“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

“[A] clear, comprehensive narrative….Graceful free verse… Textural digital illustrations and expressive characters punctuate the affecting text… An illuminating picture book biography of a lesser-known hero.” —Publishers Weekly, 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

[show_more more=”Read More” less=”Read Less”]

“The digital illustrations portray [Still] effectively from infancy to old age…. In this concisely written, informative picture-book biography, Tate introduces a man who deserves to be more widely known.” —Booklist

“Tate’s short sentences and accessible language convey the urgency of Still’s work, and his illustrations sensitively communicate the danger and terror faced by enslaved people….There’s plenty of hope here, too.” —BookPage

“[A] thorough and informative picture-book biography…. Tate’s writing style is generally engaging and accessible. Rich acrylic illustrations are perfectly matched with a poetic narrative that celebrates the subject and conveys the realities of the times.” —The Horn Book Magazine

“Striking illustrations with approachable text… The legacy of an American hero is told here using accessible, factual text; lifelike illustrations rendered digitally; and informative backmatter… An alluring picture book.” —Shelf Awareness

[/show_more]

Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book —Chicago Public Library, 2020

Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award Silver Honor —California Reading Association, 2020

Best of Picture Books —Kirkus Reviews, 2020

[show_more more=”Read More” less=”Read Less”]

Children’s Crown Award (Nominee) —National Christian School Association, 2021-2022

Golden Kite (Finalist, Nonfiction Text for Younger Readers) —Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, 2021

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate)— Kansas National Education Association, 2021

Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Awards (Nominee, Grades 3-5)— Pennsylvania School Librarians Association, 2021-2022

[/show_more]

Don Tate is the illustrator of numerous critically acclaimed books for children. In 2013, he earned an Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Honor Award for his first picture book text, It Jes’ Happened: When Bill Traylor Started to Draw. You can visit  his website here.

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

“Informative…guardians seeking a woman activist’s framework, with actionable steps that resonate today, will find this picture book attractive.” —Publishers Weekly

“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

“An informative picture book profiling an influential woman in the labor rights movement.” —School Library Journal

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People—NCSS/CBC, 2021

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.

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

“Hopkinson skillfully shapes Carter’s childhood, family history and formative experiences into a cohesive story.…the inclusion of notable figures from black history reinforces the theme (a key is in the backmatter). An important and inspiring tale well told.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Young readers will be caught up in his story…. Quotes are seamlessly woven into the narrative, and a time line, list of sources, and bibliography add research appeal. Of special note are the illustrations, which include more than 40 portraits of black leaders… Their images and one-line biographies will pique further interest, making this a valuable resource for school and public libraries.” ―Booklist

“Thorough back matter… A charmingly illustrated picture book biography for elementary schoolers.” —School Library Journal

“Conversational… Delicately textured mixed-media illustrations…offer spare, stylized images…” —Publishers Weekly

[show_more more=”Read More” less=”Read Less”]

“Fascinating… Expressive artwork…” —Foreword Reviews

“This will be a go-to title for Black History Month, but a more meaningful tribute to the celebration’s founder will be a catalyst for further African-American studies throughout the year.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Exemplary… This inspiring picture book combines a rich but focused text with clear, expressive mixed-media illustrations. It sheds light on an important, inspiring, but little-known subject, and the supplemental back matter gives weight to the exceedingly important takeaways that history must include all people, and that anyone can change history.” —Shelf Awareness

[/show_more]

Carter G. Woodson Book Award (Honor Book, Elementary)―National Council for the Social Studies, 2020

Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award Silver Honor ―California Reading Association, 2019

Social Justice Literature Award ―Literacy and Social Justice Special Interest Group, International Literacy Association, 2020

Parents’ Choice Silver Honor Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2019

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People ―NCSS/CBC, 2020

Notable Children’s Books―ALSC, 2020

[show_more more=”Read More” less=”Read Less”]

Northern Lights Book Award (Biography) ―Northern Dawn Awards, 2019

Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book ―Chicago Public Library, 2019

Top 10 Books for Kids ―New York Public Library, 2019

Eloise Jarvis McGraw Award for Children’s Literature (Finalist) ―Literary Arts, 2020

Best Children’s Books of the Year (Starred) ―Bank Street College of Education, 2020

Children’s Crown Award (Nominee) ―National Christian School Association, 2020-2021

Delaware Diamonds (Nominee, 3-5) ―Diamond State Reading Association, 2020-2021

Great Kids Can Read Award  (Nominee) ―Greater Kansas City Assoc of School Librarians, 2021-2022

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2020

Louisiana Young Readers’ Choice Award (Nominee, Grades 3-5) ―State Library of Louisiana and Louisiana Center for the Book, 2021-2022

Oregon Spirit Book Award  (Honor, Nonfiction) ―Oregon Council of Teachers of English, 2019

Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Awards (Nominee, Grades K-3) ―Pennsylvania School Librarians Association, 2021-2022

Paterson Prize for Books for Young People (Honor Book) ―The Poetry Center at Passaic County Community College, 2020

[/show_more]

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.

