All Aboard the SchooltrainGlenda Armand, illustrated by Keisha MorrisA young girl faces the harsh realities of Jim Crow as her town changes during the Great Migration.Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile 530LATOS 3.5View book detailsNCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2024
Social studies books selected each year by NCSS and the Children's Book Council.
2024 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young PeopleSee the original list
Selections107
Published byNational Council for the Social Studies
Sections7 sections
Browse sections7 sections
Kindergarten to Second Grade
32 selections
All Aboard the SchooltrainGlenda Armand, illustrated by Keisha MorrisA young girl faces the harsh realities of Jim Crow as her town changes during the Great Migration.Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile 530LATOS 3.5View book details
All Rise: The Story of Ketanji Brown JacksonCarole Boston WeatherfordCHILDREN'S LITERATURE LEGACY AWARD WINNER • Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court, is an inspiration and role model to children of all ages.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
AncestoryHannah SalyerComplete with extensive back matter, including a bonus double foldout gatefold, Ancestory is perfect company for pictorial nonfiction by Jason Chin and Candace Fleming.Around the world, our ancient ancestors’ mysterious art is left behind on cave walls, in rainforests, and with ink made from charcoal and crushed clay.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
CantoraMelisa Fernández NitscheA voice rises against oppression, echoing freedom and justice.Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile AD700LATOS 4.5View book details
The Carpet: An Afghan Family StoryDezh Azaad, illustrated by Nan CaoThis poignant story, about an Afghan refugee child and the family carpet that connects them to home, inspires readers to live and learn in love, not fearThe Carpet follows a day in the life of an Afghan refugee child, where every moment revolves around love, family, and the carpet that connects them…Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
ContendersTraci SorellThe true story of John Meyers and Charles Bender, who in 1911 became the first two Native pro baseball players to face off in a World Series.Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile 1040LATOS 5.7View book details
Cut!C. E. Winters, illustrated by Matt SchuYou say it's up to me to do the talking. You lean forward and your black leather chair groans, like a living thing.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Dear YesteryearKimberly Annece HendersonFrom historical curator and researcher Kimberly Annece Henderson comes this moving letter connecting Black history with the present, with archival photographs and beautiful handlettering by Ciara LeRoyIn 2020, Kimberly Annece Henderson started emaline and 'nem, an Instagram-based archival image repository that features portraiture of everyday African Americans from the late 1800s and…Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
A Dupatta IsMarzieh Abbas, illustrated by Anu ChouhanA Dupatta Is..., written by Marzieh Abbas and vividly brought to life by the artwork of Anu Chouhan, is a loving and lyrical ode to the dupatta.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Finding PapaAngela Pham KransFinding Papa has been named the 2024 Asian/Pacific American Award Picture Honor Book by the Asian Pacific American Librarians Association!Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Hanukkah Upside DownElissa Brent WeissmanEight chances to prove it—may the best cousin win! From their homes in New York and New Zealand, cousins Noah and Nora decide to have a competition.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
A Hero Like MeJen Reid, Angela Joy, illustrated by Leire SalaberriaA Hero Like Me"But one little chromosome put up a fight;It threatened to stamp out Colette's inner light.Big sister came running with torches to spare,And lit Colette's lamp with a glorious glare."Meet Clairice and Colette; two sisters with one story.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
I'm an AmericanDarshana Khiani, illustrated by Laura FreemanCelebrating and acknowledging everyone's individuality, this book teaches children to embrace their differences while realizing we're all the same because we're American.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Jackie Ormes Draws the FutureLiz MontagueA stirring picture-book biography about Jackie Ormes, the first Black female cartoonist in America, whose remarkable life and work inspire countless artists today.Zelda Jackson—or Jackie—was born in Pittsburgh on August 1, 1911, and discovered early on that she could draw any adventure.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Jovita Wore PantsAida Salazar**A CALDECOTT HONOR BOOK**The remarkable true story of Jovita Valdovinos, a Mexican revolutionary who disguised herself as a man to fight for her rights!* “Graceful . . deft . . . mesmerizing. . . .Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile 800LATOS 5.1View book details
