Service Alert
Website maintenance April 24 10pm ET
On Wednesday April 24 at 10pm ET the CELA website will be unavailable for about 15 minutes for planned maintenance.
On Wednesday April 24 at 10pm ET the CELA website will be unavailable for about 15 minutes for planned maintenance.
Showing 1 - 20 of 76 items
By Monica Kulling. 2010
In the second of Tundra's Great Idea series, biographies for children who are just starting to read, Monica Kulling presents…
the life of an extraordinary man.There were few opportunities for the son of slaves, but Elijah McCoy's dreams led him to study mechanical engineering in Scotland. He learned everything there was to know about engines - how to design them and how to build them. But when he returned to the United States to look for work at the Michigan Central Railroad, the only job Elijah could get was shoveling coal into a train's firebox.Undaunted, he went on to invent a means of oiling the engine while the train was running, changing the face of travel around the world.With playful text and lively illustrations, All Aboard! Elijah McCoy's Steam Engine may be the first biography a child discovers, and it will whet the appetite for many more.By George Takei. 2024
A moving, beautifully illustrated true story for children ages 6 to 9 about growing up in Japanese American incarceration camps during…
World War II—from the iconic Star Trek actor, activist, and author of the New York Times bestselling graphic memoir They Called Us Enemy. February 19, 1942. George Takei is four years old when his world changes forever. Two months after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declares anyone of Japanese descent an enemy of the United States. George and his family were American in every way. They had done nothing wrong. But because of their Japanese ancestry, they were removed from their home in California and forced into camps with thousands of other families who looked like theirs. Over the next three years, George had three different &“homes&”: the Santa Anita racetrack, swampy Camp Rohwer, and infamous Tule Lake. But even though they were now living behind barbed wire fences and surrounded by armed soldiers, his mother and father did everything they could to keep the family safe. In My Lost Freedom, George Takei looks back at his own memories to help children today understand what it feels like to be treated as an enemy by your own country. Featuring powerful meticulously researched watercolor paintings, this is a story of a family&’s courage, a young boy&’s resilience, and the importance of staying true to yourself in the face of injustice.Help your child power up their reading skills and learn all about the journey of a pioneer with this fun-filled…
nonfiction reader - carefully leveled to help children progress.Journey of a Pioneer follows the adventures of a young girl as her family travels west in covered wagons along the famous Oregon Trail.The engaging text has been carefully leveled using Lexiles so that children are set up to succeed.A motivating introduction to using essential nonfiction reading skills.Children will love to find out about the history of pioneers as they journeyed along the Oregon Trail.By Richard Ho. 2024
This biography of basketball superstar Jeremy Lin is an anthem of Asian American pride that speaks to any child who…
feels underestimated or misunderstood. If Lin can, you can!Have you ever been told that you CAN&’T? Growing up in the Bay Area, Jeremy Lin heard that over and over again. People made fun of his size and his race and wouldn&’t give him a chance. But Jeremy persevered until he became the first Taiwanese American to play in the NBA. And when his big moment came, he seized it!Jeremy&’s meteoric rise, dubbed "Linsanity," inspired the world and a whole generation of young Asian Americans. As author Richard Ho puts it, &“Jeremy&’s struggles were our struggles, so his triumphs were our triumphs. He made us believe that if he could succeed, so could we.&”Help your child power up their reading skills and learn all about childhood in Puerto Rico with this fun-filled nonfiction…
reader - carefully leveled to help children progress.A Puerto Rican Childhood is a beautifully designed reader all about the life, routine, family, and friends of a child growing up in Puerto Rico.The engaging text has been carefully leveled using Lexiles so that children are set up to succeed.A motivating introduction to using essential nonfiction reading skills.Children will love to find out about life and childhood on the Caribbean Island of Puerto Rico.By Joshua M. Greene. 2024
A Junior Library Guild Selection!The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising is one of history's most powerful acts of resistance. Here, author Joshua…
