New Releases by Charles R. Smith

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.

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.

Charles R. Smith Jr. brings his high-energy verse to praise a new generation of WNBA basketball stars, paired with dynamic photos of the players in action. Are your moves as smooth as A’ja Wilson’s? Do you make the game look effortless like Sue Bird? Are you a complete player like Candace Parker? A scoring machine like Diana Taurasi? Whether it’s the towering Brittney Griner, or Elena Delle Donne doing her thing, or Breanna Stewart with her big bag of tricks, Charles R. Smith’s indomitable wordplay revels in the superb talents of thirteen of the best female players in basketball. Matched with kinetic, stylized photos of the players, these upbeat poems capture the elite agility and skills the professionals bring to the game. End notes delve into how the author uses a variety of poetic forms and language to spotlight each athlete. Featuring the players: Sue Bird Liz Cambage Elena Delle Donne Skylar Diggins-Smith Brittney Griner Jonquel Jones Nneka & Chiney Ogwumikeu003cbru003eCandace Parker Breanna Stewart Diana Taurasi Courtney Vandersloot A’Ja Wilson

The United States Marines in World War II represents a monumental collective effort to encapsulate the valor, strategy, and indomitable spirit of the United States Marines during one of history''s most tumultuous periods. This anthology melds comprehensive historical accounts with captivating narratives, offering readers an unparalleled glimpse into the numerous battles and behind-the-scenes planning that characterized the Marine Corps'' involvement in WWII. The collection spans a wide array of literary styles, from detailed historical analysis to gripping first-person accounts, and stands out for its range and depth, providing a unique lens through which the complexity and bravery of the Marines are showcased. The contributing authors and editors, all authoritative figures in military history and seasoned historians of the Marine Corps, bring a wealth of expertise and insight into this collection. Their backgrounds span a broad spectrum of experiences and scholarly disciplines, yet all share a common dedication to honoring the legacy of the Marines in World War II. The variety of perspectives and narrative styles enriches the anthology, allowing readers to appreciate the multifaceted nature of wartime experience and the intricate tapestry of the global conflict as it was influenced by the Marine Corps. By embracing the dynamic interplay of historical fact, personal narrative, and analytical rigor, The United States Marines in World War II offers readers an educational journey of exceptional depth. It is an essential resource for anyone keen on understanding the decisive role of the Marines in shaping the outcome of World War II, providing a comprehensive and engaging exploration of their strategies, sacrifices, and indomitable courage. This anthology not only serves as an invaluable educational tool but also as a tribute to the enduring spirit and legacy of the Marines, inviting readers into a profound reflection on the complexities of war and the resilience of the human spirit.

United States Marines in WW2 epitomizes the profound impact of historical documentation and narrative diversity, capturing a broad spectrum of experiences, strategies, and personal anecdotes from the Second World War. This anthology brings together a rich variety of literary styles, seamlessly blending scholarly research, vivid eyewitness accounts, and critical analyses to meticulously chart the multifaceted role of the United States Marines throughout the conflict. Highlighting significant events and operations, the collection stands out for its comprehensive portrayal of bravery, strategy, and innovation, without attributing the monumental achievements to any single individual, but rather to the corps as a collective force. The contributing authors and editors, each with a distinct background in military history, offer an unparalleled depth of knowledge and insight. Many have served in various capacities within the military, lending authenticity and personal perspective to their narratives. Their collective efforts align with a broader historical and cultural understanding of World War II, emphasizing the critical role of the Marine Corps in shaping the outcome of the war. This wide range of expertise ensures a nuanced exploration of themes such as leadership, sacrifice, and the evolution of military tactics. For enthusiasts of military history, United States Marines in WW2 represents an invaluable resource, offering a window into the complexities and heroics of the Marine Corps during one of history''s most tumultuous periods. Readers are encouraged to delve into this collection not only for its educational value but also for the rich tapestry of human experience and strategic thought it presents. The anthology fosters a deeper appreciation for the contributions and sacrifices of the Marines, inviting a reflective exploration into the essence of courage, duty, and the indomitable spirit of a united force in the face of adversity.

