Featured Reads

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection!

A wide-ranging anthology that shines a light on untold Indigenous stories as chronicled by Indigenous creators, compiled by the acclaimed team behind What the Eagle Sees and Sky Wolf's Call.

For too long, stories and artistic expressions from Indigenous people have been written and recorded by others, not by the individuals who have experienced the events.

In Ours to Tell, sixteen Indigenous creators relate traditions, accounts of historical events, and their own lived experiences. Novelists, poets, graphic artists, historians, craftspeople, and mapmakers chronicle stories on the struggles and triumphs lived by Indigenous people, and the impact these stories have had on their culture and history. Some of the profiles included are:

• Indigenous poet E. Pauline Johnson
• acclaimed novelist Tommy Orange
• brave warrior Standing Bear
• poet and activist Rita Joe

With each profile accompanied by rich visuals, from archival photos to contemporary art, Ours to Tell brilliantly spotlights Indigenous life, past and present, through an Indigenous lens. Because each profile gives an historical and cultural context, what emerges is a history of Indigenous people.

How did Jim Jones, the leader of Peoples Temple, convince more than 900 of his followers to commit "revolutionary suicide" by drinking cyanide-laced punch? From a master of narrative nonfiction comes a chilling chronicle of one of the most notorious cults in American history.

Using riveting first-person accounts, award-winning author Candace Fleming reveals the makings of a monster: from Jones’s humble origins as a child of the Depression… to his founding of a group whose idealistic promises of equality and justice attracted thousands of followers… to his relocation of Temple headquarters from California to an unsettled territory in Guyana, South America, which he dubbed "Jonestown”… to his transformation of Peoples Temple into a nefarious experiment in mind-control. 

And Fleming heart-stoppingly depicts Jones’s final act, persuading his followers to swallow fatal doses of cyanide—to “drink the kool-aid,” as it became known—as a test of their ultimate devotion. 

Here is a sweeping story that traces, step by step, the ways in which one man slowly indoctrinated, then murdered, 900 innocent, well- meaning people. And how a few members, Jones' own son included, stood up to him... but not before it was too late.

In the late nineteenth century, American bird lovers faced a crisis. Bird species were becoming endangered or even extinct at an alarming rate, and old methods of hunting and collecting specimens accelerated the process. A new conservationist approach to birding was necessary, and it needed to be taught to the next generation of Americans. Thus 1897's Citizen Bird, the first birding guide for children, was born. A tremendously influential text in the Progressive-era United States, it inspired in a generation of schoolchildren a love of wild birds and the desire to protect them. 



Born of a collaboration between naturalist Mabel Osgood Wright, ornithologist Elliott Coues, and bird artist Louis Agassiz Fuertes, the book is vital to the history of birding and the broader study of nineteenth-century American culture and literature. This new edition of Citizen Bird preserves the original book's 111 drawings and adds explanatory footnotes, supplemental historical material, and a new introduction. More than a century and a quarter after its original publication, Elizabeth Cherry and Meghan Freeman contextualize the book in the tradition and history of birding and discuss the roles of its authors and illustrator in birding history. A landmark text in the history of American conservationism, Citizen Bird is a timeless classic that will bring joy to birdwatchers of all ages. 

 

From changing a tire, to merging onto a highway, to checking and filling your own oil, THE ULTIMATE DRIVING BOOK is the new go-to manual for new and seasoned drivers alike. With 160 pages of full-color illustrations throughout, drivers will have all the step-by-steps they need to navigate life on the road.

Inside, learn how to:
- Navigate a roundabout or jughandle
- Jump your car's battery
- Drive in snow or ice
...and so much more!

Plus, use the book's back pocket to store your insurance and registration documents, then keep it in your glovebox forever!

Global superstar, FIFA Player of the Year, and TIME magazine's Athlete of the Year Lionel Messi's arrival in the States has brought inspiration, excitement, and star power to men's soccer. In Messi Mania, discover the seismic effect Leo has had on MLS and global soccer, woven through with fascinating insights into his family background, childhood, teenage years, and career to date.

This book explores the life of professional basketball player Caitlin Clark, from her early days playing sports with her brothers to becoming a college basketball phenomenon and a rising WNBA star. Clark's story is not only about her athletic achievements but also about her resilience, determination, and the impact she's had on inspiring a new generation of young athletes.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

What makes a good speech? Better yet, what makes an effective speech?

A speech can inform, entertain, educate. But effective speeches inspire an audience to act and build a sense of community. The climate crisis is a pressing issue, and the ability to successfully communicate about it is crucial to bring people together to make meaningful change.

Discover how to stand up, speak your mind, and encourage your audience past climate silence. By analyzing speeches and how they worked, social anthropologist and professional speechwriter Rune Kier Nielsen breaks down nine common flaws of climate rhetoric and how to fix them in this thorough, engaging guide to speechwriting toward climate action.

