To honor their persistence, bravery, and compassion, we have gathered a list of titles which highlight our history’s female legacy. Please feel free to share these stories with family and friends and any woman, young or old, who has inspired you to reach higher, go farther, and dream bigger.

Away with Words
The Daring Story of Isabella Bird
Written by Lori Mortensen
Illustrated by Kristy Caldwell

“Isabella Bird was like a wild vine stuck in a too-small pot. She needed more room. She had to get out. She had to explore.” This dashing picture book biography about the first female member of the Royal Geographical Society takes readers around the world with a daring nineteenth-century female explorer and bestselling author. Author Lori Mortensen even included quotes from Bird’s books sprinkled throughout the story! Check out the book trailer. For ideas of how to use the book in the classroom, check out the teacher’s guide.

Dangerous Jane
The Life and Times of Jane Addams, Crusader for Peace
Written by Suzanne Slade
Illustrated by Alice Ratterree

Eleanor’s Story
An American Girl in Hitler’s Germany
Written by Eleanor Ramrath Garner

Eleanor’s Story is the dramatic memoir of Eleanor Ramrath Garner’s youth, growing up as an American caught in World War II Berlin. It’s a story of trying to maintain stability, hope, and identity in a world of terror and contrasts. Throughout her work, Garner puts a very human face on the horrors of war and helps us understand that each casualty of war is a person, not a number. Read an excerpt here. Also check out the author Q&A and the discussion guide for more information.

It Can’t Be Done, Nellie Bly!
A Reporter’s Race Around the World
Written by Nancy Butcher
Illustrated by Jen Singh

This book tells the true story of Nellie Bly, a courageous newspaper reporter for the New York World, who decided to circle the globe in 1889 in less than eighty days. Equipped only with one sturdy travel dress and a small satchel, she has all kinds of incredible experiences―from surviving a monsoon at sea to visiting a leper colony in China. Bly’s indomitable spirit and love of adventure will inspire a new generation of young readers to defy the odds and attempt to do what many believe cannot be done.

Mind Your Manners, Alice Roosevelt!
Written by Leslie Kimmelman
Illustrated by Adam Gustavson

Alice Roosevelt was an independent, outspoken young woman during a time when women were supposed to be quiet and reserved. She flew in the face of convention at every turn, from riding a pig and keeping a pet snake to speeding through town in a new car. Her free-spirited antics, and rapier wit, drew the eyes and ears of the nation, inspiring many of its citizens to question their own definitions of womanhood.

Ladies First
Women Athletes Who Made a Difference
Written by Ken Rappoport

Margaret Mitchell & John Marsh
The Love Story Behind Gone With the Wind
by Marianne Walker

Based on almost 200 previously unpublished letters and extensive interviews with their closest associates, Walker’s biography of Margaret Mitchell and her husband, John Marsh, offers a new look into a devoted marriage and fascinating partnership that ultimately created a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. From years of meticulous research, Marianne Walker details the intimate and moving love story between a husband and wife, and between a writer and her editor. Read an excerpt here.

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.

During a pause in the conference, a few of us at Peachtree along with Don Tate and some of our industry friends had the pleasure of getting a personal guided tour of William Still’s handwritten records and other significant documents related to his abolition work.

Beth Twiss Houting, Senior Director of Programs and Services, and Melvin Garrison, former head of the Social Studies for the School District of Philadelphia (who helped make African- American history a mandatory part of the Philadelphia curriculum), introduced us to some amazing original documents, including William Still’s own handwritten notebook. Intriguingly, the handwritten journal is labeled “Journal C,” indicating that there might have been “A” and “B” journals, although those were not found.

We actually got to look through the journal and see Still’s own handwriting – an incredible experience. And as Don (carefully) flipped through the pages, he eventually found the passage about Harriet Tubman, which made it into Don’s picture book as the endpapers!

It was fascinating to see that pages in Still’s journal had pen slashes through them, which was probably his way of keeping track of which entries he put in his published book. As a publisher, we couldn’t help but appreciate that even Still was editing his own work to decide what from his notes should be kept for the published book.

