“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

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“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

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Best Children’s Books of the Year (Starred) —Bank Street College of Education, 2019

Parents’ Choice Recommended Award —Parents’ Choice Foundation. 2018

Paterson Prize for Books for Young People (Grades 4-6) —The Poetry Center at Passaic County Community College, 2019

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate)―Kansas National Education Association, 2019

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Alabama Camellia Award (Nominee, Grades 4-5 Fiction) ―Alabama Department of Education, 2019-2020

Keystone to Reading Elementary Book Award (Intermediate Nominee) ―Keystone State Reading Association, 2019-2020

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Elizabeth Van Steenwyk is the award-winning author of more than 70 published books for young people. After graduating from Knox College, she went on to spend ten years writing for radio and television with a concentration on children’s programming. She lives in California.

Anna Rich says her art career began in kindergarten.  She much preferred coloring and drawing to her other class work.  She received her BFA from Rhode Island School of Design, and is an active member of the New York Chapter of the Graphic Artists Guild. She lives in New York.

“Engle’s poems are lyrical yet direct… Colón’s pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations (inspired by the prints of Gustav Doré) accompany every poem bringing Engle’s words into sharp focus…. An intriguing, lightly fictionalized introduction to an iconic author, this will encourage readers to learn more about the first modern novel.” ―Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

“Beautiful and engaging, this book will inspire readers to find out more.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“Colón’s pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations are paired perfectly with the text and the subject…This expressive picture book biography presents a solid argument for why Cervantes should be revered as an important figure in the Western canon. A gorgeous and well-crafted work for all nonfiction collections.” ―School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

“Margarita Engle (The Wild Book) and Raúl Colón (Draw!) combine their formidable strengths to create Miguel’s First Knight, an inspiring story of tenacious hope and indelible grit….what shines forth is the power of imagination to transcend hardship and injustice. As portals to creativity, Engle and Colón prove how ‘[s]ome daydreams really do/ come true.’” ―Shelf Awareness, STARRED REVIEW

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“Poems about contemporaneous events—the plague, book burning—add depth to Engle’s representation of the era. Colón’s noble portraits, done in pen, ink, and watercolor, recall the work of classic popularizers such as N.C. Wyeth and the D’Aulaires. Even readers who don’t progress to Cervantes’s own work will come away with an indelible sense of the story and its creator.” —Publishers Weekly

“Engle supplies historical, biographical, and literary context in her appended notes, making this a flexible piece for classroom use, readalouds, and independent reading. Says Miguel, ‘I still carry invisible stories/ in my head, my daydreamed tales/ help calm/ my worries.’ If ever a theme can connect children over a span of five hundred years, this is it.” ―The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“The illustrations perfectly complement each poem and add a dream-like quality to the storytelling. I would highly recommend this as an addition for a biography or poetry collection. This would be a great read aloud (either all the poems or a selection) to assist with introducing classic literature to any audience.” ―School Library Connection

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Cybils (Finalist, Poetry) ―Cybils, 2017

Best Children’s Books of the Year ―Bank Street College of Education, 2018

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People ―National Council for the Social Studies/Children’s Book Council, 2018

Notable Children’s Books in the Language Arts ―Children’s Literature Assembly, NCTE

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International Latino Book Awards (Finalist, Best Children’s Nonfiction Picture Book) ―Latino Book & Family Festival, Latino Literacy Now, 2018

Land of Enchantment Book Awards (Nominee, Grades 3-5) ―New Mexico Library Association, New Mexico Council of ILA, 2020-2021

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Margarita Engle is the Cuban-American author of many verse books, including a Newbery Honor winner, The Surrender Tree; a PEN USA Award winner, The Lightning Dreamer; and a verse memoir, Enchanted Air, winner of many awards, including an inaugural Walter Dean Myers Award Honor and the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award. Margarita’s books have also received three Pura Belpré Awards and four Américas Awards, as well as a Jane Addams Award, International Reading Association Award, Claudia Lewis Poetry Award, and the Charlotte Zolotow Award. In 2017, the Poetry Foundation named her the Young People’s Poet Laureate. Margarita grew up in Los Angeles, but developed a deep attachment to her mother’s homeland during summers with her extended family in Cuba. She was trained as a botanist and agronomist before becoming a full-time poet and novelist.

