Book Lists

New Releases by Doreen Rappaport

Doreen Rappaport is the author of Coretta's Song (2026), Barack's Big Words (2025), Eleanor, Quiet No More (2023), Wilma's Way Home (2019), Walt's Imagination (A Big Words Biography) (2018).

30 results found

Coretta's Song

release date: Jan 06, 2026
Coretta's Song
A powerful biography of the dedicated activist, multitalented musician, and influential civil rights leader Coretta Scott King, with illustrations by a Caldecott Honor winner. Young Coretta Scott was a gifted musician, mastering multiple instruments and breaking barriers to study music in college. Yet growing up in 1930s Alabama, she frequently felt the sting of racial injustice and even violence: when public school for Black children ended after sixth grade, when white neighbors burned down her father''s house and lumber mill, and when Coretta was denied a student teaching job based on the color of her skin. She met a minister named Martin Luther King, Jr., and the two were drawn together by a shared commitment to serving others and fighting against inequality. Alongside her husband, Coretta became an influential voice in the Civil Rights Movement, holding Freedom Concerts to spread awareness and raise funds, and carrying on a message of peace and nonviolent protest after Martin''s assassination. In this inspiring addition to the acclaimed Big Words series, award-winning author Doreen Rappaport masterfully blends narrative with Coretta''s own words to share her remarkable story. With powerful illustrations by Caldecott Honoree Cozbi A. Cabrera, Coretta''s Song is a superb portrait of a woman whose voice changed America, and the world, forever. Don''t miss these other titles in the Big Words series! Beacon of Hope: The Life of Barack Obama Ellen Takes Flight: The Life of Astronaut Ellen Ochoa Ruth Objects: The Life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg Martin''s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Barack's Big Words

release date: Jan 01, 2025
Barack's Big Words
"A biography of President Barack Obama"--

Eleanor, Quiet No More

release date: Oct 12, 2023

Wilma's Way Home

release date: Feb 04, 2019
Wilma's Way Home
This powerfully illustrated picture book biography tells the courageous life story of Wilma Mankiller, the first female chief of the Cherokee Nation. As a child in Oklahoma, Wilma Mankiller experienced the Cherokee practice of Gadugi, helping each other, even when times were hard for everyone. But in 1956, the federal government uprooted her family and moved them to California, wrenching them from their home, friends, and traditions. Separated from her community and everything she knew, Wilma felt utterly lost until she found refuge in the Indian Center in San Francisco. There, she worked to build and develop the local Native community and championed Native political activists. She took her two children to visit tribal communities in the state, and as she introduced them to the traditions of their heritage, she felt a longing for home. Returning to Oklahoma with her daughters, Wilma took part in Cherokee government. Despite many obstacles, from resistance to female leadership to a life-threatening accident, Wilma's courageous dedication to serving her people led to her election as the first female chief of the Cherokee Nation. As leader and advocate, she reinvigorated her constituency by empowering them to identify and solve community problems. This beautiful addition to the Big Words series will inspire future leaders to persevere in empathy and thoughtful problem-solving, reaching beyond themselves to help those around them. Moving prose by award-winning author Doreen Rappaport is interwoven with Wilma's own words in this expertly researched biography, illustrated with warmth and vivacity by Linda Kukuk. Don’t miss these other titles in the Big Words series! Ellen Takes Flight: The Life of Astronaut Ellen Ochoa Ruth Objects: The Life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg Helen’s Big World: The Life of Helen Keller Abe’s Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Walt's Imagination (A Big Words Biography)

release date: Jul 10, 2018
Walt's Imagination (A Big Words Biography)
Walt Disney''s name is synonymous with family entertainment. Mickey Mouse, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Bambi, Disneyland, and numerous other creations have inspired generations of children the world over. From his childhood in rural Missouri to his legendary stature as a film and television icon, Walt governed his life with imagination, ingenuity, and scrupulous attention to detail. Faced with both public failures and massive success, he revolutionized the art form of animation, always seeking innovative solutions, cutting edge technology, and new ways of storytelling. Devoted to perfection, Walt was not always easy to work with, but no one can deny his profound talent and impact. Charting Walt''s progression from farm boy to actor to artist, animator, director, and entertainment celebrity, Walt''s own words are presented and contextualized within Doreen Rappaport''s signature compelling prose. Illustrated with vivid authenticity by animator/painter John Pomeroy, this stunning entry in the award-winning Big Words series reveals a man of deep and varied passions with a constantly evolving vision, and a storyteller above all.

