No one escapes the challenges of childhood, but we can conquer them! Highlighting noted “at-risk” youth in the Bible and sharing his own story of growing up in poverty amid crime and violence, Rev. Romal Tune details how obstacles can become opportunities through faith. In God’s Graffiti, he will help you:

•Stop past pain and failure from hindering your future
•Value good and bad experiences and use them as building blocks for success
•Deal with your anger and fear to become emotionally whole and healthy
•Restore broken relationships and see the victory in God

Both practical and inspirational, this Bible study celebrates men and women in Scripture who left troubled pasts behinds to claim purpose-filled futures!

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This poetic book is a resounding tribute to Tubman’s strength, humility, and devotion. With proper reverence, Weatherford and Nelson do justice to the woman who, long ago, earned over and over the name Moses.

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The New York Times bestselling series is now available in a box set!

What makes a hero? Brad Meltzer and illustrator Christopher Eliopoulos answer that question, one great role model at a time. And now you can buy the first four—Abraham Lincoln, Amelia Earhart, Rosa Parks, and Albert Einstein—together in a wonderfully designed slipcase that includes an exclusive, autographed print, suitable for framing.

“This is not just a series of books,” says bestselling author Brad Meltzer. “This is my dream for my daughter. My dream for my sons. These aren’t just the stories of famous people. They’re what we’re all capable of on our very best days. This is our history and, I hope, our greatest legacy.”

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FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. After breaking or tying more than sixty records in hockey, it’s no wonder that Wayne Gretzky is known as “”The Great One.”” Born in Brantford, Ontario, on January 26, 1961, in a nation obsessed with the sport, he threw himself into the game practically from the time he first laced up a pair of skates. When he retired from the NHL in 1999, he had led several teams to Stanley Cup victories, competed in the Olympics, and changed the way hockey was played forever. Known for his love for family and as a truly decent human being, Wayne Gretzky is revealed as more than a sports legend in this easy-to-read biography.

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A Life Not with Standing chronicles the adventures—by turns exhilarating, agonizing and amorous—of an iron lung alumna. It shatters stereotypes about people with disabilities, enabling others to view disability with pride, not prejudice. It celebrates family, faith, music, tenacity, idealism and indignation.

But most of all, A Life Not with Standing tells a story beyond Chava Willig Levy’s polio chronicle: how calamities can befall innocent people and how those calamities can evolve into and, in fact, become ingredients of and prerequisites for ensuing joy.

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“Novosel’s autobiographical narrative of self-determination inspires and delights, in large part because it isn’t a lofty tale of grandiose achievement but a humble one; he merely wants, and earns, a chance to show what he’s got.”  – Publisher’s Weekly

“The perfect book to help you inspire your kids and grandkids… while re-inspiring yourself!” – Rick “Shaq” Goldstein, author of 669 reviews for Amazon

Based on actual events, FIELDHOUSE is a story of embracing adversity through challenges, teamwork, perseverance, grit, determination, and a positive attitude!

Fieldhouse follows Scotty Novosel on his journey to play basketball for the Kansas Jayhawks. What he lacks in size he makes up for in heart, but countless obstacles and a devastating setback push his dream further and further out of reach… With incredible persistence, positive energy, and help from a cast of endearing characters, Scotty discovers just what it takes to transform vision into reality!

In March 1995, Scott Novosel started for the Kansas Jayhawks in the Big 8 Championship game. For the next 20 years, through endless determination and a mantra of never giving up, Scott completed the all ages graphic novel FIELDHOUSE with the help of the Eisner Award nominated artist Sam Sharpe. Together the duo produced an instant classic! The story of the making of the book was featured on Sports Illustrated.

Find out why parents, teachers, librarians, parents, and grandparents are declaring FIELDHOUSE a “MUST READ!

(Scott Novosel)

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An inspirational picture book autobiography from Oprah Winfrey’s “All-Time Favorite Guest” 

This is the story of a little girl with big dreams.

All the girl ever wanted was an education. But in Rhodesia, education for girls was nearly impossible.

So she taught herself to read and write with her brother’s schoolbooks and to count while watching cattle graze.

When the girl became a young wife and mother, she wrote her goals on a scrap of paper and buried them in a can—an ancient ritual that reminded her that she couldn’t give up on her dreams.

