Miss Erin M.'s Top Picks!
The Underground Abductor
(Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales series)
By: Nathan Hale
Araminta Ross was born a slave in Delaware in the early 19th century. Slavery meant that her family could be ripped apart at any time, and that she could be put to work in dangerous places and for abusive people. But north of the Mason-Dixon line, slavery was illegal. If she could run away and make it north without being caught or killed, she'd be free. Facing enormous danger, Araminta made it, and once free, she changed her name to Harriet Tubman. Tubman spent the rest of her life helping slaves run away like she did, every time taking her life in her hands.
Nathan Hale tells Tubman’s incredible true-life story with the humor and sensitivity in this non fiction graphic novel. Perfect for reluctant readers and classroom discussions, this book tackles a vital and controversial time in American history without the “history book” format. This is just one in Hales’s Hazardous Tales Series that explores exciting (and some lesser known) events in American history, so be sure to check them out!
(Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales series)
By: Nathan Hale
Araminta Ross was born a slave in Delaware in the early 19th century. Slavery meant that her family could be ripped apart at any time, and that she could be put to work in dangerous places and for abusive people. But north of the Mason-Dixon line, slavery was illegal. If she could run away and make it north without being caught or killed, she'd be free. Facing enormous danger, Araminta made it, and once free, she changed her name to Harriet Tubman. Tubman spent the rest of her life helping slaves run away like she did, every time taking her life in her hands.
Nathan Hale tells Tubman’s incredible true-life story with the humor and sensitivity in this non fiction graphic novel. Perfect for reluctant readers and classroom discussions, this book tackles a vital and controversial time in American history without the “history book” format. This is just one in Hales’s Hazardous Tales Series that explores exciting (and some lesser known) events in American history, so be sure to check them out!
Baby Cheetahs
(Blastoff Readers)
By: Christina Leaf
Get ready for loads of cuteness! This book is just one in the new Super Cute! Baby Animals series from Blastoff! Readers. Each book is designed for children who are just beginning to read on their own, but still may need some help from a grown up. With larger sized fonts and brief, level-appropriate sentences, this series is a great way for early readers to practice reading and learn about cool animals. Plus, there are plenty of adorable, colorful photos throughout the book that will definitely keep kids reading!
(Blastoff Readers)
By: Christina Leaf
Get ready for loads of cuteness! This book is just one in the new Super Cute! Baby Animals series from Blastoff! Readers. Each book is designed for children who are just beginning to read on their own, but still may need some help from a grown up. With larger sized fonts and brief, level-appropriate sentences, this series is a great way for early readers to practice reading and learn about cool animals. Plus, there are plenty of adorable, colorful photos throughout the book that will definitely keep kids reading!
The National Geographic Big Book of Nature Poetry
Ed. By J. Patrick Lewis
Kids are never too young (or old!) to be exposed to poetry, and this new addition from National Geographic is a great way to do just that. When words in verse are paired with the awesomeness of nature, something magical happens! Beloved former U.S. Poet Laureate J. Patrick Lewis curates an exuberant poetic celebration of the natural world in this stellar collection of nature poems. From trickling streams to deafening thunderstorms to soaring mountains, discover majestic photography perfectly paired with contemporary (such as Billy Collins), classics (such as Robert Frost), and never-before-published works. This collection is perfect for adults to read together with children, as well as for upper elementary aged-children to read on their own.
Ed. By J. Patrick Lewis
Kids are never too young (or old!) to be exposed to poetry, and this new addition from National Geographic is a great way to do just that. When words in verse are paired with the awesomeness of nature, something magical happens! Beloved former U.S. Poet Laureate J. Patrick Lewis curates an exuberant poetic celebration of the natural world in this stellar collection of nature poems. From trickling streams to deafening thunderstorms to soaring mountains, discover majestic photography perfectly paired with contemporary (such as Billy Collins), classics (such as Robert Frost), and never-before-published works. This collection is perfect for adults to read together with children, as well as for upper elementary aged-children to read on their own.
Mesmerized: How Ben Franklin Solved a Mystery
that Baffled All of France
By: Mara Rockliff
The day Ben Franklin first set foot in Paris, France, he found the city all abuzz. Everyone was talking about something new—remarkable, thrilling, and strange. Something called . . . Science!
