Most Popular Books by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

Tells the story of a young girl''s dramatic escape from slavery via the Underground Railroad, from the perspective of her beloved rag doll.

A granddaughter recounts the reasons why her grandmother is hard to love--and why she loves her anyway.

A historical middle-grade novel in verse from multiple Coretta Scott King winner Vaunda Micheaux Nelson. As school begins in 1963, Cooper Dale wrestles with what it means to “shine” for a black girl in a predominantly white community near Pittsburgh. Set against the historic backdrop of the Birmingham church bombing, the Kennedy assassination, and Beatlemania, Radiant is a finely crafted novel in verse about race, class, faith, and finding your place in a loving family and a complicated world. Cooper’s primary concern is navigating fifth grade, where she faces both an extra-strict teacher and the bullying of Wade Carter, the only child of a well-to-do white family, whose home Cooper’s mother cleans for extra income. How can she shine when her mother works for the meanest boy in school? To make matters worse, Cooper quietly wishes she could be someone else. It’s not all bad, though. Cooper and her beloved older sister have fallen for the Beatles, and Cooper is thrilled to have something special they can share. And what she learns about her British idols adds new complexity to Cooper’s feelings about race.

A lyrical story about how looking back is helpful when you start looking forward. . . . A young girl thoughtfully considers her family tree and the vibrant ancestors who populate it. As each family member’s story is revealed, her quiet meditation—about what kind of person she’ll be when she grows up—transforms into a testament to the importance of sharing family stories. The simple, elegant narrative combined with Sean Qualls’s evocative art makes for a wonderful read-aloud experience.

The puppies are coming! This Step 2 is perfect for readers age 4 to 6 and captures the anticipation of waiting for your best friend''s dog to have puppies. Will Raymond get to keep one? Raymond and Roxy love playing together—and so do their pets! One day, Raymond learns that Roxy''s dog, Flo, is going to have puppies! Raymond does everything fast so he can hardly wait. How long will it take those puppies to be born? And will his parents say yes to a puppy of his very own? Twenty years after Ready? Set. Raymond! was published, Vaunda Nelson and Derek Anderson continue the adventures of Raymond and Roxy! Look for all of the Raymond and Roxy stories: Ready? Set. Raymond! Ready? Set. Birthday! Ready? Set. Rides! Ready? Set. Puppies! Step 2 Readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. They are perfect for children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help.

It''s the last day of school! Raymond and his friend Roxy are excited to spend their first day of summer vacation at an amusement park! This Step 2 reader captures all the excitement and anticipation! Raymond and Roxy are going to Wild World Park! They try all sorts of rides. But Raymond loves speed and pony rides aren''t fast enough. He tries the Wild Cat Racer but it''s still not fast enough. Will Raymond be able to find the perfect ride before the day is over? Twenty years after Ready? Set. Raymond! was published, Vaunda Nelson and Derek Anderson continue the adventures of Raymond and Roxy. Step 2 Readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. They are perfect for children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help.

Do you have a birthday coming up? Raymond does and he can''t wait! This Step 2 early reader captures all the excitement and anticipation that children experience in the lead-up to their special day! Raymond likes to do everything fast! It''s almost his birthday and he wants time to fly! He plays outside. He helps Papa wash the car. He even goes to bed early, but his birthday can''t come soon enough! Maybe his friend Roxy can help him enjoy the wait...and celebrate, too! This sequel to Ready? Set. Raymond (which marked its 20th Anniversary in 2022!) will delight young readers who will definitely be able to relate. Step 2 Readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. They are perfect for children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help.

Learn about how freedom came to the slaves in June 1865.

Introduce children to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the civil rights movement, and the historic march on Washington with this inspiring biography! Young readers can now learn about one of the greatest civil rights leaders of all time, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in this Level 3 Step into Reading Biography Reader. Set against Dr. King’s historic march on Washington in the summer of 1963, a moving story and powerful illustrations combine to illuminate not only one of America’s most celebrated leaders, but also one of America’s most celebrated moments. Step 3 Readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots about popular topics. Perfect for children who are ready to read on their own.

There''s no stopping Raymond in this beloved Step 2 reader! He likes to do everything fast! From brushing his teeth, to racing to school, to making new friends—there''s no one speedier than Raymond. In three easy-to-read stories by award-winning, bestselling creators Vaunda Micheaux Nelson and Derek Anderson readers get to follow Raymond on a typical super-fast day, see him meet his future best friend, Roxy, and run a race! Step 2 Readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories, for children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help. Rhyme and/or rhythmic text help children decode the story.