She dreamed of going to America and earning one degree; then a second, even higher; and a third, the highest. And she hoped to bring education to all the girls and boys of her village.

Would her dreams ever come true?

Illustrated with Jan Spivey Gilchrist’s graceful watercolors, Dr. Tererai Trent’s true story of perseverance is sure to inspire readers of all ages.

From the Hardcover edition.

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Please see the book – ANN SILVER: Deaf Artist Series ISBN: 978-0985698232 by Empyreal Press (empyrealpress.com) for an updated version (new in October 2014) using much of the information from this book. This book is now a collector’s item as it is the original book about the life and art of Ann Silver. The book gives you entré into the life and art of an incredible woman who has done much with her life. She has traveled the world. She has met several presidents and prime ministers. She has charmed her way into situations and into places few would imagine possible for anyone. To say that she is a remarkable person is to miss the mark. While barely 20 and an undergraduate, along with a few others, she started the Deaf Art Movement. By 25 her artwork had been published in over 10 books. By 40 she had created an international symbol of sign language interpreting, and had her design work published on over 2000 book covers. By 45, after rededicating her life to studio art, she had completed over 150 pieces and defined a new art genre: Deaf Pop Art. She has taken more photographs of famous people using the ILY sign than most people can name. She found herself in Japan and within days of her arrival was living with a Deaf host family and being interviewed on Japanese TV. She has chutzpah, wit, and style in her 5 foot frame. When I tell you she has been Deaf from birth, I expect some readers will be more impressed. As Silver would say, “Pfft. Get over yourself.” Being Deaf is a part of her, like being born Jewish or being born a lesbian. It isn’t amazing that she’s done what she’s done because she’s Deaf. She is just amazing. This book is an art biography because it is about her art, but it is also about her life. It reads in chronological format, starting with her birth and leads the reader through various stages in her life and artwork up to the present.

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Learn about your favorite SuperStar John Cena and how he became the World Heavyweight Champion. Read about his finishing and signature moves and signature foreign objects, nicknames, signature taunts and managers.

All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, trademarks, logos and copyrights are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. © 2009 World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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By popular demand, the 100th Who Was…? subject is Steve Irwin!

Steve Irwin did not have a typical childhood. Born in Melbourne, Australia, on February 22, 1962, he was raised on the wildlife park his parents owned. He cared for the animals and especially loved reptiles–he got a python for his sixth birthday! At nine years old, Steve was already helping his father wrestle small crocodiles. He became a crocodile trapper after graduating high school, catching the creatures before dangerous poachers could. Steve met his wife, Terri, at his family’s park, and instead of a honeymoon, the pair filmed a wildlife documentary that led to the creation of the well-known series The Crocodile Hunter. Tragically, Steve was killed on September 4, 2006 while filming a documentary when a stingray attacked, piercing his heart. He was forty-four years old. However, his life’s work obviously still strikes a chord with kids who voted him the winner of the 100th Who Was…? title.

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Lolek is a celebration of the childhood of Pope John Paul II. He was a little boy who, despite tragedy and oppression in his young life during World War II, was a shining example for his peers and adults alike. Pope John Paul II was a world class freedom fighter, campaigning for world peace as a human rights advocate and defender of the oppressed. During his combat against world poverty, he taught that every life is precious no matter one’s nationality or religious belief, whether one is rich or poor, young or old. One of Lolek’s greatest achievements was the downfall of Communism in Europe. He encouraged people to feel their own power, and the power of faith led to the freedom of half a continent. Children 4-12 years.

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The Boy Who Never Gave Up is the inspiring true story of NBA superstar Stephen Curry. This Fully illustrated picture book biography tells the story of a young boy who many said was too short to play in high school, too weak to play in college and not good enough to play in the NBA.
Against all odds, this small boy who follows his dream, not only makes it to the NBA, but becomes one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball.
Children’s/Kids Picture Book Biography K-5
Be sure to check out the new release:
NFL All Stars 2017: Coloring and Activity Book for Adults and Kids featuring 30+ of today’s hottest stars including Ezekiel Elliott, Tom Brady, Julio Jones, Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson and so many more!

