What better way is there to preserve the human spirit of a people than through artistic expression? This book celebrates the stories of Black artists who paved the way for people of color in and out of the arts to be their true selves. Read about men and women who have broken barriers in literature and the performing and visual arts including writer Toni Morrison, jazz pianist Oscar Peterson, rapper Common, artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, actor Lupia Nyong'o, and many more.
Read about the men and women who have improved our lives through science including Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, astronaut Mae Jemison, inventor George Washington Carver, psychologists Kenneth and Mamie Clark, and many more.
Find out about the life of Rosa Parks from how she fought racism and was an activist in the civil rights movement to how she is remembered today. The book has photographs and a simple text suitable for young children.
Find out about the life of Martin Luther King Jr. from how he fought racism and led the civil rights movement in the United States to his tragic death and how he is remembered now around the world. The book has photographs and a simple text suitable for young children.
Children often feel that they need to be the same as everyone else. That is the main reason for unhappiness. Do we see our differences as reasons for judgment and fighting? How can we view the different ways of others as things to enjoy, rather than criticize? This book encourages children to honor their own uniqueness and that of others through new ideas and positive actions.
Equality is having the same rights, opportunities, and status as everyone else. Diversity is about recognizing the importance of different cultures in society, while still protecting their equality. This timely book discusses why the acceptance of diversity is important in society to prevent discrimination based on race, religion, and sex. Case studies of real-world events help readers understand the consequences of inequality.
The American West was once an unexplored frontier and the home of thousands of American natives. Explore the Old West—from fool's gold to buckaroos—with amazing facts about cowboys and Indians and the horses they rode.
After a difficult childhood, Chris Gardner promised he would be a good father. He also vowed to become successful. When he found himself homeless as a single dad, Gardner didn’t give up. Instead, the Navy veteran put all his energy into becoming a stockbroker and building a happy life. Today Gardner inspires people to keep reaching for their dreams.
Everyone's hair is different and good, and one girl shares all the things that delight her about her nappy curls. It stretches! It's springy! It twirls and loops and hoops! But that's nothing compared to all the amazing things she can do with it to express her every mood and style. It is truly unique. Just like her! Part of the Own Voices, Own Stories collection.
For more than 150 years, thousands of Indigenous children were taken from their families and sent to residential schools across Canada. Artist Carey Newman created the Witness Blanket to make sure that history is never forgotten. The Blanket is a living work of art—a collection of hundreds of objects from those schools. It includes everything from photos, bricks, hockey skates, graduation certificates, dolls and piano keys to braids of hair. Behind every piece is a story. And behind every story is a residential school Survivor, including Carey's father. This book is a collection of truths about what happened at those schools, but it's also a beacon of hope and a step on the journey toward reconciliation.
A little girl grieves the loss of her mother, but she can’t grieve alone. When her friends and family arrive at her house to sit shiva, laden with cakes and stories, she refuses to come downstairs. But the laughter and memories gradually bring her into the fold, where she is comforted by her community. By the end of the book, she feels stronger and more nourished, and she understands the beautiful tradition. Then, when sees her father sitting alone, she is able to comfort him in his time of need. Sitting Shiva is a beautiful, heartfelt story about grief and loss, but also about comfort and community. It shows that no matter what religion you practice, we are all more similar than we are different. A note from the author explains the ritual of sitting shiva, a seven-day period of mourning for the death of a family member observed in Jewish homes.
In 2010 a Winnipeg-based charity raised funds to build and ship a mosque to Inuvik, one of the most northern towns in Canada’s Arctic. A small but growing Muslim community there had been using a cramped trailer for their services, but there just wasn't enough space. The mosque travelled over 4,000 kilometers on a journey fraught with poor weather, incomplete bridges, narrow roads, low traffic wires and a deadline to get on the last barge heading up the Mackenzie River before the first winter freeze. But it made it just in time and is now one of the most northern mosques in the world. This beautiful picture book reminds us that the collective dream of fostering a multicultural and tolerant Canada exists and that people of all backgrounds will come together to build bridges and overcome obstacles for the greater good of their neighbors.
Poignant words from award-winning Indigenous author Monique Gray Smith about all the hopes adults have for the young people in their lives. The hopes we have for the children in our lives are endless. We want our young people to thrive and experience all that life has to offer, but we also feel protective of them. Using simple but powerful statements, Monique Gray Smith delivers a touching message about loving, nurturing and wishing the best for our children. Paired with Gabrielle Grimard's warm and enchanting illustrations, the message in I Hope will resonate with all parents, grandparents and caregivers. Orca Book Publishers is proud to offer this picture book as a dual-language (English and Plains Cree) edition.