The collection ''The US Marines in World War II'' presents a comprehensive and nuanced examination of the United States Marine Corps pivotal role during the Second World War. Assembled with meticulous care, this anthology spans a wide array of literary styles, from detailed historical analysis to vivid firsthand accounts, reflecting the vast and varied experiences of Marines in the conflict. It shines a light on lesser-known operations alongside key battles, providing a broad yet detailed panorama of the Marines'' contributions to the war effort. The diversity within this collection offers readers a multi-faceted understanding of the complexity and intensity of wartime experience, highlighting significant yet often overlooked contributions to the historical record. The authors and editors, hailing from diverse backgrounds within military history, collectively bring an unparalleled depth of knowledge to this anthology. Many are veterans or distinguished historians affiliated with the Marine Corps Historical Center, ensuring the narratives are deeply rooted in authentic experiences and comprehensive research. Their collective works align with broader historical and cultural movements to honor and preserve the legacy of the Marine Corps, offering insightful perspectives into the strategic, operational, and human dimensions of wartime service. This shared commitment enriches the anthology, weaving together a cohesive narrative that honors the spirit and sacrifice of the Marines. Recommending ''The US Marines in World War II'' to readers is to invite them into a profound exploration of military history, where the valor and complexities of the Marine Corps come to life. For scholars, history enthusiasts, and casual readers alike, this collection serves as an invaluable resource, offering a wide-ranging portrayal that goes beyond the general understanding of World War II. Engaging with this anthology promises not just an educational journey, but a deeply human one, fostering a greater appreciation for the narratives and sacrifices that have shaped our collective memory of the war. It is an essential read for anyone seeking to grasp the full scope of the Marines enduring legacy and their indelible impact on the fabric of American military history.

This edition represents a thoroughly written history of Marines'' military campaigns in Europe, Africa and the Pacific during the Second World War. Marines played a central role in the Pacific War, along with the U.S. Army. The battles of Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Tarawa, Guam, Tinian, Cape Gloucester, Saipan, Peleliu, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa saw fierce fighting between Marines and the Imperial Japanese Army. By the end of the war, the Corps expanded from two brigades to six divisions, five air wings and supporting troops, totaling about 485,000 Marines. In addition, 20 defense battalions and a parachute battalion were raised. Nearly 87,000 Marines were casualties during World War II, and 82 were awarded the Medal of Honor. Contents: Origin of the Marine Corps The Marine Corps on the Eve of War Marines Defending American Soil Pearl Harbor Battle of Wake Island Marines Campaign in Europe and Africa Europe and North Africa Defense of Iceland Marines Campaign in the Pacific Rim Defense of the Philippines Solomon Islands Campaign Guadalcanal Campaign Marshall Islands Campaign Battle of Tarawa Battle of Cape Gloucester Battle of Saipan Battle of Guam Battle of Peleliu Battle of Tinian Liberation of the Philippines Marines Campaign in Japan Battle of Iwo Jima Battle of Okinawa Occupation of Japan

A Coretta Scott King Award winner and a Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor winner pair up for a rousing picture book biography-in-verse of legendary African American cyclist Marshall “Major” Taylor and the Six-Day Race. One hundred years ago, one of the most popular spectator sports was bicycle racing, and the man to beat was Marshall “Major” Taylor, who set records in his teens and won his first world championship by age twenty. The first African American world champion in cycling and the second Black athlete to win a world championship in any sport, Major Taylor faced down challenge after challenge, not least the grueling Six-Day Race, a test of speed, strength, and endurance. With energy, heart, and pounding verse, Charles R. Smith Jr. evokes the excitement of the crowd at Madison Square Garden as Major powered through exhaustion, hallucinations, and racist abuse from fellow riders, who tried to crash his bike throughout the competition. Leo Espinosa’s dynamic illustrations capture the action, and as day six draws to a close, and Major’s odds narrow, there is little doubt that his triumphant rise and legacy as an international cycling champion are assured—whatever the outcome of one race—in this high-octane tribute to a trailblazing athlete.