We also looked at the published book The Underground Rail Road.

Don, who had reviewed the published book at the Free Library of Philadelphia when he was doing his research, asked why the published version we were looking at was different than the one he reviewed a while back. It turns out that Still had published different formats of his book with different casings and bindings to allow for different price points, making the book available for a wider range of people. So not only was Still an incredible note-taker and editor, but he was also a brilliant book production and marketing strategist!

Still was also a pioneering book publicist. He collected reviews and endorsements of his book from prominent figures, including William Lloyd Garrison, Senator Charles Sumner, and media outlets like the Philadelphia Inquirer and The Nation. He published these reviews and quotes in a “circular” to help market the book. He also hired his own sales force of men and women, Black and white people, to help sell the book.

Everyone who took part in the tour was very grateful not only to get an early introduction to Don’s book, but also to get an introduction to William Still (whom not many of us knew about before). It was such an honor to feel like we were part of the book’s research process, seeing historical artifacts that would eventually make it into William Still and His Freedom Stories. For all of us, being immersed in the history on display at the Historical Society really brought William Still and his work to life.

Introducing Young Readers to William Still: Resources and More

With the help of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, we are now able to use Still’s records to know what the Underground Railroad was like, helping further educate ourselves and future generations. On their website, The Historical Society provides a wealth of resources about William Still and the Underground Railroad, as well as lesson plans on how to include William Still and his work into classroom discussions.

The Historical Society has also been putting together an important digital history project, “Uncovering William Still’s Underground Railroad.” This project weaves new connections between the manuscript journal and the published book of William Still to help provide insight into the experiences of enslaved individuals and families who passed through Philadelphia between 1852 and 1857 as well as the covert networks that aided their escape. The first phase of the project includes an interactive website with tons of useful information  about the Underground Railroad.

The project also includes a relationships “social network,” connecting people William Still had written about in his journal with various people those freedom seekers knew or encountered. It includes a map of locations on the Underground Railroad that were described in Still’s journal.

These valuable resources would not have been available without Still’s stories. And without his stories, we might not know as much as we do about freedom seekers who escaped slavery or about the Underground Railroad and its success. William Still showed how important it is to tell stories. And now with Don Tate’s William Still and His Freedom Stories, young readers can learn about the incredible man known as the Father of the Underground Railroad.

Start young readers on their exploration of William Still and the Underground Railroad with Don Tate’s powerful picture book William Still and His Freedom Stories, available November 1st, and be sure to download the free teacher’s guide!

Dear Reader,

As a child, reading for the joy of reading was not a part of my everyday reality. Around the house we had a few Dr. Seuss books and Berenstain Bears, but sadly, we didn’t have many books that featured people who looked like me. We definitely didn’t have books written and/or illustrated by people who looked like me. Had those books existed, maybe the dream of becoming a published author would have happened way before I hit my mid-forties.

I became an avid reader as a young adult, after discovering classic Black authors like Richard Wright and Claude Brown, authors who wrote about Black boys. I also loved biographies, especially of Frederick Douglass and Malcolm X, and the more contemporary memoirs of Nathan McCall and Antwone Q. Fisher. These stories featuring Black men made me feel seen, valued, important, in ways that Dick and Jane simply did not.

Knowing about my love of biographies, a few years ago my mom mailed to me a copy of The Biographical Dictionary of Black Americans by Rachel Kranz. It was a battered old library book, something she likely discovered while rummaging at a garage sale. While reading the book one day, I came across the name of William Still, “leader of the Underground Railroad.” He was a free Black man who worked for the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society, assisting freedom-seeking people who were escaping their enslavers in the South. William Still eventually began to keep meticulous records about the freedom seekers who passed through his office, documenting their personal stories, with the goal of helping to reunite families torn apart by slavery. One of those stories included the harrowing escape of Henry “Box” Brown, who had mailed himself to freedom. There was the story of Harriet Tubman who arrived one night with six “passengers.” And the story of William and Ellen Craft, who escaped to the North in disguise. William Still hid those stories in a cemetery vault. Wow!—Thanks to my mom, I’d discovered the subject of my next book!

