Best Selling Books by Patricia C. Mckissack

An easy-to-read retelling of the well-known fable about two mice and the discovery they make.

Discusses, in simple text and illustrations, the meaning of life and death and God''s promise of eternal life.

Discusses the Aztec Indians, their history, religion, language, customs, and final days.

"Come join me as I take you back to Charleston, South Carolina, to my father''s forge in the early 1800''s. Sit with me on the woodpile as he tells a tale of faith, hope, or love." In this extraordinary collection, Charlotte Jefferies and her father Price, a former slave, introduce us to twelve best loved Bible tales, from Genesis to Daniel, and reveal their significance in the lives of African Americans--and indeed of all oppressed peoples. When Charlotte wants to understand the cruel injustices of her time, she turns to her father. Does the powerful slaveholder, Mr. Sam Riley, who seems to own all that surrounds them, also own the sun and moon? she wonders. Price''s answer is to tell the story of Creation. How can God allow an evil like slavery to exist? she asks. Price responds by telling the story of the Hebrews'' Exodus -- and shows Charlotte that someday their people, too, will be free. With exquisite clarity, Patricia and Fredrick McKissack and James Ransome -- a Newbery Honor winner and all Coretta Scott King Award winners -- brilliantly illuminate the parallels between the stories of the Jews and African-American history. Let My People Go is a triumphant celebration of both the human spirit and the enduring power of story as a source of strength. Our hope is that this book will be like a lighthouse that can guide young readers through good times and bad....The ideas that these ancient stories hold are not for one people, at one time, in one place. They are for all of us, for all times, everywhere. --from the Authors'' Note to Let My People Go

With only five more days of school remaining before summer vacation, nine-year-old Miami still faces several hurdles, such as how to get along with Destinee Tate, his nemesis.

An easy-to-read retelling of the fairy tale in which an ugly duckling spends an unhappy year ostracized by other animals before he grows into a beautiful swan.

In the slave quarters of Virginia''s cotton plantations, people pray for freedom. Everybody''s mind is on freedom. But when will it come?

Simple text and illustrations describe the life and accomplishments of the jazz trumpet player who was known as Satchmo.

When Messy Bessey starts to clean up her desk at school, she inspires the rest of the class to clean up the entire room.

Dr. Rabbit joins the children''s dental play.

Messy Bessey discovers that with proper care her garden will flourish.

In this rich and unique collection, Tennessee history is made real in stories which children love to read or hear. Drawn from different historical periods and ethnic groups, four engaging tales capture major episodes in the lives of famous people in Tennessee''s history. Color illustrations.

A stirring tribute to the human drama, legendary heroes, infamous owners, low pay, and long bus rides that were the Negro Leagues. A 1995 Coretta Scott King Honor Book.

After having fun at their family reunion, Messy Bessey''s family cleans up and leaves the park as beautiful as when they arrived.

"Part songbook, part research text, this work is perfect for families to share together or for young scholars who seek to discover an important piece of cultural history."— School Library Journal, starred review From Newbery Honor winner Patricia C. McKissack and two-time Caldecott Honor winner Brian Pinkney comes an extraordinary must-have collection of classic playtime favorites. This very special book is sure to become a treasured keepsake for African American families and will inspire joy in all who read it. Parents and grandparents will delight in sharing this exuberant book with the children in their lives. Here is a songbook, a storybook, a poetry collection, and much more, all rolled into one. Find a partner for hand claps such as “Eenie, Meenie, Sassafreeny,” or form a circle for games like “Little Sally Walker.” Gather as a family to sing well-loved songs like “Amazing Grace” and “Oh, Freedom,” or to read aloud the poetry of such African American luminaries as Langston Hughes, James Weldon Johnson, and Paul Laurence Dunbar. And snuggle down to enjoy classic stories retold by the author, including Aesop’s fables and tales featuring Br’er Rabbit and Anansi the Spider. "A rich compilation to stand beside Rollins’s Christmas Gif’ and Hamilton’s The People Could Fly." —The Horn Book "An ebullient collection.... There is an undeniable warmth and sense of belonging to these tales." —Kirkus Reviews, Starred

Messy Bessey shows herself to be a true friend and a good guest when she helps to clean up after a messy birthday sleepover.

Using simple text and photographs, this volume briefly examines the life and work of American poet Langston Hughes.

Rookie Reader, Level C.

Nettie Jo desperately needs a needle to sew a new wedding dress for her beloved doll, but the three animals she helps during her search do not seem inclined to give her their assistance in return.

Traces the life of the African American educator and leader, focusing on his stewardship of Tuskegee Institute.

Traces the life and achievements of the black educator who fought bigotry and sought equality for blacks in the areas of education and political rights.