Kati's Tiny MessengersMegan HoytFrom the author of the National Jewish Book Award Finalist Bartali's Bicycle comes the story of Katalin Karikó, the Nobel Prize-winning scientist whose research of mRNA led to the world-altering development of the Covid-19 vaccine.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
The Light She Feels InsideGwendolyn Wallace, illustrated by Olivia DuchessMaya discovers her inner light can change the world, inspired by history's powerful women.Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile AD860LATOS 5.5View book details
Little People, BIG DREAMS: American DreamsMaria Isabel Sánchez Vegara, illustrated by Lisbeth KaiserDive deeper into the world of Little People, BIG DREAMS with this beautifully packaged and highly giftable keepsake treasury featuring 40 great American dreamers from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy best-selling series.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Lolo's Sari-sari StoreSophia N. LeeA little girl holds lessons learned in her grandfather’s sari-sari store close while adjusting to a new home in this sweet picture book about the joy of community, connection, and Filipino culture.For one girl, summers used to mean helping Lolo run his sari-sari store, which was always brimming with goods for the…Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Love Makes a Garden GrowTaeeun Yoo, illustrated by Taeeun YooA garden bridges generations, nurturing love and memories.Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile AD540LATOS 3.6View book details
Mama Shamsi at the BazaarMojdeh Hassani & Samira IravaniIt's market day for Samira and her grandma! The bazaar is crowded, but this sweet pair knows how to stick together in this silly picture book set in Iran.Mama Shamsi is off to the market, and today, Samira gets to go with her!Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Milloo's MindReem FaruqiFrom the author of Lailah's Lunchbox and Unsettled comes a powerful picture book biography about Maryam Faruqi, the founder of the Happy Home Schools, which provided education to thousands of girls across Pakistan at a time when girls weren't encouraged to go to school."Powerful prose underscores Milloo's determination and the importance of…Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
My NameSupriya Kelkar, illustrated by Sandhya PrabhatMy Name is an inspiring picture book that encourages kids to celebrate themselves and all the things that make them unique, especially their name.Your name means you’re differentYour name means you’re youWhen an Indian American boy starts school in a new classroom, one child can't pronounce his name properly, which leads to…Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Salat in SecretJamilah Thompkins-BigelowFrom the critically acclaimed author of Your Name Is a Song and the bestselling illustrator of The Proudest Blue comes a story about a Muslim boy who receives a salat (prayer) rug on his seventh birthday and becomes empowered about his faith.In this beautiful story of community, family, and acceptance, a boy…Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
The Secret PocketPeggy Janicki, illustrated by Carrielynn VictorMary was four years old when she was first taken away to the Lejac Indian Residential School. It was far away from her home and family.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
She Kept DancingSydney Mesher, Catherine Laudone, illustrated by Natelle QuekThis warm and inviting picture book, cowritten with Catherine Laudone and brightly illustrated by Natelle Quek, takes young readers along on Sydney’s journey—through the joyous ups as well as the crushing downs—and tells the story of how through it all, she kept dancing.No two dances were the same.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Something, SomedayAmanda Gorman, illustrated by Christian RobinsonCan small actions change a broken world?Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile AD430LATOS 2.9View book details
Swimming Toward a Dream: Yusra Mardini's Incredible Journey from Refugee to Olympic SwimmerReem Faruqi, illustrated by Asma EnayehGrowing up in Damascus, the pool was Yusra Mardini’s happy place. She learned to swim before she could walk. And with swimming came a dream—to compete in the Olympic games.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
