oscar Chapman’s lifelong commitment to ending bigotry, and Leonard Jenkins’s remarkable illustrations recreate a bygone era and pay tribute to a magical, little-known moment in modern history. An author’s note provides additional historical context.

Tribute to First Black Player in Major League Baseball (1947)

“An affecting tribute to Robinson, to a dedicated son and to a thoughtful, deep-feeling father. And, of course, to baseball.” ―Publishers Weekly

It is the summer of 1947 and a highly charged baseball season is underway in New York. Jackie Robinson is the new first baseman for the Brooklyn Dodgers―and the first black player in Major League Baseball. A young boy listens eagerly to the Dodgers games on the radio until one day, his father delivers some big news: they are going to Ebbets Field to watch Jackie play! Author Myron Uhlberg and illustrator Colin Bootman offer a nostalgic look back at 1947 and capture the excitement of an entire city as Robinson and the Dodgers won the long-awaited pennant, and brought an entire New York community together for one magical summer.

Civil Rights Activists (1963)

★ “A moving record of young people rising at a pivotal historical moment, based on original interviews and archival research as well as published sources.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

We’ve Got a Job tells the little-known story of the 4,000 Black elementary, middle, and high school students who answered Dr. Martin Luther King’s call to “fill the jails.” Between May 2 and May 11, 1963, these young people voluntarily went to jail, drawing national attention to the cause, helping bring about the repeal of segregation laws, and inspiring thousands of other young people to demand their rights. Combining extensive research and in-depth interviews with protesters, award-winning author Cynthia Levinson recreates the events of the Birmingham Children’s March from a new and very personal perspective. Archival photography and informational sidebars throughout. Backmatter includes an afterword, author’s note, timeline, map, and bibliography.

A Celebration of Black Families (2000’s)

★ “A warm, loving, necessary reminder of the power in families coming together.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

Down home is Granny’s house. Down home is where Lil Alan and his parents and sister will gather with great-grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Down home is where Lil Alan will hear stories of the ancestors and visit the land that has meant so much to all of them. And down home is where all of the children will find their special way to pay tribute to their family history, but what will Lil Alan do? Kelly Starling Lyons’ eloquent text explores the power of history and family traditions, and stunning illustrations by Coretta Scott King Honor- and Caldecott Honor-winner Daniel Minter reveal the motion and connections in a large, multi-generational family.

This summer, we’ve read about visiting space, a brave world traveler, and a canine member of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Now, keep the summer of exploration going with an eighteen-year-long voyage to the North Pole! Accompany Matthew Henson on his many adventures, including years spent traveling the world on the open ocean before his great excursion to the top of the world with Admiral Robert E. Peary.

Keep On! The Story of Matthew Henson, Co-Discoverer of the North Pole, follows Matthew and Robert on their ambitious quest to be the first men to stand on top of the world. The journey for Robert and Matthew was not easy, but despite facing terribly harsh weather conditions and an endless road to the North Pole, Matthew and his companions never gave up on their goal. They continued to persevere until they planted their flag in the icy ground of the top of the Pole. Add Keep On! to your summer reading list, and you, too, can learn the most important lesson for an adventurer: to simply keep on.

Author Deborah Hopkinson’s exciting and detailed account of this incredible story accompanies actual excerpts from Matthew’s expedition diaries, a timeline of Matthew’s life, and an author’s note detailing the racial prejudice Matthew was forced to overcome in addition to the difficult journey of his final expedition. Stephen Alcorn’s beautiful ink-and-watercolor illustrations provide expertly-designed snapshots of Matthew’s adventures.

In addition to the resources Hopkinson provides in Keep On!, readers can check out this free downloadable teacher’s guide to further explore Matthew’s thrilling and important story.

Also, be sure to follow Peachtree on Instagram to enter the Keep On! giveaway that is happening this week!

“Sturdy prose…stylized illustrations range from images of classic Americana to organic figures in motion…” ―Publishers Weekly

“Henson’s story is dramatic, although the narrative voice is soft as velvet, while Stephen Alcorn’s artwork appears both washed in bitter cold and defrosted by its hand-tinted quality.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Strikingly illustrated…articulate and straightforward prose…” ―School Library Journal

The summer of exploration continues! After space adventures and a daring trip around the world, keep exploring with Seaman, a fictionalized biography of Lewis and Clark’s journey that introduces the faithful four-legged companion who joined Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on their famous westward expedition. Seaman may not have been the most famous member of the Corps of Discovery, but he was one of the earliest, and he was a comforting presence for all the men who had to leave their families behind for a chance at experiencing uncharted America.