But soon the straightforward American inventor Benjamin Franklin is upstaged by a compelling and enigmatic figure: Dr. Mesmer. In elaborately staged shows, Mesmer, wearing a fancy coat of purple silk and carrying an iron wand, convinces the people of Paris that he controls a magic force that can make water taste like a hundred different things, cure illness, and control thoughts! But Ben Franklin is not convinced. Will his practical approach of observing, hypothesizing, and testing get to the bottom of the mysterious Mesmer’s tricks? A rip-roaring, lavishly illustrated peek into a fascinating moment in history shows the development and practice of the scientific method—and reveals the amazing power of the human mind.
that Baffled All of France
By: Mara Rockliff
The day Ben Franklin first set foot in Paris, France, he found the city all abuzz. Everyone was talking about something new—remarkable, thrilling, and strange. Something called . . . Science!
But soon the straightforward American inventor Benjamin Franklin is upstaged by a compelling and enigmatic figure: Dr. Mesmer. In elaborately staged shows, Mesmer, wearing a fancy coat of purple silk and carrying an iron wand, convinces the people of Paris that he controls a magic force that can make water taste like a hundred different things, cure illness, and control thoughts! But Ben Franklin is not convinced. Will his practical approach of observing, hypothesizing, and testing get to the bottom of the mysterious Mesmer’s tricks? A rip-roaring, lavishly illustrated peek into a fascinating moment in history shows the development and practice of the scientific method—and reveals the amazing power of the human mind.
I Am Helen Keller
(Ordinary People Change the World series)
By: Brad Meltzer
When Helen Keller was very young, she got a rare disease that made her deaf and blind. Suddenly, she couldn't see or hear at all, and it was hard for her to communicate with anyone. But when she was six years old, she met someone who change her life forever: her teacher, Annie Sullivan. Brad Meltzer takes young readers alongside Helen Keller as she experiences life and both struggles, and overcomes many challenges that are thrown her way. With simple, cartoon-style illustrations and dialog bubbles, this book is engaging as well as appropriate for younger elementary aged children. If you enjoy this book, be sure to check out the many other biography titles we have in this series by Meltzer!
(Ordinary People Change the World series)
By: Brad Meltzer
When Helen Keller was very young, she got a rare disease that made her deaf and blind. Suddenly, she couldn't see or hear at all, and it was hard for her to communicate with anyone. But when she was six years old, she met someone who change her life forever: her teacher, Annie Sullivan. Brad Meltzer takes young readers alongside Helen Keller as she experiences life and both struggles, and overcomes many challenges that are thrown her way. With simple, cartoon-style illustrations and dialog bubbles, this book is engaging as well as appropriate for younger elementary aged children. If you enjoy this book, be sure to check out the many other biography titles we have in this series by Meltzer!
Erin H.'s Top Picks for Teens!
Symphony for the City
By: M.T. Anderson
In September 1941, Adolf Hitler’s Wehrmacht surrounded Leningrad in what was to become one of the longest and most destructive sieges in Western history—almost three years of bombardment and starvation that culminated in the harsh winter of 1943–1944. More than a million citizens perished. Survivors recall corpses littering the frozen streets, their relatives having neither the means nor the strength to bury them. Residents burned books, furniture, and floorboards to keep warm; they ate family pets and—eventually—one another to stay alive. Trapped between the Nazi invading force and the Soviet government itself was composer Dmitri Shostakovich, who would write a symphony that roused, rallied, eulogized, and commemorated his fellow citizens—the Leningrad Symphony, which came to occupy a surprising place of prominence in the eventual Allied victory.
A truly extraordinary story that examines bravery, defiance, the triumph of the human spirit over impossible odds and the power of music. M.T. Anderson certainly did his research and this devastating period in history comes to life in this narrative. Truly a must read for those looking to learn more about a terrifying time in history and this narrative non-fiction title provides an amazing opportunity for a fascinating discussion.
