New Releases by Doreen Rappaport

"A biography of President Barack Obama"--

The latest book in the award-winning Big Words biography series follows the groundbreaking life of astronaut and Johnson Space Center director Ellen Ochoa, the first Latina in space. Young Ellen loved to learn. Encouraged by her mother, she graduated at the top of her high school and college classes, and studied electrical engineering in graduate school. An accomplished engineer by age 30, with three patents to her name, she kept learning and trying new things. When NASA began accepting women and people of color to the astronaut program, Ellen found herself drawn to this exciting and demanding career. On her first mission, she was the only woman aboard the shuttle Discovery and the first Latina to reach outer space. After four space flights, she became the first Latina director of the Johnson Space Center and has received numerous distinctions and awards. This addition to the award-winning Big Words biography series celebrates a STEM pioneer known for her brilliance, persistence, and an intellectual curiosity as infinite as the stars. With dynamic illustrations by Oliver Dominguez, Doreen Rappaport''s richly detailed narrative--punctuated with standout quotes from Ellen herself--will inspire a new generation to unravel the mysteries of the universe.

This powerfully illustrated picture book biography tells the courageous life story of Wilma Mankiller, the first female chief of the Cherokee Nation. As a child in Oklahoma, Wilma Mankiller experienced the Cherokee practice of Gadugi, helping each other, even when times were hard for everyone. But in 1956, the federal government uprooted her family and moved them to California, wrenching them from their home, friends, and traditions. Separated from her community and everything she knew, Wilma felt utterly lost until she found refuge in the Indian Center in San Francisco. There, she worked to build and develop the local Native community and championed Native political activists. She took her two children to visit tribal communities in the state, and as she introduced them to the traditions of their heritage, she felt a longing for home. Returning to Oklahoma with her daughters, Wilma took part in Cherokee government. Despite many obstacles, from resistance to female leadership to a life-threatening accident, Wilma''s courageous dedication to serving her people led to her election as the first female chief of the Cherokee Nation. As leader and advocate, she reinvigorated her constituency by empowering them to identify and solve community problems. This beautiful addition to the Big Words series will inspire future leaders to persevere in empathy and thoughtful problem-solving, reaching beyond themselves to help those around them. Moving prose by award-winning author Doreen Rappaport is interwoven with Wilma''s own words in this expertly researched biography, illustrated with warmth and vivacity by Linda Kukuk. Don’t miss these other titles in the Big Words series! Ellen Takes Flight: The Life of Astronaut Ellen Ochoa Ruth Objects: The Life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg Helen’s Big World: The Life of Helen Keller Abe’s Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Frederick Douglass was born a slave. He was taken from his mother as a baby, and separated from his grandparents when he was six. He suffered hunger and abuse, but miraculously, he learned how to read. Frederick read newspapers left in the street, and secretly collected spellings from neighborhood children. Words, he knew, would set him free. When Frederick was twenty, he escaped to the North, where he spread his abolitionist beliefs through newspaper articles, autobiographies, and speeches. He believed that all people-regardless of color or gender-were entitled to equal rights. It is Douglass''s words, as well as his life, that still provide hope and inspiration across generations. In this installment of the critically acclaimed Big Words series, Doreen Rappaport captures Frederick''s journey from boy to man, from slavery to freedom, by weaving Frederick''s powerful words with her own. London Ladd''s strong and evocative illustrations combine with the text to create a moving portrait of an extraordinary life. Praise for the Big Words series: Martin''s Big Words * 2002 Caldecott Honor Book * 2002 Coretta Scott King Honor Book * Child Magazine Best Book of 2001 * New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Children''s Book of 2001 * "A stunning, reverent tribute." -School Library Journal, starred review Abe''s Honest Words * "Exceptional art, along with Rappaport''s and Lincoln''s words, makes this a fine celebration of a man who needs little introduction." -Booklist, starred review Eleanor, Quiet No More * "Once again Rappaport celebrates a noble, heroic life in powerful, succinct prose, with prominent, well-chosen, and judiciously placed quotes that both instruct and inspire...Celebrate women in history and in politics with this picture-book life." -School Library Journal, starred review Helen''s Big World * "Stirring and awe-inspiring." -The Horn Book, starred review To Dare Mighty Things * "[T]his lavish picture-book biography deftly captures the legendary man''s bold, exuberant nature. . . . A truly inspiring tribute to a seemingly larger-than-life U.S. president." -Kirkus Reviews, starred review * "Theodore Roosevelt''s big ideas and big personality come together in this splendid picture-book biography." -Booklist, starred review * "Concisely written and yet poetic, this is a first purchase for every library." -School Library Journal, starred review

