New Releases by Frank Murphy

A joyful pick for dog lovers--young and old. Dogs are more than pets or furry fixtures around the house. Dogs are constant companions who show us what it means to be curious, enjoy the little moments of life, and care for those who need us. Dogs teach us more about life than we teach them. So no matter what your puppy looks like or plays like--this book celebrates all the puppies out there and the ways they change our lives for the better.

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer wide receiver, Frank D. Murphy, learned that a second chance made all the difference! Former NFL player Frank Murphy imparts lessons he learned along the way to the NFL and beyond. From troubled teen to national motivational speaker, Frank managed to escape thug life and maneuver successfully through the iron jungle of the professional sports arena. Frank’s story is one of struggles and the second chances that changed everything. If you’ve ever had your back to the wall or been counted out, this book is for you. “When I talk to my young players about what it takes to make yourself a critical part of the team, I recall men like Frank, who worked with a winning attitude each day to make his team’s success.” Rasheed Morris, Head Coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD GOLD STANDARD SELECTION 2023 A moving illustrated biography of the late Joe Delaney, an NFL star in the making who valued helping others above all else On the football field, Joe Delaney possessed all the qualities of a great running back. He was fast with keen instincts, a burst of red and gold as he sprinted toward the end zone for the Kansas City Chiefs. Off the field, he embodied the qualities of a great person: generous, hard-working, humble, and honest. Helping people was simply second nature to Joe. In 1983, on a summer''s day in Louisiana, Joe Delaney gave his life trying to save three children from drowning in a pond. While others stood by, Joe didn''t hesitate before rushing into the water, though he was not a strong swimmer himself. Now, football fans of all teams honor his legacy as an extraordinarily brave young man who cared fiercely for his community. Written with the support of the Delaney family, Heroic Heart is a lushly illustrated, lyrical story of selflessness and courage. Adults and children alike will learn about the remarkable life of this compassionate NFL star.

Everyone''s family is unique--and good! From sprawling extended families and close-knit units to adopted and chosen families, A Family Like Ours celebrates all those important connections we build over the years. Regardless of what yours looks like, family is a place for support, safety, growth, and inspiration. What is special, surprising, or sensational about your family?

THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER “In the pursuit of authenticity, of accurate history and undeniable courage, no words matter more than, ‘I was there.’ Read Luck of the Draw and the life of Frank Murphy and ponder this: how did those boys do such things?” —Tom Hanks The epic true story of an American hero who flew during WWII, as featured in the Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks TV Series, Masters of the Air. Beginning on August 17, 1942, American heavy bomber crews of the Eighth Air Force took off for combat in the hostile skies over occupied Europe. The final price was staggering. 4,300 B-17s and B-24s failed to return; nearly 21,000 men were taken prisoner or interned in a neutral country, and a further 17,650 made the ultimate sacrifice. Luck of the Draw is more than a war story. It’s the incredible, inspiring story of Frank Murphy, one of the few survivors from the 100th Bombardment Group, who cheated death for months in a German POW camp after being shot out of his B-17 Flying Fortress. Now with a new foreword written by his granddaughter Chloe Melas, of NBC, and daughter Elizabeth Murphy. “A gripping, inspirational account of incredible bravery, resilience, and sheer will to survive. A truly extraordinary story!” —General David Petraeus, U.S. Army (Ret.)

Our planet Earth is as individual and special as each one of us. It''s ability to sustain and nurture life is unique in our solar system--and beyond. In this book, celebrate all the wonderful, miraculous, astounding qualities of our Earth while learning how to protect her for future generations. Afterall, "If not us, then who?" From award-winning author Frank Murphy and Here Wee Read blogger, Charnaie Gordon.

A vibrant picture book biography of Surya Bonaly, the figure skating champion who backflipped her way into history. As a young girl in France, Surya Bonaly was constantly in motion, gifted in any sport she tried. But it was figure skating that had her heart. Surya knew she belonged on the ice. Her colorful costumes, exuberant routines, powerful jumps, and daring combinations were all expressions of her love for skating and her ambition to push the boundaries of what a figure skating champion could look like. Some people weren''t sure Surya belonged on top of the podium. "Is she graceful enough?" they asked. "Does she look like a skater?" But Surya''s fearless heart propelled her to always stay true to herself while pursuing her boldest dreams. Culminating in her iconic backflip performed at the 1998 Olympics, Fearless Heart is a lushly illustrated, lyrical story of self-expression and courage.

There''s nothing in the world like a wonderful friend. Friends are there to laugh with you and ready with a hug when you need one. Adventure friends and study friends. There are forever friends and brand new friends. In this book, celebrate ALL the marvelous ways to be a friend!

Encourages every girl to embrace all of the things that make her unique, to be strong and kind, to stand up for herself, and more.

Learn about the abolitionist Frederick Douglass and his fight for freedom in this Step 3 Biography Reader! Frederick Douglass was a keystone figure in the abolitionist movement, and his story has impacted generations of people fighting for civil rights in America. He was born to an enslaved mother and grew up with the horrors of slavery. In the course of his childhood, he was able to learn to read, and soon realized that reading and language were a source of power, and could be the keys to his freedom. Frederick Douglass spoke and wrote about injustice and equality, and his words profoundly affected the conversation about slavery in America. His activism will resonate with kids today who are observing and participating in our activist culture. Step 3 Readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots about popular topics--for children who are ready to read on their own.