Helen's Big World (A Big Words Biography)

release date: May 09, 2017
Helen's Big World (A Big Words Biography)
This picturebook biography is an excellent and accessible introduction for young readers to learn about one of the world's most influential luminaries. With her signature style, weaving engrossing prose with stirring quotations from Helen Keller herself, Doreen Rappaport brings a poignant narrative to life. Acclaimed illustrator Matt Tavares beautifully captures the dynamism and verve of Helen Keller's life and legacy, making Helen's Big World an unforgettable portrait of a woman whose vision for innovation and progress changed America-and the world-forever. Praise for Helen's Big World: * "Stirring and awe-inspiring." -The Horn Book, starred review "Helen Keller's transcendent leap across the barriers of her blindness and deafness continues to inspire." -Kirkus Reviews * "While there are many books available about Helen Keller for this age group, this title offers a unique and beautiful perspective on her life." -School Library Journal, starred review Praise for the Big Words series: Martin's Big Words • 2002 Caldecott Honor Book • 2002 Coretta Scott King Honor Book • Child Magazine Best Book of 2001 • New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Children's Book of 2001 * "A stunning, reverent tribute." -School Library Journal, starred review Abe's Honest Words * "Exceptional art, along with Rappaport's and Lincoln's words, makes this a fine celebration of a man who needs little introduction." -Booklist, starred review Jack's Path of Courage "An evenhanded, graphically stirring biography." -Publishers Weekly Eleanor, Quiet No More * "Once again Rappaport celebrates a noble, heroic life in powerful, succinct prose, with prominent, well-chosen, and judiciously placed quotes that both instruct and inspire...Celebrate women in history and in politics with this picture-book life." -School Library Journal, starred review To Dare Mighty Things * "[T]his lavish picture-book biography deftly captures the legendary man's bold, exuberant nature. . . . A truly inspiring tribute to a seemingly larger-than-life U.S. president." -Kirkus Reviews, starred review * "Theodore Roosevelt's big ideas and big personality come together in this splendid picture-book biography." -Booklist, starred review * "Concisely written and yet poetic, this is a first purchase for every library." -School Library Journal, starred review

Jack's Path of Courage (A Big Words Biography)

release date: Oct 11, 2016
Jack's Path of Courage (A Big Words Biography)
John F. Kennedy was a popular, charismatic president, beloved by many. But he didn''t always believe he had the strength or courage for that office. As a child he was sickly, and overshadowed by his strong, capable, athletic older brother Joe. After Joe Jr.''s death, John had to work hard to live up to his own expectations and to those of his father. He overcame pain and self-doubt to see the country through one of the most difficult crises in its history. Doreen Rappaport once again combines real-life quotes with her own lyrical prose to create a moving portrait of a beloved figure. Matt Tavares''s stunning artwork vividly depicts this unique time in history. Praise for the Big Words series: Martin''s Big Words • 2002 Caldecott Honor Book • 2002 Coretta Scott King Honor Book • Child Magazine Best Book of 2001 • New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Children''s Book of 2001 * "A stunning, reverent tribute." -School Library Journal, starred review Abe''s Honest Words * "Exceptional art, along with Rappaport''s and Lincoln''s words, makes this a fine celebration of a man who needs little introduction." -Booklist, starred review Jack''s Path of Courage "An evenhanded, graphically stirring biography." -Publishers Weekly Eleanor, Quiet No More * "Once again Rappaport celebrates a noble, heroic life in powerful, succinct prose, with prominent, well-chosen, and judiciously placed quotes that both instruct and inspire...Celebrate women in history and in politics with this picture-book life." -School Library Journal, starred review Helen''s Big World * "Stirring and awe-inspiring." -The Horn Book, starred review To Dare Mighty Things * "[T]his lavish picture-book biography deftly captures the legendary man''s bold, exuberant nature. . . . A truly inspiring tribute to a seemingly larger-than-life U.S. president." -Kirkus Reviews, starred review * "Theodore Roosevelt''s big ideas and big personality come together in this splendid picture-book biography." -Booklist, starred review * "Concisely written and yet poetic, this is a first purchase for every library." -School Library Journal, starred review