Don Tate is the illustrator of numerous critically acclaimed books for children. In 2013, he earned an Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Honor Award for his first picture book text, It Jes’ Happened: When Bill Traylor Started to Draw. You can visit  his website here.

“Mortensen distills a very full life into a condensed but readable narrative for primary-grade children.… Children who hope to forge their own paths can take heart from this picture-book biography.” —Booklist

“Caldwell’s illustrations are clean and beautiful.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Mortensen writes in a precise, poetic manner… This volume captures the spirit of a woman who embraced new experiences and played by her own rules…” —Publishers Weekly

[show_more more=”Read More” less=”Read Less”]

“Biography enthusiasts will be inspired by [Bird’s] experiences and efforts to communicate them with others through writing.” —School Library Connection

“Sure to inspire the explorers of tomorrow…straightforward prose that has a poetic spark. Illustrator Kristy Caldwell’s clean, colorful depictions of faraway settings and remote locales bring wonderful immediacy to the story. The crux of this unforgettable tale is that if you can dream big and be brave, anything is possible.” —BookPage

[/show_more]

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People —NCSS/CBC, 2020

Parents’ Choice Recommended Award —Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2019

A former high school dance teacher and sign language interpreter, Lori Mortensen is the award-winning author of over 100 books and over 500 stories and articles. You can visit her 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.

“Elegant and informative, this is sure to attract casual browsers and true space nerds alike.” ―Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

“Captivating free-verse narrative…vivid mixed-media illustrations that stun with photographic realism and varied perspectives…this well-researched title offers a stirring introduction to one of humankind’s most impressive undertakings.” ―Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

“Stunning… Slade’s carefully crafted, often alliterative text, written in free verse, is both succinct and readable, drawing this large topic down to the most necessary and interesting facts with enough detail to excite young teens as well as adults who may have lived through the missions.… Truly out of this world. A must-buy for most poetry collections.” ―School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

[show_more more=”Read More” less=”Read Less”]

“A grand…tale about a magnificent effort. A handsomely packaged look back at an epochal achievement.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“[A] book that will captivate and entertain young readers while educating them about an amazing decade of U.S. space exploration…In the 21st century, space travel goals aim much further away than the moon, but Countdown drives home how truly incredible the Apollo missions are in the history of mankind.” ―Shelf Awareness

[/show_more]

Best Children’s Books of the Year ―Bank Street College of Education, 2019

Parents’ Choice Gold Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2018

Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 ―NSTA / CBC, 2019

Eureka! Gold Nonfiction Children’s Book Award ―California Reading Association, 2018

[show_more more=”Read More” less=”Read Less”]

Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book ―Chicago Public Library, 2018

Beehive Award (Poetry Nominee) ―Children’s Literature Association of Utah, 2020

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Starred, Junior High) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2019

Lectio Book Award (Master List) ―Lectio Book Award, 2019

Magnolia Book Award (Nominee, Grades 6-8) ―Mississippi Children’s Museum, MDE / MLA / MLC / USM, 2020

Prairie Pasque Children’s Book Award (Nominee) ―South Dakota Library Association, South Dakota Reading Council, South Dakota State Library, South Dakota Elementary School Principals, 2020-2021

[/show_more]

Suzanne Slade is the award-winning author of over one hundred children’s books. She lives in Illinois. You can visit her website here.

Thomas Gonzalez is an illustrator, designer, and portrait artist. A native of Cuba, Tom came to the United States when he was ten years old. He studied at the Atlanta School of Art (now called Savannah of Art and Design). After working at the Coca-Cola Company for more than twenty years, Tom held several creative positions with other global brands. He has illustrated many picture books, including 14 Cows for America, Seven and a Half Tons of Steel, and Countdown. He lives in Georgia. You can visit his website here.

“Lively, engaging… Bowman’s conversational, folksy reader-directed paragraphs incorporate droll, dramatic, and suspenseful touches that will likely hold readers’ interest…Schindler’s intricate, expressive watercolor-and-ink illustrations lend further vibrancy.” ―Booklist

“Bowman’s upbeat telling is infused with folksy humor, and Schindler’s superb watercolor-and-ink illustrations effectively capture the time period.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Bowman adds levity and appeal… Schindler’s illustrations, done in watercolor and ink, are a perfect accompaniment to this moralistic story.” ―School Library Journal

“This title takes a refreshing look at one of Lincoln’s mistakes. Likely a story not known to many, this selection humanizes a celebrated man and solidifies his position as one of America’s greatest heroes!” ―School Library Connection

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People ―National Council for the Social Studies, Children’s Book Council, 2019

Writers’ League of Texas Book Awards (Finalist, Picture Books) ―Writers’ League of Texas, 2018

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

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

Delaware Diamonds Award (Nominee, 3-5) ―Diamond State Reading Association, 2019-2020

Donna Janell Bowman is the author of Step Right Up. She holds an MFA in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts. She lives in Texas. You can visit her website here.