Stand Up for Caring in the Growing Character series teaches young readers about the value of being caring and compassionate. This book is intended to help build a foundation for students to develop into morally responsible, compassionate citizens and, with examples, show them how to make the choices that will let them grow into people of character. All books in the 21st Century Skills Junior library encourage readers to think critically and creatively, and use their problem-solving skills. Book includes table of contents, sidebars, glossary, index, activities, and author biography.

Stand Up to Bullying in the Growing Character series teaches young readers about the value of being a good friend and the hazards of bullying. This book is intended to help build a foundation for students to develop into morally responsible, compassionate citizens and, with examples, show them how to make the choices that will let them grow into people of character. All books in the 21st Century Skills Junior library encourage readers to think critically and creatively, and use their problem-solving skills. Book includes table of contents, sidebars, glossary, index, activities, and author biography.

2020-2021 Keystone to Reading Elementary Book Award List 2020 Amelia Bloomer List Winner of the 2019 Eureka! Gold Awards Winner of Best of 2019 Kids Books - Future Classics Category There''s more to being a boy than sports, feats of daring, and keeping a stiff upper lip. A Boy Like You encourages every boy to embrace all the things that make him unique, to be brave and ask for help, to tell his own story and listen to the stories of those around him. In an age when boys are expected to fit into a particular mold, this book celebrates all the wonderful ways to be a boy.

A Step 3 beginning-reader biography of Civil War nurse and founder of the American Red Cross Clara Barton! Meet a woman who outgrew her girhood shyness to became a fearless "Angel of the Battlefield"! This Step 3 biography follows Clara as she helps her brother recover from a terrible injury, overcomes her timidity and works as a teacher, and finally fights her way to the front lines of the Civil War, where she helps soldiers wounded in battle. Clara''s story is a testament to the strength and grit of women, and is a role model who trancends history. Sarah Green''s lovely and delicate illustrations render Clara''s life in an appropriate and approachable way for young readers. Step 3 Readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots about popular topics. For children who are ready to read on their own.

A Step 3 Step into Reading Biography Reader about Theodore Roosevelt—America''s 26th President—and his efforts to protect our environment and establish national parks. Roosevelt battled asthma all his life, and the list of things he shouldn’t do was long. But when people told him “you can’t,” he set about proving them wrong. This book focuses on his inexhaustible enthusiasm and his commitment to preserving America’s natural resources. Step 3 Readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots about popular topics. These books are for children who are ready to read on their own.

While nearly everyone has a memory of their own favorite tattered teddy bear, the details of the day President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear have been lost to time. Now, nearly 100 years later, the legend that has grown around that fateful encounter will captivate you in this delightful tale.Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen brings his magical touch to another great American legend with illustratons for the origins of America''s favorite stuffed animal and how it got its name. Author Frank Murphy shares the history and lucky timing of two candy store entrepreneurs who took the story of President Theodore Roosevelt''s warm-hearted gesture in refusing to shoot a cornered bear and turned it into a legend of the toy world. Relive the memory of your own timeless, tattered "Teddy''s" bear with The Legend of the Teddy Bear.

A funny, entertaining introduction to Ben Franklin and his many inventions, including the story of how he created the "magic square." A magic square is a box of nine numbers arranged so that any line of three numbers adds up to the same number, including on the diagonal! Teachers and kids will love finding out about this popular teaching tool that is still used in elementary schools today!

Whether they''re preparing for President''s Day or whether they just like to eat, children will find much to devour in this leveled reader about Thomas Jefferson''s role in America''s culinary history! Did you know that every time you munch on a french fry or snack on ice cream, you have Thomas Jefferson to thank? It’s true! This founding father was one of America’s first foodies. After a visit to France, he introduced all sorts of yummy treats to America—including one that upset more than just tummies and created a culinary controversy! Get the scoop in this deliciously funny, true story—guaranteed to tempt even the most reluctant readers!

Children will delight at this little-known-story about our nation''s first president, George Washington, that makes for perfect President''s Day readers! Boom! Bang! Guns fire! Cannons roar! This Step 3 History Reader is about George Washington fighting in the American Revolution. He sees a dog lost on the battlefield. Whose dog is it? How will it find its master? Early readers will be surprised to find out what happens in this little-known true story about America’s first president. Step 3 Readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots about popular topics. These books are for children who are ready to read on their own.

"The Spirit of Tea" is a radical departure from all of the tea books on the market today. It touches upon tea''s transcendental nature that no book has yet examined. While a lot is written about tea''s healing benefits and curative properties, tea''s more spiritual and mystical attributes gets little attention. The author was motivated to write this book because of the profound absence of information in this area. What is it that keeps us coming back to humanity''s favorite beverage next to water. Forget about English tea, cucumber sandwiches and petite fours. You won''t find them here because controversial aspects of tea''s intrinsic qualities are discussed. Myths about tea are debunked while others are reanimated while the reader is also given practical information, including the history and characteristics, special properties and features of the sixclassical catagories of tea: White, Yellow, Green, Oolong, Black (or Red in China), and Puerh teas. All are explained in great detail with information their varieties, their traditions, the nature of each, brewing techniques, along with an fascinating narrative. (1166)

This collection features three of our most popular biographies: Washington, the stoic general with a soft spot for animals; Jefferson, the brilliant statesman who was a foodie at heart, and Lincoln, the absentminded lawyer whose compassionate caseload foretold his presidency. Beginning readers will learn about little-known, illuminating events in the earlier years of these extraordinary men and how, long before entering the White House, they lived lives filled with intelligence, courage, and kindness--the hallmarks of a great president.