A Mighty Girl's 2023 Summer Reading List

A lot is changing for Millie: her friend has moved away, her beloved Gram has recently died, and with Hitler attacking Europe, the United States may be going to war. Plus, her sickly sister demands all of her mom's attention, which means Millie has to be responsible for her little brother. It's hard to enjoy the sun and sand of California with so much changing so quickly, but with the help of Gram's last gift — a special notebook — and a new friend, Millie may manage to keep her center. The Newbery Award-winning author of Catherine, Called Birdy and The Midwife's Apprentice explores World War II on the homefront — including the challenges brought by rationing and the lingering effects of the Depression — through the eyes of a clever, determined Mighty Girl.

You probably think you know Rosa Parks' story: on a day when she was tired, she refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus, setting off the Montgomery bus boycott and a critical Civil Rights Movement win. But that's not the real story! Parks was a long-time activist who made a deliberate, strategic decision... and paid the price for her public defiance of Jim Crow laws. In this young readers edition of the award-winning The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks, young people can learn the true story of Parks' lifelong devotion to equality — and be inspired to fight for it themselves.

12-year-old Said has won an assistantship with Paiyoon, a master mapmaker — but the low-born girl knows that her upcoming 13th birthday, where she's supposed to receive a golden bracelet with links that show her noble ancestors, could end her hopes of a brighter future. Fortunately, before that day comes, Paiyoon starts an expedition to a fabled continent in the southern seas. The Sunderlands are supposed to be home to dragons and riches, and would give Sai a chance to make her fortune... but as she travels, she begins to wonder what it means to "discover" a place, and what price she's willing to pay for her dreams. This vibrant and thought-provoking Thai-inspired fantasy by the author of the Newbery Honor Book A Wish in the Dark explores identity, destiny, and the power of charting your own path.

Budding historians eager for more stories of women in America will love this book, which introduces many fascinating figures of the Colonial period. Women of the Revolutionary War played many roles, from tending to wounded soldiers, to sewing for the troops, to disguising themselves as men in order to fight alongside their brothers and husbands. Acclaimed author Laurie Halse Anderson uses thorough research to pay tribute to these little-celebrated women and their determination and courage. With engaging and detailed illustrations by Matt Faulkner, this book will intrigue children and adults alike!

Hattie McFadden loves paddling her canoe out on the lake every morning, singing a song as she goes. One day, though, a huge mysterious beast emerges to listen to her song! Hattie looks into the creature's friendly, curious eyes and knows that this is no monster, even if the town is terrified. How can she make the frightened, hostile townspeople see that Hudson isn't scary or dangerous at all? Chris Van Dusen brings his colorful, perspective-bending artwork to this satisfying story about acceptance, friendship, and sticking up for those who are different.

There will be times when you walk into a room and no one there is quite like you.... There are many reasons to feel different. Maybe it's how you look or talk, or where you're from; maybe it's what you eat, or because you are quiet when others' voices fill the room. It's not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet, but somehow you do it. National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson lyrical text and two-time Pura Belpré Illustrator Award winner Rafael López's dazzling art celebrates the courage it takes to go out into a world where you feel strange and alone, and the acceptance and friendship you can find if you do.

When Vasya's mother died after giving birth to her, she made her father promise to keep her special child safe. The independent young woman grew up on her nurse's 14th century Russian fairy tales about protective spirits and the blue-eyed winter demon, Frost. As a teenager, Vasya fights back against pressure from her father and stepmother to marry, and worries that the arrogant young priest who has recently arrived in her village is making people give up the rituals that honor the spirits. As a frightening winter storm batters them, Vasya will have to discover — and control — unexpected and dangerous gifts to protect her home. A bold heroine and lyrical language draw readers in to this irresistible story, the first of the Winternight Trilogy.

Follow the long and dramatic 72-year fight for women's right to vote with this thrilling and deeply-researched account of the Women's Suffrage Movement by distinguished historian Carol DuBois! Beginning with the Women's Rights Movement's early years, and bold activists like Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, and Sojourner Truth, DuBois explores how the movement rose and fell; how the crushing disappointment of women being denied the vote with the 15th Amendment led to a schism between many people who had long worked shoulder to shoulder as abolitionists against slavery; and then introduces a new generation of champions like Carrie Chapman Catt and Alice Paul who helped make the 19th Amendment a reality fifty years later. This authoritative history, released for the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment's ratification, is a stirring account of one of the most important movements in American history.