Walt Disney''s name is synonymous with family entertainment. Mickey Mouse, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Bambi, Disneyland, and numerous other creations have inspired generations of children the world over. From his childhood in rural Missouri to his legendary stature as a film and television icon, Walt governed his life with imagination, ingenuity, and scrupulous attention to detail. Faced with both public failures and massive success, he revolutionized the art form of animation, always seeking innovative solutions, cutting edge technology, and new ways of storytelling. Devoted to perfection, Walt was not always easy to work with, but no one can deny his profound talent and impact. Charting Walt''s progression from farm boy to actor to artist, animator, director, and entertainment celebrity, Walt''s own words are presented and contextualized within Doreen Rappaport''s signature compelling prose. Illustrated with vivid authenticity by animator/painter John Pomeroy, this stunning entry in the award-winning Big Words series reveals a man of deep and varied passions with a constantly evolving vision, and a storyteller above all.

An inspiring picture book biography of legendary leader in entertainment, Walt Disney, by the critically-acclaimed author of the Big Words series. Walt Disney''s name is synonymous with family entertainment. Mickey Mouse, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Bambi, Disneyland, and numerous other creations have inspired generations of children the world over. From his childhood in rural Missouri to his legendary stature as a film and television icon, Walt governed his life with imagination, ingenuity, and scrupulous attention to detail. Faced with both public failures and massive success, he revolutionized the art form of animation, always seeking innovative solutions, cutting edge technology, and new ways of storytelling. Devoted to perfection, Walt was not always easy to work with, but no one can deny his profound talent and impact. Charting Walt''s progression from farm boy to actor to artist, animator, director, and entertainment celebrity, Walt''s own words are presented and contextualized within Doreen Rappaport''s signature compelling prose. Illustrated with vivid authenticity by animator/painter John Pomeroy, this stunning entry in the award-winning Big Words series reveals a man of deep and varied passions with a constantly evolving vision, and a storyteller above all.

"Connections uses vibrant photos and minimal text in specially selected books to create conversation among caregivers and those in the moderate to severe stages of Alzheimer’s/dementia. This experience can help create special moments and memories for the caregiver as well as calming and reducing stress for the individual in care." --

President Theodore Roosevelt is known as "the man with a plan," the "rough rider." His figure stands tall in American history, his legacy stretching him to larger-than-life proportions. But before his rise to fame, he was just "Teedie," a boy with ambitious dreams to change the world, and the conviction to see his stupendous imaginings brought to fruition. As an American president, he left an impressive mark upon his country. He promised a "square deal" to all citizens, he tamed big businesses, and protected the nation''s wildlife and natural beauty. His fearless leadership assured that he would always be remembered, and his robust spirit now dares others to do mighty things. In her moving picturebook portrait, award-winning author Doreen Rappaport uses her well-honed approach of personal quotes and vivid prose to spin together the tale of a sickly boy who became a monumental man. Coupled with C. F. Payne''s dramatic artwork, the story of President Teddy, touchstone of American history, is brought to life.

An eye-opening look at the life and legacy of Jackie Robinson, the man who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball and became an American hero. Baseball, basketball, football — no matter the game, Jackie Robinson excelled. His talents would have easily landed another man a career in pro sports, but in America in the 1930s and ’40s, such opportunities were closed to athletes like Jackie for one reason: his skin was the wrong color. Settling for playing baseball in the Negro Leagues, Jackie chafed at the inability to prove himself where it mattered most: the major leagues. Then in 1946, Branch Rickey, manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, decided he was going to break the “rules” of segregation: he recruited Jackie Robinson. Fiercely determined, Jackie faced cruel and sometimes violent hatred and discrimination, but he proved himself again and again, exhibiting courage, restraint, and a phenomenal ability to play the game. In this compelling biography, award-winning author Doreen Rappaport chronicles the extraordinary life of Jackie Robinson and how his achievements won over — and changed — a segregated nation.

