Best Selling Books by Cynthia Levinson

Meet the youngest known child to be arrested for a civil rights protest in Birmingham, Alabama, 1963, in this moving picture book that proves you’re never too little to make a difference. Nine-year-old Audrey Faye Hendricks intended to go places and do things like anybody else. So when she heard grown-ups talk about wiping out Birmingham’s segregation laws, she spoke up. As she listened to the preacher’s words, smooth as glass, she sat up tall. And when she heard the plan—picket those white stores! March to protest those unfair laws! Fill the jails!—she stepped right up and said, I’ll do it! She was going to j-a-a-il! Audrey Faye Hendricks was confident and bold and brave as can be, and hers is the remarkable and inspiring story of one child’s role in the Civil Rights Movement.

The latest volume in our World Citizen Comics graphic novel series, Fault Lines in the Constitution teaches readers how this founding document continues to shape modern American society. In 1787, after 116 days of heated debates and bitter arguments, the United States Constitution was created. This imperfect document set forth America’s guiding principles, but it would also introduce some of today''s most contentious political issues—from gerrymandering, to the Electoral College, to presidential impeachment. With colorful art, compelling discourse, and true stories from America''s past and present, Fault Lines in the Constitution: The Graphic Novel sheds light on how today''s political struggles have their origins in the decisions of our Founding Fathers. Children’s book author Cynthia Levinson, constitutional law scholar Sanford Levinson, and artist Ally Shwed deftly illustrate how contemporary problems arose from this founding document—and then they offer possible solutions. This book is part of the World Citizen Comics series, a bold line of civics-focused graphic novels that equip readers to be engaged citizens and informed voters.

"A picture book about Plyler v. Doe, the Supreme Court ruling that mandated that public schools educate all US residents, including undocumented ones"--

Levinson retells the story of how, against the better judgment of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., young people led the civil rights protests in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1963.

An inspiring and meticulously researched middle grade biography of Hillary Rodham Clinton—First Lady, senator, secretary of state, and the first female presidential nominee in United States history. Hillary Rodham Clinton is a true leader. Growing up in Park Ridge, Illinois, Hillary was inspired by the philosophy of John Wesley, who urged his followers to "do all the good you can." Rising to prominence in 1992 as the First Lady of the United States, Hillary captured the world''s attention with her bold ideas and political forcefulness. From her time at Wellesley to her life at the White House and beyond, Hillary has been at the forefront of huge change—and despite setbacks and political scandals, she has worked for good in the world. Acclaimed author Cynthia Levinson creates a compelling and personal portrait of Hillary''s historic journey from her childhood to her service as secretary of state and beyond. Includes a timeline of Hillary Rodham Clinton''s life and a photo insert. "This extensively researched and comprehensive biography tells us more of the woman who is that public figure, from some of her inspirations (like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Birmingham protests) and the impact of her religious faith on her commitment to service" (Brightly.com).

A lyrically told, exquisitely illustrated biography of influential Jewish artist and activist Ben Shahn “The first thing I can remember,” Ben said, “I drew.” As an observant child growing up in Lithuania, Ben Shahn yearns to draw everything he sees—and, after seeing his father banished by the Czar for demanding workers’ rights, he develops a keen sense of justice, too. So when Ben and the rest of his family make their way to America, Ben brings both his sharp artistic eye and his desire to fight for what’s right. As he grows, he speaks for justice through his art—by disarming classmates who bully him because he’s Jewish, by defying his teachers’ insistence that he paint beautiful landscapes rather than true stories, by urging the US government to pass Depression-era laws to help people find food and jobs. In this moving and timely portrait, award-winning author Cynthia Levinson and illustrator Evan Turk honor an artist, immigrant, and activist whose work still resonates today: a true painter for the people.

Can circus change the world? Award-winning author Cynthia Levinson reveals the inspiring real-life stories of Black and white American kids and Jewish and Arab kids from Israel as they join forces to learn from each other and create remarkable circus performances. Welcome to the world of social circus—a movement that brings kids from different worlds together to perform amazing acts on a professional level! Watch from your seats as we follow the participants of two specific circuses: Circus Harmony in St. Louis, whose participants are inner-city and suburban Black and white kids, and Circus Galilee in Israel, whose participants are Jewish and Arab. The members may be from different demographics, different races, and different religions, but they work together to learn not how to overcome assumptions, animosity, and obstacles, and also to put their trust in the hands of people who may be very different from themselves. Featuring in-depth one-on-one interviews, extensive research, and engaging storytelling, this inspiring book highlights stories of collaboration, compromise, and overcoming obstacles. Includes informational sidebars and photographs throughout.

On May 2, 1963, more than 1,000 children marched in Birmingham, Alabama. Learn all about the history behind their march in this informational text.

Today''s teens may travel to the Moon in their lifetimes. This primer on what to know for a future in space combines technology and science with law and policy for a fascinating look at a very timely subject. For teens who are space fans, this book is loaded with fascinating facts, great stories, and new ways of thinking about the challenges of space. It covers topics on the science of space and developments in technology (e.g., satellites behaving like spacecraft), and it also considers the laws that have been drafted for space travel and space etiquette--the agreed upon norms of behavior that allow humans to explore without conflict. The book discusses the problem of space debris, and the growth of space tourism. It provides details about the Artemis missions and plans for the Gateway space station, and so much more. It challenges young readers to think about the decisions that need to be made in the years ahead to ensure that space exploration remains an exhilarating and peaceful activity. And the final chapter provides guidance on careers in the space industry--being an astronaut is only one of many exciting paths to pursue. Named to the NSTA-CBC Best STEM Books List! A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection One of Chicago Public Library''s Best of the Best Books A Booklist Editor''s Choice: Books for Youth