Barasch, Lynne. Hiromi's Hands. (B BAR) Many people consider sushi to be art as well as food. Until recently, only men were taught to make sushi in fine Japanese restaurants. This is the true story of Hiromi Suzuki who became one of the first female sushi chefs in New York City.
Barasch, Lynne. Knockin' on Wood: Starring Peg Leg Bates.(B BAT) Even losing his leg after a factory accident couldn’t stop Clayton “Peg Leg” Bates from following his dream and becoming a world famous tap dancer.
Barton, Chris. Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson's Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions. (B JOH) As a child, Lonnie Johnson loved to tinker and build. As an adult, Lonnie worked as an engineer for NASA. There were quite a few bumps along the way, but eventually, using his creativity, skills, and interests, Lonnie accidentally designed the Super Soaker which became his most famous invention.
Berne, Jennifer. Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau. (B COU) Jacques Cousteau's love of the ocean helped him to become one of the most famous oceanographers, marine biologists, and underwater filmmakers of his time. Many of his discoveries led to modern understandings about how to protect the ocean and the creatures that live there.
Bogacki, Tomasz. Champion of the Children:The Story of Janusz Korczak. (B KOR) Janusz Korczak was a model of dignity and respect for children even during the horrible injustices of the Holocaust.
Bootman, Gwendolyn. Tiny Stitches. (B THO) Even though Vivien faced prejudice and never had the chance to attend medical school, he still became a pioneer in surgical medicine. His techniques have saved the lives of thousands of children. He inspired many doctors, and his story is an inspiration to anyone who rises when faced with adversity.
Bridges, Ruby. Through My Eyes (B BRI) In this autobiography, Ruby tells her amazing story of when she was one of just a handful of African American students going to an all- white school. Despite the hurtful names, threats, and actual violence, Ruby would not be intimidated. It's hard to believe that she had to face all of that when she was just FIVE years old!
Chin-Lee, Cynthia. Akira to Zoltan: Twenty-Six Men Who Changed the World. (920 CHI) Brief biographical information about twenty-six men who have made a difference in our world. The author chose to do one entry for each letter of the alphabet based on the first name rather than the last name. Unusual! Also by this author: Amelia to Zora -(920 CHI) Quick biographies of women who have made history in their fields.
Cline-Ransome, Lesa. Major Taylor: Champion Cyclist.(B TAY) Major Taylor lived like a champion even before he became the first African American bicycle racer to win the World Championship.
Close, Chuck. Chuck Close: Face Book. (B CLO) Artist Chuck Close introduces young artists to his life and work through a series of questions, answers, and photographs of himself and his art. Learn about his style, why he only does faces, what childhood challenges he faced, and how he overcame his greatest challenge that he refers to as "The Incident" that left him paralyzed. Truly inspirational and informative.
Corey, Shana. Mermaid Queen. (B KEL) Although she had to wear leg braces as a child, Annette Kellerman didn’t let that stop her from becoming a champion swimmer and inventing water ballet. She also made quite a splash with her choice of swimsuit!
Fine, Edith Hope. Rosa Parks: Meet a Civil Rights Hero (B PAR) Even before she refused to give up her bus seat in 1955, Rosa Parks worked to promote equal rights for African Americans.
Fitzgerald, Dawn. Vinnie and Abraham. (B REA) Vinnie Ream was a determined young girl who did not take NO for an answer. This attitude eventually gave her the opportunity to meet and speak with Abe Lincoln while working on his portrait. She even earned an honor many other artists had hoped to receive after Lincoln’s death.
Fleischman, Sid. Escape: The Story of the Great Houdini. (B HOU) Long after his death, Harry Houdini is remembered as the king of escape artists. Learn more about his fascinating life.
Jurmain, Suzanne. George Did It . (B WAS) Despite his wish to stay out of the limelight, George Washington became one of the most famous Americans of all time.
Krull, Kathleen . Harvesting Hope. (B CHA) Cesar Chavez used the teachings of Gandhi, and Martin Luther King, Jr. as the basis for his peaceful protests to imporve working conditions for California migrant workers.