"A lively, concise, and practical antidote to climate anxiety and a guide to positive action."--Kirkus Reviews

"Speaking on Climate by Rune Kier Nielsen is a crucial guide for anyone committed to using the power of words to drive meaningful climate action."--Ingmar Rentzhog, founder & CEO, Wedonthavetime.org

"Rune Kier Nielsen's Speaking on Climate inspires readers' passion for climate change and equips them with the tools to communicate effectively."--S. Kelley Harrell, author of From Elder to Ancestor: Nature Kinship for All Seasons of Life

"This is the first comprehensive history of the Library of Congress that is not merely about one aspect or another-e.g., buildings, ornamentation, collections, timeline highlights. Jane Aikin engages deeply with a wealth of primary and secondary sources to weave a narrative of the individuals, events, and controversies that have shaped this venerable institution. Drawing millions of visitors a year, the Library serves as the research arm of Congress, the home of the U.S. Copyright Office, and as a public forum for artistic and literary culture. Never designated by law as the national library of the United States, it nonetheless occupies that place in the national imagination. This history of 13 male Librarians culminates in 2016 with the swearing in of Carla Hayden, the first woman and first African American Librarian of Congress. The narrative is punctuated by stories of key donors and pivotal performances by poets, authors, and celebrities"--

Delve into the world of dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures in the fourth installment in the Large Encyclopedias series, featuring stunning illustrations and engaging scientific narratives.

Embark on a fascinating odyssey through the annals of time with Atlas of Prehistoric Animals, a captivating addition to the Large Encyclopedias series. Authored by Radek Maly and reviewed by a renowned Czech paleontologist, this book meticulously unfolds the story of life on Earth, from its inception 3,900 million years ago to the emergence of the first organisms with hard shells and skeletons 60 million years later. The narrative takes readers on an enthralling exploration of the oldest animals, featuring well-known prehistoric creatures and introducing them to some they've never encountered. The rich tapestry of Earth's history comes alive through vivid descriptions and stunning illustrations by Czech artist Petr Modlitba, providing an immersive experience into the ancient ecosystems that shaped our planet.

This book stands as a testament to scientific accuracy and expert collaboration, ensuring a reliable and enriching resource for young minds aged 9-12. The book's vibrant imagery and compelling narratives bridge the gap between ancient and modern ecosystems, fostering a deeper understanding of life's interconnectedness. With its engaging content and meticulous illustrations, this book not only educates but also captivates, making it an ideal choice for readers eager to explore the wonders of Earth's prehistoric epochs. A must-have for budding paleontologists, curious minds, and anyone intrigued by the mysteries of our planet's past.

John F. Kennedy: A Reference Guide to His Life and Works cover all aspects of his life and work. Despite his short tenure in office, Kennedy shaped the domestic and international direction of the nation for decades to come. He is remembered domestically for the hope and encouragement he instilled in the struggle for civil rights, his support for the freedom riders and for equality for women. Abroad, his memory lives in his handling of the Cold War against an aggressive Soviet Union and such events as the Berlin crisis and Wall, his intervention in the Vietnam War, the invasion of Cuba and Bay of Pigs disaster, the Cuban Missile crisis, and the beginnings of space exploration--all of which tested the young, relatively inexperienced, leader.







Includes a detailed chronology detailing John F. Kennedy's life, family, and work.



 

• The A to Z section includes family members, his handling of the Cold War, and such events as the Berlin crisis and Wall, his intervention in the Vietnam War, the invasion of Cuba and Bay of Pigs disaster, the Cuban Missile crisis, and the beginnings of space exploration.
• The bibliography includes a list of publications concerning his life and work.
• The index thoroughly cross-references the chronological and encyclopedic entries.

Read real stories about moments that changed history, and find out what you can do to make a difference!

"Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble."
- John Lewis, Twitter 2018

Inspired by civil rights activist and congressman John Lewis's call to challenge injustice, explore famous moments of global activism throughout history with more than 70 narrative stories.

Featured stories include the Newsboys' strike of 1899, the Freedom Summer Project of 1964, Greta Thunberg's first School Strike for Climate, and students against book banning.

A must-have, illustrated narrative non-fiction guide through stories of exemplary activism:
 

• Topics for every interest: Stories cover protests about climate change, racism, feminism, LGBTQIA+ pride, disability, and more from around the world.
• Beautifully told stories and useful resources: Alongside the moving narrative retellings of historical moments, kids can find information about how they can be activists in a safe way, alongside a glossary and key dates for annual activism moments from across the globe.
• Written by Jamia Wilson: The acclaimed author of Shining Bright, Shining Black, Big Ideas for Young Thinkers, and Young, Gifted and Black.

Each true story in Make Good Trouble shares how activists across a variety of beliefs, ages, and backgrounds called for change, empowering young readers of all ages, abilities, and circumstances to make a difference. Brimming with illustrations and additional resources, including a timeline and information about how kids can get involved, this is essential reading for budding activists.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION FINALIST • THE REAL ORIGIN OF OUR SPECIES: a myth-busting, eye-opening landmark account of how humans evolved, offering a paradigm shift in our thinking about what the female body is, how it came to be, and how this evolution still shapes all our lives today
 
“A page-turning whistle-stop tour of mammalian development that begins in the Jurassic Era, Eve recasts the traditional story of evolutionary biology by placing women at its center…. The book is engaging, playful, erudite, discursive and rich with detail." 
—Sarah Lyall, The New York Times

“A smart, funny, scientific deep-dive into the power of a woman’s body, Eve surprises, educates, and emboldens.”
—Bonnie Garmus, #1 New York Times best-selling author of Lessons in Chemistry
 
How did the female body drive 200 million years of human evolution? • Why do women live longer than men? • Why are women more likely to get Alzheimer’s? • Why do girls score better at every academic subject than boys until puberty, when suddenly their scores plummet? • Is sexism useful for evolution? • And why, seriously why, do women have to sweat through our sheets every night when we hit menopause?
 