M. Greene (Signs of Survival) tells the true story of a young Jewish woman who was instrumental in the uprising as a smuggler of messages and weapons into and out of the Warsaw Ghetto.Scholastic Focus is the premier home of thoroughly researched, beautifully written, and thoughtfully designed works of narrative nonfiction aimed at middle-grade and young adult readers. These books help readers learn about the world in which they live and develop their critical thinking skills so that they may become dynamic citizens who are able to analyze and understand our past, participate in essential discussions about our present, and work to grow and build our future.Warsaw, Poland, 1940s: The Nazis are on the march, determined to wipe out the Jewish people of Europe. Teenage Vladka and her family are among the thousands of Jews forced to relocate behind the walls of the Warsaw Ghetto, a cramped, oppressive space full of starvation, suffering, and death.When Vladka's family is deported to concentration camps, Vladka joins up with other young people in the ghetto who are part of the Jewish underground: a group determined to fight back against the Nazis, no matter the cost.Vladka's role in the underground? To pass as a non-Jew, sneaking out of the ghetto to blend into Polish society while smuggling secret messages and weapons back over the ghetto wall. Every move she makes comes with the risk of being arrested or killed. But Vladka and her friends know that their missions are worth the danger-they are preparing for an uprising like no other, one that will challenge the Nazi war machine.This astonishing true story of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, told through the lens of Holocaust survivor and educator Vladka Meed, introduces readers to a crucial piece of history while highlighting the persistence of bravery in the face of hate.By Glenda Armand, Kim Freeman. 2023
Discover the inspiring story of Augustus Jackson, an African American entrepreneur who is known as "the father of ice cream,"…
in this beautifully illustrated picture-book biography.Augustus Jackson was born in 1808 in Philadelphia. While most African Americans were enslaved at that time, in Pennsylvania, slavery was against the law. But while Augustus and his family were free, they were poor, and they depended on their garden and their chickens for food. Augustus enjoyed helping his mom prepare meals for their family. He dreamed of becoming a professional cook, and when his mom suggested he may be able to make meals for the president one day, Augustus didn&’t waste any time in making that dream a reality. In 1820, when he was only twelve years old, he set off for Washington, DC. He applied to work in the White House, where the head cook offered him a job as a kitchen helper. After five years of working hard, Augustus, or Gus, was promoted to cook. He went on to serve presidents James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, and Andrew Jackson.During his time at the White House, Augustus became an expert at making a popular egg-based dessert. He soon made an eggless version—known to us today as ice cream—and left the White House determined to make and sell the frozen treat to everyone, not just the wealthy. Gus headed back home to Philadelphia, and in 1830, he opened his very own ice cream parlor. He devised a way to keep the ice cream frozen so that it could be shipped and sold to other businesses. Gus also began adding rock salt to the ice that he used to make his ice cream, which made the mixture freeze more quickly. This allowed him to speed up his production process. He created more ice cream with new flavors, and soon he was shipping product via train to places like New York City, which was 100 miles away. Gus&’s dream had come true, and better yet, he had brought smiles to many faces.Shining a light on a little-known visionary, this inspiring picture-book biography includes an afterword, a list of sources, and an easy-to-follow recipe so readers can make their own delicious ice cream!By Alison Hammond, E. L. Norry. 2022
Hiya! Alison Hammond here! I love getting to know all about different people and I'll tell you a secret .…
. . sometimes people we don't know much about are the most interesting of all! Which is really what this book is all about.Let me ask you a question: How many Black people can you name from our history? Mary Seacole? Ira Aldridge? George Bridgetower? Pablo Fanque? Walter Tull? Have you heard of these people?Yes? That's great! But if you haven't, don't worry, you're not alone, which is why I'm so excited to tell you all about them. Because the people in this book should be totally famous given the AMAZING things they've done! And we're not going to stop in the past, I'll introduce you to people making waves right here and now!From sportspeople to scientists, activists to musicians, politicians to writers, we're going to meet a whole bunch of AWESOME people who have helped shape the world we live in. So, are ready for you a journey Black in time?? Course you are, let's go!By Dawne Allette. 2009
"I was not born into money or status. I was born to a teenage mom in Hawaii, and my dad…
left us when I was two. But my family gave me love, they gave me education, and most of all they gave me hope..."Punctuated with his own words, this biography traces the people, places and experiences that made Barack Obama the powerful man he is today. His story takes us from Kenya to Hawaii and Indonesia to Chicago, embracing many cultures. It also reaches from the past to the present, with photographs of Obama growing up and a timeline of significant events in black history.Barack Obama's story of hope and determination culminates with an account of his historic Inauguration Day and his first 100 days in office.By M. J. Fievre. 2021
Discover Incredible Inventions by Black People (Ages 8-12) #1 New Release in Children's Inventors Books Young Trailblazers: The Book of…