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Clarissa “Clara” Barton was a shy girl who grew up to become a teacher, nurse, and humanitarian.  At a time when few women worked outside the home, she became the first woman to hold a government job, as a patent clerk in Washington, DC. In 1864, she was appointed “lady in charge” of the hospitals at the front lines of the Union Army, where she became known as the “Angel of the Battlefield.” Clara Barton built a career helping others.  She went on to found the American Red Cross, one of her greatest accomplishments, and one of the most recognized organizations in the world.

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The daughter of a drunken mill worker, Mary Slessor wonders how God can possibly use her. But God is preparing her for more than she knows. With His power and a personality to match her fiery red hair, Mary stands up to African chiefs, adopts abandoned children, and slowly begins to change the hearts of the African people. Prayer and determination pave Mary’s path to trusting God and becoming one of the most cherished missionary “mothers” in the history of Scotland and the world.

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Did You Know …

John Quincy Adams owned a pet alligator? Ulysses S. Grant received a ticket for riding his horse too fast down the streets of Washington, D.C.? Gerald R. Ford briefly worked as a fashion model?

You are invited on a totally unique journey through presidential history with Juliette Turner, the National Youth Director of Constituting America. Through fun cartoons, quotes, great graphics, and Juliette’s quirky sense of humor, you’ll discover tons of fun new facts about the presidents of the United States and the role of the executive branch. These aren’t just a bunch of old men in suits! Many of them were ordinary people like you who overcame trials in order to become America’s leader, and all of them entered the political arena with the goal of protecting the country they loved. Written for kids by a kid, Juliette’s passion and excitement breathes new life into American history and the role of one of the most powerful positions in the world.

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He’s the number one teen star of the number one family sitcom on TV, “Home Improvement” and the voice – and face – of young Simba, the “mane” event in the blockbuster movie and bestselling video in history, Disney’s “The Lion King.” He brought in the crowds to “Man of the House” and stars in “Tom and Huck” and a live-action “Pinocchio” But who’s the person behind the star? What’s he “really” like? How does it feel having Tim Allen as a mentor? Follow JTT backstage on the “Home Improvement” set …join him on location on his newest films. Discover Jonathan’s private off-camera world and learn why he’s happiest doing the charity work he loves. Everything you want to know is here, in JONATHAN TAYLOR THOMAS: TOTALLY JTT!

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Over the course of American history, there have been only four presidents who have been forced to sacrifice their lives for their country at the hands of an assassin. These great men have not been forgotten, and their stories are told here in fascinating detail for history lovers of all ages. But those four presidents are not the only ones who have been close to death in the line of duty to the American people. This book, A Children’s Illustrated History of Presidential Assassination, delves into all of the major assassination attempts throughout the history of the United States, in vivid detail, illustrated by Erin Kubinek.

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It’s Christmas Eve 722, and Kristoph, a young orphan boy, is accompanying the missionary priest Boniface through the German countryside. They are hurrying to reach the next village by nightfall when they come upon a group of people in the forest worshiping an oak tree and preparing to sacrifice the son of the village chieftain. To prove that the oak is powerless and that there is only One True God, Boniface miraculously fells the giant tree with a single ax stroke. In its place stands an evergreen. Calling it “the tree of the Christ Child,” he instructs the men to mend their lives and take the tree home where it will shelter “loving gifts and lights of kindness.” Now rescued, the son of the village chieftain invites Boniface and Kristoph to share Christmas with his family …around another evergreen that Kristoph cuts down for their own celebration.

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In the sixth installment of GymnStars, the award-winning children’s biography series chronicles the career and personal life of Simone Biles, the young gymnast who shattered numerous gymnastics’ records en route to becoming a three-time world champion and an Olympic favorite.

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Christmas is eagerly awaited by Lulu, a young girl living in a small Wisconsin town during the Great Depression. Anticipation is transformed into anxiety when Daddy loses his job, doubts about Santa flicker, and that Shirley Temple doll seems further away than ever. Mama reveals her own brutal Christmas as an orphan, adding new worries. But it’s Lulu’s deep faith and vibrant hope that keeps her looking forward to each new day and the glorious gift of Christmas. In her touching memoir, Ludmilla Bollow, an award-winning playwright and novelist, recounts the year before her family’s toughest Christmas. There’s a haunting encounter with freaks at a circus sideshow, the heartbreaking loss of the town’s recluse who was committed to finding true love, a disastrous Thanksgiving at Grandma’s, and, of course, the long-awaited Christmas! Lulu’s spirit of love and joy radiates throughout this emotional recall of family life during hard times.