Raúl Colón was born in New York City in December of 1952 and moved with his parents in the 1960s to Caguas, Puerto Rico, where he studied commercial art. In 1978 Colón made Florida his home, working at an educational television center designing everything from puppets to short animated films. In 1988 the artist settled with his family in New City, New York, and began a freelance career. Today, Colón continues to be a versatile and acclaimed illustrator whose work has appeared in important national publications. An award-winning illustrator of over thirty books for children, Colón has received a Golden Kite Award, a Pura Belpré Award, and both a gold and silver medal in The Original Art show.

“Frank history, attention to factual detail, and vivid adventures make this a standout.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“An engrossing and insightful story…. An ample appendix, with additional material, sources, and further reading, rounds out the tale.” ―Booklist Online

Paterson Prize for Books for Young People (Honor Book) ―The Poetry Center at Passaic County Community College, 2018

Alison Hart is the author of more than sixty books for young readers. Hart was a teacher at Blue Ridge Community College and lives in Virginia.

Michael G. Montgomery has illustrated numerous children’s books. He attended Georgia Southern University and the University of Georgia. He lives in Georgia. You can visit his website here.

“Beauty will always find a way to rise from violence, but this is a reminder all readers need.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“Text and illustrations work together to remind readers of the power of beauty in the face of human suffering…. A highly recommended book that highlights the capacity for empathy and humanity, even in a society faced with violence and war.” ―School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

“[A] powerful story of a musical performance that defied the horror of combat.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Moving… A bittersweet account of the power of art in dark times.” ―Booklist

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“Thought-provoking…” ―The Horn Book Guide

“Folksinger John McCutcheon’s picture book Flowers for Sarajevo provides an insightful response, combining history, humanity and music in a memorable picture book that’s perfect for young elementary school students…. Kristy Caldwell’s illustrations add dimension to the story by imbuing the central action on each spread with color, leaving the rest of the scene in muted tones. She brings the busy marketplace to life, depicting the mortar explosion and its destruction without being gruesome.” ―BookPage

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Parents’ Choice Gold Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2017

Best Children’s Books of the Year ―Bank Street College of Education, 2018

Cybils (Finalist, Fiction Picture Books) ―Cybils, 2017

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CCBC Choices (Historical People, Places, and Events) ―Cooperative Children’s Book Center, 2018

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People ―National Council for the Social Studies/Children’s Book Council, 2018

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Starred, Intermediate) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2018

Storytelling World Resource Awards (Stories for Pre-Adolescent Listeners) ―Storytelling World magazine, 2019

Delaware Diamonds Award (Nominee, Grades 3-5) ―Diamond State Reading Association, 2018-2019

Prairie Bloom Children’s Book Award (Nominee) ―South Dakota Library Association, South Dakota Reading Council, South Dakota State Library, South Dakota Elementary School Principals, 2019-2020

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John McCutcheon is an accomplished instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter. He has received multiple Grammy nominations and numerous other awards, and regularly appears on National Public Radio. He lives in Georgia. You can visit his website here.

Kristy Caldwell received an MFA in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts. She lives in New York. You can visit her website here.

Alison L. Randall lives in Utah with her husband, three children, and a cat named Indy. The Wheat Doll is her first picture book. You can visit her website here.

Bill Farnsworth has illustrated more than 40 award-winning books for young readers, including The Wheat Doll. He has spent much of his professional life painting landscapes, and his art has appeared in many national shows and private collections throughout the United States. He lives in Florida. You can visit his website here.