The Walk (A Stroll to the Poll)Winsome BinghamPerfect for sharing with young readers during election season. Granny and her granddaughter are going on a walk. But this is not just any walk.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
The Walking School BusAaron Friedland, Ndileka Mandela, illustrated by Andrew JacksonA “moving tale of two enterprising siblings determined to find a safe way to get to school” (New York Times), this singular picture book celebrates the creativity, ingenuity, and passion of children all over the world.Features an afterword from Julian Lennon, and notes from co-authors Aaron Friedland and Ndileka Mandela.Kindergarten to Second GradeLexile AD590LATOS 3.8View book details
The Yellow Áo DàiHanh Bui, illustrated by Minnie PhanLovingly illustrated by Minnie Phan, Hanh Bui’s debut picture book, The Yellow Áo Dài, is a warm story of family, identity, and remembering those who came before.Naliah is excited to perform a traditional Vietnamese Fan Dance at her school’s International Day.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book details
Yukie's IslandYukie Kimura, K–odo Kimura, Steve SheinkinA moving picture book autobiography about a family’s resilience and path to healing after the devastation of war. It's 1945, the final year of World War II.Kindergarten to Second GradeView book detailsKindergarten to Fifth Grade
15 selections
AmazingMaia Shibutani, Alex Shibutani, Dane Liu, illustrated by Aaliya JaleelFrom Olympic medalists Alex and Maia Shibutani, this beautifully illustrated picture book highlights the achievements of many Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have made invaluable contributions to the world.Inclusivity sets this beautifully illustrated picture book apart in its exploration of thirty-six inspirational Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, such as disabled hero…Kindergarten to Fifth GradeView book details
The ArtivistNikkolas SmithA boy merges art and activism to change the world.Kindergarten to Fifth GradeLexile AD540LATOS 3.6View book details
Brave Volodymyr: The Story of Volodymyr Zelensky and the Fight for UkraineLinda Elovitz Marshall, illustrated by Grasya OliykoFrom acclaimed author Linda Elovitz Marshall comes a picture book biography of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that highlights the importance of standing up for what one believes in, defending freedom at all costs, and maintaining hope in the face of war’s atrocities—with stunning art from Ukrainian illustrator Grasya Oliyko.Kindergarten to Fifth GradeView book details
Door by DoorMeeg Pincus, illustrated by Meridth McKean GimbelSenator Sarah McBride is now the first openly transgender member of the U.S. House of Representatives!A nonfiction picture book about Sarah McBride, who dreamed of making a difference as a kid and grew up to become the highest-ranking openly transgender political official in America.As a kid, Sarah McBride dreamed of running for…Kindergarten to Fifth GradeView book details
The Great Banned-Books Bake SaleAya Khalil, illustrated by Anait SemirdzhyanKanzi, the immigrant girl of Aya Khalil and Anait Semirdzhyan’s bestselling picture book The Arabic Quilt, has come to feel welcome in her American school―that is, until an entire shelf of books about immigrant kids and kids of color suddenly disappears from the school library.Kindergarten to Fifth GradeView book details
I Am My Ancestors' Wildest DreamsTanisia Moore, illustrated by Robert Paul JrA child uncovers his heritage through the achievements of Black leaders, igniting his own potential.Kindergarten to Fifth GradeLexile 301LATOS 2.29View book details
KetanjiKekla MagoonFrom two Coretta Scott King Honor winners comes this uplifting picture book biography about Ketanji Brown Jackson, who is making history as the first Black woman to serve as a Supreme Court Justice.Ketanji Brown Jackson is no stranger to overcoming obstacles.Kindergarten to Fifth GradeView book details
Ketanji Brown Jackson: A Justice for AllTami Charles, illustrated by Jemma SkidmoreDiscover the incredible story of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, who followed her childhood dream of becoming a lawyer and eventually became the first Black woman to sit on the US Supreme Court in this picture book biography.Kindergarten to Fifth GradeView book details
Loud and Proud: The Life of Congresswoman Shirley ChisholmLesa Cline-Ransome, illustrated by Kaylani JuanitaShirley Chisholm was born in Brooklyn, New York, where her immigrant parents scraped and saved while Shirley learned all the love in the world couldn’t pay the rent.Kindergarten to Fifth GradeView book details
Make WayAngela Burke KunkelA beautiful and fascinating picture book biography that follows the lives of Robert McCloskey, creator of Make Way for Ducklings, and sculptor Nancy Schön, whose famous bronze ducks grace Boston Public Garden.Kindergarten to Fifth GradeLexile AD820LATOS 5.2View book details