Lasky, Kathryn. John Muir: America's First Environmentalist. (B MUI)After growing up in Scotland, John Muir moved to America where his love and appreciation of nature helped him establish Yosemite National Park and the Sierra Club.
Levine, Karen . Hana's Suitcase. (B BRA) Hana’s suitcase, which was sent to a Japanese Holocause center, inspires one woman to begin a search for the Hana and her brother who were taken prisoner during the Holocaust in Czechoslovakia.
McCarthy, Megan. Strong Man: The Story of Charles Atlas. (B ATL) Learn how Angelo Siciliano transformed himself from a skinny weakling into one of the most physically fit men of his time. His determination and life lessons became an inspiration to others.
Nelson, S.D.. Red Cloud: A Lakota Story of War and Surrender.(B RED) Red Cloud was a Lakota leader who fought against westward expansion in the 1860s. Told from Red Cloud's point of view, you'll get a whole new perspective on who broke the treaties, who caused the massacres, and who, if anyone, were the heroes.
Nelson, Vaunda Micheaux. Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshall. (B REE) Bass Reeves began his life as a slave but lived to become one of the most respected U.S. Marshals of his time. Nominated for the 2011-2012 Bluestem Award.
Pizzoli, Greg. The Quest for Z: True Story of Explorer Percy Fawcett and a Lost City in the Amazon. (B FAW) Back in the 1920s, much of South America was still unexplored. British adventurer Percy Fawcett was convinced that a lost city he called Z was hidden deep in the Amazon rainforest, and he was determined to find it. Many believe that Percy Fawcett lost more than he found on his quest. See for yourself.
Slaymaker, Melissa Eskridge. Bottle Houses: The Creative World of Grandma Prisbey. (B PRI) Grandma Prisbrey saw beauty all around her. In fact, bottles that other people saw as garbage turned into a village of gorgeous glass buildings created by this artist and pioneer in recycling.
Stone, Tanya Lee. Who Says Women Can't Be Doctors?. Biography (B BLA) It's hard to imagine a time when we didn't have women doctors, but in Elizabeth Blackwell's time only men became doctors. Fortunately, that didn't let that stop Elizabeth from persuing her dream. It wasn't easy, and there were many obstacles to overcome, but Elizabeth Blackwell opened the way for many more women to become doctors just like her.
Stone, Tanya Lee . Ilan Ramon: Israel's First Astronaut (B RAM) Ilan Ramon was Israel’s first astronaut who was a role model and inspiration to many people around the world.
Tonatiah, Duncan. Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras. (B POS) Calaveras, skeletons performing everyday tasks, are a well-known part of Mexico's Dio de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, celebrations. The artist behind these famous skeleton drawings was Jose Guadalupe (Lupe) Posada. Find out how his love of drawing and printmaking continue to make this artist's work recognizable today, 100 years after his death.
Van Allsburg, Chris. Queen of the Falls. (B TAY) To anyone who saw her, Annie Edson Taylor looked like an aging charm school teacher, and that's what she was. When her school closes, Annie comes up with a plan to make money by being the first person to survive a trip over Niagara Falls in a barrel. How successful was her plan? Read to find out.
Wallmark Laurie. Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code. (B HOP) Even as a young girl, Grace Hopper wanted to know how things worked and was determined to find out. Some people thought Grace was a rule breaker and a troublemaker while others remember her for her intelligence, creative thinking and sense of humor. Whatever your opinion, you won't be able to deny the many accomplishments of this trailblazing woman!
Weatherford, Carole Boston. I, Matthew Henson: Polar Explorer. (B HEN) Matthew Henson didn't let anything stand in his way of reaching his dream and the North Pole.
Winter, Jonah. Frida (B KAH) Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo became one of the most famous and beloved Mexican artists ever despite the fact that she was nearly killed in a tragic bus accident. See how Frida used her talent and her love of painting to overcome the pain that she suffered.
Winter, Johan. Roberto Clemente: Pride of the Pittsburgh Pirates. (B CLE) Clemente was at the top of his baseball career when a tragic accident during a charity mission ended his life. Learn more about this athlete and role model.