New Releases by Marissa Moss

Marissa Moss shares a story from her own childhood in this Passover gem. Miriam feels disconnected from the Passover celebration until Uncle Ezra shares the story of his first seder in America with her. Uncle Ezra gives her a broader, more personal sense of the meaning of Passover and the importance of sharing family stories.

Bestselling and award-winning author-illustrator Marissa Moss tells the gripping story of America’s first female cryptanalyst, Elizebeth Smith Friedman, who busted Nazi spy rings. Praised for her accessible blend of narrative nonfiction with graphic novel-style chapter openers in The Woman Who Split the Atom: The Life of Lise Meitner, Marissa Moss’s Spying on Spies: How Elizebeth Smith Friedman Broke the Nazis’ Secret Codes is another fascinating story of a groundbreaking woman in STEM. One of the founders of US cryptology who would eventually become one of the world’s greatest code breakers, Elizebeth Smith Friedman (1892–1980) was a brilliant mind behind many important battles throughout the 20th century, saving many lives through her intelligence and heroism. Whip-smart and determined, Elizebeth displayed a remarkable aptitude for language and recognizing patterns from a young age. After getting her start by looking for linguistic clues to the true authorship of Shakespeare’s writings, she and her husband, William Friedman, were tasked with heading up the first government code-breaking unit in America, training teams and building their own sophisticated code systems during the lead-up to World War I. Elizebeth’s solo career was even more impressive. She became the Treasury Department’s and Coast Guard’s first female codebreaker and created her own top-notch codebreaking unit, where she trained and led many male colleagues. During Prohibition in the 1920s, her work solving and intercepting coded messages from mobsters and criminal gangs lead to hundreds of high-profile criminal prosecutions, including members of Al Capone’s gang. Her crowning achievement came during World War II, when Elizebeth uncovered an intricate network of Nazi spies operating in South America, a feat that neither law enforcement nor intelligence agencies had been able to accomplish. Despite her unparalleled accomplishments, Elizebeth was largely written out of history books and overshadowed by her husband. Only in very recent years has her name begun to receive the attention it deserves, including the US Coast Guard naming a ship in her honor and the US Senate passing a 2019 resolution to honor her life and legacy. Back matter includes codes for kids to learn!

Can math-loving Talia crack the code of being cool in middle school? Marissa Moss, creator of the internationally best-selling Amelia’s Notebook series, makes a welcome, STEM-oriented return to the comics diary form. Talia loves math puzzles and code-breaking, but the new social rules of middle school have her stumped. Her best friend, Dash, is now embarrassed to be best friends with a girl, so he only wants to hang out with Talia outside of school. And although Talia is excited to make the math team, the strict team captain doubts her abilities . . . just because she’s a girl. But Talia has a great idea: she’ll start her own all-girls math team! As the first competition approaches, Talia is determined to bring her fledgling team to victory, get her best friend back, and break the social code of preteen life. In the spirit of her best-selling Amelia’s Notebook series, Marissa Moss brings Talia’s adventures to life through charming text, illustrations, doodles, graphs, and puzzles. This delightful new series is for all math-lovers, doodlers, and anyone who has ever had to navigate the unfamiliar conventions of a new school.

Bestselling author-illustrator Marissa Moss tells the gripping story of Lise Meitner, the physicist who discovered nuclear fission As a female Jewish physicist in Berlin during the early 20th century, Lise Meitner had to fight for an education, a job, and equal treatment in her field, like having her name listed on her own research papers. Meitner made groundbreaking strides in the study of radiation, but when Hitler came to power in Germany, she suddenly had to face not only sexism, but also life-threatening anti-Semitism as well. Nevertheless, she persevered and one day made a discovery that rocked the world: the splitting of the atom. While her male lab partner was awarded a Nobel Prize for the achievement, the committee refused to give her any credit. Suddenly, the race to build the atomic bomb was on—although Meitner was horrified to be associated with such a weapon. “A physicist who never lost her humanity,” Meitner wanted only to figure out how the world works, and advocated for pacifism while others called for war. The book includes an afterword, author''s note, timeline, select terms of physics, glossary of scientists mentioned, endnotes, select bibliography, index, and Marissa Moss’s celebrated drawings throughout. The Woman Who Split the Atom is a fascinating look at Meitner’s fierce passion, integrity, and her lifelong struggle to have her contributions to physics recognized.