Elizabeth Started All the Trouble

release date: Aug 04, 2016
Elizabeth Started All the Trouble
She couldn't go to college. She couldn't become a politician. She couldn't even vote. But Elizabeth Cady Stanton didn't let that stop her. She called on women across the nation to stand together and demand to be treated as equal to men-and that included the right to vote. It took nearly seventy-five years and generations of women fighting for their rights through words, through action, and through pure determination . . . for things to slowly begin to change. With the help of these trailblazers' own words, Doreen Rappaport's engaging text, brought to life by Matt Faulkner's vibrant illustrations, shows readers just how far this revolution has come, and inspires them to keep it going!

John's Secret Dreams (A Big Words Biography)

release date: May 10, 2016
John's Secret Dreams (A Big Words Biography)
John Lennon''s influence on music and culture is legendary. From a young age, he dreamed of fame and fortune. When he achieved it as one of the Beatles, he recognized the need for a deeper meaning. His inner search for happiness shaped his life and brought new dimension to the world of rock ''n'' roll. Doreen Rappaport and Bryan Collier present John Lennon''s life through a combination of narrative and song lyrics, cut-paper collage and watercolor art-capturing the energy and the essence of a man whose vision and creative genius continue to inspire people today. Praise for the Big Words series: John''s Secret Dreams "This beautiful and stirring tribute will surely send readers to bookshelves and the music stores to learn more about the man." -School Library Journal Martin''s Big Words -2002 Caldecott Honor Book -2002 Coretta Scott King Honor Book -Child Magazine Best Book of 2001 -New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Children''s Book of 2001 * "A stunning, reverent tribute." -School Library Journal, starred review Abe''s Honest Words * "Exceptional art, along with Rappaport''s and Lincoln''s words, makes this a fine celebration of a man who needs little introduction." -Booklist, starred review Eleanor, Quiet No More * "Once again Rappaport celebrates a noble, heroic life in powerful, succinct prose, with prominent, well-chosen, and judiciously placed quotes that both instruct and inspire...Celebrate women in history and in politics with this picture-book life." -School Library Journal, starred review Helen''s Big World * "Stirring and awe-inspiring." -The Horn Book, starred review To Dare Mighty Things * "[T]his lavish picture-book biography deftly captures the legendary man''s bold, exuberant nature. . . . A truly inspiring tribute to a seemingly larger-than-life U.S. president." -Kirkus Reviews, starred review * "Theodore Roosevelt''s big ideas and big personality come together in this splendid picture-book biography." -Booklist, starred review * "Concisely written and yet poetic, this is a first purchase for every library." -School Library Journal, starred review

Abraham Lincoln

release date: Jan 14, 2015
Abraham Lincoln
En 1865, Abraham Lincoln abolit l''esclavage aux Etats-Unis. D''origine très modeste, Abraham Lincoln s''instruit seul et exerce toutes sortes de métiers avant de devenir avocat et de se lancer en politique. Elu président, il est porté par un objectif : mettre fin à l''esclavage.

Lady Liberty: Candlewick Biographies

release date: Aug 05, 2014
Lady Liberty: Candlewick Biographies
A powerfully moving, authentic portrait of the Statue of Liberty, told through the eyes of those who created her and illustrated in glorious detail. "Soon America will be one hundred years old. I share my dream of a birthday gift." It begins in 1865 as a romantic idea, but ten years later Édouard Laboulaye’s dream catches fire and takes shape. Sculptor Auguste Bartholdi gives the dream the form of a lady, holding a torch to "enlighten the world." Engineers, plasterers, carpenters, coppersmiths — many of them immigrants — work together to turn the lady into a monument over 100 feet tall. Joseph Pulitzer calls on readers to help fund a pedestal, and hundreds send in nickels, dimes, and even roosters for the cause. Doreen Rappaport’s historically accurate, poetic vignettes and Matt Tavares’s magnificent images remind us of the true origins of a national symbol — and show that it took a lot of people to make the Lady. Back matter includes statue dimensions, a time line, an author note, an illustrator note, sources, and suggestions for further reading.