Masked Hero: How Wu Lien-teh Invented the Mask That Ended an EpidemicDr. Shan Woo Liu, Kaili Liu GormleyWu Lien-teh, defeater of the Manchurian plague—in a story authored by his great-granddaughter, an emergency physician who relied on his life-saving invention during a pandemic a century later.Kindergarten to Fifth GradeView book details
My Red, White, and BlueAlana Tyson, London Ladd, illustrated by London LaddA powerful story about the mixture of pride and pain that one Black family finds in the American flag, and an invitation for each of us to choose how we relate to America, its history, and the flag that means so many things to so many people."With engaging, lyrical text, and breathtaking…Kindergarten to Fifth GradeView book details
Put Your Shoes On & Get Ready!Raphael G. Warnock, illustrated by TeMika GroomsFrom Georgia's first Black Senator Raphael Warnock comes an inspiring picture book about finding your dreams and making your mark in the world.Kindergarten to Fifth GradeView book details
That FlagTameka Fryer BrownTwo friends face a test when a Confederate flag challenges their bond.Kindergarten to Fifth GradeWord count 599View book details
What Your Ribbon Skirt Means to MeAlexis Bunten, illustrated by Nicole NeidhardtThis beautiful, informative, Indigenous picture book offers both an homage to Secretary Deb Haaland's achievements, and a celebration of urban Indigenous community through the eyes of a little girl.Kindergarten to Fifth GradeView book detailsThird to Fifth Grade
19 selections
Ajay and the Mumbai SunVarsha ShahA young journalist uncovers a plot threatening his home.Third to Fifth GradeLexile 811LATOS 5.2View book details
The Ashe Brothers: How Arthur and Johnnie Changed Tennis ForeverJudy Allen Dodson, illustrated by David WilkersonIn 1968, Arthur Ashe climbed his way to the top of the tennis world in a time filled with racial tension and segregation.Third to Fifth GradeView book details
BoundlessChaunté LoweGrace visits Africa, confronting family changes and discovering new bonds.Third to Fifth GradeLexile AD560LATOS 3.8View book details
CapeKevin JohnsonA child finds strength in a cape while facing profound loss.Third to Fifth GradeLexile AD350LATOS 2.5View book details
Farewell Cuba, Mi IslaAlexandra DiazTwo girls flee 1960 Cuba, seeking safety and family reunion in America.Third to Fifth GradeView book details
Hispanic Star: Sonia SotomayorClaudia Romo Edelman, Nathalie AlonsoMeet Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, once just a girl growing up in The Bronx, New York, with her brother and Puerto Rican-born parents.Third to Fifth GradeView book details
History Comics: Rosa Parks and Claudette ColvinTracey Baptiste, illustrated by Shauna J. GrantA 2024 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Award WinnerLet this graphic novel be your time machine and experience history like never before!Third to Fifth GradeView book details
How Do You Spell Unfair?: MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling BeeCarole Boston WeatherfordIn 1936, eighth grader MacNolia Cox became the first African American to win the Akron, Ohio, spelling bee.Third to Fifth GradeView book details
Lift Every Voice and ChangeCharnaie Gordon, illustrated by Aeron CargillPowerful sound clips from twelve Black leaders amplified by bold illustrations and background facts illuminate pivotal moments of Black history in America.Third to Fifth GradeView book details
The Little Match Girl Strikes BackEmma Carroll, illustrated by Lauren ChildIt only takes one strike . . . When a street-side accident leaves Bridie with only three matches, the strike of each one sends her magically tumbling into visions of a brighter, more hopeful future.Third to Fifth GradeView book details
Major Taylor: World Cycling ChampionCharles R. Smith JrA Coretta Scott King Award winner and a Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor winner pair up for a rousing picture book biography-in-verse of legendary African American cyclist Marshall “Major” Taylor and the Six-Day Race.One hundred years ago, one of the most popular spectator sports was bicycle racing, and the man to beat was…Third to Fifth GradeView book details
Parachute Kids: A Graphic NovelBetty C. TangA young Taiwanese girl navigates her new life in America, dealing with challenges in school, cultural differences, and her complicated relationship with her familyThird to Fifth GradeLexile HL250LATOS 2.5View book details
Stand as Tall as the Trees: How an Amazonian Community Protected the Rain ForestPatricia Gualinga, Laura Resau, illustrated by Vanessa JaramilloAn inspiring true story about how an activist in the Amazon worked with other Indigenous communities to protect and preserve their sacred lands and forests.Patricia (Paty) Gualinga grew up in her Kichwa village in the Amazon of Ecuador where mystical beings called Amazanga help protect the forest.Third to Fifth GradeView book details