Middle school is tough enough for normal humans, but when you''re a vampire, it''s even more challenging. Edgar rises to the occasion with wit, humor, and some help from his friends.

This wonderfully illustrated children’s biography of the great nineteenth-century detective “evokes a mysterious and exciting old-fashioned tale of espionage” (School Library Journal). Everyone knows the story of Abraham Lincoln, but few know anything about the spy who saved his life on the way to his 1861 inauguration! In The Eye That Never Sleeps, award-winning author and illustrator Marissa Moss reveals the true story of Allen Pinkerton. A poor Scottish immigrant, Pinkerton became the first police detective in Chicago before opening the country’s most successful detective agency. He solved more than 300 murders and recover millions of dollars in stolen money. However, his greatest contribution was foiling an assassination plot against Abraham Lincoln. The Eye That Never Sleeps is illustrated with a contemporary cartoon style, mixing art and text in a way that appeals to readers of all ages. The book also includes a bibliography and a timeline.

Last Things is the true and intensely personal story of how one woman coped with the devastating effects of a catastrophic illness in her family. Using her trademark mix of words and pictures to sharp effect, Marissa Moss presents the story of how she, her husband, and her three young sons struggled to maintain their sense of selves and wholeness as a family and how they continued on with everyday life when the earth shifted beneath their feet. After returning home from a year abroad, Marissa''s husband, Harvey, was diagnosed with ALS. The disease progressed quickly, and Marissa was soon consumed with caring for Harvey while trying to keep life as normal as possible for her young children. ALS stole the man who was her husband, the father of her children, and her best friend in less than 7 months. This is not a story about the redemptive power of a terminal illness. It is a story of resilience - of how a family managed to survive a terrible loss and grow in spite of it. Although it''s a sad story, it''s powerfully told and ultimately uplifting as a guide to strength and perseverance, to staying connected to those who matter most in the midst of a bleak upheaval. If you''ve ever wondered how you would cope with a dire diagnosis, this book can provide a powerful example of what it feels like and how to come through the darkness into the light. Last Things is one of the most amazingly poignant and honest memoirs - graphic or otherwise -- I''ve ever encountered. This book - which I read in one insatiable sitting -- tore my heart in two. Moss handles the material with such a delicate sensibility, both with her drawings and her text, I couldn''t help but let her carry me along on her journey of love and loss. ---Katie Hafner, contributing writer to The New York Times and author of Mother, Daughter, Me: A Memoir

A biography of Kate Warne, the first woman detective in the U.S after being hired by the Pinkerton Agency in 1856.

"Readers learn that New York, Philadelphia, and Charleston each had their own tea party that took place around the same time as Boston''s.

When Frank Thompson sees a recruitment poster for the new Union army, he’s ready and willing to enlist. Except Frank isn’t his real name. In fact, Frank is really Sarah Emma Edmonds, in disguise. Only nineteen years old, Sarah has already been dressing as a man for three years and living on the run in order to escape an arranged marriage. She’s tasted freedom, and as far as she’s concerned, there’s no going back. Eager to fight for the North during the Civil War, Sarah joins a Michigan infantry regiment. She excels as a soldier and even takes on the grueling task of nursing the wounded. Because of her heroism, she is asked to become a spy, cross enemy lines, and infiltrate a Confederate camp. For her first mission, Sarah must once again disguise herself and rely on the kindness of enslaved people to help her do her job. This incredible true story of a brave young woman who makes an unlikely choice to fight for her country is one that should not be lost to history.