Seaman: The Dog Who Explored the West with Lewis & Clark is a must-have for those wanting to fill their summer reading lists with adventure after adventure. Written accounts of the expedition from Lewis detail many of his and Seaman’s experiences, showing just how important the Newfoundland dog was to the explorer and the rest of his crew. This summer reading book will have readers feeling like part of the Corps of Discovery as they read about all the excitement and danger Seaman and the rest of the group faced on their journey across America.

Gail Langer Karwoski’s exciting work of historical fiction comes alive with the help of James Watling’s effective pencil sketches of the equally thrilling and terrifying experiences of the Corps of Discovery. Drawing inspiration from Lewis’ actual diary entries from his expedition, Karwoski presents a clear picture of what it was like to venture into the unexplored parts of America following the Louisiana Purchase.

Just in case you can’t wait to pick up your own copy of Seaman to begin reading about his adventures, check out an excerpt of his story here. You can also do some extra adventuring of your own with this free teacher’s guide.

“James Watling’s many handsome, shaded-pencil drawings will help readers visualize the setting, hardships, and dramatic moments of the story; and two maps will enable them to follow the explorers’ route. An effective, fictional introduction to the Lewis and Clark expedition.” ―Booklist

“Once young readers begin this fictional account of the dog’s role in the expedition, they will be caught up in the drama and action and even reluctant readers will find it just too good to put down.” ―School Library Journal

“In this well-researched and finely written book for young readers, Gail Karwoski brings the story back to life through the expedition’s most unlikely and endearing hero… Seaman, the first dog to cross the continent.” ―Dayton Duncan, co-author with Ken Burns of Lewis and Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery

Find your copy of Seaman at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble!

This stirring fictional account of the infamous San Francisco earthquake of 1906 begins before daybreak on the fateful day. Jacob Kaufman slips out of the wooden boarding house where he lives with his immigrant father and little sister Rosie, and suddenly the ground beneath his feet begins to rumble. Buildings collapse and the street splits wide open as Jacob runs to find safety. Fires engulf the city. He returns home hoping to find his father and sister, but there is nothing left of the building but a pile of sticks. Jacob and his dog join the throng of other people searching for shelter, food, fresh water, and loved ones who are missing.

Gail Langer Karwoski’s Author’s Note in the back of the book carefully separates fact from fiction, giving young readers a glimpse into one of the worst earthquakes in modern history.

Read an excerpt and take a look at the Teacher’s Guide for summer book club discussion questions and activity ideas!

Get Quake! from your indie bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon! For more reading suggestions this summer, check out our summertime reading and summer-themed round-ups.

Told from the perspective of Darling, a dog living during World War I, this wartime adventure begins when the British military asks for dogs to help the war effort, and Darling’s family reluctantly sends her to be trained as a mercy dog. Through gunfire and poisonous gases, it’s Darling’s job to find injured soldiers on the battlefield and fetch help from the medics. After saving the lives of numerous soldiers, Darling suddenly finds herself in need of rescue. Will she ever make it back to England?

Pa works hard as a blacksmith. But he’s got another important job to do as well: using his anvil to pound out the traveling rhythm—a message to travelers on the Underground Railroad. His son wants to help, but Pa keeps putting him off. Then one day, Pa falls ill and the boy has to take over.

Inspired by tales of communication on the Underground Railroad, author Elizabeth Van Steenwyk presents a powerful story of rhythm and craft in nineteenth century America—with beautiful oil paintings by illustrator Anna Rich and back matter that includes more information about the Underground Railroad. Blacksmith’s Song offers a unique angle on the folklore of the secret communication channels between slaves as they traveled towards freedom.

“An intriguing new angle on an important story.” —Kirkus Reviews

“A plausible, powerful vision of ingenuity and daring in action.” —Publishers Weekly

“A shadowy color palette situates the narrative in the twilight and moonlit hours, perfectly complementing the suspense of the plot…. Ending on a hopeful note, the book brings this piece of hidden history to life.” —Booklist

“Inspired by tales of the Underground Railroad and its innovative methods of communication, a perilous story of courage and cunning unfolds…”
—Foreword Reviews

“The design of every spread lends itself well to an oral reading or presentation, which would serve as a stimulus for more in-depth information or discussion on the topics of slavery and the Civil War….a welcome addition to an introduction of the Underground Railroad.”
—School Library Connection

Blacksmiths are craftsmen who create objects from iron or steel and produce items like tools, weapons, furniture, railings, and gates. Blacksmithing has been around since humans have been using metals to create. And if you have ever watched a blacksmith at work, or heard the sound of hammer hitting anvil in a repeated pattern, you will notice the musicality of the sound as well as the art behind the craft. Some of the tools are very heavy, and it requires a lot of skill and muscle to shape hot metal.

