Curtis Granderson grew up on the south side of Chicago. He loved sports and was determined to become a successful athlete. But perhaps because both of his parents were teachers, he had an even stronger desire to succeed in the classroom. He loved learning for its own sake, and from an early age, the importance of education. Now an established Major League Baseball star, Curtis has not forgotten the lessons he learned growing up. These are lessons not only about the importance of education, but also about working hard to attain goals; lessons about character, integrity, and personal responsibility. In his book All You Can Be, Granderson shares these valuable lessons with his young fans. He has also invited fourth graders from across the state of Michigan to submit artwork that exemplifies their own goals, the best of which has been culled here to illustrate the themes of the book. This is not just a book for aspiring athletes, it is a book for any young dreamer about how he or she can develop the character to help them succeed, whether they want to be the next president of the United States, the best teacher in the country, or even the center fielder for the Detroit Tigers.

When her husband joined General Washington’s army, Molly Hays went with him. All through the winter at Valley Forge, Molly watched and listened. Then in July, in the battle at Monmouth, she would show how much she had learned. Molly could tell the day would be a scorcher, so she decided to bring water from a nearby spring to the fighting men. More than 50 British soldiers would die of heatstroke that day, but the American soldiers need only cry, “Molly–pitcher!” On one trip through the fighting field, she saw her husband get shot. She satisfied herself that he wouldn’t die from his wound, then took over his job–firing off the cannon!

Molly epitomized the feisty, self-reliant spirit of the colonists who would soon win their battle for independence–and her story has rightly become a beloved legend of American history.

From the Hardcover edition.

Twelve radiant tableaux by acclaimed artist Fiona French reflect the timeless beauty of the Easter story in stained glass. Beginning with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the dramatic events unfold: the last supper, Jesus’ betrayal and arrest, his trial and mockery, the crucifixion, resurrection and his appearance to the disciples, culminating in his ascension into heaven.Fiona French’s images-inspired by the glorious English cathedral windows of Lincoln, York and Canterbury-combine with words taken from the Revised Standard Version of the New Testament to create a classic celebration of Easter and a glorious sequel to her Christmas title, Bethlehem.While aimed at children, the classic beauty of French’s stained glass illustrations and the timeless, ageless story of the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ as told in the words of sacred scripture make this a book that will appeal to all ages.Fiona French is a 1986 recipient of the Kate Greenaway Medal for illustration. Her other books include”Snow White in New York,” “Anancy and Mr. Dry-Bone,” and”Bethlehem.””

From the Hardcover edition.

Mahatma Gandhi was an ordinary child who tried to do something extraordinary with his life: he wanted to discover Truth. This book chronicles Gandhi’s inner and outer journey from childhood to the independence of India in twelve short stories, with beautiful watercolor and ink images of Gandhi and his family. For both children and grown-ups, this book explores how Gandhi discovered key principles and tools of nonviolence, including concepts like “satyagraha” and “nonviolent non-cooperation.” Perhaps most importantly, it addresses how we can bring his great message in our own lives and become peacemakers at any age! The author is an early childhood educator and executive director of the Metta Center for Nonviolence. 

History’s Villains takes a two-sided look at some of history’s most influential villains; the series explores simultaneously the influences and experiences that shaped the figure, but does so in the context of the time. What emerges is a unique story about a world that changed a person and a person that changed the world.

An autobiography from the Showbiz Hustlers, Ted and Tom LeGarde of The LeGarde Twins. From the bushlands of Australia to Hollywood. From poverty to dreamtime. Walk and fly with Ted and Tom over 70 years and one million miles in this true to life story. From struggle and heartache to fame and fortune. The Showbiz Hustlers share their life story in hopes of inspiring generations to come!

Eric Carle known for his outstanding picture books, among them The Very Hungry Caterpillar, has now turned his talent to writing these short stories. Flora and Tiger is an exuberant and touching collection of personal vignettes dedicated to his gentle father, from his earliest years in America, through his boyhood in the shadow of war in Germany, to the present as an adult living and working in the United States.

Eric Carle writes of his Oma (German grandmother) and the hen who might have been a rooster, his cousin Fritz and the turtle who loved a cat, his friend Sol and his kidnapped black cat, and his Uncle Adam and his tamed ravens, and many others.

“These stories have three things in common,” Eric Carle writes, “animals and insects, my family and friends. and me.” Writing with wit and charm, full of love for the people around him, in these stories, Eric Carle welcomes readers, young and old, into his world.