Freedom River

release date: Jun 30, 2014
Freedom River
Describes an incident in the life of John Parker, an ex-slave who became a successful businessman in Ripley, Ohio, and who repeatedly risked his life to help other slaves escape to freedom.

To Dare Mighty Things: The Life of Theodore Roosevelt

release date: Dec 17, 2013
To Dare Mighty Things: The Life of Theodore Roosevelt
President Theodore Roosevelt is known as "the man with a plan," the "rough rider." His figure stands tall in American history; his legacy stretching him to larger-than-life proportions. But before his rise to fame, he was just "Teedie," a boy with ambitious dreams to change the world, and the conviction to see his stupendous imaginings brought to fruition. As an American president, he left an impressive mark upon his country. He promised a "square deal" to all citizens, he tamed big businesses, and protected the nation''s wildlife and natural beauty. His fearless leadership assured that he would always be remembered, and his robust spirit now dares others to do mighty things. In her moving picture book portrait, award-winning author Doreen Rappaport uses her well-honed approach of personal quotes and vivid prose to spin together the tale of a sickly boy who became a monumental man. Coupled with C. F. Payne''s dramatic artwork, the story of President Teddy, touchstone of American history, is brought to life.

The Secret Seder

release date: Nov 01, 2013
The Secret Seder
Jacques and his parents are hiding in Nazi-occupied France during World War II, pretending to be Catholics. On the first night of Passover, Jacques and his father elude Nazi soldiers to gather with other Jews and celebrate the Seder in secret. For this book, Doreen Rappaport researched the lives of resistance fighters and Jews in hiding: brave men and women who managed to survive one of the darkest times in history with their faith intact.

The School is Not White!

release date: Nov 01, 2013
The School is Not White!
In Drew, Mississippi, in 1965, the schools were still segregated, with "all-black" schools lacking appropriate resources. The Carters, a family of sharecroppers, had had enough. They wanted their children to have an equal opportunity for a good education. So they sent their kids to the "all-white" schools. Teasing and death threats followed - it was not easy to be black and wage a fight for equality. This beautifully illustrated book tells a true story of faith, courage, and honor: qualities Americans of any color can learn from the Carters.

The Boston Coffee Party

release date: Oct 01, 2013
The Boston Coffee Party
During the Revolutionary War, times are hard in colonial Boston. Greedy Merchant Thomas is overcharging for sugar. Then he locks up all the coffee so he can overcharge for that too! Young Sarah Homans wants to teach him a lesson. Merchant Thomas is about to attend a party he won't soon forget. This story is based upon a real event that Abigail Adams told John Adams about in a letter.

Living Dangerously

release date: Oct 01, 2012
Living Dangerously
Six stories of American women who defied social convention to undertake dangerous adventures.

The Sacco-Vanzetti Trial

release date: Oct 01, 2012
The Sacco-Vanzetti Trial
In 1920, Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were accused of murdering two security guards during a robbery. Both men were Italian immigrants and self-proclaimed anarchists. Were these two men guilty, or were they the victims of prejudice? Readers can assume the role of judge and jury--and decide the fate of Sacco and Vanzetti.

Beyond Courage

release date: Sep 11, 2012
Beyond Courage
Recounts the efforts of Jews who organized others and sabotaged the Nazis during the Holocaust, including Georges Loinger who smuggled children from occupied France into Switzerland and four brothers who led refugees into the forest to build a village and an army.

Jack's Path of Courage

release date: Oct 26, 2010
Jack's Path of Courage
John F. Kennedy was a popular, charismatic president, beloved by many. But he didn''t always believe he had the strength or courage for that office. As a child he was sickly and also overshadowed by his strong, capable, athletic older brother Joe. After Joe Jr.''s death John had to work hard to live up to his own expectations and to those of his father. He overcame pain and self-doubt to see the country through one of the most difficult crises in its history./DIV DIVDoreen Rappaport once again combines real-life quotes with her own lyrical prose to create a moving portrait of a beloved figure. Matt Tavares'' stunning artwork vividly depicts this unique time in history.