Although Blacksmith’s Song is a historical fiction story, many slaves did work as blacksmiths. One such example is James W. C. Pennington, who was enslaved on a Maryland plantation, but eventually escaped and made his way north alone. Living as a free man, he became the first African American to take classes at Yale University, became a minister, and dedicated his life to the abolition of slavery. Pennington wrote and published The Origin and History of the Colored People, which is considered the first history of African Americans in the United States. His memoir The Fugitive Blacksmith was published in 1849. (You can read it in its entirety here, or the summary here.)

While there is no hard evidence that enslaved people used blacksmithing as a method of communicating for travelers on the Underground Railroad, Blacksmith’s Song is just one example of the many different stories surrounding  communication on the Underground Railroad. For some great book pairings, as well as more resources and information about communication on the Underground Railroad and the significance of this folklore, check out the links below.

Blacksmith’s Song Book Pairings

2017 Holiday Gift Guide

To: The Budding Activist

Books inspire so many different things in young readers: creativity, kindness, curiosity. Foster your child’s passion for community, the environment, and making a difference in the world! Give a special gift to the “budding activist” in your life and alleviate the shopping stress by checking off one of these titles on that holiday list! From offering kindness and lending a helping hand to protecting wildlife, these stories are sure to encourage the incredible power of activism in young readers.

Flowers for Sarajevo 

 

Drasko is happy to help his father with his flower stand in the Sarajevo marketplace. But war is encroaching, and Drasko must run the stand alone. One morning, a nearby bakery is bombed and twenty-two people are killed. The next day Drasko witnesses a cellist walk to the bombsite and play the most heartbreaking music anyone can imagine. The cellist returns for twenty-two days, one day for each victim of the bombing. Inspired by the cellist’s actions, Drasko also seeks a way to help restore beauty in his city in the face of violence.

Based on true events of the Bosnian War, John McCutcheon delivers a powerful and uplifting tale of a young boy who acts to affect change. There is always a way to be a hero, no matter how big or small! In addition, enjoy the included CD in which cellist Vedran Smailovic accompanies McCutcheon and performs the song he played in 1992 to honor those who died in the Sarajevo mortar blast. This hopeful story will surely inspire the  social activist on your gift list this holiday season.

Read an excerpt here and listen to a sample clip of John McCutcheon’s original song “Streets of Sarajevo.”

Dangerous Jane

Jane’s heart always ached for those who are less fortunate and knew she wanted to help somehow. “So Jane promised herself—when she grew up, she would buy a big house to share with people in need.” And she did! In Chicago, Jane established the Hull House, where people could come and receive schooling, childcare, work, friendship, and hope. But with the threat of World War I in Europe looming, what could Jane do to stop a war?

Read all about Jane Addams’s inspiring actions in Suzanne Slade’s energetic and heartening picture book biography. While Jane’s world efforts for peace won her the title “Most Dangerous Woman in America” by the FBI, she eventually became the first American woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. This read will truly change the way the young reader in your life thinks about the impact of generosity and kindness!

Read an excerpt here and download a free poster!

Night of the Spadefoot Toads

When his father takes a new job in Massachusetts, Ben must leave behind his best friend Tony, a western banded gecko named Lenny, and worst of all, the Arizona desert home he has loved and explored. Having trouble finding his place in a new school, Ben enters into an unlikely friendship with his eccentric fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Tibbets, who owns land that is home to the rare and elusive Eastern spadefoot toads. When Ben learns developers have bought the property, he realizes he must do something to save the toads. Even the smallest efforts can make a difference.

This environmentally minded middle grade novel, a recipient of the Green Earth Book Award, comes from renowned storyteller and two-time Grammy Award winner Bill Harley. Harley’s delightful story explores the powerful impact of our actions on the world around us. What a wonderful way to satisfy and motivate the aspiring environmentalist on your holiday list!

Read an excerpt here.