Tarisai was raised alone by an often absent mother known as The Lady, who once commanded a djinn to impregnate her with a child who would grant her last wish. She craves closeness and family, so when The Lady sends her to the capital to compete to be part of the Crown Prince's Council of 11, she's thrilled: those who are chosen are bonded eternally to the prince, providing mystical protection that ensures the only way he will die prematurely is at the hands of one of the Council. And that, it turns out, is The Lady's plan: Tarisai will earn the Crown Prince's trust, then murder him. Unless she manages to forge her own destiny... This stunning novel, set in a world full of conflict, prejudice, and poverty, explores the meaning of loyalty and the question of whether we can defy our destiny.

In the early 1800s, many women avoided medical care. Male doctors were often rough and demeaning with female patients; they were ignorant about women's biology; and the stigma of a diagnosis could hold them back from marriage, jobs, and more. As a result, women often died of preventable, treatable illness. Three women — Elizabeth Blackwell, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson and Sophia Jex-Blake — decided to demand the right to become doctors themselves. Not only would they earn medical degrees, paving the way for other women to do the same, but they would also create women-run facilities and colleges that changed the way women receive medical care. This book, perfect for fans of Hidden Figures and The Radium Girls, celebrates three women who changed medicine forever.

This little girl knows that too many people miss one of the best things about the great outdoors: rocks! After all, you can do a lot with a rock. As readers follow her through the pages, she skips rocks, sorts them, builds with them, and admires them... and best of all, shares them with someone who appreciates rocks as much as she does. Best-selling author Pat Zietlow Miller and acclaimed illustrator Katie Kath have created a main character whose infectious love of the stones under her feet becomes a tribute to creativity, outdoor play, and friendship.

15-year-old Ezra and 18-year-old Bea are siblings who've leaned on one another to survive their abusive and dysfunctional family life... until the morning that Ezra wakes up to find Bea gone. Bea never meant to leave Ez behind, but a message in her inbox sent her to St. Louis on a search for truth and family history — and a new life. Meanwhile, Ez is trying to figure out how to tell his boyfriend, Terrence, about what really happens at home. Told in dual perspectives through emails between the siblings, this poignant book by the authors of All the Bright Places and Every Day is an emotional and ultimately hopeful story of how the people who matter most can make any place home.

Zara has been nicknamed "Queen of the Neighborhood" by a beloved older neighbor, and that suits her just fine: she organizes everything whenever the kids play, and they always have a good time, right? But when new girl Naomi has her own ideas about how the kids can play, suddenly Zara feels pushed to the side. It will take a big plan to get all attention on her again... something like breaking a Guinness World Record! But breaking a record isn't easy (especially with her annoying little brother Zayd around), and Naomi starts trying (and failing) too. Fortunately, Zara comes up with a great idea that includes everyone — and even helps her build a new friendship with Naomi: a neighborhood record book! The first book in a new chapter book series by the author of Amina’s Voice, this funny series opener will maximize everyone's fun.

During her childhood in America's heartland of Kansas, Sarah Smarsh saw the women around her — women who struggled with poverty, early pregnancy, and stigma of being "trailer trash" — as the strength that held their community together. And country songs by female artists paid tribute to those ignored women — especially songs by Dolly Parton. In this book, which is part biography and part examination of how our culture dismisses the contributions of those from the "wrong" gender and class, the best-selling author of Heartland pays tribute to Parton's remarkable life, her philanthropy, and the spirit of feminism that she embodies in both her actions and her music.

Imagine learning to read at the age of 116! When Mary Walker was born into slavery in 1848, she wasn't allowed to learn to read — and even once she was freed at the age of 15, there was too much work to do to learn... or so she thought. But she was healthy and strong, and at the age of 114, she had outlived all her other family. It was time, perhaps, to follow that long-held dream: "Could someone her age learn to read? She didn’t know, but by God, she was going to try." Walker was certified the nation's oldest student twice over, and at 116, she learned! This inspiring story proves that, with perseverance and dedication, there's nothing you can't achieve.

Jane Addams wanted to find a way to change the world, but she didn't know what that would be until she saw Toynbee Hall in London, a settlement house dedicated to social reform. Inspired, she returned to America and bought a run-down house in a Chicago neighborhood that became Hull House, a community center where newly arrived immigrants from Italy, Greece, Poland, and other countries could find medical care, English lessons, athletic classes, and more. Her house transformed the neighborhood and, through her activism, Addams' helped transform the world — so much so that she became the second woman in history to be honored with a Nobel Peace Prize!