S.D. Schindler is a popular illustrator of many bestselling children’s picture books, including Ben Franklin’s Big Splash: The Mostly True Story of His First Invention and Brother Hugo and the Bear. He lives in Pennsylvania.

“Slade tells the purposively inspiring story with a poetic flair, and Ratterree’s pale, evocatively washed-out watercolor illustrations are richly detailed… An attractive volume introducing an important American to young readers.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Slade continues her line of outstanding nonfiction picture books with her latest offering, about Jane Addams…. This short biography emphasizes the value of doing what is right despite criticism…. In Slade’s and Ratterree’s hands, Addams’s legacy shines brightly for the next generation of advocates…. A stirring addition to any school or public library’s biography section.” ―School Library Journal

“A straightforward introduction to the dedication and purpose of an American heroine.” ―Booklist

“An inspiring testament to the power of activism.… An afterword and timeline round out a solid introduction to a woman who ‘kept doing what she’d always done: helping people. No matter where they were from. No matter what others thought. No matter the cost.’” ―Publishers Weekly

[show_more more=”Read More” less=”Read Less”]

“This is a quick read aloud, perfect for discussions regarding the importance of community service and advocating for the less fortunate…. The book’s mission to share Jane’s fascinating life might just inspire the next generation of social activists.” ―School Library Connection

[/show_more]

Best Children’s Books of the Year (Starred) ―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

CCBC Choices (Biography and Autobiography) ―Cooperative Children’s Book Center, 2018

Illinois Reads (3-5) ―Illinois Reading Council, 2019

[show_more more=”Read More” less=”Read Less”]

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

Alabama Camellia Award (Nominee, Grades 4-5 Non-fiction) ―Alabama Department of Education, 2018-2019

[/show_more]

Suzanne Slade is the award-winning author of over one hundred children’s books. She lives in Illinois. You can visit her website here.

Alice Ratterree’s work has been featured in greeting cards, children’s books, and original paintings and drawings. Also an accomplished classically trained singer, Alice has appeared as a soloist in opera, concert, and oratorial venues. She lives in South Carolina. You can visit her website here.

Joyce Blackburn is well known for her prize-winning fiction and historical biographies for children. She has written fourteen books, including Suki and the Invisible Peacock, Suki and the Old Umbrella, Suki and the Magic Sand Dollar, and Suki and the Wonder Star, in addition to biographies of Martha Berry, Theodore Roosevelt, John Adams, James Edward Oglethorpe, and George Wythe. Ms. Blackburn lives on St. Simons Island off the coast of Georgia.

Ruth Ashby is the award-winning author of dozens of nonfiction and fiction books for juvenile readers. She lives in New York.

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.

“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

“In this stirring tribute to an African-American journalist… Adding strong notes of reverence to the narrative, Alcorn’s big cubist paintings center on Wells… Capped by a well-chosen list of additional resources at several levels, this handsomely packaged introduction to one of the most important progenitors of the Civil Rights Movement is just the ticket for young readers not yet ready to tackle the Fradins’ definitive profile.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Alcorn’s ink-and-watercolor illustrations have a fluid quality, conveying both action within the story and movement from one scene to the next. The use of warm colors and fanciful elements help to mute the harsh realities of lynching and segregation, while still maintaining a respectful tone. Appended with notes on Well’s later life, a time line, and bibliography, this makes a good choice for middle-grade readers studying the early period of the civil rights movement.” ―Booklist

“An excellent picture-book biography… Alcorn’s inventive, imaginative artwork softens the violence without minimizing it.” ―School Library Journal

[show_more more=”Read More” less=”Read Less”]

“Eloquently written text combined with whimsical illustrations, is sure to be a valuable addition to any biographical collection.” ―Library Media Connection

“The highly stylized cubist-inspired illustrations form a sophisticated counterpoint to the matter-of-fact text adding drama and emphasis to every page.” ―Parents’ Choice

[/show_more]

Parents’ Choice Recommended Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2008

Notable Children’s Books in the Language Arts ―National Council of Teachers of English, 2009

Amelia Bloomer Project ―Feminist Task Force of the Social Responsibilities Round Table of the American Library Association, 2009

Society of School Librarians International Book Awards (Honor Book, Social Studies, Grades K-6) ―Society of School Librarians International, 2008

[show_more more=”Read More” less=”Read Less”]

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

Children’s Books: 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing ―New York Public Library, 2008

Garden State Children’s Book Awards (Non-fiction Nominee) ―New Jersey Library Association, 2011

Land of Enchantment Book Awards (Picture Narrative Master List) ―New Mexico Library Association, New Mexico Council of IRA, 2012-2013

UMW Reading Program ―United Methodist Women, 2014

[/show_more]

Philip Dray was a Pulitzer Prize finalist and winner of the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Book Award for At The Hands of Persons Unknown: The Lynching of Black America. It was through his work on this book that he became acquainted with Ida B. Wells and her compelling story. He lives in New York. Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells is his first book for children.

Stephen Alcorn has illustrated numerous books for young people, including Keep On! and Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells. He lives in Virginia. You can visit  his website here.