Beatrix Potter:Artist, Storyteller and Countrywoman

Grades: 3–12
Author: Judy Taylor

Awards: Booklist Editor's Choice;National Educational Film and Video Festival, Gold Apple

This documentary film about the life of the remarkable author and illustrator of THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT, is based on the successful biography, BEATRIX POTTER: ARTIST, STORYTELLER AND COUNTRYWOMAN by Judy Taylor.

Coretta Scott

Grades: PreK–2
Author: Ntozake Shange / Illustrator: Kadir Nelson

Awards: ALA Notable Recording;Earphones Award

This extraordinary union of poetic text by Ntozake Shange and monumental artwork by Kadir Nelson captures the movement for civil rights in the United States and honors its most elegant inspiration, Coretta Scott. Hardcover format available for Schools Only.

Reviews:
"...this audiobook for all ages is a treasure and should not be relegated to the young." - AudioFile
"This fine tribute to an American icon is recommeded." -***, Video Librarian

Ella Fitzgerald

Grades: K–4
Author: Andrea Davis Pinkney / Illustrator: Brian Pinkney

Awards: ALA Notable Book;CINE Golden Eagle;Storytelling World Award

Told in the voice of a cool cat named Scat, this dramatic story tells how Ella got her sound on the way to a most remarkable and inspiring career.

Reviews:
"Carefully selected vintage recordings, sound tracks and Billy Dee Williams' sensuous voice are layered artfully to produce a time-slip to the 1930's." - ALA Notable Committee
"Billy Dee Williams' silky narration (and) audiosnippets of Ella Fitzgerald's voice...infuse this outstanding adaptation of Andrea Davis Pinkney's biography." - Booklist
"A must-have for school and public libraries...(for) curriculum units including music appreciateion, American history, famous people, Women's History Month, and Black History Month." - School Library Journal

Helen’s Big World: The Life of Helen Keller

Grades: 1–3
Author: Doreen Rappaport / Illustrator: Matt Travers

This biography is an excellent and accessible introduction for youngsters to learn about one of the world's most influential luminaries. Helen Keller&39;s poignant narrative is beautifully captured in this unforgettable portrait of a woman whose vision for innovation and progress changed America and the world forever.

Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race

Grades: PreK–3
Author: Margot Lee Shetterly; Winifred Conkling / Illustrator: Laura Freeman

"Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden were good at math…really good. They participated in some of NASA's greatest successes, like providing the calculations for America's first journeys into space. And they did so during a time when being black and a woman limited what they could do. But they worked hard. They persisted. And they used their genius minds to change the world." Paperbacks Available for Schools Only

I am Ruby Bridges

Grades: PreK–3
Author: Ruby Bridges / Illustrator: Nikkolas Smith

Ruby Bridges tells her story as never before and shares the events of the momentous day in 1960 when Ruby became the first Black child to integrate the all-white William Franz Elementary as a six year old little girl -- a personal and intimate look through a child’s lens at a landmark moment in our Civil Rights history.

Me...Jane

Grades: PreK–2
Author: Patrick McDonnell / Illustrator: Patrick McDonnell

Awards: Caldecott Honor Book

Patrick McDonnell tells the story of the young Jane Goodall and her special childhood toy chimpanzee named Jubilee. As the young Jane observes the natural world around her with wonder, she dreams of "a life living with and helping all animals," until one day she finds that her dream has come true. Book/CD sets and CD available for SCHOOLS ONLY.

Reviews:
"Katherine Kellgren's excellent narration is accompanied by music, and the combination provides a fascinating tale about an amazing woman...an excellent resource for teachers and librarians alike. An essential purchase for any classroom or library collection." - Starred Review, School Library Journal
"This educational and entertaining tribute to Goodall and her significant legacy is highly recommended for all collections." - Starred Review, School Library Journal
"Highly recommended." - ***1/2, Video Librarian

Miss Rumphius/La Senorita Runfio

Grades: K–5
Author: Barbara Cooney / Illustrator: Claire Danes

Awards: Columbus International Film and Video Festival, Bronze Plaque

The true story of Miss Rumphius, who made the world a more beautiful place with a handful of seeds.

Reviews:
"A nicely produced video that encourages both reading and thinking about the outside world. Recommended." - Video Librarian
"A wonderful addition to an elementary study of art and/or nature." - Lorgnette

Oldest Student, The: How Mary Walker Learned to Read

Grades: PreK–3
Author: Rita Lorraine Hubbard / Illustrator: Oge Mora

Imagine learning to read at the age of 116! Discover the true story of Mary Walker, the nation's oldest student who did just that, in this picture book from a Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator and a rising star author. In 1848, Mary Walker was born into slavery. At age 15, she was freed, and by age 20, she was married and had her first child. By age 68, she had worked numerous jobs, including cooking, cleaning, babysitting, and selling sandwiches to raise money for her church. At 114, she was the last remaining member of her family. And at 116, she learned to read. From Rita Lorraine Hubbard and rising star Oge More comes the inspirational story of Mary Walker, a woman whose long life spanned from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, and who--with perseverance and dedication--proved that you're never too old to learn.

Rosa

Grades: K–7
Author: Nikki Giovanni / Illustrator: Bryan Collier

Awards: Caldecott Honor Book;Coretta Scott King Award for Illustration;ALA Notable Book;Booklist Editors Choice

On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks boarded a Montgomery, Alabama city bus and refused to give up her seat to a white man, an act that ignited a movement that changed modern history.

Reviews:
"Giovanni reads the passionate text with authority...This dignified program is an excellent, visually appealing choice for classroom use and personal viewing." - Starred Review, Booklist
"This extraordinary book receives excellent treatment here, bringing Giovanni's clear and expressive prose to life and allowing young viewers to wrap themselves in the warmth of her story." - School Library Journal