Stars of the Night: The Courageous Children of the Czech KindertransportCaren StelsonTold from the collective perspective of the children, the narrative follows their journey as they leave everything they’ve ever known in hopes of staying safe.Third to Fifth GradeLexile 530LATOS 3.5View book details
Too Small Tola Gets ToughAtinuke, illustrated by Onyinye IwuIt’s a strange, scary time for Too Small Tola when a new virus separates her family, but Atinuke’s small-but-mighty heroine proves once again how wise, kind, and resourceful she can be.In ordinary times, Tola lives in an apartment in Lagos, Nigeria, with her clever sister, Moji; her sporty brother, Dapo; and bossy…Third to Fifth GradeView book details
Top Story (Front Desk #5)Kelly YangThe New York Times bestselling Front Desk series continues!Mia Tang is at the top of her game!She’s spending winter break with Mom, Lupe, Jason, and Hank in San Francisco’s Chinatown!Third to Fifth GradeView book detailsThe Trail Blazing Life of Viola Desmond: Civil Rights IconRachel Kehoe with Wanda Robson, illustrated by Chelsea CharlesYears before Rosa Parks famously refused to give up a bus seat in Montgomery, Alabama, Viola Desmond took a similar stand against racial segregation in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia.Third to Fifth GradeView book details
What Was the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921?Caleb Gayle, Who HQ, illustrated by Tim FoleyDiscover the tragic fall of Tulsa's thriving Black community in 1921.Third to Fifth GradeLexile 960LATOS 6.3View book details
When the Stars Came HomeBrittany Luby, illustrated by Natasha DonovanWhen Ojiig moves to the city with his family, he misses everything they left behind. Most of all, he misses the sparkling night sky.Third to Fifth GradeView book detailsThird to Eighth Grade
13 selections
An American StoryKwame AlexanderThis lyrically written book tells the story of slavery through the perspective of a teacher and their students. The text is complemented by powerful mixed-media art.Third to Eighth GradeView book details
The Beautiful Something ElseAsh Van OtterlooSparrow must confront their true identity while navigating a world of change and uncertainty.Third to Eighth GradeLexile 810LATOS 5.2View book details
Calling the Moon: 16 Period Stories from BIPOC AuthorsAida Salazar, Yamile Saied MendezAn essential, highly relatable collection of short fiction and poems around the topic of menstruation, written exclusively by authors who are Black, Indigenous, and/or people of colorFor Angela, it came on the basketball court—while playing on the boys’ team.Third to Eighth GradeView book details
Eagle DrumsNasuġraq Rainey HopsonA young Iñupiaq hunter meets the eagle god Savik and faces a series of challenges that teach him about nature, compassion, and bringing a…Third to Eighth GradeLexile 910LATOS 5.9View book details
Finally SeenKelly YangA girl reunites with her family in America, facing unexpected challenges and a quest for belonging.Third to Eighth GradeLexile 650LATOS 4.3View book details
Good Di ff erentMeg Eden KuyattA girl must embrace her uniqueness before her world unravels completely.Third to Eighth GradeLexile 800LATOS 5.1View book details
History Smashers: Christopher Columbus and the Taino PeopleKate Messner, Jose Barreiro, illustrated by Falynn KochUncover the hidden truth about Christopher Columbus, and learn all about the Taino people. In 1492, Christopher Columbus sailed across the ocean and discovered America.Third to Eighth GradeView book details
Last FlightKristen Mai Giang, illustrated by Dow PhumirukTHE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY BESTSELLER, & INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER!"The Last Flight is thoroughly absorbing—not only because of its tantalizing plot and deft pacing, but also because of its unexpected poignancy and its satisfying, if bittersweet, resolution.Third to Eighth GradeView book details
Marvelous Maps: Our Changing World in 40 Amazing MapsSimon Kuestenmacher, illustrated by Margarida EstevesA collection of astounding, fun and beautiful maps explaining everything about Planet Earth (and some other places!). It's a treasure trove of quirky and essential data, presented in fun, fascinating map form.Third to Eighth GradeView book details
Songs of AmericaJon Meacham, Tim McGrawMeacham chronicles our history, exploring the stories behind the songs, and Tim McGraw reflects on them as an artist and performer. Their perspectives combine to create a unique view of the role music has played in uniting and shaping a nation.Third to Eighth GradeView book details