This picturebook biography is an excellent and accessible introduction for young readers to learn about one of the world''s most influential luminaries. With her signature style, weaving engrossing prose with stirring quotations from Helen Keller herself, Doreen Rappaport brings a poignant narrative to life. Acclaimed illustrator Matt Tavares beautifully captures the dynamism and verve of Helen Keller''s life and legacy, making Helen''s Big World an unforgettable portrait of a woman whose vision for innovation and progress changed America-and the world-forever. Praise for Helen''s Big World: * "Stirring and awe-inspiring." -The Horn Book, starred review "Helen Keller''s transcendent leap across the barriers of her blindness and deafness continues to inspire." -Kirkus Reviews * "While there are many books available about Helen Keller for this age group, this title offers a unique and beautiful perspective on her life." -School Library Journal, starred review Praise for the Big Words series: Martin''s Big Words • 2002 Caldecott Honor Book • 2002 Coretta Scott King Honor Book • Child Magazine Best Book of 2001 • New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Children''s Book of 2001 * "A stunning, reverent tribute." -School Library Journal, starred review Abe''s Honest Words * "Exceptional art, along with Rappaport''s and Lincoln''s words, makes this a fine celebration of a man who needs little introduction." -Booklist, starred review Jack''s Path of Courage "An evenhanded, graphically stirring biography." -Publishers Weekly Eleanor, Quiet No More * "Once again Rappaport celebrates a noble, heroic life in powerful, succinct prose, with prominent, well-chosen, and judiciously placed quotes that both instruct and inspire...Celebrate women in history and in politics with this picture-book life." -School Library Journal, starred review To Dare Mighty Things * "[T]his lavish picture-book biography deftly captures the legendary man''s bold, exuberant nature. . . . A truly inspiring tribute to a seemingly larger-than-life U.S. president." -Kirkus Reviews, starred review * "Theodore Roosevelt''s big ideas and big personality come together in this splendid picture-book biography." -Booklist, starred review * "Concisely written and yet poetic, this is a first purchase for every library." -School Library Journal, starred review

John F. Kennedy was a popular, charismatic president, beloved by many. But he didn''t always believe he had the strength or courage for that office. As a child he was sickly, and overshadowed by his strong, capable, athletic older brother Joe. After Joe Jr.''s death, John had to work hard to live up to his own expectations and to those of his father. He overcame pain and self-doubt to see the country through one of the most difficult crises in its history. Doreen Rappaport once again combines real-life quotes with her own lyrical prose to create a moving portrait of a beloved figure. Matt Tavares''s stunning artwork vividly depicts this unique time in history. Praise for the Big Words series: Martin''s Big Words • 2002 Caldecott Honor Book • 2002 Coretta Scott King Honor Book • Child Magazine Best Book of 2001 • New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Children''s Book of 2001 * "A stunning, reverent tribute." -School Library Journal, starred review Abe''s Honest Words * "Exceptional art, along with Rappaport''s and Lincoln''s words, makes this a fine celebration of a man who needs little introduction." -Booklist, starred review Jack''s Path of Courage "An evenhanded, graphically stirring biography." -Publishers Weekly Eleanor, Quiet No More * "Once again Rappaport celebrates a noble, heroic life in powerful, succinct prose, with prominent, well-chosen, and judiciously placed quotes that both instruct and inspire...Celebrate women in history and in politics with this picture-book life." -School Library Journal, starred review Helen''s Big World * "Stirring and awe-inspiring." -The Horn Book, starred review To Dare Mighty Things * "[T]his lavish picture-book biography deftly captures the legendary man''s bold, exuberant nature. . . . A truly inspiring tribute to a seemingly larger-than-life U.S. president." -Kirkus Reviews, starred review * "Theodore Roosevelt''s big ideas and big personality come together in this splendid picture-book biography." -Booklist, starred review * "Concisely written and yet poetic, this is a first purchase for every library." -School Library Journal, starred review

She couldn''t go to college. She couldn''t become a politician. She couldn''t even vote. But Elizabeth Cady Stanton didn''t let that stop her. She called on women across the nation to stand together and demand to be treated as equal to men-and that included the right to vote. It took nearly seventy-five years and generations of women fighting for their rights through words, through action, and through pure determination . . . for things to slowly begin to change. With the help of these trailblazers'' own words, Doreen Rappaport''s engaging text, brought to life by Matt Faulkner''s vibrant illustrations, shows readers just how far this revolution has come, and inspires them to keep it going!

