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.
Growing up in Pakistan, Malala Yousafzai’s life was turned upside down by the Taliban. It forbade girls her age from going to school, but Malala refused to accept this. Speaking out nearly cost the young activist her life. Still, she didn’t give up. Today, Malala continues to fight for a free, safe education for all girls around the world.
Stephen Hawking's stated his goal was "No less than a complete understanding of the universe." This fascinating biography details the life and achievements of Stephen Hawking, a scientist who made significant contributions to the field of physics. Hawking's theories always inspired and challenged colleagues, and his strength was building on older theories and revolutionizing them into new theories such as black hole radiation.
Discover the courageous stories of elite Black athletes who battled prejudice and exclusion to become heroes and champions in their sport. Some have used their platform to bring attention to global, social, economic, and health issues. Others brought glory and fame to their countries. Read about such heroes in sports as boxer Muhammad Ali, tennis great Serena Williams, sprinter Usain Bolt, gymnast Simone Biles, and many more.
The act of segregation was a common thread woven throughout the world, directed at people of color. It takes great courage to stand up against racial injustice and many Black leaders sacrificed their lives to demand equality. Read about men and women who worked on behalf of all people of color including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Barack Obama, the founders of Black Lives Matter Alicia Garza, Opal Tometi, Patrisse Cullors, and many more.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wes notices that his neighbor can't use her treehouse because she's in a wheelchair. What will he do to help her?
In graphic-novel format, this brief biography of Martin Luther King Jr. discusses his childhood, his protests and marches, and his "I Have a Dream" speech.
Growing up, Dolores Huerta saw few people in power who looked like her. But her desire to help farm workers drove her to become a leader. After cofounding a labor union in 1962, Huerta helped improve the lives of countless farm workers. Her message of working together for change continues to inspire people around the world.
Born in China, Chien-Shiung Wu moved to the U.S. in 1936. Her dream was to become a physicist. But at the time, there were few women scientists. Discrimination was an issue too. Still, Wu did not give up. With hard work, she not only changed the field of physics, but also blazed a trail for women in science.
As a girl, Ellen Ochoa didn’t dream of going to space. But then she saw Sally Ride do it. This role model inspired Ochoa to apply at NASA. With hard work and perseverance, Ochoa became the first Latina to go to space. Now Ochoa is working to ensure diversity in the next generation of space explorers.
Whichever side of the political aisle you lean toward, it can seem like the only people in power are white men. But the balance is beginning to tip. Women are being elected at record rates and government is beginning to more accurately reflect the people it represents. Read these profiles of forty-four women in leadership from both sides of the US political spectrum and from around the world to learn about their paths to power, their achievements and missteps, and their lasting legacies. This book will show you what the road to power looks like for women in modern times. By showing up and representing women in the decisions that make or break a country, these leaders pave the way for future female politicians.
Wilma Mankiller knew firsthand the hardships facing the Cherokee people in the mid-20th century. After growing up in poverty, she got involved in the Native American rights movement of the 1960s and resolved to fight for change. As the first female principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, her hard work and determination improved health care, education, and living conditions for her tribe. Mankiller’s legacy of compassion and dedication continues to inspire people in the American Indian community and beyond.
At age two, Temple Grandin was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Though this led to many challenges throughout her life, Grandin views her disability as a gift. ASD allowed her to see the world in a different way and make a connection between two seemingly unrelated areas: animal welfare and autism. Today, Grandin works to educate people on animal behavior and humane treatment. She is also a renowned advocate for people with ASD.
Despite a rough childhood and many setbacks early in his career, Tyler Perry’s spirit never broke. He has since come to dominate Hollywood, even building and operating his own film studio. Through sheer determination, Perry has risen to the top and become an advocate for people in underrepresented groups in the film industry. He now uses his influence and wealth to create opportunities for underdogs like himself.
As a minister and an activist, Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to helping others. He fought for equality during a time when Black people in America experienced great injustice. His life and legacy continue to inspire others to push for change.
Gender and Race in Sports examines the historical successes and struggles of female athletes of color. From pioneers to today's stars, women of color have been examples of courage and strength as they fought to overcome barriers unique to their race and gender. Features include a glossary, references, websites, source notes, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Essential Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.
Class Mobility examines the difficulties that low-wage and middle-class Americans experience when trying to move up the economic ladder, and takes a close look at the roles race and geography play in mobility today. Features include a glossary, references, websites, source notes, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Essential Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.
Class and Race examines how African Americans, Native Americans, and other groups have grappled with class structures in American society, studying the ways in which racism has shaped those structures and continues to do so today. Features include a glossary, references, websites, source notes, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Essential Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.
Class and Education looks closely at the relationships between education and class, covering topics like public and private schools and funding, the voucher system, the correlation between class and higher education, and what might be done to lessen the educational achievement gap between classes. Features include a glossary, references, websites, source notes, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Essential Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.
"We face each other on the battlefield. Two proud samurai. Revenge burns in my heart. Here is where it ends."