Lady Liberty

release date: Jan 01, 2008
Lady Liberty
Offers the true story about the work that was done by so many on both sides of the ocean to create this enduring symbol of freedom and the fundraisers held by everyday people to build her the pedestal on which she would forever stand in the Hudson Harbor. 40,000 first printing.

Freedom Ship

release date: Oct 01, 2006
Freedom Ship
Samual and his family are born slaves. Every day they look beyond the harbor filled with Confederate ships, to the Atlantic Ocean, where the Union ships are--and potentially, their freedom. If only they could get to those ships somehow....Then, on May13, 1862, Samuel and his family risk it all to be free. /DIV DIVBased on a true story, Doreen Rappaport weaves a riveting tale of a boy and his family aboard the gunboat Planter. Captained by Robert Smalls and loaded with fellow slaves, the ship flees to the Union fleet to gain freedom from slavery and deliver much-needed ammunition to the Union Navy. Rappaport''s suspenseful account, illustrated with the moody paintings of Curtis James, creates a vivid and relatable picture of this little-known tale of the civil war.

In the Promised Land

release date: Apr 12, 2005
In the Promised Land
This stellar collection of accessible biographies of 13 noted Jewish Americans includes such world-famous figures as magician Harry Houdini, filmmaker Steven Spielberg, and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Full color.

We Are the Many

release date: Sep 01, 2002
We Are the Many
A dedicated doctor drives her horse through a blinding snowstorm to tend a child sick with pneumonia. An athlete, lagging behind, pumps his arms and flies past his competitors in the 1,500-meter race, to win an Olympic gold medal. In a tangled jungle in the South Pacific, an American marine baffles Japanese codebreakers with an ingenious code based on the Navajo language. Susan La Flesche Picotte, Jim Thorpe, and William McCabe are just three of the distinguished American Indians you will meet in this book- Acclaimed author Doreen Rappaport re-created one dramatic moment in each person''s life to give you a glimpse of their incredible accomplishments. Each portrait has been thoroughly researched and is beautifully evoked by noted artists Ying-Hwa Hu and Cornelius Van Wright. Beginning with Tisquantum teaching the Pilgrims how to survive in a new land and ending 370 years later with Sherman Alexie writing a poem, this book provides young readers with a fresh, exciting first took at the great history and culture of American Indians.

Martin's Big Words

release date: Jan 01, 2002
Martin's Big Words
A brief biographical sketch of Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the greatest figures in the American civil rights movement.

John's Secret Dreams

release date: Jan 01, 2001
John's Secret Dreams
As a follow-up to their award-winning "Martin''s Big Words," Rappaport and Collier present the life of John Lennon through a combination of narrative and song lyrics that capture the energy and the essence of a man whose vision and creative genius continue to inspire people today. Full color.

The Year of the Paper Menorahs

release date: Sep 01, 2000
The Year of the Paper Menorahs
A town comes together to banish anti-semitism and support their Jewish neighbors during Hanukkah.

Escape from Slavery

release date: Dec 15, 1998
Escape from Slavery
Freedom! Eliza and her baby, running across the ice. Selena and Cornelia Jackson, masquerading as boys. Henry Box Brown, shipping himself north in a wooden crate. Jane Johnson, risking everything to testify against her former owner in court. Ellen Craft, posing as her husband's owner. Escaping from slavery against overwhelming odds, these people were helped by courage, ingenuity, and the informal network known as the Underground Railroad. Here are their gripping stories, told by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Charles Lilly, and accompanied by information about slave laws of the era, key Underground Railroad leaders, and a bibliography.

Tinker Vs. Des Moines

release date: Jan 01, 1993
Tinker Vs. Des Moines
Using edited transcripts of testimony, recreates the trial of John Tinker and two other students who were suspended from school for protesting the Vietnam War, and invites the reader to act as judge and jury.

Trouble at the Mines

release date: Jan 01, 1987
Trouble at the Mines
Rosie and her family are caught up in the Arnot, Pennsylvania, mining strike of 1899-1900, led by the union organizer Mother Jones.
30 results found


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