"Mira explores the past of her familiar Bay Area, discovering layers of history in San Francisco and learning the real reason her mother has been working to change history"--

"In the 1600''s the Inquisition ruled Rome and all painting had to obey its rules. One man refused. With his revolutionary style and fierce independence, Caravaggio dared to unchain art, putting himself in deadly peril."--Page 4 of cover.

Amelia has entered the eighth grade and boys, friends, and school dances become very important to her.

Though she is excited about graduating from middle school, Amelia is sad that her best friend Carly won''t be joining her in high school, so she reminisces about her earlier years and notebooks.

Mira travels around the world—and into the past—in search of her missing mother, visiting the Wonders of the Modern World. Illustrated with line drawings from Mira''s very own sketchbook. A new postcard from her time-traveling mother points Mira to the 16th century Rome. But before she can rescue her mom, she must follow the clues left around the city to find Giordano Bruno, a famous thinker and mathematician, who discovered something so shocking that important Italian officials don''t want it revealed. All the while avoiding the Watchers—time-traveling police who want Mira back in her own time. It''s another whirlwind adventure for Mira, and this time she is determined to bring her mother out of the past. Praise for Mira''s Diary: Lost in Paris: "An engrossing, diary-style blend of history, mystery, and time travel."—Publishers Weekly "With an engaging story, accessible history, and a spunky heroine, Mira''s Diary is an absorbing, fast-pace adventure."—School Library Journal "Mira''s Diary: Lost in Paris is a passionate celebration of honor and integrity...fast paced and compelling."—Karen Cushman, Newberry Medal Winner and New York Times bestselling author

Bestselling author Marissa Moss’s A Soldier’s Secret is the story of Sarah Emma Edmonds, who masqueraded as a man named Frank Thompson during the Civil War. Narrated by Sarah, this true story offers an in-depth look not only at the Civil War but also at her journey to self-discovery as she grapples with living a lie and falling in love with one of her fellow soldiers. Her adventures include serving as a nurse on the battlefield, spying for the Union Army, and being captured by (and escaping from) the Confederates. Using historical materials to build the foundation of the story, Moss has crafted a captivating young adult novel. The book also includes a Civil War timeline, archival photos, a glossary of names, a detailed note on sources, and a readers guide.

When Mira receives a cryptic postcard from her missing mother, she sets off with her father and brother to find her in Paris. Only Mira doesn''t know she''s looking in the wrong century. With an innocent touch to a gargoyle sculpture on the roof of Notre Dame, Mira is whisked into the past. There she learns her mother isn''t just avoiding the family, she''s in serious trouble. Following her mother''s clues, Mira travels through time to help change history and bring her mother home. "Long after I finished this fast–paced and compelling novel, I thought about Mira. Would I be as determined in pursuit of truth and tolerance? Would you?" —Karen Cushman, Newberry Medal Winner

Daphne explores the ups and downs of false friendship in her latest fully illustrated diary of a fourth-grader. Daphne and Kaylee are fourth-graders and best friends, but Daphne also wants to become friends with Imogen, the cool girl in their class. The trouble is, to be friends with Imogen, she’s going to have to get past Imogen’s best friend, Darla. Which means becoming fake friends with Darla. But when it comes to Daphne, things never go according to plan. Can she survive the Fake Friend Disaster and make a real friend in the process? Daphne tells it like it is and expertly details the drama of being a kid in this fully illustrated journal from the creator of the bestselling Amelia series.

Make your vote count, and vote for Amelia with this engaging Amelia story about student government! Amelia’s best friend Carly decides to run for student body president and Amelia joins the election fever as a candidate for secretary. Running for office is fun until someone starts taking down Carly’s campaign signs and Carly’s main opponent begins spreading lies about her around the school. Can Amelia save her friend’s reputation and the election?

Amelia takes on babysitting and learns a thing or two in this charming installment of Marissa Moss’s beloved Amelia series. When Amelia and Carly decide to start a babysitting business, they think they are prepared…and then Ruthy and Tyler come along. Get ready for a real adventure in Extreme Babysitting!