“Interesting and thought-provoking” ―School Library Journal

“Professional storyteller Deedy retells this legend in unadorned, effective language that lends currency to history…. The spare but resonant storytelling is given an authoritative setting in Danish illustrator Sorensen’s paintings; his formal style and balanced compositions reinforce the mood and dignity of the story…. this tale will find heavy use as a readaloud and discussion starter, whether the topic is truth, history, heroism, or moral dilemmas.” ―Bulletin for the Center for Children’s Books

“The book was written for elementary students as an introduction to the Nazi occupation of Denmark during World War II. The book is based on a legend, but more interesting are the true facts about Denmark during the war. Be sure to read the Author’s Note at the end of the book.” ―ACS Readers Haven

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“Delightful… a perfect introduction for young readers to the difficult story of the Holocaust. The story is surprisingly moving because it is told so simply…. suspenseful and inspiring…. and excellent addition to the many recent books on tolerance and human rights.” ―Five Owls

“A beautiful and moving tale about one of the few glimmers of humanity to emerge from the Holocaust…it reminds us all of the power of the individual against injustice as well as the lasting effects of kindness” ―Herreras

“An excellent book for teachers, librarians and children to add to their bookshelf” ―It’s About Time MaMaw

“I loved this picture book. The story is simple, yet powerful. The message of peace and unity is very clear… I would call this a “5 star” book.” ―Maestra-Amanda

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Bologna Ragazzi Award for Children’s Non-Fiction – Bologna Fiere, Children’s Book Fair, 2001

Christopher Award (Books for Young People) – Christophers, 2001

Jane Addams Peace Prize (Honor Book) – Jane Addams Peace Association, 2003

ABC Children’s Booksellers’ Choices (Non-fiction) – Association of Booksellers for Children, 2001

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Children’s Booksellers’ Choices – Association of Booksellers for Children, 2001

Notable Books for a Global Society – International Reading Association, 2001

Teachers’ Choices (Intermediate) – International Reading Association, 2001

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People (Selector’s Choice) – National Council for the Social Studies, Children’s Book Council, 2001

Wow! Award – National Literacy Association, 2002

Parents’ Choice Gold Award – Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2000

Children’s Literature Choice List (Short Books) – Children’s Literature, 2001

Children’s Books Mean Business – American Booksellers Association, Children’s Book Council Joint Committee, 2001, 2003

Texas Bluebonnet Award (Master List) – Texas Library Association, 2002-2003

California Young Reader Medal (Nominee, Picture Book for Older Readers) – California Reading Association, CLA, CATE, CSLA, 2003-2004

Children’s Book Award (Nominee) – Florida Reading Association, 2002-2003

Georgia Children’s Picture Storybook Award (Nominee) – University of Georgia, 2005-2006

Great Lakes’ Great Books Award (Nominee, Grades 4-5) – Michigan Reading Association, 2003

Land of Enchantment Book Awards (Children’s Master List) – New Mexico Library Association, New Mexico Council of IRA, 2003-2004

Prairie Pasque Children’s Book Award (Nominee) – South Dakota Library Association, South Dakota Reading Council, South Dakota State Library, South Dakota Elementary School Principals, 2002-2003

Best Bets for the Classroom (Picture Books) – Virginia Center for the Book, 2000

Book Sense 76 – Book Sense, 2001

Book Sense 76 (Children’s, Young Readers) – Book Sense, 2001

Children’s Media Award – Parent’s Guide to Children’s Media, Inc., 2000

Notable Children’s Books of Jewish Content: the Best of the Bunch (Older Readers) – Association of Jewish Libraries, 2000

Read Alouds too Good to Miss ―AIME, 2001

Storytelling World Resource Awards (Winner, Stories for Adolescent Listeners) – Storytelling World, 2001

Living the Dream Children’s Book Award (Nominee) – Manhattan Country School, 2002

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Carmen Agra Deedy, a New York Times bestselling author, has been writing and traveling around the world telling stories for more than twenty years. Her books have received numerous awards and honors. Carmen has performed in many prestigious venues, but children are her favorite audience. Born in Havana, Cuba, she came to the United States as a refugee and like most immigrants sees the world from multiple perspectives. She lives in Georgia. You can visit her website here.

