New Releases by Peter Roop

Inspired by a true story from Maya Angelou’s childhood, this expertly researched and luminously illustrated picture book explores how a beloved mentor helped young Maya rediscover the poetry of self-expression and the power of her voice. Maya Angelou loves words. She whispers, “caterpillar green,” just to paint the color in her mind. Her tongue played with “pandemonium” to enjoy its rhythm. She sings the Negro national anthem and recites the poetry of Paul Laurence Dunbar. Words whirl and stories spin in Maya’s head and off her lips, helping her escape her troubled, segregated world and soothe her soul. Then, suddenly, eight-year-old Maya stops talking. She believes her words hurt somebody and now only deems them safe to share with her brother. Her family does what they can even as they get worried and frustrated, but it isn’t until years later that someone opens Maya back up. Mrs. Bertha Flowers, one of the most important citizens of Stamps, Arkansas, invites Maya to her home and talks to her about language and communication and reads to her from Charles Dickens’s A Tale of Two Cities. Maya is transported by the power and singularity of Mrs. Flower’s voice…and finally moved to inspire the world with her own.

American history comes alive for young readers in this collection of richly detailed narratives ranging from Christopher Columbus to Abraham Lincoln. These "direct and surprisingly accessible" histories, often told in the actual words of key figures from the American past, are a brilliant blend of fact and imagination ( Publishers Weekly) . I, Columbus: A firsthand account of Christopher Columbus''s famous voyage to the East, taken directly from his journal entries. He tells of excitement, drama, and terror on the high seas, as he and his crew weather the path to discovery. Pilgrim Voices: The pilgrims'' own writings of their voyage on the Mayflower, their first encounters with indigenous people, and their Thanksgiving celebration after surviving a difficult first winter in the New World. Off the Map: The story of Lewis and Clark''s famous 1804 expedition into the uncharted lands of America, in an accessible version drawn from the explorers'' own account. Louisiana Purchase: Biographical sketches of Lewis and Clark, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Thomas Jefferson tell the story of the United States'' expansion into a new territory and a new era. Sacagawea: Told from Sacagawea''s point of view, this historical novel shares the ordeals of her youth along with the memory of her journey west with Lewis and Clark. She shares her love of nature and explains how her loyalties have changed over time. The Declaration of Independence: Covering major events such as the Boston Massacre and Paul Revere''s midnight ride, this accessible history brings the story of the Revolutionary War to life. An Eye for an Eye: When her brother is captured at the start of the Revolutionary War, fourteen-year-old Samantha sets off to rescue him. But when she comes face-to-face with the enemy, will she still stand by her peaceful principles? Take Command, Captain Farragut!: Ten-year-old David Glasgow Farragut is the youngest midshipman ever assigned to a warship in the US Navy. Told through fictional letters that Farragut writes from prison after his capture in the War of 1812, this richly imagined story is based on real history. Ahyoka and the Talking Leaves: Ahyoka''s father is a Cherokee silversmith who dreams of a written language for his people. When he is ostracized for the "magic" he is creating, father and daughter leave home to pursue his dream on their own. Grace''s Letter to Lincoln: After seeing Abraham Lincoln on a poster, eleven-year-old Grace decides to write to him and suggest that he might win more votes in the 1860 election if he grows a beard. Much to her surprise, Lincoln answers her letter, and history is made. This "touching historic encounter" is based on true events ( Scholastic).

A teenage girl questions her principles after her brother is captured during the Revolutionary War Fourteen-year-old Samantha Byrd is an excellent shot—she''s even better than her brother at providing food for her family. Although the winds of war are blowing in Virginia, she knows that she could only ever use her skill for hunting—not for hurting another person. When the Revolutionary War finally begins, her brother is captured, and Samantha sets off to rescue him. But when she comes face to face with the enemy, will she still stand by her principles, or will she pull the trigger?

A Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People and recipient of the Florida Sunshine Award: In this absorbing chapter book, Ahyoka helps her father, Sequoyah, unlock the mystery of "talking leaves" to create the Cherokee alphabet Ahyoka is the daughter of Sequoyah, a silversmith who has given up most of his trade to focus on his true passion. He longs for the day when the Cherokee people can communicate to one another from afar and document the history of their lives. He wants his people—the Real People—to have a written language like the white men do. When he is ostracized from his community for the "magic" he is creating, he leaves his home to pursue his quest. His young daughter, who shares his dream, joins him on his journey. They work together to create a syllabic alphabet that will tell the story of the Cherokee people.

The story of the ten-year-old boy who becomes captain of a ship After his mother''s death, young David Glasgow Farragut is forced to leave home to live with Captain Porter and his wife. During the War of 1812, Captain Porter is posted to the Essex, and he chooses to bring David with him to fight the British Navy. At ten years old, David is the youngest midshipman ever assigned to a warship in the US Navy. On board, Farragut must not only learn about life at sea, he must establish his authority over seamen twice his age. Farragut proves his worth as the Essex first sails the Atlantic and then travels "around the Horn" to the Pacific, where it engages in battle. After taking control of a captured ship near Valparaíso, Chile, Farragut, only twelve years old, is assigned his first position as full captain and given the captain''s sword he has coveted from the start. Told through fictional letters that Farragut wrote to his father from prison after his capture, Take Command, Captain Farragut! gives young readers an extraordinary view into the life of an adventurer who today would be a classmate.

Text and pictures present the names of families of different kinds of animals.

This clever counting book from the award-winning authors of Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie, combines rhyme with a fun exploration of Maine sea life. Children will be singing it to themselves and asking for it to be read to them again and again.

Describes many aspects of this long, narrow, southeast Asian country including its land, landmarks, homes, food, clothes, schools, sports, celebrations, and arts.

Introduces the country of Japan, land, landmarks, homes, food, clothes, work, transportation, language, school, sports, free time, celebrations, and the arts.

Describes many aspects of the third largest country in the world including its land, landmarks, homes, food, clothes, sports, schools, celebrations, and art.

This book will answer all kinds of questions about slavery and the path to freedom!

Designed for children ages 8 to 13, Going to Yellowstone is chock full of fascinating information about Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the U.S.?and in the world. Chapters on geology, Native Americans, explorers, wildlife, historic structures, landmarks, and thermal features are supplemented by excellent color photos and illustrations.

When President Jefferson purchased the Louisiana Territory from the French in 1803, the new lands raised such questions about government, the treatment of Native Americans, and whether the new states would be free states or slave states.

Perfect for beginning readers, this laugh-out-loud joke book about comical celebrations will put a smile on your face!

Perfect for beginning readers, this laugh-out-loud joke book about nutty nature will put a smile on your face!

In this book, you will find out all about Martin Luther King, Jr., before he became famous.

Discusses the events in Paul Reveres''s life up until he made his famous midnight ride.

Discusses the events in Henry Ford''s life up until he invented his famous assembly line cars.

Examines the history, customs, and folklore of St. Patrick''s Day. Includes a craft, a recipe, and jokes and riddles.

Wilbur and Orville Wright ran a printing business from their childhood home and as young men operated a bicycle shop. In December of 1902 the brothers became the first people to fly.

A biography of Ben Franklin as a boy.

"Mr. and Mrs. Michtom owned a candy and toy store. But they had no customers. Then one day, Mr. and Mrs. Michtom made a new toy: a Teddy Bear. Now everyone wants one! But what will President Teddy Roosevelt htink when he finds out the Michtoms have named their toy bear after him?"--Page 4 of cover

A biography of Abraham Lincoln as a boy.

Uses primary sources, photographs, and other information to detail the life and accomplishments of Sojourner Truth, a former slave from New York who became an abolitionist and women''s rights leader.

Reconstructs a possible mission of the fourteen-year-old spy who carried messages to George Washington''s camp in the buttons of his coat during the Revolutionary War.