Two stories with Amelia being a friend saving a friend''s reputation and starting a babysitting service.

Can Amelia keep a friend and her deepest secrets at the same time? Amelia’s sister, Cleo, gives her a new notebook as a tenth birthday present, and Amelia can’t wait to fill it with all her secret thoughts and drawings. But when her best friend Leah wants to read her notebook, Amelia is torn: Sometimes secrets are better when shared with friends, but other secrets are private. How can Amelia keep her friend from feeling left out while still saving some secrets for herself?

Amelia stands up for her herself—and against the class bully—in this series favorite. Amelia is not about to let the class bully get the best of her—that’s just not Amelia’s way! But Amelia can’t help feeling defenseless against mean-girl Hilary, who seems to have one nasty thing to say after another. But when Amelia attends camp, she gains the confidence she needs to speak up. In her honest and engaging way, Amelia describes what it is like to get tough and stand up for yourself!

Survive the ups and downs of middle school Amelia-style with three bestselling books in Marissa Moss’s perennially popular Amelia series! This ebook collection of favorite Amelia titles includes: Amelia’s Most Unforgettable Embarrassing Moments Amelia’s Notebook Amelia’s BFF

Ida Lewis loved everything about the sea, so when her father became the official keeper of Lime Rock Lighthouse in Newport, Rhode Island, she couldn’t imagine anything better. Throughout the years, Ida shadowed her father as he tended the lighthouse, listening raptly to his stories about treacherous storms, drowning sailors, and daring rescues. Under her father’s watchful eye, she learned to polish the lighthouse lens so the light would shine bright. She learned to watch the sea for any sign of trouble. And, most importantly, she learned to row. Ida felt ready for anything—and she was. Award-winning author Marissa Moss pairs up with award-winning illustrator Andrea U’Ren in a stunning collaboration that sheds light on a remarkable piece of history. Based on the true story of Ida Lewis, who was dubbed “the Bravest Woman in America” and who was recognized with the Congressional Life Saving Medal and the American Cross of Honor, this inspiring and unforgettable tale of courage and real-life heroism is a tribute to brave women everywhere.

Daphne has never (ever) loved her name, but it is her name and she can’t do much to change it. So when the first day of fourth grade comes, not only does Daphne get her pre-braces retainer but also the new teacher can’t seem to remember her name. It’s not Duffy or Daffy or Doffy. It’s Daphne. Well anyway what’s in a name? A lot, just ask Daphne.

Why is everyone so crazy for Vampires, Daphne wonders. Well, Vampires can’t die or get wrinkly that’s what makes them so magical. And it’s kinda cool to be bitten by a vampire because you’ll live forever. So, when the teachers announce a costume day next Friday, (even though Halloween is long past), Daphne wants to be the best vampire ever! But what is cool and what is nerdy in Vampire Land? Daphne’s about to find out!

What makes a real, true BFF? In this relatable installment of the bestselling Amelia series, Amelia loves her two best friends—but will she have to choose between old and new? Amelia is so excited that Nadia, her BFF from back in California, is coming to visit. She’s sure that Nadia and Carly, her BFF in Oregon, are going to really hit it off and they’ll have a great week together. But as it turns out, Nadia and Carly can’t stand each other. Now Amelia is trapped in the middle of her warring best friends. How is she supposed to choose sides? With characteristic humor and determination, Amelia sets out to discover what it takes to be a good friend.

When Amelia’s mom gives her a journal for her birthday, she finally has a place to share her truest feelings at last! Nine-year-old Amelia’s mother gives her a blank notebook to write down her thoughts and tells her it will make her feel better. Why would a dumb notebook make me feel better, Amelia thinks. The only thing that will make Amelia feel better is going back to old house, her old school, and her old friends. Amelia does not—do you hear this!—want to move. But no one is listening to Amelia.