New Releases by Doreen Rappaport

"A biography of President Barack Obama"--

As a student, teacher, lawyer, and judge, Ruth often experienced unfair treatment. But she persisted, becoming a cultural icon, championing equality in pay and opportunity. Her brilliant mind, compeling arguments, and staunch commitment to truth and justice have convinced many to stand with her, and her fight continues to this day.

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.

Frederick Douglass was born a slave. He was taken from his mother as a baby, and separated from his grandparents when he was six. He suffered hunger and abuse, but miraculously, he learned how to read. Frederick read newspapers left in the street, and secretly collected spellings from neighborhood children. Words, he knew, would set him free. When Frederick was twenty, he escaped to the North, where he spread his abolitionist beliefs through newspaper articles, autobiographies, and speeches. He believed that all people-regardless of color or gender-were entitled to equal rights. It is Douglass''s words, as well as his life, that still provide hope and inspiration across generations. In this installment of the critically acclaimed Big Words series, Doreen Rappaport captures Frederick''s journey from boy to man, from slavery to freedom, by weaving Frederick''s powerful words with her own. London Ladd''s strong and evocative illustrations combine with the text to create a moving portrait of an extraordinary life. 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 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

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.

"Connections is the final Project BRIDGE program to meet our patrons. Connections uses vibrant photos and minimal text in specially selected books to create conversation among caregivers and those in the moderate to severe stages of Alzheimer?s/Dementia. This experience can help create special moments and memories for the caregiver as well as calming and reducing stress for the individual in care.." --

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 picturebook 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.

An eye-opening look at the life and legacy of Jackie Robinson, the man who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball and became an American hero. Baseball, basketball, football — no matter the game, Jackie Robinson excelled. His talents would have easily landed another man a career in pro sports, but in America in the 1930s and ’40s, such opportunities were closed to athletes like Jackie for one reason: his skin was the wrong color. Settling for playing baseball in the Negro Leagues, Jackie chafed at the inability to prove himself where it mattered most: the major leagues. Then in 1946, Branch Rickey, manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, decided he was going to break the “rules” of segregation: he recruited Jackie Robinson. Fiercely determined, Jackie faced cruel and sometimes violent hatred and discrimination, but he proved himself again and again, exhibiting courage, restraint, and a phenomenal ability to play the game. In this compelling biography, award-winning author Doreen Rappaport chronicles the extraordinary life of Jackie Robinson and how his achievements won over — and changed — a segregated nation.

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 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 leadership assured that he would always be remembered, and his robust spirit now dares others to do mighty things.

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!

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.

“Tributes to the Statue of Liberty abound, but this one stands out for its unusual approach and powerful illustrations.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review) It begins in 1865 as a romantic idea, but ten years later Édouard Laboulaye’s dream catches fire. Sculptor Auguste Bartholdi gives the dream the form of a lady, holding a torch to “enlighten the world.” Engineers, plasterers, carpenters, and coppersmiths work together to turn the lady into a monument more than 100 feet tall. Doreen Rappaport’s poetic vignettes and Matt Tavares’s magnificent images remind us of the origins of a national symbol—and show that it took a lot of people to make the Lady.

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.

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.

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.

Six stories of American women who defied social convention to undertake dangerous adventures.

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.

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.

When Martin was growing up he saw the signs WHITE ONLY everywhere in his hometown. Every time he read the words, he felt bad. Until he remembered what his mother told him: ¿You are as good as anyone.¿ Doreen Rappaport weaves her words and the words of Dr. Martin Luther King., Jr., into a captivating narrative to tell the story of Dr. King¿s life. The text is graceful, simple, and completely accessible for young readers; a chronology and bibliography offer other resources for exploring the life of this great American. Illustrated with stunning full-color collage art by acclaimed artist Bryan Collier, this is an unforgettable portrait of a man whose dream changed America, and the world, forever. Caldecott Honor Book, Best Illustrated Children¿s Book, NY Times, and Coretta Scott King Award.

Eleanor Roosevelt was raised in a privileged but stern Victorian household, with an affectionate but mostly absent father and a critical mother who made fun of her daughter''s looks. Alone and lonely for much of her childhood, Eleanor found solace in books and in the life of her lively and independent mind. Her intellectual gifts and compassionate heart won her the admiration of many friends -- and the love of her future husband, Franklin Delano Roosevelt./DIV DIVWhile other young women of her class were spending time at dances and parties, Eleanor devoted her energies to teaching children in New York City''s poorest neighborhoods. Later, she became the most socially and politically active -- and controversial -- First Lady America had ever seen. Ambassador, activist, and champion of civil rights, Eleanor Roosevelt changed the soul of America forever. In her eloquent prose, Doreen Rappaport captures the essence of Eleanor’s character and the deep significance of her legacy. With beautiful paintings by Gary Kelley and selections from Eleanor''s own writings, Eleanor’s Big Words is an extraordinary tribute to an extraordinary American.

This final installment in the powerful nonfiction trilogy about the African-American experience introduces readers to the people, armed with the songs and strength passed down from their ancestors, who profoundly impacted the American Civil Rights Movement. Reprint.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Combines first-person historical accounts, traditional black spirituals, and passages about the daily lives of slaves to provide a chronicle of slavery in America.

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.

A town comes together to banish anti-semitism and support their Jewish neighbors during Hanukkah.

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.