The Coretta Scott King Award–winning creator of Hoop Kings celebrates the skill and talent of top female soccer professionals—and pays homage to the legendary US World Cup team of 1999. Soccer, fútbol, call it what you will—the sport commands worldwide attention, and Charles R. Smith Jr. pays tribute to the sport’s greatest US athletes in poems that hum with energy and life. Whether the subject is an escape artist like Rose Lavelle, a rocket like Megan Rapinoe, or the exploits of the legendary ’99ers, who kicked their names into history, this celebration of the finesse and ferocity of players from the Women''s National Soccer League excels with dynamic rhyme and bold, graphic photo-illustration. Featuring current and past stars as well as emerging players—in cleats that “churn and burn and fly”—the twelve poems in this rapid-fire collection will inspire young poets and sports fans alike to find their game and be their best.

Hop on the bike with Bessie Stringfield, the motorcycle queen of Miami, in this powerful picture book from Coretta Scott King medalist Charles R. Smith, Jr. and debut picture book illustrator Charlot Kristensen. The folks they lined up to meet the Motorcycle Queen, seated sidesattle on her motorbike machine. In 1929, 18-year-old Bessie Stringfield hopped on her motorcycle and headed out on an adventure, an unusual choice for a young Black woman at the time. Paying her way by winning motorcycle races, she criss-crossed the country through small towns, big cities, and wide open spaces. But not everyone was happy to see Bessie''s brown face peeking out from underneath her helmet. And more than once, Bessie found herself making some quick exits on the back of her bike to escape Jim Crow. A trailblazer in the world of women''s racing and motorcycling, Bessie Stringfield was a figure who will inspire all children to pursue their dreams. From the first line, award-winning author Charles R. Smith Jr.’s poetry evokes emotion, excitement, fear, and wonder in equal measures. Charlot Kristensen portrays Bessie and the American landscape with vivid imagery that is sure to capture the attention of young readers. A much-needed story about a Black woman who paved the way for future generations, for fans of The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander and Kadir Nelson and My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero and Zeke Peña.

This book is about the neighborhood my family was raised in. It was a community that had everything a whole city had in a twenty-block area. All other communities came to Sunset, Texas, to shop for all their needs. This book consists of events that happened in Sunset, Texas, that will make you laugh your heart out. Most of the people named in this book have passed on, but the memory of them still lives on, and if you were raised in Sunset, Texas, don''t be surprised if your name is not mentioned. A few mentioned are athletes that have gone on to play professional football, semi-pro basketball, or are musicians. Read and enjoy it. Yours truly, Charles R. Smith If you or any family member has ever lived in Sunset, Texas, in Texarkana, Texas, don''t be surprised if you or your family are in the book.

Jimi Hendrix''s talent was epic, and so is this lyrical account of his life, with spectacular artwork by Edel Rodriguez-- including a poster underneath the jacket! From his turbulent childhood through his epical appearance at the Monterey and Woodstock festivals, Charles R. Smith Jr. covers it all in this rich and rhythmic account of a singular life, accompanied by the psychedelic splendor of Edel Rodriguez''s acid-tinged artwork. Let me tell you a story, a story ''bout a boy, who became a man, a git-tar man, named Jimi. Written as a series of verses beginning with intro and ending with outro, this unique mix of rhythm and rhyme captures the essence of rock icon Jimi Hendrix and his struggle to live life on his own terms. Backmatter, including a select discography, timeline of Hendrix''s life, and a personal essay from the author, is included. A Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of the Year A CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book A CSMCL Best Multicultural Children''s Book of the Year An Evanston Public Library Great Books for Kids pick!