John Lennon''s influence on music and culture is legendary. From a young age, he dreamed of fame and fortune. When he achieved it as one of the Beatles, he recognized the need for a deeper meaning. His inner search for happiness shaped his life and brought new dimension to the world of rock ''n'' roll. Doreen Rappaport and Bryan Collier present John Lennon''s life through a combination of narrative and song lyrics, cut-paper collage and watercolor art-capturing the energy and the essence of a man whose vision and creative genius continue to inspire people today. Praise for the Big Words series: John''s Secret Dreams "This beautiful and stirring tribute will surely send readers to bookshelves and the music stores to learn more about the man." -School Library Journal Martin''s Big Words -2002 Caldecott Honor Book -2002 Coretta Scott King Honor Book -Child Magazine Best Book of 2001 -New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Children''s Book of 2001 * "A stunning, reverent tribute." -School Library Journal, starred review Abe''s Honest Words * "Exceptional art, along with Rappaport''s and Lincoln''s words, makes this a fine celebration of a man who needs little introduction." -Booklist, starred review Eleanor, Quiet No More * "Once again Rappaport celebrates a noble, heroic life in powerful, succinct prose, with prominent, well-chosen, and judiciously placed quotes that both instruct and inspire...Celebrate women in history and in politics with this picture-book life." -School Library Journal, starred review Helen''s Big World * "Stirring and awe-inspiring." -The Horn Book, starred review To Dare Mighty Things * "[T]his lavish picture-book biography deftly captures the legendary man''s bold, exuberant nature. . . . A truly inspiring tribute to a seemingly larger-than-life U.S. president." -Kirkus Reviews, starred review * "Theodore Roosevelt''s big ideas and big personality come together in this splendid picture-book biography." -Booklist, starred review * "Concisely written and yet poetic, this is a first purchase for every library." -School Library Journal, starred review

From the time he was a young boy roaming the forests of the unsettled Midwest, Abraham Lincoln knew in his heart that slavery was deeply wrong. A voracious reader, Lincoln spent every spare moment of his days filling his mind with knowledge, from history to literature to mathematics, preparing himself to one day lead the country he loved toward greater equality and prosperity. Despite the obstacles he faced as a self-educated man from the back woods, Lincoln persevered in his political career, and his compassion and honesty gradually earned him the trust of many Americans. As president, he guided the nation through a long and bitter civil war and penned the document that would lead to the end of slavery in the United States. The passion for humanity that defined Lincoln''s life shines through in this momentous follow-up to Martin''s Big Words and John''s Secret Dreams. Told in Doreen Rappaport''s accessible, absorbing prose, and brought to life in powerful illustrations by Kadir Nelson, Abe''s Honest Words is an epic portrait of a truly great American president. Praise for the Big Words series: Martin''s Big Words * 2002 Caldecott Honor Book * 2002 Coretta Scott King Honor Book * Child Magazine Best Book of 2001 * New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Children''s Book of 2001 * "A stunning, reverent tribute." -School Library Journal, starred review Abe''s Honest Words * "Exceptional art, along with Rappaport''s and Lincoln''s words, makes this a fine celebration of a man who needs little introduction." -Booklist, starred review Eleanor, Quiet No More * "Once again Rappaport celebrates a noble, heroic life in powerful, succinct prose, with prominent, well-chosen, and judiciously placed quotes that both instruct and inspire...Celebrate women in history and in politics with this picture-book life." -School Library Journal, starred review Helen''s Big World * "Stirring and awe-inspiring." -The Horn Book, starred review To Dare Mighty Things * "[T]his lavish picture-book biography deftly captures the legendary man''s bold, exuberant nature. . . . A truly inspiring tribute to a seemingly larger-than-life U.S. president." -Kirkus Reviews, starred review * "Theodore Roosevelt''s big ideas and big personality come together in this splendid picture-book biography." -Booklist, starred review * "Concisely written and yet poetic, this is a first purchase for every library." -School Library Journal, starred review

A powerfully moving, authentic portrait of the Statue of Liberty, told through the eyes of those who created her and illustrated in glorious detail. "Soon America will be one hundred years old. I share my dream of a birthday gift." It begins in 1865 as a romantic idea, but ten years later Édouard Laboulaye’s dream catches fire and takes shape. Sculptor Auguste Bartholdi gives the dream the form of a lady, holding a torch to "enlighten the world." Engineers, plasterers, carpenters, coppersmiths — many of them immigrants — work together to turn the lady into a monument over 100 feet tall. Joseph Pulitzer calls on readers to help fund a pedestal, and hundreds send in nickels, dimes, and even roosters for the cause. Doreen Rappaport’s historically accurate, poetic vignettes and Matt Tavares’s magnificent images remind us of the true origins of a national symbol — and show that it took a lot of people to make the Lady. Back matter includes statue dimensions, a time line, an author note, an illustrator note, sources, and suggestions for further reading.

Describes an incident in the life of John Parker, an ex-slave who became a successful businessman in Ripley, Ohio, and who repeatedly risked his life to help other slaves escape to freedom.