Voices of the PeopleJoseph BruchacIn free verse, the author celebrates the lives, accomplishments, and legacies of 34 Indigenous Americans. Visually arresting mixed-media illustrations enrich each profile.Third to Eighth GradeView book details
The Witness Trees: Historic Moments and the Trees Who Watched Them Happen (Includes a map to over 20 trees you can visit today)Ryan G. Van Cleave, illustrated by Đố m Đố mHere are their stories. In the sweep of wind over grass,near the pulse of rivers,we stand,monuments of barkand age-curled green.Above, an avalanche of stars.Below, the ocean of earth.Within, the uncounted livesbirthed, bloomed, and pluckedfrom the gardens we tend.We survive.We remember.We witness.In evocative verse and stunning artwork, Witness Trees is the story of…Third to Eighth GradeView book details
A Year of Black Joy: 52 Black Voices Share Their Life PassionsJamia Wilson, illustrated by Jade OrlandoAn uplifting and empowering illustrated anthology of joyful contributions from 52 contemporary Black voices, including chess grandmaster Maurice Ashley, scientist Dr. By sharing the many layers and dimensions of Black life and contributions that exist outside of trauma, readers of all backgrounds will be empowered to share their joy too.Third to Eighth GradeView book detailsSixth to Eighth Grade
8 selections
Hope Against HopeSheena Wilkinson'Suddently, at about one o'clock in the morning, there was a sharp, unbearably explicit knock on the door. 'They've come for Osip', I said'.Sixth to Eighth GradeView book details
Lei and the Fire GoddessMalia MaunakeaA cursed flower, a kidnapped friend, and a battle with mythical forces await Anna in Hawaii.Sixth to Eighth GradeLexile 770LATOS 4.9View book details
The Lost YearKatherine Marsh*A National Book Award Finalist*From the author of Nowhere Boy - called “a resistance novel for our times” by The New York Times - comes a brilliant middle-grade survival story that traces a harrowing family secret back to the Holodomor, a terrible famine that devastated Soviet Ukraine in the 1930s.Thirteen-year-old Matthew is…Sixth to Eighth GradeView book details
MascotCharles Waters, Traci SorellA school mascot sparks a heated debate, challenging students to confront identity and tradition.Sixth to Eighth GradeLexile 710LATOS 4.9View book details
More Than a DreamYohuru Williams, Michael G. LongThorliff's dream of becoming a writer is within reach. Working for a newspaper in Northfield, Minnesota, he is busy writing articles and stories to pay his way through college.Sixth to Eighth GradeView book details
The Presidents Decoded: A Guide to the Leaders Who Shaped Our NationKatie Kennedy, illustrated by Monique SteeleEver wonder what the President does? Meet the 45* people who have held the job in this important book that showcases how they each led the country in their time—and features their own thoughts and words through their documents, letters, diaries, speeches and so much more.Sixth to Eighth GradeView book details
This Indian Kid: A Native American MemoirEddie ChuculateScholastic Focus is the premier home of thoroughly researched, beautifully written, and thoughtfully designed works of narrative nonfiction aimed at middle-grade and young adult readers.Sixth to Eighth GradeView book details
We Are Your Children Too: Black Students, White Supremacists, and the Battle for America's Schools in Prince Edward County, VirginiaP. O’Connell PearsonIn 1954, after the passing of Brown v. the Board of Education, the all-White school board of one county in south central Virginia made the decision to close its public schools rather than integrate.Sixth to Eighth GradeView book detailsSixth to Twelfth Grade
10 selections
MuzoonMuzoon Almellehan with Wendy PearlmanThough her life had utterly changed, one thing remained the same. She knew that education was the key to a better future—for herself, and so that she could help her country.Sixth to Twelfth GradeView book details
America Redux: Visual Stories from Our Dynamic HistoryAriel Aberg-Riger, illustrated by Ariel Aberg-RigerA critical, unflinching cultural history and fierce beacon of hope for a better future, America Redux is a necessary and galvanizing read.Sixth to Twelfth GradeView book details
Colonization and the Indigenous American Story (Race to the Truth)Linda CoombsUntil now, you've only heard one side of the story: the "discovery" of America told by Christopher Columbus, the Pilgrims, and the Colonists.Sixth to Twelfth GradeView book details
Doomed: Sacco, Vanzetti, and the End of the American DreamJohn Florio, Ouisie ShapiroIn post-World War I Boston, amid anti-immigrant hostility and fears of communism, two Italian self- proclaimed anarchists were wrongfully convicted and executed for murder, raising protests throughout the world.Sixth to Twelfth GradeView book details