With this high-energy collection of poems and dynamic photos celebrating twelve pro ballers, Charles R. Smith Jr. scores another slam dunk. What’s your game? Can you fly like Blake Griffin? Are you a lightning-fast force of nature like Russell Westbrook? Or are you a chameleon on the court, racking up nicknames like Steph Curry? From James Harden with his shimmy-shake-spin to “Lord of the Leap, Sir Alley of the Oop” Lebron James, here are a dozen profiles honoring the superb talents and skills of some of the best players in NBA basketball. With bold, graphic photographs and fun, accessible poems infused with his indomitable wordplay, Charles R. Smith Jr. captures the agility and finesse that each of these professionals brings to the game. Poem notes about each featured player offer further inspiration at the end.

This is the sixth volume in a planned nine-volume operational and chronological seriescovering the Marine Corps '' participation in the Vietnam War . A separate functionalseries will complement the operational histories . This volume details the change in UnitedStates policy for the Vietnam War. After a thorough review, President Richard M . Nixonadopted a policy of seeking to end United States military involvement in Vietnam eithe rthrough negotiations or, failing that, turning the combat role over to the South Vietnamese. It was this decision that began the Vietnamization of the war in the summe rof 1969 and which would soon greatly reduce and then end the Marine Corps'' comba trole in the war.The Marines of III Marine Amphibious Force continued the full range of military an dpacification activities within I Corps Tactical Zone during this period of transition . Unti lwithdrawn, the 3d Marine Division, employing highly mobile tactics, successfully bluntedNorth Vietnamese Army efforts to reintroduce troops and supplies into Quang Tr iProvince . The 1st Marine Division, concentrated in Quang Nam Province, continued bot hmobile offensive and pacification operations to protect the city of Da Nang and surroundingpopulation centers . The 1st Marine Aircraft Wing provided air support to both divisions, as well as other allied units in I Corps, while Force Logistic Command served al lmajor Marine commands .Although written from the perspective of III MAF and the Marine ground war in ICorps, an attempt has been made to place the Marine role in relation to the overall Ameri -can effort . The volume also treats the Marine Corps'' participation in the advisory effort, the operations of the Seventh Fleet Special Landing Force, and, to a lesser extent, th eactivities of the 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile), 23d Infantry (Americal) Division, and 1st Brigade, 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized) . There are separate chapters on Marineair, artillery, surveillance, and logistics .The nature of the war facing III MAF during 1969 forced the author to concentrat eon major operations . This focus in no way slights those Marines whose combat servic einvolved innumerable patrols, wearying hours of perimeter defense, and long days o fproviding logistical and administrative support for those in the field . III MAF''s combatsuccesses in 1969 came from the combined efforts of all Americans in I Corps .The author, Charles R . Smith, has been with the History and Museums Division sinc eJuly 1971. He has published several articles on military history, and is the author of Marinerin the Revolution: A History of the Continental Marines in the American Revolution,1775-1783 (Washington: Hist&MusDiv, HQMC, 1975) . He is a graduate of theUniversity of California, Santa Barbara, and received his master ''s degree in history fromSan Diego State University. He served in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division (Air -mobile) in 1968 and 1969, first as an artilleryman and then as a historian .*4Vft!nE. H. SIMMONSBrigadier General, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret . )Director of Marine Corps History and Museums

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.