By: M.T. Anderson
In September 1941, Adolf Hitler’s Wehrmacht surrounded Leningrad in what was to become one of the longest and most destructive sieges in Western history—almost three years of bombardment and starvation that culminated in the harsh winter of 1943–1944. More than a million citizens perished. Survivors recall corpses littering the frozen streets, their relatives having neither the means nor the strength to bury them. Residents burned books, furniture, and floorboards to keep warm; they ate family pets and—eventually—one another to stay alive. Trapped between the Nazi invading force and the Soviet government itself was composer Dmitri Shostakovich, who would write a symphony that roused, rallied, eulogized, and commemorated his fellow citizens—the Leningrad Symphony, which came to occupy a surprising place of prominence in the eventual Allied victory.
A truly extraordinary story that examines bravery, defiance, the triumph of the human spirit over impossible odds and the power of music. M.T. Anderson certainly did his research and this devastating period in history comes to life in this narrative. Truly a must read for those looking to learn more about a terrifying time in history and this narrative non-fiction title provides an amazing opportunity for a fascinating discussion.
Rookie Yearbook Four
By: Tavi Gevinson
Rookiemag.com is a website created by and for young women to make the best of the beauty, pain and awkwardness of being a teenager. When it becomes tough to appreciate such things, we have good plain fun and visual pleasure. When you’re sick of having to be happy all the time, we have lots of rants, too. Every school year, we compile the best from the site into a print yearbook. Behold: our Senior year!
In Rookie Yearbook Four, we take a good, long look at stuff like friendship, crushes, speaking out, taking action, and learning about yourself. Our Senior year is full of beautiful art and photographs, playlists, DIY tutorials, advice ranging from how to get over trauma to how to write a college admissions essay, interviews with Rookie role models like Marina and the Diamonds, TLC, Laverne Cox, and FKA twigs, and exclusive content from Willow Smith, Ariana Grande, Solange, Charli XCX, Lorde, Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend, Florence Welch of Florence + the Machine, Hayley Williams of Paramore, and Donna Tartt, PLUS a sticker sheet, posters, pizza banner, teen bedroom diorama, and collage kit. School’s out, but Rookie is immortalized right here, in print, forever.
This compilation features a little bit of everything that will help empower and inspire teen girls. The stories are relatable and there is plenty of content provided from celebrities they know and follow. A fun addition and something that girls can look through together with sisters and best friends.
By: Tavi Gevinson
Rookiemag.com is a website created by and for young women to make the best of the beauty, pain and awkwardness of being a teenager. When it becomes tough to appreciate such things, we have good plain fun and visual pleasure. When you’re sick of having to be happy all the time, we have lots of rants, too. Every school year, we compile the best from the site into a print yearbook. Behold: our Senior year!
In Rookie Yearbook Four, we take a good, long look at stuff like friendship, crushes, speaking out, taking action, and learning about yourself. Our Senior year is full of beautiful art and photographs, playlists, DIY tutorials, advice ranging from how to get over trauma to how to write a college admissions essay, interviews with Rookie role models like Marina and the Diamonds, TLC, Laverne Cox, and FKA twigs, and exclusive content from Willow Smith, Ariana Grande, Solange, Charli XCX, Lorde, Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend, Florence Welch of Florence + the Machine, Hayley Williams of Paramore, and Donna Tartt, PLUS a sticker sheet, posters, pizza banner, teen bedroom diorama, and collage kit. School’s out, but Rookie is immortalized right here, in print, forever.
This compilation features a little bit of everything that will help empower and inspire teen girls. The stories are relatable and there is plenty of content provided from celebrities they know and follow. A fun addition and something that girls can look through together with sisters and best friends.
Rhythym Ride: A Road Trip Through the Motown Sound
By: Andrea Davis Pinkney
Berry Gordy began Motown in 1959 with an $800 loan from his family. He converted the garage of a residential house into a studio and recruited teenagers from the neighborhood-like Smokey Robinson, Mary Wells, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Diana Ross-to sing for his new label. Meanwhile, the country was on the brink of a cultural revolution, and one of the most powerful agents of change in the following decade would be this group of young black performers from urban Detroit. From Berry Gordy and his remarkable vision to the Civil Rights movement, from the behind-the-scenes musicians, choreographers, and song writers to the most famous recording artists of the century, Andrea Davis Pinkney takes readers on a Rhythm Ride through the story of Motown.