Canada's relationship with its Indigenous people has suffered as a result of both the residential school system and the lack of understanding of the historical and current impact of those schools. Healing and repairing that relationship requires education, awareness and increased understanding of the legacy and the impacts still being felt by Survivors and their families. Guided by acclaimed Indigenous author Monique Gray Smith, readers will learn about the lives of Survivors and listen to allies who are putting the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission into action.
The people of the Sioux Nation have made their homes in North America for hundreds of years. Discover this amazing nation, its proud history, and how its members continue to honor their culture today. Learn about traditional Sioux foods, artwork, and ceremonies. Read about great leaders like Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse who fought to keep their people free. Includes a support page of teaching tips for caregivers and teachers. Downloadable Teacher's Notes available.
The people from the Seminole Nation have made their homes in North America for hundreds of years. Discover this amazing nation, its proud history, and how its members continue to honor their culture today. Learn about traditional Seminole buildings, artwork, and ceremonies. Read about great leaders like Osceola and Abiaka who fought to keep their people free. Includes a support page of teaching tips for caregivers and teachers. Downloadable Teacher's Notes available.
The people of the Navajo Nation have lived in North America for hundreds of years. Discover this amazing nation, its proud history, and how its members continue to honor their culture today. Learn about traditional Navajo foods, art, and homes. Read about great leaders like Manuelito and Barboncito who fought to keep their people free. Includes a support page of teaching tips for caregivers and teachers. Downloadable Teacher's Notes available.
The people of the Cherokee Nation have lived in North America for hundreds of years. Discover this amazing nation, its proud history, and how its members continue to honor their culture today. Learn about traditional Cherokee foods, art, and ceremonies. Read about great leaders like Yonaguska and John Ross who fought to keep their people free. Includes a support page of teaching tips for caregivers and teachers. Downloadable Teacher's Notes available.
The people from the Cheyenne Nation have made their homes in North America for hundreds of years. Discover this amazing nation, its proud history, and how its members continue to honor their culture today. Learn about traditional Cheyenne foods, artwork, and forms of government. Read about great leaders like Black Kettle and Dull Knife who fought to keep their people free. Includes a support page of teaching tips for caregivers and teachers. Downloadable Teacher's Notes available.
The people of the Apache Nation have lived in North America for hundreds of years. Discover this amazing nation, its proud history, and how its members continue to honor their culture today. Learn about traditional Apache foods, art, and ceremonies. Read about great leaders like Cochise and Geronimo who fought to keep their people free. Includes a support page of teaching tips for caregivers and teachers. Downloadable Teacher's Notes available.
When his cousin struggled in school, Salman “Sal” Khan decided to help. Since they couldn’t get together, Khan tutored her by computer. Soon he posted lessons online for others too. Seeing the need for online learning, he started the Khan Academy. Through the academy, Khan continues his quest to provide a world-class education to anyone who wants one.
In this book, readers will learn about the unique and defining features of Israel. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text will engage young readers as they learn more about the key details of the country, including geography, climate, culture, and resources. Compelling questions encourage further inquiry. Includes reading tips for teachers and parents, a map, quick facts, a table of contents, a glossary, and an index.
This biography for early readers examines the life of famous Muslim architect Zaha Hadid in a simple, age-appropriate way that helps young readers develop word recognition and reading skills. Includes table of contents, author biography, timeline, glossary, index, and other informative backmatter. The My Itty-Bitty Bio series celebrates diversity, covering women and men from a range of backgrounds and professions including immigrants and individuals with disabilities.
This biography for early readers examines the life of Shawnee chief and warrior Tecumseh in a simple, age-appropriate way that helps young readers develop word recognition and reading skills. Includes table of contents, author biography, timeline, glossary, index, and other informative backmatter. The My Itty-Bitty Bio series celebrates diversity, covering women and men from a range of backgrounds and professions including immigrants and individuals with disabilities.
How do we talk about religion? This book breaks down the topic of religion for young readers. Filled with engaging photos and captions, this series opens up opportunities for deeper thought and informed conversation. Guided exploration of topics in 21st Century Junior Library's signature style helps readers to Look, Think, Ask Questions, Make Guesses, and Create as they go!