In the Civil War, the most violent war that America has ever experienced, brothers fought against brothers and millions of lives were changed forever. In this book you''ll find seven stories of real people whose important acts made them a part of history. These dramatic and thoroughly researched stories put you in the shoes of Northerners and Southerners as they live out the great dramas of the war. You''ll run through the streets of Richmond with hungry women who are rioting to protest unfair food prices. You''ll suffer Southerner Eugenia Phillip''s humiliating imprisonment on a desolate island. You''ll go full speed ahead into Mobile Bay at the side of Admiral David Farragut. You''ll carry the Stars and Stripes through the thick of battle along with one of the Union''s African American divisions. You''ll be there at Lincoln''s second inaugural, and with Generals Grant and Lee when they sign the surrender ending the war Doreen Rappaport and Joan Verniero''s vivid histories have won critical praised for bringing true stories to life in realistic detail -- a style that Kirkus Reviews called a model of excellent historical writing. In United No More Their signature approach sheds new and human light on the events of the great and terrible Civil War.

In Drew, Mississippi, in 1965, the schools were still segregated, with "all-black" schools lacking appropriate resources. The Carters, a family of sharecroppers, had had enough. They wanted their children to have an equal opportunity for a good education. So they sent their kids to the "all-white" schools. Teasing and death threats followed - it was not easy to be black and wage a fight for equality. This beautifully illustrated book tells a true story of faith, courage, and honor: qualities Americans of any color can learn from the Carters.

Taken from her family on the Yankton Sioux Reservation at the age of eight and sent to a school far from home, Gertrude is forced to become "civilized"--to give up her moccasins, her long hair, and her language, and to renounce her Sioux heritage. As an adult, she renames herself Zitkala-¬Sa, which means "Red Bird," and devotes her life to fighting for justice for Native Americans. Her powerful and memorable story, told in her own words from letters and diaries, will inspire anyone who has ever dreamed of making a difference.

Six stories of American women who defied social convention to undertake dangerous adventures.

A reconstruction of the Lizzie Borden trial, using testimony from edited transcripts of the trial, and during which the reader can assume the roles of judge and juror.

Recounts the efforts of Jews who organized others and sabotaged the Nazis during the Holocaust, including Georges Loinger who smuggled children from occupied France into Switzerland and four brothers who led refugees into the forest to build a village and an army.

Presents the story of the work that was done by so many on both sides of the ocean to create this enduring symbol of freedom and the fundraisers held by everyday people to build her the pedestal on which she would forever stand.

John F. Kennedy was a popular, charismatic president, beloved by many. But he didn''t always believe he had the strength or courage for that office. As a child he was sickly and also overshadowed by his strong, capable, athletic older brother Joe. After Joe Jr.''s death John had to work hard to live up to his own expectations and to those of his father. He overcame pain and self-doubt to see the country through one of the most difficult crises in its history./DIV DIVDoreen Rappaport once again combines real-life quotes with her own lyrical prose to create a moving portrait of a beloved figure. Matt Tavares'' stunning artwork vividly depicts this unique time in history.

From the time he was a young boy roaming the forests of the unsettled Midwest, Abraham Lincoln knew in his heart that slavery was deeply wrong. A voracious reader, Lincoln spent every spare moment of his days filling his mind with knowledge, from history to literature to mathematics, preparing himself to one day lead the country he loved towards greater equality and prosperity. Despite the obstacles he faced as a self-educated man from the back woods, Lincoln persevered in his political career, and his compassion and honesty gradually earned him the trust of many Americans. As president, he guided the nation through a long and bitter civil war and penned the document that would lead to the end of slavery in the United States. The passion for humanity that defined Lincoln’s life shines through in this momentous follow-up to Martin’s Big Words and John’s Secret Dreams. Told in Doreen Rappaport’s accessible, absorbing prose, and brought to life in powerful illustrations by Kadir Nelson, Abe’s Honest Words is an epic portrait of a truly great American president.

This final installment in the powerful nonfiction trilogy about the African-American experience introduces readers to the people, armed with the songs and strength passed down from their ancestors, who profoundly impacted the American Civil Rights Movement. Reprint.

Samual and his family are born slaves. Every day they look beyond the harbor filled with Confederate ships, to the Atlantic Ocean, where the Union ships are--and potentially, their freedom. If only they could get to those ships somehow....Then, on May13, 1862, Samuel and his family risk it all to be free. /DIV DIVBased on a true story, Doreen Rappaport weaves a riveting tale of a boy and his family aboard the gunboat Planter. Captained by Robert Smalls and loaded with fellow slaves, the ship flees to the Union fleet to gain freedom from slavery and deliver much-needed ammunition to the Union Navy. Rappaport''s suspenseful account, illustrated with the moody paintings of Curtis James, creates a vivid and relatable picture of this little-known tale of the civil war.

This stellar collection of accessible biographies of 13 noted Jewish Americans includes such world-famous figures as magician Harry Houdini, filmmaker Steven Spielberg, and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Full color.