A necessity for all Michiganders in terms of understanding the Motown movement and its history in Detroit. A collection of photographs, timelines, and accessible text make this an engaging and engrossing read for music fans of all ages.
By: Andrea Davis Pinkney
Berry Gordy began Motown in 1959 with an $800 loan from his family. He converted the garage of a residential house into a studio and recruited teenagers from the neighborhood-like Smokey Robinson, Mary Wells, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Diana Ross-to sing for his new label. Meanwhile, the country was on the brink of a cultural revolution, and one of the most powerful agents of change in the following decade would be this group of young black performers from urban Detroit. From Berry Gordy and his remarkable vision to the Civil Rights movement, from the behind-the-scenes musicians, choreographers, and song writers to the most famous recording artists of the century, Andrea Davis Pinkney takes readers on a Rhythm Ride through the story of Motown.
A necessity for all Michiganders in terms of understanding the Motown movement and its history in Detroit. A collection of photographs, timelines, and accessible text make this an engaging and engrossing read for music fans of all ages.
This Books is Gay
By: James Dawson
Lesbian. Bisexual. Queer. Transgender. Straight. Curious. This book is for everyone, regardless of gender or sexual preference. This book is for anyone who's ever dared to wonder. This book is for YOU. Inside you'll find the answers to all the questions you ever wanted to ask: from sex to politics, hooking up to stereotypes, coming out and more. This candid, funny, and uncensored exploration of sexuality and what it's like to grow up LGBT also includes real stories from people across the gender and sexual spectrums, not to mention hilarious illustrations. You will be entertained. You will be informed. But most importantly, you will know that however you identify (or don't) and whomever you love, you are exceptional. You matter. And so does this book.
A truly exceptional book that answers all of your questions and supports readers on their journey to self-discovery. Equal parts educational, sentimental, and fun, this is a great example of a book that is empowering not just to its intended audience but to every reader. Additionally, Dawson's voice is one that is approachable, friendly and, at times hilarious creating a reading experience that is comfortable. I encourage everyone to read this book and open a discussion that will help make us more knowledgeable, educated, and, most importantly, compassionate human beings.
By: James Dawson
Lesbian. Bisexual. Queer. Transgender. Straight. Curious. This book is for everyone, regardless of gender or sexual preference. This book is for anyone who's ever dared to wonder. This book is for YOU. Inside you'll find the answers to all the questions you ever wanted to ask: from sex to politics, hooking up to stereotypes, coming out and more. This candid, funny, and uncensored exploration of sexuality and what it's like to grow up LGBT also includes real stories from people across the gender and sexual spectrums, not to mention hilarious illustrations. You will be entertained. You will be informed. But most importantly, you will know that however you identify (or don't) and whomever you love, you are exceptional. You matter. And so does this book.
A truly exceptional book that answers all of your questions and supports readers on their journey to self-discovery. Equal parts educational, sentimental, and fun, this is a great example of a book that is empowering not just to its intended audience but to every reader. Additionally, Dawson's voice is one that is approachable, friendly and, at times hilarious creating a reading experience that is comfortable. I encourage everyone to read this book and open a discussion that will help make us more knowledgeable, educated, and, most importantly, compassionate human beings.
This Book Loves You
By: PewDiePie
From the mind of PewDiePie, the #1 YouTuber in the world with 40 million fans and more than 10 billion views, comes This Book Loves You, a collection of beautifully illustrated inspirational thoughts and sayings. In This Book Loves You, PewDiePie delivers advice and wisdom that everyone can use.
Neither groundbreaking nor genius, sometimes you just need a book with gorgeous artwork to tell you you're awesome - this is that book.
By: PewDiePie
From the mind of PewDiePie, the #1 YouTuber in the world with 40 million fans and more than 10 billion views, comes This Book Loves You, a collection of beautifully illustrated inspirational thoughts and sayings. In This Book Loves You, PewDiePie delivers advice and wisdom that everyone can use.
Neither groundbreaking nor genius, sometimes you just need a book with gorgeous artwork to tell you you're awesome - this is that book.