Best Selling Books by Kathleen Benson

BLACK STARS Meet the black religious leaders who helpedshape the AfricanAmerican experience--from colonial to modern times * Absalom Jones * Richard Allen * Jarena Lee * Lemuel Haynes * Peter Williams Sr. * Peter Williams Jr. * John Marrant * Denmark Vesey * Sojourner Truth * Nat Turner * Maria Stewart * John Jasper * Alexander Crummell * Henry Highland Garnett * Henry McNeal Turner * Richard Henry Boyd * Bishop C. M. "Sweet Daddy" Grace * Vernon Johns * Elijah Muhammad * Howard Thurman * Adam Clayton Powell Jr. * Joseph E. Lowery * Malcolm X * Martin Luther King Jr. * Andrew J. Young * James L. Bevel * John Lewis * Prathia Hall Wynn * Jesse L. Jackson * Vashti Murphy McKenzie * Fredrick J. Streets * Al Sharpton * Renita J. Weems * T. D. Jakes

Introduces readers to Benny Andrews, one of the most important African-American painters of the 20th century.

Presents various numbers of objects and places related to the culture and country of Iran, which are counted out in Persian, which is also known as Farsi.

Count your way from one (WA-hid) to ten (AH-shah-rah) in Arabic! With simple text, award-winning authors Jim Haskins and Kathleen Benson introduce readers to the Egyptian culture. Learn about everything from Egypt’s one great canal to eight items you might find in a tomb. Full color illustrations from Sue Rama bring ancient and modern Egypt to life.

This is the story of Scott Joplin--the man behind Ragtime. From his post-Civil War childhood in Texarkana to his touring days in the honky-tonks of the old South, Joplin was ahead of his time. He sought recognition for ragtime as a black American art form during a time at which America was not yet prepared to honor the syncopated melodies of the bar-room and the brothel.

Presents the history of Africa''s rich cultural empires from the early part of the millennium through the time of Christopher Columbus.

Learn about Afghanistan as you count in English and Pushto.

Count your way from one, or moja (MO-jah), to ten, or kumi (KOO-mee), in Swahili! Using simple text, authors Jim Haskins and Kathleen Benson introduce readers to the Kenyan culture. Learn about everything from one Mount Kenya to the eight-stringed nyatti. Colorful illustrations bring Kenya to life.

The story of civil rights activist John Lewis, inspired to action by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King and other civil rights leaders who believed in fighting segregation peacefully. From Tennessee to Alabama, Lewis was in the forefront of the major civil rights protests of the 1960s. In the face of physical attacks, he persevered with dignity and devotion to nonviolence, helping black people in the south gain the right to vote. In 1986 Lewis was elected to represent Georgia in the United States Congress, where he continues to serve today.

Count your way, from one to ten, through France, a land of glorious cathedrals and charming countryside, crepes and croissants, and hundreds of cheeses. Readers are introduced to France as they learn to count to ten in French. The simple, appealing text is accompanied by the enchanting illustrations of artist Andrea Shine.

Discusses the European enslavement of Africans, including their capture, branding, conditions on slave ships, shipboard mutinies, and arrival in the Americas.

Count your way, from one to ten, through Greece, the birthplace of Aristotle and the Olympic Games, a land of ancient temples and modern cities. Readers are introduced to Greece as they learn to count to ten in Greek. The simple, appealing text is accompanied by the delightful illustrations of artist Janice Lee Porter.

Count your way, from one to ten, through Ireland, a land of leprechauns and limericks, soda bread and mulligan stew. Readers are introduced to the Emerald Isle--both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland--as they learn to count in Gaelic, the traditional language of Ireland. The simple, appealing text is accompanied by the charming illustrations of artist Beth Wright.

Count your way from one (POE-she) to ten (GOO-mee) in Shona—Zimbabwe’s most common African language. Using simple text, award-winning authors Jim Haskins and Kathleen Benson introduce important aspects of Zimbabwean culture. You’ll learn about Victoria Falls—Zimbabwe’s beautiful waterfall—and discover the meaning behind the seven stripes on Zimbabwe’s flag. Full-color illustrations from Janie Jaehyun Park bring Zimbabwe to life.

Count your way from one, or kunye (KOO-nyeh), to ten, or ishumi (ee-SHOO-mee), in Zulu! Using simple text, authors Jim Haskins and Kathleen Benson introduce South African culture. Learn about many of South Africa’s unique features, from one gold nugget to the six colors on the South African flag. Colorful illustrations bring South Africa to life.

Excerpts from writings of the period plus thumbnail sketches of key figures highlight this account.

A biography of the blind musician who has become a superstar in the music world.

Count your way, from one to ten, through Brazil, home of the Amazon rain forest and the exciting city of Rio de Janeiro, a land of music and dancing, and people of all races. Readers are introduced to Brazil as they learn to count to ten in Portuguese. The simple, appealing text is accompanied by the vibrant illustrations of artist Liz Brenner Dodson.

A biography of Guy Bluford, the first black American in space, part of the crew of the space shuttle "Challenger" on its August 1983 flight.

Chronicles the private life and professional career of the legendary Black entertainer, detailing her rise to success, Hollywood career, marriage, friendship with Paul Robeson, blacklisting, and dramatic comeback