(Ludmilla Bollow)

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For those who may have wondered what happened to Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath families, here is the story of one such family during and after the Great Depression. This book is a memoir, told in a series of short stories–all based on true events–of one boy’s struggle with poverty and near deafness. It reaches out to young adults and all those who labor in the fields of education, counseling and social justice.

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In 1977, graduate student Irene Pepperberg walked into a pet store and bought a year-old African grey parrot. Because she was going to study him, she decided to call him Alex–short for Avian Learning EXperiment. At that time, most scientists thought that the bigger the brain, the smarter the creature; they studied great apes and dolphins. African greys, with their walnut-sized “birdbrains,” were pretty much ignored–until Alex. 

His intelligence surprised everyone, including Irene. He learned to count, add, and subtract; to recognize shapes, sizes, and colors; and to speak, and understand, hundreds of words. These were things no other animal could do. Alex wasn’t supposed to have the brainpower to do them, either. But he did them anyway.

Accompanied by Meilo So’s stunning illustrations, Alex and Irene’s story is one of groundbreaking discoveries about animal intelligence, hard work, and the loving bonds of a unique friendship.

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Before Texas was Texas, it was a lot of things to a lot of different people. Comanche, Choctaw, French, Spanish, Mexican and more laid claim to Texas soil as their own, and no one wanted to share. The fights and alliances that arose out of the colonization of Texas shaped the state’s future. Find out all about the beginning of the state and the colonists who helped pave the way for the Texas we now know. Saddle up with Betsy and George Christian for an interactive, fun chapter in Texas history for kids that challenges them to ask questions about the history they’re told and the world in which they live.

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Growing up in Erie, Pennsylvania in the early 1900s, Paul Siple was an intelligent, self-motivated boy who thrived on learning about the world around him. He was fascinated by the adventures of his hero, world-famous explorer Commander Richard Byrd.
After Byrd’s successful North Pole expedition in 1926, he set out to become the first person to fly over the South Pole, via the Antarctic. When he announced that one lucky teen explorer would be chosen to accompany him, he caught the attention of Eagle Scout Paul Siple, who met all of the criteria with flying colors. Exhilarated by the challenge and inspired by the opportunity to meet and work with his hero, Paul could not believe his good fortune when he was selected!
This fascinating book, by authors Patricia Potter Wilson and Roger Leslie, expertly tells the story of nineteen-year-old Paul Siple’s awesome adventures with Commander Byrd. It is a delightful and straightforward narrative for young readers grades five through nine, filled with fun pictures and illustrations, that will long remain in every young reader’s imagination and heart.

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This biography of one of the most famous and recognizable American presidents mark DK’s commitment to bringing US history-based biographies to the DK Readers series. In George Washington, the young reader will learn about our first president’s childhood, his life as a farmer, statesman, general, and his days as president. The 48-page Level 3 books, designed for children who can read on their own, contain more complex sentence structure and more detail. Young readers will devour these kid-friendly titles, which cover high-interest topics such as sharks, and the Bermuda Triangle, as well as classics like Aladdin. Information boxes highlight historical references, trivia, pronunciation, and other facts about words and names mentioned. Averaging 2,400 to 2,800 words, these books offer a 50/50 picture-to-text ratio. The Dorling Kindersley Readers combine an enticing visual layout with high-interest, easy-to-read stories to captivate and delight young bookworms who are just getting started. Written by leading children’s authors and compiled in consultation with literacy experts, these engaging books build reader confidence along with a lifelong appreciation for nonfiction, classic stories, and biographies. There is a DK Reader to interest every child at every level, from preschool to grade 4.

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Watching his father perform medical procedures back in India had convinced Paul that medicine was about blood and guts and ulcers. To his amazement, he found that it was really about causes and cures, alleviating pain, and treating ill people with dignity.

The son of missionary parents, Paul Brand did not plan on becoming a doctor. After training as a builder, he was called by God into medicine and spent a lifetime treating leprosy and restoring hope to thousands of sufferers.

Dr. Paul Brand became the first surgeon in the world to use reconstructive surgery to correct the deformities of leprosy in the hands and feet. He strove to eliminate the stigma of the disease and rebuild the lives of those destroyed by it. A humble, brilliant servant, he influenced faith and medical communities around the world, reminding us that all men are created in the image of God.

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