Henri Sorensen has illustrated over twenty books for children, including The Yellow Star, The Printer, and Christmas in the Trenches. He is also the author-illustrator of two children’s books, New Hope and Your First Step. Sorensen lives in Denmark.

“The fast-paced action, easy reading level, and black-and-white drawings will appeal to reluctant readers.” ―School Library Journal

Hilary Hyland is the author of the award-winning book,The Wreck of the Ethie. A popular speaker, she has given author presentations at more than 200 schools. She lives in Virginia. You can visit her website here.

Paul Bachem has worked for many years as an award-winning freelance illustrator, producing work for most of the major book and magazine publishers. He lives in New York. You can visit his website here.

“Jenkins’s mixed-media illustrations are freighted with emotion, unnatural colors and skewed angles underlining the tumult of feelings surrounding the events, scribbles of colored chalk making the connection between Chapman the impassioned schoolboy and Chapman the righteous man…it 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

“Jenkins’ powerful, bright, mixed-media collages show and tell the connections, past, present, and future, as the politician remembers his childhood experience and his works for civil rights.” ―Booklist

“Hopkinson’s (Sky Boys) accessible, conversational narrative relays the little-known story of Oscar Chapman… Featuring bright swirling pastel patterns against deep blues and browns, Jenkins’s (Langston’s Train Ride) collage-like mixed-media illustrations deftly dramatize this illuminating and inspirational behind-the-scenes look at a triumphant moment in the civil rights movement.” ―Publishers Weekly

Best Children’s Books of the Year (Starred) –Bank Street College of Education, 2008

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People –National Council for the Social Studies, Children’s Book Council, 2008

Teachers’ Choices (Intermediate) –International Reading Association, 2008

Society of School Librarians International Book Awards (Honor Book, Social Studies, Grades K-6) –Society of School Librarians International, 2007

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Children’s Books:  100 Titles for Reading and Sharing –New York Public Library, 2007

Macy’s Multicultural Collection of Children’s Literature –Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), 2008

Outstanding Book Award (Honorable Mention) –The Gustavus Myers Center for the Study of Bigotry and Human Rights, 2007

Children’s Crown Award (Nominee) –National Christian School Association, 2009-2010

Read Alouds too Good to Miss (Intermediate) –AIME, 2009

Storytelling World Resource Awards (Winner, Stories for Adolescent Listeners) –Storytelling World, 2008

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Deborah Hopkinson is the award-winning author of numerous critically acclaimed picture and chapter books, including Keep On!; Sweet Land of Liberty; Under the Quilt of Night; and Shutting Out the Sky: Life in the Tenements of New York 1880-1924. She lives in Oregon. You can visit her website here.

Leonard Jenkins has illustrated many books, including Sweet Land of Liberty, Champions on the Bench: The Cannon Street YMCA All-Stars; The Best Beekeeper of Lalibela; and Langston’s Train Ride. He lives in New York.

Gail Langer Karwoski taught third- and fourth-grade students for many years. She received a BA from the University of Massachusetts and an MA from the University of Minnesota. She lives in Georgia. You can visit her website here.

Paul Casale graduated from the Pratt Institute, where he won numerous awards. A member of the Society of Illustrators, he has illustrated many children’s books, including Surviving Jamestown and the Cascade Mountain Railroad Mysteries series. He lives in New Jersey.

Carol Gorman is the author of more than a dozen award-winning books for kids, including The Marvelous Makeover Of Lizard Flanagan, Dork In Disguise, Dork On The Run; and A Midsummer Night’s Dork. She coauthored Stumptown Kid with Ron J. Findley. She is a former middle school teacher and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa. Gorman lives in Iowa. You can visit her website here.

Ron J. Findley was involved in baseball from the time he was a boy growing up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. As a child he was always looking for a sandlot baseball game, and many of the ideas for Stumptown Kid are based on his memories of that time. He coached youth football, baseball, and softball teams for many years. He passed away in 2010.