"You can''t walk straight on a crooked line. You do you''ll break your leg. How can you walk straight in a crooked system?" Lewis Michaux was born to do things his own way. When a white banker told him to sell fried chicken, not books, because "Negroes don''t read," Lewis took five books and one hundred dollars and built a bookstore. It soon became the intellectual center of Harlem, a refuge for everyone from Muhammad Ali to Malcolm X. In No Crystal Stair, Coretta Scott King Award–winning author Vaunda Micheaux Nelson combines meticulous research with a storyteller''s flair to document the life and times of her great-uncle Lewis Michaux, an extraordinary literacy pioneer of the Civil Rights era. "My life was no crystal stair, far from it. But I''m taking my leave with some pride. It tickles me to know that those folks who said I could never sell books to black people are eating crow. I''d say my seeds grew pretty damn well. And not just the book business. It''s the more important business of moving our people forward that has real meaning."

This biography profiles the life of Bass Reeves, a former slave who was recruited as a deputy United States Marshal in the area that was to become Oklahoma.

Relates the story of the National Memorial African Bookstore, founded in Harlem by Louis Michaux in 1939, as seen from the perspective of Louis Michaux Jr., who met famous men like Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X while helping there.

All the kids from Mayfield Crossing are excited about going to the new school at Parkview. It''sbigger and newer than their old school and, best of all, it has a first-rate basball field. It never occured to any of them that they wouldn''t even be allowed to played on the Parkview field. At Mayfield, nobody ever thought about who was white and who was black. They were all just friends. But it''s 1960, and the Parkview kids aren''t ready to accept newcommers---especially if they''re a different color. t''s the first time any of the Mayfield kids have experienced the real pain of prejedice, but by sticking together they all become outsiders...and discover that overcoming trouble can be the strenght that makes a winning team.

Leona Tate, Gail Etienne, and Tessie Prevost didn''t set out to make history. But when these three Black first graders stepped into the all-white McDonogh No. 19 Public School in New Orleans on November 14, 1960, that''s exactly what they did. They integrated their school just ten minutes before Ruby Bridges walked into her school, also in New Orleans. Like Ruby, the trio faced crowds of protestors fighting against public school desegregation efforts and relied on US Marshals to keep them safe. Their teacher protected them every step of the way, and the girls formed a close bond, becoming friends for life. Award-winning author Vaunda Micheaux Nelson conducted extensive interviews to bring this little-known story from the Civil Rights Movement to a broad audience. Vivid illustrations by fine artist Alex Bostic highlight the girls'' strength, courage, and determination.

"Nelson plaits her narrative with Western lingo and homespun similes. . . . James'' painterly oils swirl with energy, visible daubs creating the dusty, monumental landscape and equally monumental horses and humans. . . . A champion indeed." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review) The true tale of a cowboy''s epic rodeo ride from acclaimed author Vaunda Micheaux Nelson and Caldecott Honoree Gordon C. James. In 1911, three men were in the final round of the famed Pendleton Round-Up. One was white, one was Indian, and one was black. When the judges declared the white man the winner, the audience was outraged. They named black cowboy George Fletcher the "people''s champion" and took up a collection, ultimately giving Fletcher far more than the value of the prize that went to the official winner. Award-winning author Vaunda Micheaux Nelson tells the story of Fletcher''s unlikely triumph with a western flair that will delight kids—and adults—who love true stories, unlikely heroes, and cowboy tales.

Throughout the working world, basic mathematical ability and well-refined problem-solving and research skills are in great demand. But school teachers and librarians often find it difficult to interest their students in math, research, and problem solving. Zoolutions introduces a fun and interesting way for teachers to approach these topics, focusing on problem solving and research in a group environment. The book provides a number of questions about animals - including mice, tigers, polar bears, giraffes, and elephants - that require students to locate information on the animal, read and analyze this information critically, and determine the solution using math and reasoning. As a result of this process, students feel more confident in their ability to solve problems. They will develop the ability to use information and ideas, and enjoy using math! Zoolutions makes the school library a central part of school life by helping teachers and librarians integrate research skills into the curriculum and will help teachers and librarians address the need for math reform and implement the recommendations of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

Following the death of her father, a twelve-year-old girl takes a summer job instead of going to camp with a friend as planned.

In 1961 the children of Mayfield are concerned with air-raid drills and fallout shelters, but the civil rights movement becomes real when a neighbor joins the Freedom Riders. A sequel to the classic "Mayfield Crossing."

Exhibition catalogue

A loving grandchild describes what it is like when Gramma becomes increasingly confused and forgetful, to the point that she can no longer take care of herself.

In 1911, three men were in the final round of the famed Pendleton Round-Up. One was white, one was Indian, and one was black. When the judges declared the white man the winner, the audience was outraged. They named black cowboy George Fletcher the "people''s champion" and took up a collection, ultimately giving Fletcher far more than the value of the prize that went to the official winner. Award-winning author Vaunda Micheaux Nelson tells the story of Fletcher''s unlikely triumph with a western flair that will delight kids—and adults—who love true stories, unlikely heroes, and cowboy tales.