We’ve Got a Job: The 1963 Birmingham Children’s March

This thorough and thought-provoking book tells the little-known story of the 4,000 black elementary, middle, and high school students who voluntarily went to jail between May 2 and May 11, 1963 as part of the 1963 Birmingham Children’s March. These children had succeeded—where adults had failed—in desegregating one the most violent cities in America. Though it seemed all odds were against them, these children were able to cause major change!

Author Cynthia Levinson’s extensive research and in-depth one-on-one interviews come together to offer a personal perspective of the Birmingham Children’s March. Levinson skillfully recreates the inspirational tale of four young people by shedding light on an lesser-known view of one of the most powerful moments during the civil rights movement. This book is perfect for budding activists looking for inspiration from actions of real children who made a difference in history.

Read an excerpt here and download a free poster!

Find these titles and more at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble. Still looking for more great ideas? Our 2017 Holiday Gift Guide has even more gift recommendations for your little readers this holiday season!

We’ve been publishing books with social justice themes for years, as a result of our collective perspective, interest, and our headquarters in Atlanta, which is home to a long history of activism and civil rights icons. We’re proud of these works, and as we mark our 40th year of business, they’re needed more now then ever before. This is just a small snapshot.

Marching with Aunt Susan

Inspired by the diary of the real Bessie Keith Pond, a ten-year-old girl who lived in California during the suffrage campaign, author Claire Rudolf Murphy and illustrator Stacey Schuett offer a thought-provoking introduction to the fight for women’s rights. A story of hope and determination, reminding readers that society cannot evolve unless people—even young people—dare to take a stand.

Dangerous Jane

Coming this September, this energetic and inspiring picture book biography of activist Jane Addams focuses on the peace work that won her the Nobel Peace Prize. Suzanne Slade’s powerful text written in free verse illuminates the life of this inspiring figure while Alice Ratterree’s stunning illustrations bring Jane Addam’s and her world to life.

Flowers for Sarajevo

Young Drasko is happy working with his father in the Sarajevo market. Then war encroaches. Drasko must run the family flower stand alone. Based on real events of the Bosnian War, award-winning songwriter and storyteller John McCutcheon tells the uplifting story of the power of beauty in the face of violence and suffering.

14 Cows for America

This New York Times best seller recounts the true story from Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah of a touching gift bestowed upon the United States by a tribe of Maasai Warriors in the wake of the September 11th attacks. With the stunning paintings by Thomas Gonzalez, master storyteller Carmen Agra Deedy hits all the right notes in this elegant story of generosity that crosses boundaries, nations, and cultures.

We’ve Got a Job

In the 1963 Birmingham Children’s March, the fight for civil rights lay in the hands of children like Audrey Hendricks, Wash Booker, James Stewart, and Arnetta Streeter. The children succeeded—where adults had failed—in desegregating one of the most racially violent cities in America. By combining in-depth, one-on-one interviews and extensive research, author Cynthia Levinson recreates the events of the Birmingham Children’s March from a new and very personal perspective.

Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells

In 1863 the Emancipation Proclamation freed Ida B. Wells from the bond of slavery. Blessed with a strong will, an eager mind, and a deep belief in America’s promise of “freedom and justice for all,” young Ida held her family together, defied society’s conventions, and used her position as a journalist to speak against injustice. Philip Dray tells the inspirational story of Ida B. Wells and her lifelong commitment to end injustice. Award-winning illustrator Stephen Alcorn’s remarkable illustrations recreate the tensions that threatened to upend a nation while paying tribute to a courageous American hero.

A Storm Called Katrina

A moving story of the effects of Hurricane Katrina on the people of New Orleans, as seen through the eyes of a ten-year-old boy. Myron Uhlberg highlights resilience and hope throughout this sensitively portrayed fictional story based on the real events of Hurricane Katrina. Colin Bootman’s illustrations enhance the warmth and strength of the young narrator’s family as they work through such a great tragedy.

The Yellow Star

For centuries, the Star of David was a symbol of Jewish pride. But during World War II, Nazis used the star to segregate and terrorize the Jewish people. Except in Denmark. When Nazi soldiers occupied his country, King Christian X of Denmark committed himself to keeping all Danes safe from harm. New York Times best-selling author and storyteller Carmen Agra Deedy has poignantly recreated this legend, which is accompanied by Danish illustrator Henri Sørensen’s arresting full-color portraits. The result is a powerful and dignified story of heroic justice, a story for all people and all times.