The more I researched and learned more about William Still, the more impressed I became. He was one of the most successful abolitionists of his time. He was a fighter for Civil Rights. He started a YMCA for Black kids. So why his relative obscurity? And why have I always associated the abolitionist movement with white people—most often, Quakers—and not free Black people, without whom the Underground Railroad could not have existed, much less been successful?

The Underground Railroad truly united Blacks and whites in a common cause—the liberation of enslaved Black people. But after slavery ended, many of those white abolitionists went on to publish idyllic stories about the Underground Railroad, centering themselves as the saviors and downplaying the contributions of Black people.

Let me say it again: the Underground Railroad could not have existed without the support of free Black people, Black churches, Black organizations. These stories went mostly untold.

I am proud to say that William Still and His Freedom Stories: The Father of the Underground Railroad is an #OwnVoices title—#OwnVoices being a social media hashtag which seeks to highlight the need for more authentic, diverse authors and stories that haven’t been filtered through the eyes of people who’ve not historically been marginalized. I wrote this book in the spirit of Frederick Douglass, Richard Wright, and Nathan McCall, with the hope that it will inspire young readers in the way these writers inspired me many years ago.

I want to thank you for your valuable time in reading my book, a story much bigger than I—or William Still, for that matter. And I hope you’ll want to share this important journey with young readers as much as I do.

Sincerely,

Don Tate

William Still and His Freedom Stories
The Father of the Underground Railroad
by Don Tate

William Still collected stories that reunited families separated by slavery and memorialized their courageous efforts to resist bondage. Now, it’s time to tell his story.

William Still may have been born free, but slavery and prejudice affected every aspect of his life. He had a yearning for knowledge and passion for helping people, but the color of his skin made it difficult to receive an education. Worst of all, his fugitive parents had to leave two sons behind when they escaped from a Maryland farm years before William was born, leaving a hole in his parents’ hearts.

Determined to rise above his circumstances, William moved to Philadelphia and landed a job at the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society where he became the Father of the Underground Railroad and helped freedom-seeking slaves pass through to the North. One day, a man came looking for information about his family who had escaped long ago. William felt like he had heard his story before, and this man did bear a striking resemblance to William’s mother…could it be?

Inspired by the reunion of his brother and family, William dedicated his life to collecting the stories and descriptions of fugitive slaves to help them locate their families—certainly at the risk of his own life. Read the exhilarating stories of Ellen and William Craft, who disguised themselves as a white slave master and servant, and Henry “Box” Brown, who shipped himself to Philadelphia by rail. Their stories paved the path to freedom, and their legacies have been preserved by William Still and now author Don Tate.

Don Tate, the award-winning author-illustrator of Poet: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton and illustrator of Carter Reads the Newspaper, brings you another moving nonfiction picture book highlighting a lesser-known historical hero. Tate’s poetic text offers a moving and age-appropriate account of the shocking realities of slavery and the abolitionist movement. His illustrations capture the hope, fear, and determination of these brave men and women. Perfect for educators and parents introducing topics of slavery and their oppression, William Still and His Freedom Stories is sure to inspire a rising generation of advocates and allies.

“Because that’s what stories can do.
Protest injustice.
Soothe. Teach. Inspire. Connect.
Stories save lives.”

Sneak a peek in this excerpt of the first-ever picture book biography of the Father of the Underground Railroad.

Educators—don’t miss this teacher’s guide with discussion ideas and class activities, and continue to inspire students with this downloadable “Stories save lives” poster!

“Tate’s sentences are often short, underscoring Still’s effort and drive; when they occasionally lengthen, they land with a punch… His paintings often likewise play out in vignettes that capture action over time then linger lovingly on the expressive faces of his characters. Brings deserved attention to the life of a man who dedicated himself to recording the lives of others.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“Gentle and straightforward prose… The text recounts the oppression and dehumanization of slavery but is not too graphic for the target age demographic…. Tate’s expressive, colorful illustrations work well with the text to convey this important part of American history…. This inspirational true story combines fact with a very readable narrative, spotlighting a pivotal figure in the abolitionist movement. A book that deserves a place on school and public library shelves.”—School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

Celebrate the men and women who fought for freedom and equality with William Still and His Freedom Stories this November at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble. And don’t forget to check out the rest of our brand-new Fall 2020 titles as well as our picture books and middle grade titles coming to Peachtree this season in paperback!

Away with Words
The Daring Story of Isabella Bird
by Lori Mortensen
illustrated by Kristy Caldwell

“Isabella Bird was like a wild vine stuck in a too-small pot. She needed more room. She had to get out. She had to explore.” But exploring was easier said than done in Victorian England. However, Isabella persisted, and journey by journey, question by question, word by word, Isabella bloomed. This dashing picture book biography about the first female member of the Royal Geographical Society takes readers around the world with a daring nineteenth-century female explorer and author. Kristy Caldwell’s detailed illustrations illuminate Bird’s travels around the world, and Lori Mortensen’s back matter, author’s note, and bibliography will satisfy the curiosity of readers who want to learn more.

Dangerous Jane
The Life and Times of Jane Addams, Crusader for Peace
by Suzanne Slade
illustrated by Alice Ratterree

From the time she was a child, Jane’s heart ached for others. At first the focus of her efforts was on poverty, and lead to the creation of Hull House, the settlement house she built in Chicago. For twenty-five years, she’d helped people from different countries live in peace at Hull House. But when war broke out, Jane decided to take on the world and become a dangerous woman for the sake of peace. Suzanne Slade’s powerful text written in free verse illuminates the life of this inspiring figure while Alice Ratterree’s stunning illustrations bring Jane Addams and her world to life.

Marching with Aunt Susan
by Claire Rudolf Murphy
illustrated by Stacey Schuett

All Bessie wants is to go hiking with her father and brothers. But it’s 1896, and girls don’t get to hike. They can’t vote either, which Bessie discovers when Susan B. Anthony comes to town to help lead the campaign for women’s suffrage. Stirred to action, Bessie joins the movement and discovers that small efforts can result in small changes—and maybe even big ones. 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 that reminds readers that society cannot evolve unless people—even young people—dare to take a stand.

Mind Your Manners, Alice Roosevelt!
by Leslie Kimmelman
illustrated by Adam Gustavson

The 26th president of the United States was a strong and clever man who could handle almost everything—except his eldest child, Alice. Alice Roosevelt was an independent, outspoken young woman during a time when women were supposed to be conventional and reserved. Whether it was riding a pig, keeping a pet snake, or driving a car—and speeding!—Alice did what she wanted.  Leslie Kimmelman brings readers a factual and affectionate look at the free spirit who caught the attention of a nation, and Adam Gustavson’s illustrations perfectly capture the strong personalities of the story’s characters.

Sweet Land of Liberty
by Deborah Hopkinson
illustrated by Leonard Jenkins

On Easter Sunday 1939, Marian Anderson performed at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial for a crowd of over 75,000 people. The person largely responsible for putting her there was a white man, Oscar Chapman, who 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. Award-winning author Deborah Hopkinson tells the inspirational story of Oscar Chapman’s lifelong commitment to ending bigotry, and illustrator Leonard Jenkins’s remarkable illustrations recreate a bygone era and pay tribute to remarkable real-life people and a magical moment in modern history.

Thanks to Frances Perkins
Fighter for Workers’ Rights
by Deborah Hopkinson
illustrated by Kristy Caldwell

After Frances Perkins witnessed the Triangle Waist Factory fire in 1911, she was forever changed. Frances decided to work to bring about new laws that would force employers to treat people better and make workplaces safer. When she became Secretary of Labor in Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s administration—the first woman cabinet member—Frances had the opportunity to make real her bold vision of Social Security and a country where no one was left out. Deborah Hopkinson’s energetic text and Kristy Caldwell’s appealing illustrations introduce readers to a fascinating woman who has changed many American lives.

Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells
The Daring Life of a Crusading Journalist
by Philip Dray
illustrated by Stephen Alcorn

In 1863, when Ida B. Wells was not yet two years old, the Emancipation Proclamation freed her 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. 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 illustrations recreate the tensions that threatened to upend a nation while paying tribute to a courageous American hero.

It Can’t Be Done, Nellie Bly
A Reporter’s Race Around the World
by Nancy Butcher
illustrated by Jen Singh

Nellie Bly was a newspaper reporter for The New York World, but instead of writing about “ladylike” subjects like tea parties and charity balls, Nellie wrote about the social problems of her day, like poor job conditions, dilapidated housing, and dishonest politicians. If someone told her “It can’t be done, Nellie Bly,” she went right ahead and did it anyway. But when Nellie read Jules Verne’s novel, Around the World in Eighty Days, she was inspired to circle the globe even faster herself. Did the plucky young reporter go too far? This delightful true story of a woman with an indomitable spirit will inspire a new generation of courageous young readers―and adventurers.

A couple Saturdays ago, I presented my forthcoming book, William Still and His Freedom Stories: The Father of the Underground Railroad  (Peachtree, November 2020), at the Dr. James Still Community Day event in Medford, New Jersey. Dr. James Still was an older brother of William Still, the subject of my book. It was the 150th Anniversary of this family reunion. Wow! What an honor to be part of an event that has been celebrated for so long and that has continued to highlight the amazing work the Still family has done over generations. It made my participation this year feel extra special.

Every year for the last 150 years, the Still family holds a family reunion there to celebrate their family legacy and to express pride in the family’s African-American history. Due to COVID-19, this year’s reunion was a little different, as it moved online and the invitation was extended to the public. But the purpose of the event stayed the same: to celebrate the Still family and the contributions they have made to their community, as well as to recognize the community help that has kept the Still family legacy alive. When I began to write and illustrate this book, I didn’t know about this annual event and could have never imagined being able to speak directly to William Still’s descendants about my research on their forefather, and the way the book will help introduce his story to thousands of children around the country. It’s very humbling.

The morning opened with Samuel C. Still III—family historian, Chairman of the Dr. James Still Education Center, and third great-grandson of Levin and Charity Still (William and Dr. James Still’s parents)—presenting the family history. He spoke about William Still’s work at the Anti-Slavery Society office alongside other abolitionists like Lucretia Mott and Thomas Garrett, and included the manumission document, an official paper that granted Levin Steel (later Levin Still) his freedom. This was a tension-filled scene that I covered in my book. Samuel Still also offered a virtual tour of the Dr. James Still Historic Office Site and Education Center, a historic site in Medford dedicated to teaching, restoring, and preserving the legacy of Dr. James Still. The site also offers information about William Still and other abolitionists. Other event presenters included Folk troubadour Valerie Vaughn, who crooned her original song “Son of Charity,” which honors William Still and his mother Charity (Sidney Steel) and tells about the harrowing night she escaped slavery with her two young girls; and herbalist Fran Polite, who shared an immune-boosting recipe reminiscent of Dr. James Still, known in the area as “The Black Doctor of the Pines.” The presentation ended with an archaeological discussion concerning the land near the Dr. James Still Historic Office Site and Education Center, which is undergoing renovation.

Following Valerie Vaughn’s musical presentation, I spoke about my inspiration behind writing a book about William Still, an unheralded hero whose story I felt needed to be told. I followed with a lively reading—all virtually from my home in Austin. It was such an honor to present to this historic family and all of the people who attended the virtual event. When I was invited to speak, I was nervous—I mean, this is the William Still family! I felt much better, however, following our rehearsal, when family members told me how much they loved the book. “I can tell you’ve done your research,” a teacher in the family told me proudly. I was only sorry that I could not physically put a copy of my book into the hands of all of the young Still family descendants. Sharing virtually, however, was the next best thing. Samuel Still called me later that day. I could hear so much emotion in his voice as he told me how much he loved my talk. “The family is still sending me texts and emails about wanting a copy of that book!” he said. I look forward to returning next year to celebrate the 151th anniversary.

We asked Deborah Hopkinson about her inspiration and writing process for Thanks to Frances Perkins, a fascinating, informative story.

Q: What inspired you to write Thanks to Frances Perkins? When did you first learn about Frances Perkins?

A: I first learned about Frances Perkins years ago while researching the Triangle Waist Company fire. I’ve always been struck by the way that event fueled her determination to reform working conditions in factories. It transformed her life—and ultimately the lives of generations of Americans. So when Margaret Quinlin and Kathy Landwehr at Peachtree mentioned that Frances Perkins would make an excellent subject for a picture book, I was delighted—she was already on my list.

Q: What part of the process is most exciting for you, researching or creative writing? Why?

A: That’s an easy one: I love research and often find it difficult not to put every fascinating tidbit I discover into a picture book.

Q: What is your research process like?

A: I try to rely on primary sources as much as possible. Many of the details for Thanks to Frances Perkins came from Frances’s 1946 book The Roosevelt I Knew, the excellent resources of the Frances Perkins Center, the Social Security website, and her speeches and talks.

Q: Did you learn anything interesting or surprising about Frances’s life that you didn’t get to include in the book?

A: Rather than a biography, this book focuses on Frances’s contributions as a public servant and seeks to introduce young readers to the concepts of financial literacy and the Social Security Act. So there are many aspects of Frances Perkins’s personal life that weren’t touched on, including her husband’s mental illness and her intimate relationship with Mary Harriman Rumsey.

Q: Are you drawn to specific events or people when brainstorming new stories about historical figures?

A: Actually, it’s both. I love fascinating stories behind past events and how experiences shaped people’s lives. I try to show that history is a web of interconnections, rather than a linear timeline of dates, presidents, and wars.

The tragic sight of young women plunging to their deaths after being locked in the factory during the Triangle fire in 1911 was a tipping point for shocked Americans. The event lifted the veil on unfair practices, like locking factory doors so workers could not get out. There were marches and rallies, an outpouring of grief and outrage, and a demand for lasting change. It was a tipping point we can perhaps understand more deeply now, in the spring and summer of 2020, as we try to come together as a nation to confront the horrific murder of George Floyd and the dire need to make lasting change to end racial violence and institutionalized racism.

On April 2, 1911, Frances Perkins attended a memorial rally where she heard Rose Schneiderman speak. It’s worth repeating some of Rose’s historic speech:

The strong hand of the law beats us back, when we rise, into the conditions that make life unbearable. I can’t talk fellowship to you who are gathered here. Too much blood has been spilled. I know from my experience it is up to the working people to save themselves. The only way they can save themselves is by a strong working-class movement.

Q: Frances had some pivotal experiences in her youth that inspired her to fight for workers’ rights. Did any childhood experiences help set you on your career path?

A: As a child, I felt apart from kids that were good at sports and more at ease socially. I’ve wanted to be a writer since the fourth grade. I remember feeling like I was missing out on something. The history textbooks were in dry, summary form. I wanted to know more about women in history and what life had been like for ordinary people.

Q: Frances would store her ideas on small slips of paper in her desk drawer until she compiled them in one long list of her bold ideas for change. Do you store away ideas for future projects like Frances did?

A: Absolutely! I don’t use small slips of paper, but I do keep lists on my computer of possible ideas and people. I’m drawn to anniversaries because I think it helps young readers begin to build historical context and a sense of when and how people lived in the past. This August is the 85th anniversary of the passage of the Social Security Act.

Q: What do you enjoy most about seeing your work come to life through illustrations? How did you react when you first saw Kristy Caldwell’s artistic interpretation of the story?

A: I love Kristy’s amazing illustrations and exuberant design. They are vibrant and exciting, and capture a sense of history while feeling contemporary, appealing, and accessible. It’s not an easy story or historical context to illustrate, but Kristy takes us right into the tenement neighborhoods of the turn of the century and effortlessly captures Frances at work in factories and in the halls of power. I especially love the final scene, when we glimpse people of today. She’s a genius!

Q: This book introduces complicated subjects like Social Security and events such as the Triangle Waist Factory Fire. Is it challenging to adapt these kinds of topics for picture books?

A: Yes, it is. Perhaps the most difficult part for me is to try to find ways to present complex and difficult topics in ways that will inspire young readers to want to learn more and dig deeper. Most of all, I want them to feel that their own story is important. They may not have heard of Frances Perkins before, but reading about lesser known people of the past who still made a difference helps to remind us that we all play a part in history.

Q: If you could travel to any time period, where would you go and who would you meet?

A: That’s always a difficult question and my answer varies. Sometimes I want to go to Victorian England and meet Charles Dickens. Other times, I’d love to stand over Abigail Adams’s shoulder as she’s writing to John Adams in 1776 asking him to “remember the ladies,” or be present at the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848 and meet Frederick Douglass and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Right now, I think I would have liked to be in the audience with Frances Perkins as she listened to Rose Schneiderman.

Q: How would you encourage young readers to serve others and think of “generations far into the future?”

A: That’s a great question. I do think reading about history helps us realize that other people before us also confronted great challenges. And I would encourage young readers to learn about the past, read about the present, and be inspired by their own communities and young activists like Greta Thunberg, Malala Yousafzai, and many others, to imagine the future.

Q: What lessons can young readers learn from Frances’s example, and what do you hope they’ll take away from this book?

A: I hope Thanks to Frances Perkins helps young readers build empathy and compassion, and they will use their minds and hearts to serve others, just as she did.

Thanks to Frances Perkins
Fighter for Workers’ Rights
by Deborah Hopkinson
illustrated by Kristy Caldwell

How many years will it be until you turn sixty-two? What year will that be? Once you’ve read Thanks to Frances Perkins, you’ll know why these are important questions—and why you may want to thank her, too.

Just in time for the 85th anniversary of the Social Security Act (August 14th, 2020), this thoughtful nonfiction picture book celebrates Frances Perkins, the creator of the Social Security program and the first woman cabinet member in the United States. After witnessing the tragic Triangle Waist Company fire in 1911, Frances Perkins vowed to fight for underpaid, exhausted laborers. She took to the halls of government, advocating for safe working conditions and limited hours. Her efforts in New York became a model for the nation and captured the attention of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the future president of the United States who would make her a valuable member of his administration.

Deborah Hopkinson, award-winning author of Carter Reads the Newspaper, introduces young readers to another historical trailblazer—one who’s legacy and undying enthusiasm still hold their effect today. Hopkinson’s narrative yet inquisitive approach to Frances Perkins’s biography encourages readers to consider how history affects them and how they, in turn, can provide service to others. Kristy Caldwell captures Perkins’s analytical mind with beautifully illustrated “idea bubbles” and provides detailed glimpses into factory life. Back matter with information about Frances Perkins and Social Security and resources for further economic education make this the perfect addition to a social studies collection.

Get to know the talented team behind this informative book with these author and illustrator Q&As, and learn more about Frances Perkins’s important fight for Social Security with this helpful teachers’s guide.

“Engaging… An informative portrait of an activist and advocate whose accomplishments are still evident today.” —Kirkus Reviews

“The lively text presents Perkins’ life and times, while emphasizing her significant contributions to society. Created using pleasant, subdued colors, the well-composed digital illustrations bring past eras into focus and show Perkins’ determined work on behalf of others. An informative picture-book biography of a notable American.” —Booklist

You can thank Frances Perkins this August at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble, and don’t forget to check out the rest of our brand-new Fall 2020 titles as well as our picture books and middle grade titles coming to Peachtree this season in paperback!

 Abraham Lincoln’s Dueling Words
Written by Donna Janell Bowman
Illustrated by S. D. Schindler

Abraham Lincoln was known for his sense of humor.  But in 1842, early in his adult life, it nearly got him into trouble.  He had to use his imagination to save his career―and maybe even his life. When Lincoln became frustrated with the actions of James Shield, a political rival, he came up with a plan. It was silly. It was clever. And it was a great big mistake! Lincoln, his future wife, and a friend of hers wrote a series of fictional letters to the editor, complaining about Shields. But when Shields took offense, he challenged Lincoln to a duel.

Focusing on a lesser-known event in the life of one of the most revered presidents in U.S. history, author Donna Janell Bowman shows readers that even someone like Abraham Lincoln can make mistakes and learn from them. Read an excerpt here. For more information about the creation of this picture book biography and how to use it in the classroom, check out the author Q&A and teacher’s guide.

Buy Abraham Lincoln’s Dueling Words today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

The Framers, Their Fights, and the Flaws that Affect Us Today
Written by Cynthia Levinson & Sanford Levinson

Many of the political issues we struggle with today have their roots in the U.S. Constitution. This timely and thoughtful exploration of the Constitution take readers back to the creation of this historic document and discuss how contemporary problems were first introduced―then they offer possible solutions. Think Electoral College, gerrymandering, even the Senate. Many of us take these features in our system for granted. But they came about through haggling in an overheated room in 1787, and we’re still experiencing the ramifications.

From the award-winning team, Cynthia Levinson, children’s book author, and Sanford Levinson, constitutional law scholar, Fault Lines in the Constitution will encourage exploration and discussion from young and old readers alike.Read an excerpt here. For ideas of how to continue reader engagement and further discussion of today’s political issues, check out the discussion guide as well as the authors’ blog, where they post about very current events and how they connect to the creation of the Constitution and the content of their book. Also check out our Q&A with the authors to learn more about the creation of the Fault Lines in the Constitution.

Buy Fault Lines in the Constitution today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

Mr. President Goes to School
Written by Rick Walton
illustrated by Brad Sneed

When the president of the United States has a frustrating day, he decides to go back to where he learned the most important lessons of all. Sneaking out of the White House, he hurries to the local school and enrolls in Mrs. Appletree’s class. There, Mr. President spins on the merry-go-round, and practices saying “please” and taking turns. But when he returns to the White House, he is greeted by panic and two angry world leaders. Fortunately, Mr. President recalls what he learned in Mrs. Appletree’s class, and he comes up with just the right approach to avoid an international crisis.

Children will delight in this laugh-out-loud story and its over-the-top take on conflict resolution. Check out the teacher’s guide for classroom activity ideas.

Buy Mr. President Goes to School today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

First Dog Fala
Written by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk
Illustrated by Michael G. Montgomery

In 1940, Scottish terrier Fala came to live with President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the White House. The little dog played in the grass outside the Oval Office, attended important meetings with the president’s advisors, and even dined with the president. But as America was drawn into the conflict of a world war, life at the White House changed. Fala accompanied the president across the country and around the world, waiting with him for the return of American servicemen and an end to a terrible war.

This picture book offers young readers a glimpse into American history and the life of a U.S. president through the story of a loyal dog with an  indomitable spirit and the nation and president who loved him.

Buy First Dog Fala today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

Mind Your Manners, Alice Roosevelt!
Written by Leslie Kimmelman
Illustrated by Adam Gustavson

The 26th president of the United States was a strong and clever man who could handle almost everything—except his eldest child, Alice. Alice Roosevelt was an independent, outspoken young woman during a time when women were supposed to be conventional and reserved. Whether it was riding a pig, keeping a pet snake, or driving a car—and speeding!—Alice did what she wanted. When her father told her she had to obey his rules while she lived under his roof, Alice decided to spend her time on top of the roof!

This factual and affectionate look at the free spirit who caught the attention of a nation shows Alice’s antics along with her father’s achievements, all while demonstrating the tender bond between them.

Buy Mind Your Manners, Alice Roosevelt! today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

We hope you enjoy these wonderful stories, and feel free to share your favorite books in honor of Presidents’ Day!