Black Inventors and Scientists is a fun new book for children that teaches kids about inventions by Black people that have impacted the world through their ingenuity and trailblazing innovation. From Black Inventors to Black Scientists. Take your child on an adventure and travel through time to meet famous black inventors who changed the game. Countdown to liftoff with Katherine Johnson, who helped pioneer U.S. crewed space missions. Safely cross the street with Garrett Morgan, who invented the traffic signal—or even sing your heart out with James West&’s invention of the microphone. All of these inventions by Black people have, in one way or another, shaped the past and present through trailblazing creativity and resilience; these stories are sure to inspire every child. Experience an array of rich Black history. In this book, there are Black scientists and Black inventors we all know, such as Lewis Howard Latimer and Sarah Boone. There are also dozens of Black trailblazers that we don&’t, all of whom have accomplished remarkable things in literature, entertainment, education, STEM, business, military and government services, politics and law, activism, sports, spirituality, and more. Inside this book of inventions by Black people, you&’ll find: A fun and engaging introduction to Black inventors for kids Essential Black history for kids to learn about Interesting fun facts and beautiful illustrations If you enjoyed Black Women in Science, Black Inventors, or Black Heroes, then you&’ll love Young Trailblazers.By M. J. Fievre. 2022
Learn About Amazing Black Heroes That Shaped History (Ages 8–12)A fun book for children with moving stories about Black trailblazers…
who persevered through adversity to inspire generations to come.Inspirational stories of Black heroes. Discover how Black heroes have overcome adversity, from the story of writer and activist Maya Angelou, to the less known tale of Nance Legins-Costley, a slave whose freedom was won in a supreme court case by a young Abraham Lincoln. In this kid’s history book, take an educational trip through the ABCs of the names and stories of Black heroes who fought to overcome.Experience an array of rich Black history. History books often have left out the amazing and varied stories of Black heroes. The Young Trailblazers series of children’s books shines a light on those stories for young readers and helps teach diversity and inclusion. Young Trailblazers: The Book of Black Heroes and Overcomers also includes beautiful illustrations, fascinating facts, and important words and their definitions.Meet the Young Trailblazers and:Introduce your child to Black historyInspire hope and courage through stories of adversityTeach new words and interesting factsIf your child enjoyed other books in the Young Trailblazer series such as The Book of Black Inventors and Scientists; or if your child enjoyed books about Black history such as Black Heroes, Little Legends, or Black Women in Science, they’ll love Young Trailblazers: The Book of Black Heroes and Overcomers.The perfect primer for kids ages 8-12, A Child's Introduction to Asian American and Pacific Islander History is packed with…
remarkable stories, groundbreaking events, and inspirational people, that have made a lasting impact on the history and culture of the United States. The latest entry in the award-winning Child&’s Introduction series is an inspirational and essential look at the impact and influence that AAPI peoples have made to the culture of the United States. The book is packed with profiles of dozens of AAPI trailblazers from from all walks of life, including political activist Grace Lee Boggs, Vice President Kamala Harris, actor Dwayne &“The Rock&” Johnson, and dozens of others who have made contributions to music, food, sciences, technology, and more. Kids will learn key terms like "Asian American" and "Pacific Islander," how to pronounce common Asian names, and the discrimination members of the community have faced (and continue to face). They will be introduced to a wide variety of traditions, from Diwali to Lunar New Year and signature dishes, like poi and pho, all giving greater visibility to Asian Americans for young learners. Featuring charming illustrations and a lively design, as well as a pull-out poster, A Child's Introduction to Asian American and Pacific Islander History is much-needed addition every home library and classroom.By Marc Favreau. 2018
The incredible true story of how real people weathered one of the most turbulent periods in American history—the Great Depression—and…
emerged triumphant. From the sweeping consequences of the stock market crash to the riveting stories of individuals and communities caught up in a real American dystopia, discover how the country we live in today was built in response to a time when people from all walks of life fell victim to poverty, insecurity, and fear. Meet fascinating historical characters like Herbert Hoover, Franklin Delano and Eleanor Roosevelt, Frances Perkins, Dorothea Lange, Walter White, and Mary McLeod Bethune. See what life was like for regular Americans as the country went from the highs of the Roaring Twenties to the lows of the Great Depression, before bouncing back again during World War II. Explore pivotal scenes such as the creation of the New Deal, life in the Dust Bowl, the sit-down strikes in Michigan, the Scottsboro case, and the rise of Father Coughlin. Packed with photographs and firsthand accounts, and written with a keen understanding of the upheaval of the 1930s, Crash shares the incredible story of how America survived—and, ultimately, thrived.By Matt Lamothe, Jenny Volvoski. 2024