Family StyleThien PhamA Vietnamese boy's journey through food reveals his quest for belonging in America.Sixth to Twelfth GradeLexile 401LATOS 2.8View book details
Kin: Rooted in HopeCarole Boston WeatherfordEvery last one, with a mind of their own and a story that ain’t yet been told. Carole and Jeffery Boston Weatherford’s ancestors are among the founders of Maryland.Sixth to Twelfth GradeView book details
A Mighty Long Way (Adapted for Young Readers)Carlotta Walls LaNier with Lisa Frazier PageFollow the story of Carlotta Walls LaNier, who in 1957 at the age of fourteen was one of nine black students who integrated the all-white Little Rock Central High School and became known as the Little Rock Nine.Sixth to Twelfth GradeView book details
Rise Up and Sing!: Power, Protest, and Activism in MusicAndrea Warner, illustrated by Louise ReimerThis inspiring introduction to activism and social justice for young teens shows the important role music plays in changing the world, - Musicians young teens will know and Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Lizzo, Lady Gaga, Lil Nas X, and more! - Iconic artists from past readers will learn about the extraordinary impact of…Sixth to Twelfth GradeView book details
Slavery and the African American Story (Race to the Truth)Patricia Williams DockeryUntil now, you've only heard one side of the how slavery began, and how America split itself in two to end it.Sixth to Twelfth GradeView book details
Stand Up and Speak Out Against RacismYassmin Abdel-Magied, illustrated by Aleesha NandhraIn this vital and accessible survey, a prominent activist for racial justice answers questions from real children, giving them the tools and the confidence to shape a more just society.Sixth to Twelfth GradeView book detailsNinth to Twelfth Grade
10 selections
All You Have To DoAutumn AllenPowerful, thought-provoking, and heartfelt, this young adult novel is a gripping look at what it takes (and takes and takes) for two Black students to succeed in prestigious academic institutions in America.“Beautifully immerses the reader in the stories of two young Black student activists and their shared personal struggles that transcend decades.”—Ibram…Ninth to Twelfth GradeView book details
BorderlessJennifer De LeonMamá is her biggest supporter, taking on extra jobs to pay for what the scholarship doesn’t cover, and she might be even more excited than Maya about what the fashion show could do for her future career.Ninth to Twelfth GradeView book details
Dark TestamentCrystal Simone SmithWith the cadences of Martin Luther King Jr. and the lyricism of Langston Hughes, the great civil rights activist Pauli Murray’s sole book of poems finally returns to print.There has been explosive interest in the life of Pauli Murray, as reflected in a recent profile in The New Yorker, the publication of…Ninth to Twelfth GradeView book details
From HereLuma MuflehA New York Times and Los Angeles Times Bestseller The best-selling author of Smoke Gets in Your Eyes expands our sense of what it means to treat the dead with "dignity." Fascinated by our pervasive fear of dead bodies, mortician Caitlin Doughty set out to discover how other cultures care for the…Ninth to Twelfth GradeView book details
Give Me a SignAnna SortinoJenny Han meets CODA in this big-hearted YA debut about first love and Deaf pride at a summer camp. Lilah is stuck in the middle.Ninth to Twelfth GradeView book details
A Long Time Coming: a Lyrical Biography of Race in America from Ona Judge to Barack ObamaRay Anthony ShepardThis YA biography-in-verse of six important Black Americans from different eras, including Ona Judge, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Ida B. Wells, Martin Luther King Jr., and Barack Obama, chronicles the diverse ways each fought racism and shows how much—and how little—has changed for Black Americans since our country’s founding.Full of daring escapes…Ninth to Twelfth GradeView book details
Promise BoysNick BrooksThree students race to solve their principal's murder before they're blamed.Ninth to Twelfth GradeLexile 731LATOS 4.7View book details
Run and HideDon Brown, illustrated by Don Brown"Mishra transforms a visceral, intimate story of one man's humble origins into a kaleidoscopic portrait of a society bedazzled by power and wealth . . .Ninth to Twelfth GradeView book details
Warrior Girl UnearthedAngeline BoulleyA young woman uncovers secrets and fights to reclaim her tribe's stolen history amidst rising danger.Ninth to Twelfth GradeLexile HL720LATOS 5.09View book details
Your Plantation Prom Is Not OkayKelly McWilliamsThis sharp-witted, timely novel explores cancel culture, anger, and grief, and challenges the romanticization of America's racist past with humor and heart—for readers of Dear Martin by Nic Stone and Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson.Ninth to Twelfth GradeView book details