New Releases by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

A historical middle-grade novel in verse from multiple Coretta Scott King winner Vaunda Micheaux Nelson. As school begins in 1963, Cooper Dale wrestles with what it means to “shine” for a black girl in a predominantly white community near Pittsburgh. Set against the historic backdrop of the Birmingham church bombing, the Kennedy assassination, and Beatlemania, Radiant is a finely crafted novel in verse about race, class, faith, and finding your place in a loving family and a complicated world. Cooper’s primary concern is navigating fifth grade, where she faces both an extra-strict teacher and the bullying of Wade Carter, the only child of a well-to-do white family, whose home Cooper’s mother cleans for extra income. How can she shine when her mother works for the meanest boy in school? To make matters worse, Cooper quietly wishes she could be someone else. It’s not all bad, though. Cooper and her beloved older sister have fallen for the Beatles, and Cooper is thrilled to have something special they can share. And what she learns about her British idols adds new complexity to Cooper’s feelings about race.

The puppies are coming! This Step 2 is perfect for readers age 4 to 6 and captures the anticipation of waiting for your best friend's dog to have puppies. Will Raymond get to keep one? Raymond and Roxy love playing together—and so do their pets! One day, Raymond learns that Roxy's dog, Flo, is going to have puppies! Raymond does everything fast so he can hardly wait. How long will it take those puppies to be born? And will his parents say yes to a puppy of his very own? Twenty years after Ready? Set. Raymond! was published, Vaunda Nelson and Derek Anderson continue the adventures of Raymond and Roxy! Look for all of the Raymond and Roxy stories: Ready? Set. Raymond! Ready? Set. Birthday! Ready? Set. Rides! Ready? Set. Puppies! Step 2 Readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. They are perfect for children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help.

On November 14, 1960, first graders Leona Tate, Tessie Prevost, and Gail Etienne stepped into history by going to school. Escorted by U.S. Marshals and facing swarms of shouting protestors, they became the first children in New Orleans to integrate a previously all-white school, just ten minutes before Ruby Bridges. Like Ruby, the trio faced crowds of protestors fighting against public school desegregation efforts and relied on US Marshals to keep them safe. That day was just the beginning of their journey. Despite hate mail, death threats, and ongoing protests, Leona, Tessie, and Gail continued attending McDonogh No. 19 Public School. To ensure their safety, classroom windows were covered with paper, and they weren’t allowed outside for recess. With the love and protection of their parents, the Marshals, and their kindly teacher, the girls carried on and formed a close bond, becoming friends for life. Award-winning author Vaunda Micheaux Nelson conducted extensive interviews to bring this little-known story from the Civil Rights Movement to young readers. With vivid illustrations by fine artist Alex Bostic that highlight courage and determination, this book celebrates how three little girls made great strides to ensure all children could receive the education they deserve.

It's the last day of school! Raymond and his friend Roxy are excited to spend their first day of summer vacation at an amusement park! This Step 2 reader captures all the excitement and anticipation! Raymond and Roxy are going to Wild World Park! They try all sorts of rides. But Raymond loves speed and pony rides aren't fast enough. He tries the Wild Cat Racer but it's still not fast enough. Will Raymond be able to find the perfect ride before the day is over? Twenty years after Ready? Set. Raymond! was published, Vaunda Nelson and Derek Anderson continue the adventures of Raymond and Roxy. Step 2 Readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. They are perfect for children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help.

Do you have a birthday coming up? Raymond does and he can't wait! This Step 2 early reader captures all the excitement and anticipation that children experience in the lead-up to their special day! Raymond likes to do everything fast! It's almost his birthday and he wants time to fly! He plays outside. He helps Papa wash the car. He even goes to bed early, but his birthday can't come soon enough! Maybe his friend Roxy can help him enjoy the wait...and celebrate, too! This sequel to Ready? Set. Raymond (which marked its 20th Anniversary in 2022!) will delight young readers who will definitely be able to relate. Step 2 Readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. They are perfect for children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help.

"Nelson plaits her narrative with Western lingo and homespun similes. . . . James' painterly oils swirl with energy, visible daubs creating the dusty, monumental landscape and equally monumental horses and humans. . . . A champion indeed." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review) The true tale of a cowboy's epic rodeo ride from acclaimed author Vaunda Micheaux Nelson and Caldecott Honoree Gordon C. James. In 1911, three men were in the final round of the famed Pendleton Round-Up. One was white, one was Indian, and one was black. When the judges declared the white man the winner, the audience was outraged. They named black cowboy George Fletcher the "people's champion" and took up a collection, ultimately giving Fletcher far more than the value of the prize that went to the official winner. Award-winning author Vaunda Micheaux Nelson tells the story of Fletcher's unlikely triumph with a western flair that will delight kids—and adults—who love true stories, unlikely heroes, and cowboy tales.