A gorgeously illustrated companion to Matt Lamothe’s This Is How We Do It featuring 50 kids from across the United…
States.From the rocky coastline of Maine to the lush rainforests of Hawai‘i, read about the many different places American kids call home—and about 50 real kids who live there.In Iowa, Amelia and her dad soar through the skies in their red-and-white-striped plane.In Rhode Island, Ramon and his sisters ride scooters in the apartment building courtyard.In Louisiana, Adrain Jr. races his dirt bike down a gravel road, speeding past cornfields.Matt Lamothe and Jenny Volvovski document the daily lives of 50 children from America’s 50 states in this compelling companion to the award-winning picture book This Is How We Do It. Fifty unique, authentic portraits of growing up in America include:Families who live in a variety of dwellings, from houseboats and yurts to farms, Native reservations, and Air Force basesChildren with adoptive families, stepfamilies, single-parent families, two moms or dads, and those who live with their grandparentsChildren living with health conditions such as leukemia and muscular dystrophyFamilies from a range of social, religious, and economic backgroundsThis illustration-packed nonfiction children's book depicts a diverse collection of families, homes, and dreams, highlighting what makes each child’s world so unique yet also familiar. All About U.S. brings us together by celebrating the similarities and differences between kids’ day-to-day experiences across the United States.KIDS CAN DO AMAZING THINGS!: Prepare to be amazed and inspired by the variety of activities and interests kids take up across the United States, including kids who fly planes, forge real swords, raise their own cows, and write novels.A FRESH APPROACH TO GEOGRAPHY BOOKS FOR KIDS: Focusing on how children experience the United States today, this book presents the REAL lives of modern children with a variety of backgrounds and family structures.A WEALTH OF ONE-OF-A-KIND BACKMATTER: With kid-friendly demographics analysis, snapshots of the children featured in the book, and a fascinating peek into the research process (the authors sent more than 400 emails to teachers, librarians, and organizations asking for help finding kids to feature; 231 families applied to be included), this is sure to be a classroom favorite and a valuable educational resource for years to come. CHALLENGING STEREOTYPES: All About U.S. challenges preconceptions while deepening readers’ understandings of the country. No family in the book represents their entire state, where millions of others live. But the 50 children featured create an image of the country's incredible diversity and the next generation's unique potential.EXCELLENT EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE: An entertaining and informative resource for children of all ages, this book will inspire children to tell their own stories and to learn about the lives of others across the United States. This book also speaks to educational standards, specifically for younger grades, emphasizing that "students compare and contrast everyday life in different times and places around the world."PRAISE FOR THIS IS HOW WE DO IT: A Booklist Editors' Choice An Amazon Best Book of the YearA Parents' Choice Award winnerA Junior Library Guild selectionAnd so much more!Perfect for:Parents or teachers looking for children's books about the United StatesFans of National Geographic Kids magazine and other resources that explore geography and different world culturesReaders of books like Everything & Everywhere: A Fact-Filled Adventure for Curious Globe-Trotters and Milo Imagines the WorldKids who love U.S. wall maps or atlasesGift-givers seeking an inspiring and educational gift bookBy Aranka Siegal. 1981
The classic true story of one child's experiences during the holocaust.Nine-year-old Piri describes the bewilderment of being a Jewish child…
during the 1939-1944 German occupation of her hometown (then in Hungary and now in the Ukraine) and relates the ordeal of trying to survive in the ghetto. Upon the Head of the Goat is the winner of the 1982 Boston Globe - Horn Book Award for Nonfiction and a 1982 Newbery Honor Book.“This is a book that should be read by all those interested in the Holocaust and what it did to young and old.” —Isaac Bashevis SingerBy Breanna J. McDaniel. 2024
From an award-winning author and illustrator comes this picture book biography about beloved librarian and storyteller Augusta Braxton Baker, the…
first Black coordinator of children’s services at all branches of the New York Public Library. Before Augusta Braxton Baker became a storyteller, she was an excellent story listener. Her grandmother brought stories like Br’er Rabbit and Arthur and Excalibur to life, teaching young Augusta that when there’s a will, there’s always a way. When she grew up, Mrs. Baker began telling her own fantastical stories to children at the 135th Street branch of the New York Public Library in Harlem. But she noticed that there were hardly any books at the library featuring Black people in respectful, uplifting ways. Thus began her journey of championing books, writers, librarians, and teachers centering Black stories, educating and inspiring future acclaimed authors like Audre Lorde and James Baldwin along the way. As Mrs. Baker herself put it: “Children of all ages want to hear stories. Select well, prepare well and then go forth and just tell.”★ "In this detailed and informative work, Boughton chronicles the construction of the Hoover Dam via compellingly comprehensive text." —Publishers Weekly, starred…
