Our Shared History (page 2)

What’s the Big Deal About Freedom, by Ruby Shamir, Illustrated by Matt Faulkner
Philomel Books, 2017
This fun, fact-filled book celebrates how, with every generation, more and more Americans won the right to be free! With humor and verve the information presented makes it clear that America’s greatness isn’t something we can look back at, it’s something we have yet to achieve.

Lighter than Air; Sophie Blanchard, the First Woman Pilot, by Matthey Clark Smith, Illustrated by Matt Travers
Candlewick Press 2017
Balloonomania has gripped the imagination of 18th century France. But all the pioneering aeronauts are men. Then, a shy girl from a seaside village, whose dream of mastering the skies is stronger than social convention, steps forward and becomes the first female solo aeronaut, Sophie Blanchard.

She Persisted; 13 American Women Who Changed the World, by Chelsea Clinton, Illustrated by Alexandra Boiger
Philomel Books, 2017
Since our country was founded there’ve always been women who have spoken out for what’s right, even when they had to fight to be heard. This book is for anyone who has wanted to speak up but has been told to quiet down. These thirteen stories about a diverse group of women, illustrate that persistence is power!

Out of Wonder; Poems Celebrating Poets, by Kwame Alexander, Illustrated by Ekua Holmes
Candlewick Press 2017
In gratitude for the joys of poetry, this book pays homage to 20 poets, from Langston Hughes and Emily Dickinson to Maya Angelou and Chief Dan George. The rich and colorful mixed media illustrations bring the poems into vivid focus and might very well inspire readers to take up their own pens.

What’s the Big Deal About First Ladies, by Ruby Shamir, Illustrated by Matt Faulkner
Philomel Books 2017
Why write a book about First Ladies? Because the work women have done to make this country run needs to be given credit. The “What’s the Big Deal” series brings proper attention to the women who made possible the lives of our country’s Presidents, some of whom were better than others. No matter what, let’s give more credit to the women!

Dangerous Jane, by Suzanne Slade, Illustrated by Alice Ratterrree
Peachtree Press, 2017
Gracefully written in easily understood language and accompanied by warm, engaging illustrations, Jane Addams’ motivations and incredible humanitarian achievements are described in a way easily grasped by young readers. Also conveyed is the important message that helping the downtrodden is the right thing even if others disagree.

Malala’s Magic Pencil, by Malala Yousafzai, Illustrated by Kerascoet
Little Brown and Company, 2017
International education activist, champion of women’s rights and, at 17, the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Malala presents the story of her road to becoming a world leader for social reform. Simplified for young readers, but not diminished, the book speaks movingly to children’s desire to make the world a better place.

Maya Lin, Artist and Architect of Light and Lines; Designer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, by Jeanne Walker Harvey, Illustrated by Dow Phumiruk
Christy Ottaviano Books, Henry Holt and Company, 2017
In addition to telling the story of how Maya Lin’s design was chosen to become the now internationally famous Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., this book illustrates how small and consistent expressions of support and encouragement throughout childhood can result in the blossoming of great talent and confidence.