Introduce children to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the civil rights movement, and the historic march on Washington with this inspiring biography! Young readers can now learn about one of the greatest civil rights leaders of all time, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in this Level 3 Step into Reading Biography Reader. Set against Dr. King’s historic march on Washington in the summer of 1963, a moving story and powerful illustrations combine to illuminate not only one of America’s most celebrated leaders, but also one of America’s most celebrated moments. Step 3 Readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots about popular topics. Perfect for children who are ready to read on their own.

Great-grandmother Nell eats fish for breakfast, she doesn't hug or kiss, and she does NOT want to be called grandma. Her great-granddaughter isn't sure what to think about her. As she slowly learns more about Nell's life and experiences, the girl finds ways to connect with her prickly great-grandmother.

Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor, ALA Notable Children's Book, CCBC Best Children's Book of the Year, Jane Addams Children's Book Award, Kirkus Best Children's Books, NCTE Notable In the 1930s, Lewis's dad, Lewis Michaux Sr., had an itch he needed to scratch—a book itch. How to scratch it? He started a bookstore in Harlem and named it the National Memorial African Bookstore. And as far as Lewis Michaux Jr. could tell, his father's bookstore was one of a kind. People from all over came to visit the store, even famous people—Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, and Langston Hughes, to name a few. In his father's bookstore people bought and read books, and they also learned from each other. People swapped and traded ideas and talked about how things could change. They came together here all because of his father's book itch. Read the story of how Lewis Michaux Sr. and his bookstore fostered new ideas and helped people stand up for what they believed in.

Coretta Scott King Author Award Read about the fascinating life of Bass Reeves, who escaped slavery to become the first African American Deputy US Marshal west of the Mississippi. Sitting tall in the saddle, with a wide-brimmed black hat and twin Colt pistols on his belt, Bass Reeves seemed bigger than life. Outlaws feared him. Law-abiding citizens respected him. As a peace officer, he was cunning and fearless. When a lawbreaker heard Bass Reeves had his warrant, he knew it was the end of the trail, because Bass always got his man, dead or alive. He achieved all this in spite of whites who didn't like the notion of a Black lawman. Born into slavery in 1838, Bass had a hard and violent life, but he also had a strong sense of right and wrong that others admired. When Judge Isaac Parker tried to bring law and order to the lawless Indian Territories, he chose Bass to be a Deputy US Marshal. Bass would quickly prove a smart choice. For three decades, Bass was the most feared and respected lawman in the territories. He made more than 3,000 arrests, and though he was a crack shot and a quick draw, he only killed fourteen men in the line of duty. The story of Bass Reeves is the story of a remarkable African American and a remarkable hero of the Old West.

A lyrical story about how looking back is helpful when you start looking forward. . . . A young girl thoughtfully considers her family tree and the vibrant ancestors who populate it. As each family member’s story is revealed, her quiet meditation—about what kind of person she’ll be when she grows up—transforms into a testament to the importance of sharing family stories. The simple, elegant narrative combined with Sean Qualls’s evocative art makes for a wonderful read-aloud experience.

There's no stopping Raymond in this beloved Step 2 reader! He likes to do everything fast! From brushing his teeth, to racing to school, to making new friends—there's no one speedier than Raymond. In three easy-to-read stories by award-winning, bestselling creators Vaunda Micheaux Nelson and Derek Anderson readers get to follow Raymond on a typical super-fast day, see him meet his future best friend, Roxy, and run a race! Step 2 Readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories, for children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help. Rhyme and/or rhythmic text help children decode the story.

Learn about how freedom came to the slaves in June 1865.

Lindy and her doll, Sally, are best friends—wherever Lindy goes, Sally stays right by her side. She’s with Lindy when she eats, when she sleeps, and even when she picks cotton. So, on the night Lindy and her mama run away in search of freedom, Sally goes too. This young girl's rag doll vividly narrates her enslaved family's courageous escape through the Underground Railroad. At once heart-wrenching and uplifting, this story about friendship and the strength of the human spirit will touch the lives of all readers long after the journey has ended.

All the kids from Mayfield Crossing are excited about going to the new school at Parkview. It'sbigger and newer than their old school and, best of all, it has a first-rate basball field. It never occured to any of them that they wouldn't even be allowed to played on the Parkview field. At Mayfield, nobody ever thought about who was white and who was black. They were all just friends. But it's 1960, and the Parkview kids aren't ready to accept newcommers---especially if they're a different color. t's the first time any of the Mayfield kids have experienced the real pain of prejedice, but by sticking together they all become outsiders...and discover that overcoming trouble can be the strenght that makes a winning team.