Most Popular Books by Doreen Rappaport

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.

A brief biographical sketch of Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the greatest figures in the American civil rights movement.

During the Revolutionary War, times are hard in colonial Boston. Greedy Merchant Thomas is overcharging for sugar. Then he locks up all the coffee so he can overcharge for that too! Young Sarah Homans wants to teach him a lesson. Merchant Thomas is about to attend a party he won''t soon forget. This story is based upon a real event that Abigail Adams told John Adams about in a letter.

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.

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

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.

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.

Jacques and his parents are hiding in Nazi-occupied France during World War II, pretending to be Catholics. On the first night of Passover, Jacques and his father elude Nazi soldiers to gather with other Jews and celebrate the Seder in secret. For this book, Doreen Rappaport researched the lives of resistance fighters and Jews in hiding: brave men and women who managed to survive one of the darkest times in history with their faith intact.

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.

Freedom! Eliza and her baby, running across the ice. Selena and Cornelia Jackson, masquerading as boys. Henry Box Brown, shipping himself north in a wooden crate. Jane Johnson, risking everything to testify against her former owner in court. Ellen Craft, posing as her husband''s owner. Escaping from slavery against overwhelming odds, these people were helped by courage, ingenuity, and the informal network known as the Underground Railroad. Here are their gripping stories, told by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Charles Lilly, and accompanied by information about slave laws of the era, key Underground Railroad leaders, and a bibliography.

Describes the experiences of African Americans in the South, from the Emancipation in 1863 to the 1954 Supreme Court decision that declared school segregation illegal.

“Tributes to the Statue of Liberty abound, but this one stands out for its unusual approach and powerful illustrations.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review) It begins in 1865 as a romantic idea, but ten years later Édouard Laboulaye’s dream catches fire. Sculptor Auguste Bartholdi gives the dream the form of a lady, holding a torch to “enlighten the world.” Engineers, plasterers, carpenters, and coppersmiths work together to turn the lady into a monument more than 100 feet tall. Doreen Rappaport’s poetic vignettes and Matt Tavares’s magnificent images remind us of the origins of a national symbol—and show that it took a lot of people to make the Lady.

When young Prince Rakoto is told of his father''s death, he cannot accept it. The new king gives his first orders to his royal advisors: "Bring my father back to life!" When they are unable to do so, Rakoto then goes to the Wise Woman--who tells him an enthralling Malagasy tale that helps him begin to accept what has happened. Watercolor illustrations.

In 1920, Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were accused of murdering two security guards during a robbery. Both men were Italian immigrants and self-proclaimed anarchists. Were these two men guilty, or were they the victims of prejudice? Readers can assume the role of judge and jury--and decide the fate of Sacco and Vanzetti.

An introduction to the life and legacy of Helen Keller and her teacher Annie Sullivan.

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 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 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.

A reconstruction of the Alger Hiss trial, using testimony from edited transcripts of the trial, during which the reader can assume the role of juror. Newly updated 2012.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a trailblazer. A fighter. And a public servant who has dedicated her life to the pursuit of equality. When Ruth was a young girl, her mother encouraged her to read, be independent, and stand up for what she thought was right. Ruth graduated first in her class at Cornell University and tied for top of her graduating class at Columbia Law School. But she faced prejudice as both a woman and a Jew, making it difficult to get a job. Ruth eventually found work as a law clerk, and her determination, diligence, and skill led to a distinguished career as a lawyer. In 1993, she became the second woman ever appointed to the United States Supreme Court. As a Supreme Court justice, Ruth has inspired fierce admiration and faced fervent opposition for her judgments in high-profile cases, many of which have involved discrimination. She has been lauded for her sharp wit and boldness, even when her opinions differ from that of the majority. As a student, teacher, lawyer, and judge, Ruth often experienced unfair treatment. But she persisted, becoming a cultural icon, championing equality in pay and opportunity. Her brilliant mind, compelling arguments, and staunch commitment to truth and justice have convinced many to stand with her, and her fight continues to this day. This installment of the award-winning Big Words series brings a legendary figure into focus with Doreen Rappaport''s incisive prose combined with Ruth''s own words. Eric Velasquez''s dynamic illustrations infuse every scene with life in a moving tribute that will inspire young justice seekers everywhere.

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.

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

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.

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.

In 1965, school officials in Des Moines, Iowa, banned the wearing of black arm bands by students mourning the dead in the Vietnam War. When the students wore the arm bands anyway, they were suspended. Were the students'' constitutional rights violated? Readers will sit in the judge''s chair and decide who is right.

Readers are transported to the years of the American Revolution through the actions of real people--some famous and others not yet known--which provide an inspiring glimpse into the lives of those who took part in the fight for independence. Illustrations.

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

All they wanted was to learn. In Drew, Mississippi, in 1965, the schools were still segregated. The "all-black" schools were separate and unequal to "white" schools, lacking resources and support from the government. The Carters, a family of sharecroppers, had had enough. Mae Bertha and Matthew wanted their children to have an equal opportunity for a good education. So they sent their kids to the "all-white" schools.Teasing, death threats, and rebuking followed-from the white children and the white adults and teachers. It was not easy to be black and wage a fight for equality, but that''s just what the Carters did. Their faith in a higher power and in the goodness of people helped them battle through ignorance and prejudice. As President John F. Kennedy said, "When Americans are sent to war, we do not ask for whites only. American students of any color should be able to attend any school." For the Carters, it would be the fight of their lives.This is a true story of faith, courage, and honor: qualities Americans of any color can learn from the Carters.

Text and photographs illustrate the emotions and characteristics of a man.

Bruno the mute cat gets lost on a family outing.

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! Select praise for Doreen Rappaport: 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

This picture-book biography is an excellent and accessible introduction for young readers to learn about one of the worlds most influential leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Doreen Rappaport weaves the immortal words of Dr. King into a captivating narrative to tell the story of his life. With stunning art by acclaimed illustrator Bryan Collier, Martins Big Words is an unforgettable portrait of a man whose dream changed Americaand the worldforever.

As a follow-up to their award-winning "Martin''s Big Words," Rappaport and Collier present the life of John Lennon through a combination of narrative and song lyrics that capture the energy and the essence of a man whose vision and creative genius continue to inspire people today. Full color.