To see all related titles, please visit our Edelweiss Catalog.

Check out more Peachtree reading round-ups:8 Books to Celebrate Women in HistoryReading Around the World: Books That Cross Borders

Today is International Children’s Book Day! Since 1967, we have used Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday to celebrate children’s books and inspire a love of reading throughout the world. And because tomorrow kicks off this year’s Bologna Children’s Book Fair, we wanted to take the opportunity to celebrate some Peachtree books that are read in other countries. With strong universal themes and experiences that children can relate to, regardless of country or culture, these books can be enjoyed not only in English, but in languages from around the world.

Madeline Finn and the Library Dog
Themes: Dogs, Friendship, Libraries, Reading
Age Range: 4–8

“It’s fun to read when you’re not afraid of making mistakes. Bonnie teaches me that it’s okay to go slow, and to keep trying.”

Bonnie and Madeline Finn have reached more countries in more languages (about 19 so far) than any of the other books on our list. Not only have the adorable illustrations pulled at heartstrings around the world, we believe every reader that comes to this story who has experienced the joy books can bring wants to spread that experience, that feeling, to anyone reluctant or worried about reading. Everyone needs to be reminded to keep trying.

The Yellow Star
Themes: Courage, Responsibility, WWII
Age Range: 8–12

“What if the good and strong people of the world stood shoulder to shoulder, crowding the streets and filling the squares, saying, ‘You cannot do this injustice to our sisters and brothers, or you must do it to us as well.'”

Carmen Agra Deedy, author of The Yellow Star, asks a question in her author’s note that is, without a doubt, the driving reason that her beautiful story of unity and hope in the face of hatred has reached hearts and minds around the world. It also helps that Yellow Star won the Bologna Ragazzi Award for Children’s Non-Fiction, which honors the best graphic and editorial production in children’s literature internationally.

 

The Cheshire Cheese Cat
Themes: Charles Dickens, Friendship, Loyalty
Age Range: 8–12

“He was the best of toms. He was the worst of toms.”

Skilley, an alley cat with a terrible secret, and Pip, the resident mouse at a popular public house, have romped around the world in this Dickens of a tale. The engaging, page-turning action of this story gives it the feel of a classic novel, aside from its references to Charles Dickens’s classic works, and its strong themes of loyalty and friendship make it universally appealing to anyone looking for a good read.

Star Gazer
Themes: Hard Work, Horses, Patience
Age Range: 8–12

New in town but ready to dive headlong into the more rural culture of Southern Michigan, Jordan is a character to whom, as the theme is here, many around the world have been able to relate. Chris Platt, author of Star Gazer and multiple other middle grade novels, focuses on friendship, horses, and the impact of both on young people. These themes cross borders and languages despite the American setting.

Do You Know the Monkey Man?
Themes: Divorce, Family, Mystery, Siblings
Age Range: 10–14

When Samantha discovers a family secret, her fateful decisions set into motion a chain of events and confrontations that will change her family’s lives forever. Dori Butler’s suspenseful and sensitive story of a broken family and everything it takes for a young girl to face the truth has been translated for young readers from cultures around the world.

For pioneers in the Midwest, planting trees was incredibly important for fuel, building materials, and even just having some shade amidst all the flat plains. On the first Arbor Day, it is believed that over one million trees were planted in Nebraska. Now, National Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday of April, but each state has its own special Arbor Day to plant trees at the most opportune time for their growth and health.

If you are interested in the history of Arbor Day and the story of J. Sterling Morton, you can find out more here. If you want to get involved with Arbor Day in your own state or town, learn about planting and growing trees here. To see when your state celebrates Arbor Day, check out this map. Keep in mind that for many Southern states, state Arbor Day is celebrated earlier in the year!

Arbor Day Square is a great book to teach your child the importance of helping the environment, and it also comes with the additional free resource of a teacher’s guide.

Katie and her papa are among a group of settlers building a town in the middle of the dusty, brown prairie. Every week the trains bring more people and more lumber to build houses, fences, and barns. New buildings go up including a church with a steeple, a store with glass windows, even a schoolhouse with desks for all the children.

But one thing is missing: Trees!

When the townspeople take up a collection to order trees from back east, Katie adds her own pennies and Papa’s silver dollar. When the tiny saplings finally arrive, Katie helps dig holes and fetch water. Then in a quiet corner of the public square, Katie and Papa plant a flowering dogwood in memory of Mama.

Look for Arbor Day Square at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble.