Mars Is
Stark Slopes, Silvery Snow, and Startling Surprises
by Suzanne Slade

Think you know Mars? Think again!

Have you ever wondered about life on Mars? Do you imagine there could be deserts or volcanoes just like we have here on Earth? What if people could actually live there someday? You’re not alone! For centuries, people have been intrigued by the mysterious Red Planet, and over time, scientists have made some exciting discoveries. For example, Mars experiences Earth-like weather and seasons! But curious humans still want to know more.

And so NASA’s HiRISE (High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment) camera came to be. Scientists loaded this powerful camera onto a rocket on August 12, 2005, and seven months later, it began orbiting Mars. Thanks to this incredibly advanced camera, we now have stunningly detailed photographs that can show the world what Mars really is: buried bedrock, stark slopes, mighty mesas, and more amazing than anyone ever imagined!

Join award-winning author and former mechanical engineer Suzanne Slade (Countdown: 2979 Days to the Moon, A Computer Called Katherine) for a remarkable exploration of the striking beauty of Mars. This timely, photo-packed space extravaganza is a visual feast perfect for space enthusiasts, STEAM fans, and young readers following NASA’s Mars Exploration Program who can’t wait to see what future discoveries made on the extraordinary Red Planet may hold.

Start exploring the Red Planet below, and read an excerpt!

Your mission to Mars begins April 1st when Mars Is arrives at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble. And don’t forget to check out the rest of our brand-new picture books and middle grade and YA titles coming to Peachtree this season!

Bird Show
by Susan Stockdale

Take your seats, nestle in—the Bird Show is about to begin!

In a flurry of feathers, the world’s most spectacular birds don their best suits, gowns, scarves, and headdresses in a fabulous fashion show! Speckled, striped, and multicolored, these birds know a thing or two about high fashion. Marvel at the elegant Great Egret in its milky-white lace skirt, and meet the Northern Flicker, dazzling in its dotted vest! Just like people, each bird has unique characteristics, and their diversity makes our world a more beautiful place. With clever comparisons between feather patterns and human clothing, budding birders and future fashionistas will cheer for these stylish models.

Susan Stockdale, award-winning author-illustrator of Fabulous Fishes, Stripes of All Types, Fantastic Flowers, and more delivers another vibrant picture book with an original take on nature nonfiction. Stockdale’s bold color palette, striking portraits, and rhyming text will engage young readers as they learn fascinating facts about 18 familiar and exotic birds. An afterword provides further information about each species’ plumage, behavior, and location, in addition to an entertaining matching game. Bird Show is one delightful display you won’t want to miss!

Take a VIP look at the feathered fashion models in this excerpt!

Susan Stockdale gives a peek into her illustration process for Bird Show in this video!

“With a brief text and clearly delineated, vibrant artwork that shows up well from a distance, this book is a natural for reading aloud during preschool or primary-grade bird units.” —Booklist

“The clever comparisons suggest a new way to see and remember these species….smoothly written couplets… A posh performance to read aloud or alone.” —Kirkus Reviews

Bird Show makes its dazzling debut this March at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble, and be sure to check out the rest of our brand-new picture books and middle grade and YA titles coming to Peachtree this season!

Stan Steiner, PhD was called the Bookman by his students due to his vast knowledge of children’s literature. He was a K-5 elementary teacher for 15 years prior to his professorship at Boise State University, where he teaches courses on children’s and young adult literature. Stan has written and co-authored many articles about children’s literature and education and a book, P is for Potato: An Idaho Alphabet, with his wife Joy. 

Joy Steiner, MA Early Childhood Education, is a former preschool teacher and school librarian. She has traveled extensively as a professional storyteller and enjoys writing original nature tales.

Oh, the wonder!  Oh, the joy!  Oh, the thrill of discovery!

Few things are as powerful as sharing books and adventures with young children. Curiosity is awakened in the outdoor world, prompting questions and rich language exchanges with young learners.  Nonfiction books are an essential part of the experience, expanding and increasing the learning.

We strapped our baby daughter into her piggyback backpack, fastened her wide brim hat, and took to the high mountain air.  We talked and sang along the way, while she bounced happily, and upon our destination, snuggled close to the edge of a crystal clear alpine lake.  Small brook trout flashed in the water.  “Look!  Fish,” we exclaimed.  “See the fish?”  After returning home, we bundled our little one for bed and read a board book with large fish pictures and just a few words (try Stockdale’s, Fabulous Fishes or Sill’s About Fish).  The next evening, our baby pronounced her very first word.  We were sharing tiny bites of fish and vegetables in her bowl; behind her, colorful carved fish hung from our apartment ceiling.  She turned around in her high chair, pointed to the hanging fish, and said, “Ish?”  She was barely nine months old.

Nonfiction books inspire scientific explorations close to home, as well.  Our growing preschooler and her new brother witnessed a miracle in our backyard rose bush.  After reading The Ladybug by Gallimard Jeunesse (also read Curious About Insects, Sill and A Place For Butterflies, Stewart), we discovered the striking appearance of ladybug larvae and searched for them in our yard.  There they were, devouring aphids in the rose bush.  To our amazement, a larva stopped, glued itself to a leaf, and squeezed sticky bug juice from its backside.  The goo hardened into a pupa and our young scientists patiently observed the changes.  Ten days later, we held magnifying glasses and watched a tiny set of mandibles chew through the pupa, struggle to push out, and emerge as a glistening yellow beetle.  The sun dried the new ladybug, yellow darkened to orange, and spots appeared.  We were in awe.

Later, Joy taught preschool children with developmental delays.  One three year old came to school with no language.  He enjoyed playing with friends, but communicated with facial expressions, physical action, roars, engine sounds, and laughter.  By chance, Joy’s co-teacher discovered the boy loved horses.  They transformed the classroom into a ranch with horse pictures and toys, cowboy hats, boots, a saddle, and piles of horse books (try Touch and Feel Ponies and The Everything Book of Horses and Ponies, published by Dorling Kindersley).  They read one on one with the boy, making sure he focused on the clear pictures and repeating the words.  The highlight of the horse study was a trip to a working ranch to watch cowboys skillfully guide their horses as they cut and culled the cattle.  In the weeks that followed, Joy overheard the boy and his friends as they mounted the imaginary horse in the dramatic play area.  He was telling them to, “Hold on!  Sit saddle!  Go!

Real life experiences teamed with realistic pictures and clear text in nonfiction board books encourage literacy in young children.  Embark on outdoor discovery adventures with little ones.  Prepare to be surprised by wonder.

About Marine Mammals
A Guide for Children
by Cathryn Sill
illustrated by John Sill

With beautifully detailed illustrations, About Marine Mammals tells children what is essential for understanding and appreciating marine mammals. An afterword, which includes a glossary and recommended books and websites, provides further detail for children and their parents about a wide variety of marine mammals. Former teacher Cathryn Sill and noted wildlife illustrator John Sill, use clear, informative text and illustrations to explain to children what marine mammals are, what they do, and how they live.

Sobre los anfibios
Una guía para niños
by Cathryn Sill
illustrated by John Sill

Now in Spanish, this beginner’s guide offers a first glimpse into the natural world of amphibians. Cathryn and John Sill, the award-winning author and illustrator team that created the About… series, once again introduce young learners to an important group of animals and the habitats where they live. Beautifully detailed, realistic paintings illuminate a variety of amphibians (from frogs and toads to salamanders and more), and an afterword provides details on the animals featured, inspiring readers to learn more.

Sobre los reptiles
Una guía para niños
by Cathryn Sill
illustrated by John Sill

Now in Spanish, Sobre los reptiles is a first glimpse into the world of reptiles, explaining the basic characteristics that all reptiles share, while offering a look at the animals that fall into this diverse category, including ever-popular lizards, snakes, and turtles. An afterword provides more detail on each animal to inspire further learning. Part of the award-winning About… series and ideal for casual exploration as well as for early childhood and elementary science and animal life units.

P. Zonka Lays an Egg
by Julie Paschkis

Extraordinary hen P. Zonka spends her time taking in the beauty around her: the shiny green of the grass, the buttery yellow of the dandelions, the deep blue of the sky. The other hens can’t understand why she never lays eggs like they do―they think she’s just plain lazy. But when P. Zonka finally decides to give egg-laying a try, the other chickens are in for a spectacular surprise! Award-winning author and illustrator Julie Paschkis is sure to delight readers with this lovely story, inspired by the Ukrainian tradition of pysanky, about enriching the imagination and appreciating the beauty of the world.

Rapunzel
by Bethan Woollvin

Rapunzel lives all alone in a tall, dark tower. Under the threat of a witch’s fearsome curse, the poor girl seems doomed to a life in captivity. But is Rapunzel frightened? Oh no, not she! Rapunzel has a few tricks (and friends) up her sleeve and she’s not afraid to use them. With irreverent humor and striking illustrations, author-illustrator Bethan Woollvin, creator of Little Red and Bo the Brave, puts a brave, female-empowerment twist on the classic story of a helpless damsel in distress.

Rodeo Red
by Maripat Perkins
illustrated by Molly Idle

Rodeo Red and her hound dog Rusty are happier than two buttons on a new shirt—until Sideswiping Slim shows up. Red is sure that anyone who hollers that much will be hauled to the edge of town and told to skedaddle, but her parents seem smitten with the new addition to the family. When that scallywag sets his eye on Rusty, Rodeo Red had better figure out a way to save her best friend in the whole world. Can a cowgirl make a bargain with a varmint A rip-roaring sibling story from Maripat Perkins and illustrated by Caldecott Honor winner Molly Idle.

Toad Weather
by Sandra Markle
illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez

There’s nothing to do on a rainy day – or so Ally thinks. But Mama says she’s seen something amazing, so despite Ally’s misgivings, she sets out on an adventure with her mother and grandmother. On her journey, she sees all sorts of things: dripping awnings, wet cardboard, splashing cars…but also earthworms, storm drain geysers, and oil slick patterns. And then they turn the corner, just in time to see a big crowd. What’s happening? Lyrical text from Sandra Markle and stunning paintings from Thomas Gonzalez tell the story of a remarkable, natural occurrence in an urban setting. An engaging story of anticipation, curiosity, investigation, and discovery.

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!

We asked Mary Batten about her inspiration and writing process for Life in a Frozen World, a stunning new nonfiction resource perfect for an informative introduction to climate change.

Q: What inspired you to write this story? How did you first get involved with The Cousteau Society and explorer Jacques Cousteau’s campaign to protect Antarctica?

A: I was working as editor of the Society’s membership magazine, Calypso Log, during the late 80s and early 90s when Captain Cousteau led the Society in launching a campaign to protect Antarctica from mineral exploitation. As editor of Calypso Log, it was my responsibility to report on The Cousteau Society’s campaigns and missions. The emphasis of this campaign was to protect this pristine continent for future generations. As part of the campaign we launched a children’s petition to protect Antarctica and obtained signatures on petitions from tens of thousands of children all over the world. To further dramatize that goal, the Society mounted a special expedition. Captain Cousteau took six children—one from each of the other continents—to Antarctica. He asked me to go as a kind of mother figure for the children. I was honored that he asked me and was looking forward to this expedition adventure, but I developed pleurisy a few weeks before departure date and was unable to go. I was devastated not to be able to take part in this expedition—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As the photos and film footage came back to the U.S., I saw what an incredible opportunity I had missed and became fascinated with everything I was seeing and learning about the frozen continent and its importance to the planet. This book is my “virtual journey” to Antarctica.

Q: What about Antarctica interests you the most?

A: Everything about Antarctica interests me, but its profound impact on global sea level, weather, and climate interests me most. Here is a frozen continent at the bottom of the Earth, seemingly so far away, but its impact touches life everywhere.

Q: One of the main themes in this book is climate change and how it’s affecting creatures living in this particular environment. Why do you think this is such an important issue to discuss, especially with younger readers?

A: Climate change is real. More than a hundred years of science supports it, and accelerating rising seas and melting ice packs from the Arctic to Antarctica are already affecting global climate and sea level in coastal areas. In 2019, the World Health Organization predicted that climate change would kill more than 250,000 people each year. Already, people, referred to as “climate refugees,” are having to move as sea-level rise makes their homes unlivable. This issue is especially important to discuss with young readers because they will inherit the conditions left to them by the older generation. Young Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg led mass demonstrations with young people around the world, demanding that their leaders take more aggressive actions to combat climate change. In many cases, the young people are more educated and concerned than some of the so-called “leaders” who deny climate change is happening, claim it’s a hoax, and support the fossil fuel industry rather than alternative energy.

Q: What was your research process like?

A: I watched many films about Antarctica, including the old Cousteau expedition to Antarctica and videos taken by scientists doing current research in Antarctica. I interviewed scientists working in Antarctica and read books and articles reflecting recent research. My favorite part of the research is speaking with and/or emailing scientists because they’re the ones on the ground or, in the case of Antarctica, under the water, gathering information on animals and plants and their behavior. It’s their work that gives us knowledge about Antarctica, and I’m grateful to everyone who generously took the time to speak with me and answer my questions.

Q: How did your experience with writing nature documentaries for television contribute to the development of this book?

A: I think visually. When you write a nature film, you are working with the visual material—the footage. There’s interplay between the film’s narration and the images. The same is true when writing a picture book. Words and images must support each other, not just repeat each other. When writing a film, the first 30 seconds, called the “tease,” are the most important because they will either hook the viewer or they will switch to another channel. The first page, the first paragraph of a picture book functions in the same way as a film’s “tease.” I want to hook the reader so they will persist in reading the book all the way through. So I use some film-writing techniques in crafting a picture book text. And then, just as a film writer works with the film editor when narration and visuals are put together, my wonderful editor, Vicky Holifield, and I work together once the book’s designer flows Thomas’ illustrations into the page layout and we see what adjustments need to be made in order to achieve the best visual presentation of the whole book. Sometimes I have to cut some of the text to avoid a visually crowded page. Each page has to be pleasing to the eye as well as stimulating to the brain. The illustrations are key to whether a person will pick up the book in a bookstore or when browsing online. The illustrator’s images are as important as a film’s footage in selling the book.

Q: How did you react when you first saw Thomas Gonzalez’s illustrations? What do you like most about his art style?

A: WOW! I’m thrilled with Thomas’ illustrations. His larger-than-life style makes for visual impact. The scenic illustrations are spectacularly beautiful, and the illustrations of different species are accurate and bring my words to life. I feel fortunate indeed that Thomas is the illustrator for this book as well as the next one.

Q: What’s one thing you had to omit from the final version of the book that you wish you could have included?

A: We had to leave out a lot of details about how scientists work on the ice to obtain ice cores and what the cores tell about the history of climate on Earth.

Q: What’s the most interesting thing you learned in your research for Life in a Frozen World?

A: There’s no one most interesting thing. The adaptations that some animals have evolved for life in this frigid world are particularly fascinating—such as the ice fish’s natural antifreeze that prevents its blood from freezing solid, the food chain’s dependence on tiny krill, the effect of melting glaciers on penguins in West Antarctica, the “forest” of plants growing underwater. Everything about Antarctica is interesting, and I hope readers will finish this book with excitement. Maybe some of them will want to become scientists who study this remarkable continent.

Q: What was your favorite species to write about in this book?

A: The tiny crustaceans called krill and the ice fish.

Q: What is the most important thing you want readers to take away from this book?

A: That what happens to Antarctica’s ice affects not only the animals that live in Antarctica but also creatures, including humans, in every other place on Earth. Antarctic species need the ice to survive and so do we in order to keep our planet livable.

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.

Noted economic education expert Erin Yetter helped vet Hopkinson’s manuscript for Thanks to Frances Perkins, and we invited her to speak to us on our blog today about why early economic education is so important and to share some of her favorite resources. Erin is a Lecturer of Economics at the University of Arizona who worked for many years with the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis developing curriculum, providing professional development for teachers, and conducting research. She has a PhD in Economic Education from the University of Delaware.

Why is it important for kids to have an early economics education?

The importance of early economic education stems from one important fact: Children must understand the world around them. Learning economics gives children the tools to be informed decisions makers whereby they weigh the costs and benefits of their economic choices—when they choose what college to attend, career to pursue, how much of their income to spend, whom to vote for, and so on. Thus, it is imperative to give them the proper economic content knowledge to make these decisions.

This education should start as early as possible so that children have a strong foundation on which to build more complex economic concepts. Young children can learn economics and even enjoy learning economics when it is linked to real-world applications such as children’s literature and media. For example, did you know there is economics in If You Give a Mouse a Cookie? We are all familiar with the cute mouse who is continuously asking for more. In other words, he has many wants. Wants are desires that can be satisfied by consuming goods and services. The mouse wants a cookie, then he wants milk, then he wants a straw, and so on. Wants, and the fact that they are unlimited, is a foundational concept in economics.

Ready to bring more economics into your classroom, but unsure where to start?

If you are interested to see what economic content should be taught in the K-12 curriculum, check out the Voluntary National Content Standards for Economics published by the Council for Economic Education. This document represents a consensus from the field’s leading economic educators regarding what students should know about economics by the end of grades four, eight and twelve. For example, the concept of “specialization” is scaffolded over time such that students first learn that individuals produce less than they consume. Next, they learn that countries also produce less than they consume. Finally, they learn that specialization is the foundation of trade among countries. Countries will specialize in the production of a few goods and services and then trade other countries for the rest.

What are some great resources for teaching early economics?

There are a lot of resources available, but the trick is finding high quality, rigorous, and engaging content. Great news: the resources below check off all of those boxes!

1. Council for Economic Education: http://councilforeconed.org

The Council for Economic Education (CEE) has been promoting economic and financial education for more than 60 years. The CEE conducts teacher training programs and develops curricula materials along with the nationally-normed assessment tools such as the Test of Economic Literacy. They also work with affiliates at the state and local level to provide these services and some funding to regional educators.

The CEE’s free curriculum and resource site is EconEdLink: http://www.econedlink.org/

2. National Association of Economic Educators: https://www.naee.net/

The National Association of Economic Educators (NAEE) exits to support economic educators in their promotion of economic and financial literacy. Since 1980, NAEE has provided economic educators with the opportunity for networking, professional development, research, and recognition.

3. The Federal Reserve System: https://www.federalreserveeducation.org/

The Federal Reserve works at the national level through its regional Reserve Banks to train teachers, develop curriculum materials, conduct research, and partner with state and local organizations to promote economic and financial literacy for its constituents.

4. Economics Media Library: https://econ.video

This website provides video clips, neatly organized by topic, from a variety of sources (i.e. TV, movies, commercials, TED Talks). Run by Dr. Jadrian Wooten from Penn State University.

5. Journal of Economics Teaching: https://www.journalofeconomicsteaching.org

The mission of the Journal of Economics Teaching is to transmit innovative teaching ideas to teachers of economics at all levels. Articles provide teaching tips from practicing economic educators. All of their material is openly available to interested readers.

6. Me!

And, of course, if you have any questions about how to get started, where to get more good resources, or just want to chat, please reach out to me directly at eyetter@arizona.edu or follow me on Twitter @erin_yetter.