review ★ "This well-written narrative is bound to become the authority on this modern American marvel." —Booklist, starred review"A fascinating blend of social and environmental history and engineering." —Kirkus Reviews "Truly breathtaking. This is a powerful story and like the water slowly rising behind that concrete barrier, it becomes more powerful with each page turn." —David Macaulay, two-time recipient of the Caldecott Medal and creator of the bestselling The Way Things Work"An exciting mix of research, storytelling, and an astounding true story—one that&’s still unfolding today." —Steve Sheinkin, three-time National Book Award finalist and Newbery Honor author of Bomb Discover the complicated history behind the construction of Hoover Dam—one of the country&’s most recognizable and far-reaching landmarks—and its lasting political and environmental effects on the Colorado River and the American West. At the time of its completion in 1936, Hoover Dam was the biggest dam in the world and the largest feat of architecture and engineering in the country—a statement of national ambition and technical achievement. It turned the wild Colorado River into a tame and securely managed water source, transforming millions of acres of desert into farmland while also providing water and power to the fast-growing population of the Southwest. The concrete monolith quickly became a symbol of American ingenuity; however, its history is laden with contradiction. It provided work for thousands, but it was a dangerous project that exploited desperate workers during the Depression. It helped secure the settlement and economies of the Southwest, but at the expense of Indigenous peoples and the environment; and it created a dependency on the Colorado River&’s water, which is under threat from overuse and climate change. Weaving together elements of engineering, geography, and political and socioeconomic history, and drawing heavily from unpublished oral histories taken from dam workers and their families, Simon Boughton&’s thoughtful and compelling debut—featuring historical photographs throughout—follows the construction and impact of Hoover Dam, and how its promise of abundance ultimately created a river in crisis today.A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard SelectionBy Carlos Whittaker. 2024
Tweens will encounter much-needed hope, read inspiring true stories, and learn to love generously and why connection matters in this…
90-day devotional from Carlos Whittaker, bestselling author, activist, and head of the "Instafamilia," a hope-minded online community. With Bible truths, stories of real hope and joy, and Carlos's "let's do this" energy, kids will be empowered to thrive no matter how life tries to discourage them, put them down, make them anxious, or cause them to feel isolated.In Get Your Hopes Up, 8 to 12-year olds willconnect Bible verses with real-life stories of finding and spreading hope,see prayer in action today,discover ways to advocate for the marginalized, andlearn to lead with love and fight for change.In this plugged-in world, the lines between childhood and adulthood have become blurred, and kids are exposed to hate, division, injustice, and negative emotions earlier than ever. Knowing where to find truth and positive environments can be confusing. Jesus gave us something long ago, though, that helps us remain grounded and steady in the face of all that's broken in our world: hope.By J. P. Miller. 2022
Children learn about one of the most influential African American leaders in history with the biography of businessman O.W. Gurley.O.W.…
Gurley quickly became one of the most influential African American businessmen in history. Using his funds to help develop the Greenwood neighborhood of Tulsa, Oklahoma, he turned 40-acres of land into the popular “Black Wall Street”.Storybook Features:This children’s book features a glossary with new vocabulary, text-dependent questions, and an extension activity to develop reading comprehension skills.24 pages of vibrant illustrationsLexile 290LAbout RourkeWe proudly publish respectful and relevant non-fiction and fiction titles that represent our diverse readers, and are designed to support reading on a level that has no limits!By J. P. Miller. 2022
Children learn about one of the most influential African American leaders in history with the biography of Frederick O’Neal.Not only…
was Frederick O’Neal a leader and pioneer, but he was also a talented actor and entertainer! Follow along to learn more about Frederick’s life and the contributions he made to the stage.Storybook Features:This children’s book features a glossary with new vocabulary, text-dependent questions, and an extension activity to develop reading comprehension skills.24 pages of vibrant illustrationsLexile 290LAbout RourkeWe proudly publish respectful and relevant non-fiction and fiction titles that represent our diverse readers, and are designed to support reading on a level that has no limits!