These questions are producing some truly exciting science – and in Eve, with boundless curiosity and sharp wit, Cat Bohannon covers the past 200 million years to explain the specific science behind the development of the female sex: “We need a kind of user's manual for the female mammal. A no-nonsense, hard-hitting, seriously researched (but readable) account of what we are. How female bodies evolved, how they work, what it really means to biologically be a woman. Something that would rewrite the story of womanhood. This book is that story. We have to put the female body in the picture. If we don't, it's not just feminism that's compromised. Modern medicine, neurobiology, paleoanthropology, even evolutionary biology all take a hit when we ignore the fact that half of us have breasts. So it's time we talk about breasts. Breasts, and blood, and fat, and vaginas, and wombs—all of it. How they came to be and how we live with them now, no matter how weird or hilarious the truth is.”
 
Eve is not only a sweeping revision of human history, it’s an urgent and necessary corrective for a world that has focused primarily on the male body for far too long. Picking up where Sapiens left off, Eve will completely change what you think you know about evolution and why Homo sapiens has become such a successful and dominant species.

The story behind Shohei Ohtani's legendary MVP season as baseball's greatest two-way player—dominant pitcher and DH with otherworldly power at the plate—from his early days in Japan to his historic 2021 season, the 2023 World Baseball Classic, and more!
Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels plays baseball like no other athlete on the planet—an electric two-way player awarded the 2021 American League Most Valuable Player, the only player ever named an All-Star Selection as both a two-way dominant pitcher and elite hitter, a member of Time 100's most influential people of 2021, and now the MVP of the 2023 World Baseball Classic. In Ohtani's first two-way game of the 2021 season, he threw a pitch at 100 mph and hit a homer that left his bat at 115 mph, a confluence of feats unmatched by anyone else in the sport. He's racked up eye-popping achievements throughout his career, but awards and numbers tell only part of his amazing story.
In Sho-Time, award-winning sportswriter Jeff Fletcher—who has covered Ohtani more than any other American journalist—charts Ohtani's path through Japanese baseball to a championship with the Nippon-Ham Fighters, the recruiting war to bring him to the majors, his AL Rookie of the Year campaign, subsequent injury-riddled seasons, the historic 2021 season, his 2023 World Baseball Classic, and beyond. Fletcher weaves in the history of two-way players—including Babe Ruth and unsung Negro Leagues players like Bullet Joe Rogan, Martin Dihigo, and Ted Double Duty Radcliffe—and the Japanese athletes who preceded Ohtani in the majors. With insight from Japanese and American baseball front office personnel, managers, scouts, athletic trainers, ballplayers, and more, Sho-Time breaks down the physics of Ohtani's game, his technologically advanced training, his international fame, and the role his role leading baseball into a new era.

YouTube sensations Shane and Hannah Burcaw are back with a groundbreaking, uproarious collection of essays and short stories about what it means to be in an interabled relationship.

With their signature wit and hilarious voice, authors, bloggers, and entrepreneurs Shane and Hannah Burcaw have put together a true story collection of sweet and unforgettable love stories about interabled couples.

Follow the lives of several couples as they navigate their love story in an ableist world. Sometimes tear-jerking, sometimes funny, and always heartwarming, this moving collection comprised of interviews and short stories - with interludes from Shane and Hannah about their own dating and marriage journey - will have readers laughing and sobbing as they discover true stories of love and commitment.

The young adult edition of the unconventionally honest, deeply personal, and sharply funny account from Michigan governor and rising Democratic star Gretchen Whitmer is packed with remarkable insights for young people wishing to make a difference in the world.

When Gretchen Whitmer was growing up, her beloved grandmother Nino taught her that you can always find something good in other people. “Even the meanest person might have pretty eyes,” she would say, a piece of advice that Gretchen carries with her today in her role as the governor of Michigan. (And one that resonated more than another her grandmother offered: “never part your hair in the middle.”)

From navigating a kidnapping and assassination plot in which she herself was a target to facing monumental challenges during a global pandemic, Big Gretch (as she’s now known) shares the key pieces of wisdom that have shaped her trailblazing career and personal experiences in this often hilarious, always uplifting book. Along the way, she tells stories about growing up gutsy in the Midwest, the wild comments she’s encountered as a public figure, and how to neutralize high-profile bullies with a fearless sense of humor.

Told in her famously straightforward and slyly funny voice, this young adult edition of the governor’s story not only offers an intimate insight into the life of a politician with an astounding journey, but also affords extraordinary lessons for young people everywhere who wish to make a difference in the world.