Best Selling Books by CHARLES R. SMITH

A collection of poems that capture the feelings and expression of music in some of its forms.

"An in-depth look at Ali’s life through twelve rhyming poems. . . . Collier’s bold pictures . . . are among the best of his illustrious career." — Booklist (starred review) From the moment a fired-up teenager won 1960 Olympic gold to the day when a retired legend, hands shaking from Parkinson’s, returned to raise the Olympic torch, the boxer known as "The Greatest" waged many a fight. Some were in the ring, against opponents like Sonny Liston and Joe Frazier; others were against societal prejudice and a war he refused to support because of his Islamic faith. The rap-inspired verse weaves and bobs and jabs, while bold collage artwork matches every move, capturing the "Louisville loudmouth with the great gift of rhyme" who shed the name Cassius Clay to take on the world as Muhammad Ali. Back matter includes a time line.

Bounce Bounce! Despite the Height is the lively, true story of Ivory Latta, one of the smallest women to play for the WNBA. This full-color illustrated book for young readers follows young Ivory as she learns to play basketball, perfect her game, and outplay her big brothers - all despite her height. The book includes a dream journal to help motivate students and inspire conversation.

From Charles R. Smith Jr., with striking artwork by Adrian Brandon, comes an exuberant collection of poems honoring a dozen outstanding baseball stars from the Negro leagues. Ladies and gentlemen, the man you came to see, strolling onto the field cool and confidently . . . Baseball has been and always will be America''s pastime. And with the creation of the Negro leagues, men who were denied the chance to play professionally were finally able to participate in the sport they loved. The Negro leagues were always a richness of talent; it provided a space for community and inspired a passion for baseball for all who came to watch. Nothing beat watching iconic players like Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, and Willie Wells. They, along with the nine other players celebrated in this collection, changed the trajectory of baseball forever with their incredible versatility in both skill and athleticism. Charles R. Smith Jr.''s dramatic and energetic poems are written with undeniable care as he pays homage to twelve of the greatest Black baseball players to ever play the game and are accompanied by stunning illustrations by Adrian Brandon. Back matter presents player notes and more context about the Negro Leagues.

A boy and his dog may be best friends but they don''t always like the same things. Photos.

Bubbling brown sugarbubbles Baby''s belly.Syrupy sweet sticky centershakes like a bowl of jelly. Oooh, baby! This board book is sweet enough to eat. Infants, toddlers, and their older siblings will drool as they rejoice in the beauty of brown babies. Here, carob cherubs show all their true colors--everything from peanut butter to honey to cinnamon spice. Expressive photos and a mouthwatering rhyme encourage babies to find splendor in the many hues of their own skin.

In Smith''s third volume in an award-winning homage to street-court basketball, 12 poems are delivered in short, quick lines that twist and streak and dribble their way downcourt, finally slam dunking their verses with amazing dexterity. Full-color photos.

Explore the wonders of the universe in this mesmerizing, poetic ode to trailblazing astronaut Mae Jemison, from Coretta Scott King Honor author Charles R. Smith, Jr. How far to the stars? This is what a little girl named Mae Jemison wonders as she peers through her telescope and dreams of space. Someday she will make it there, but for now she wonders, she learns, and she is inspired by the vastness of the universe. Astronaut, physician, and engineer Mae Jemison’s passion would eventually lead to her becoming the first Black woman in space! Through the Telescope focuses on what first inspired a young Mae Jemison to reach for the stars. Charles R. Smith, Jr. is the award-winning author of Coretta Scott King Honor Book Twelve Rounds of Glory, and many other popular and acclaimed titles. His gorgeous text places a spotlight on an American trailblazer who inspires kids everywhere to follow their dreams. Debut illustrator Evening Monteiro’s captivating portrayal of a young Mae Jemison is sure to grab young reader’s attention! Perfect for kids who love space exploration and for readers of Hidden Figures and The Undefeated.

Short stories are interspersed with poems and photographs to provide different perspectives on a game of streetball played one day at the West 4th Street court in New York City known as The Cage.

Describes the building of the White House, the home of the United States president, and how it took many hands, several of them slaves, who will be remembered throughout history for their extraordinary feat.

Introduces an illustrated collection of twelve mythical gods and goddesses of ancient Greece including Zeus, Apollo, Aphrodite, Athena, and Dionysus.

A collection of twelve poems that celebrate contemporary basketball stars, including Shaquille O''Neal, Allen Iverson, and Kobe Bryant.

A history of the role of U.S. Marines in the Occupation of Japan following Japan''s surrender in August 1945. Includes discussion of U.S. plans, if Japan did not surrender, to invade the southern Japanese island of Kyushu, and the Japanese defensive plan. Profiles of Brigadier General William T. Clement and senior Marine commanders; new 4th honors members of the old 4th Marine survivors of Japanese prison camps; Marine Corps'' demobilization plan; and oldest Marine on Kyushu. Illustrated with maps and numerous black-&-white photographs.

Rhyming text and photographs of children underscore the diversity which is America.