The retention of African-American male students at predominantly White institutions is an issue that continues to plague colleges and universities in the United States. African-American men have the lowest college graduation rate of any segment of the population. Pointedly, two-thirds of African-American male students who attend public four-year schools do not graduate within six years. Yet, research highlights how social engagement supports many minority students who find themselves on the campuses of predominantly White institutions. Establishing social connections builds a support system for these students and can prevent social isolation. One manner of social engagement steeped in history is the presence of Black Greek Letter organizations (BGLOs), which were mostly founded around the turn of the 20th century and have encouraged the educational pursuits, social growth, maturity, and community outreach that is often part of the successful African-American male educational experience. The purpose of this dissertation is to understand and analyze how African-American men now view their experiences as a member of a BGLO at a predominantly White institution 25 years later. The dissertation examines how do the fraternity members perceive the influence of their BGLO membership on their persistence and what memories of their BGLO membership are most salient? Specifically, this study aimed to collect information regarding the impact of African-American male student retention employing empirical phenomenology. Data collection included interviews with eight African-American males who were members of one of the BGLOs. These men attended and graduated from a four-year PWI located in the southeastern region of the United States. The data collected was analyzed using the hermeneutic phenomenology method. This study found that African-American former collegians who successfully persisted towards their college degrees used their BGLO membership as a means of social engagement in order to establish connectedness to their respective PWI campuses. Their BGLO membership gave them immediate access to mentorship, campus leadership opportunities, heightened culture capital and an affinity group where they inspire and lead.

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 the focus of Gabby Douglas to the determination of Theodore Roosevelt, this book explores the traits that make us strong, and celebrates the figures (both historical and modern) who embody them. A combination of quotes, poetry, and historical asides provide an educationally inspiring portrait of each figure"--Provided by publisher.

"A picture book look at many of the men and women who revolutionized life for African Americans throughout history"--Provided by publisher.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provide a powerful tool for the investigation of species-habitat relationships and the development of wildlife management and conservation programs. However, the relative ease of data manipulation and analysis using GIS, associated landscape metrics packages, and sophisticated statistical tests may sometimes cause investigators to overlook important species-habitat functional relationships. Additionally, underlying assumptions of the study design or technology may have unrecognized consequences. This volume examines how initial researcher choices of image resolution, scale(s) of analysis, response and explanatory variables, and location and area of samples can influence analysis results, interpretation, predictive capability, and study-derived management prescriptions. Overall, most studies in this realm employ relatively low resolution imagery that allows neither identification nor accurate classification of habitat components. Additionally, the landscape metrics typically employed do not adequately quantify component spatial arrangement associated with species occupation. To address this latter issue, the authors introduce two novel landscape metrics that measure the functional size and location in the landscape of taxon-specific ‘solid’ and ‘edge’ habitat types. Keller and Smith conclude that investigators conducting GIS-based analyses of species-habitat relationships should more carefully 1) match the resolution of remotely sensed imagery to the scale of habitat functional relationships of the focal taxon, 2) identify attributes (explanatory variables) of habitat architecture, size, configuration, quality, and context that reflect the way the focal taxon uses the subset of the landscape it occupies, and 3) match the location and scale of habitat samples, whether GIS- or ground-based, to corresponding species’ detection locations and scales of habitat use.

Photographs and rhyming text celebrate the diversity of cultures, languages, countries, and people of the world.

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.

Meet Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, and other baseball heroes in this unique radio broadcast reenactment of a legendary All-Star Game, marking a pivotal time in sports history. 1934, Chicago. Come step back in time to witness the best of the best Negro League players take each other on in one of the most fascinating All-Star ballgames in American history. Using a unique radio broadcast transcript, Coretta Scott King Award Winner Charles R. Smith, Jr. has recreated this momentous event with a lively play-by-play retelling of the second annual Negro League East-West Game. Meet legendary players like Satchel Paige, Turkey Stearness, and Cool Pappa Bell, hang in the stands with the fans, and experience this exhilarating untold, true story—with a lyrical twist. Stars in the Shadows is a must-have for any baseball aficionado or anyone interested in forgotten history. Beautifully packaged and with incredible black-and-white illustrations by Frank Morrison, this is a rare and extraordinary book.

Sebastian and his friends are playing on the beach and dig a hole that fills with water to create a swimming pool.

"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.

Art and poetry combine to tell the story of boxer Jack Johnson, who became the first African-American world heavyweight boxing champion in the early part of the twentieth century.

The summer before starting high school in inner-city Los Angeles, fourteen-year-old Shawn grapples with his first experience of love, the complicated bonds of friends and family, and the reality of street gang violence.