17-year-old Isobel's paintings are renowned by everyone — including the capricious fair folk, who depend on human Craft since any attempt to create something of their own will destroy them. But when Rook commissions a painting, Isobel depicts the sorrow she sees in his eyes, infuriating the fairy prince. As Isobel becomes embroiled in the politics of the fair folks' court, she and Rook unexpectedly fall in love, a crime punishable by death... unless she can find a way to use her Craft to save them. Full of romance, intrigue, and action, this story laced with magic and fairy lore is spellbinding.

As a child, Clara Barton struggled with shyness and fear... but her beloved brother insisted that she would find a way to change the world. When he suffered a terrible injury, Clara helped him recover — and found her life's work. Clara Barton would go on to become a teacher, a nurse on the front lines of the Civil War, and the founder of the American Red Cross. This Step Into Reading level 3 early reader biography of this inspiring role model will encourage young readers to face their own fears and follow their dreams.

12-year-old Audra lives on a quiet family farm in 1893 Lithuania, but her world is turned upside down when occupying Russian Cossack soldiers arrest her parents and burn their home to the ground. Her parents send her to escape, carrying an important package: unbeknownst to her, they have been working as book smugglers, fighting to keep their language and culture alive after the Russian Czar made it a crime to speak or write in Lithuania. Audra soon joins the resistance movement, risking her life to smuggle even more books before they are burned by the Russians. Still, she wonders if her work for the resistance might not just save her language; perhaps it can save her parents too. In Words on Fire, Jennifer A. Nielsen, the author of A Night Divided and Resistance, introduces readers to this little-known period in history through the inspiring story of a courageous girl determined to fight against oppression.

When journalist Marjory Stoneman Douglas returned to Florida after World War I, she was shocked at the difference in her home: where once the Everglades were lush with life, now they were disappearing — and taking the plant and animal life along with them. But how could she protect this unique place from destruction by developers? She put her pen into action and became an activist for conservation in Florida, helping the Everglades become a national park — one created not for sightseeing, but for preservation. With vibrant artwork that captures the beauty of the Everglades, and back matter including environmental tips, this is a gorgeous tribute to Douglas' life and work.

Mona Golabek's stunning book for older readers, The Children of Willesden Lane, is now available in an early chapter book format! Musical prodigy Lisa dreams of being a concert pianist, but with World War II looming, Vienna is no longer safe for Jewish families like hers. Her parents make the difficult decision to send her to London through the Kindertransport. In a home for refugee children, Lisa desperately misses her family, but her music provides her — and all of those around her — with comfort. Adapted for younger readers with shorter chapters, and including additional material about Holocaust history and the Kindertransport, this powerful book celebrates the power of music to uplift the human spirit. For a picture book version of the story, check out Hold On To Your Music: The Inspiring True Story of the Children of Willesden Lane for ages 5 to 8.

Aline Griffith was a young college graduate when the US entered World War II, and she was eager to help the war effort. By chance, she met Frank Ryan at a dinner party, who saw her potential and helped her join the Office of Strategic Services — the forerunner to today's CIA. Griffith was sent to Spain to be a coder, but as her talents became obvious, she was given an additional task: infiltrate high society — officials, diplomats, and nobles — to track down enemy agents, recruit intelligence assets, and counter Nazi tactics. She even married the Count of Romanones, one of Spain's richest men, and still continued her espionage work. This real-life spy story, better than any Hollywood film, chronicles the dazzling glamor and risky maneuvers of this incredible American spy.

11-year-old, physics-loving Suzy wakes up one night to find a train track being built through the middle of her living room. The Impossible Postal Express runs on fusion bananas and carries parcels to "all the weird and magical places that don’t quite fit anywhere else." Before she knows what's happening, the Postmaster deputizes her to help, and her first task is to deliver a snow globe to the evil Lady Crepuscula. But it turns out that the snow globe, which can talk and is named Frederick, doesn't want to be delivered: he has information Crepuscula could use to take over all of the Union of Impossible Places. But Frederick isn't telling her everything, and Suzy will have to decide if she can risk herself and her new friends... and what will save the Union. This rollicking, whimsical adventure, first in a trilogy, will take young readers on a magical ride!

12-year-old orphan Zita believes she's destined for life as a housemaid — so she's shocked when an animated scarecrow appears to tell her that she is heir to a mysterious castle and the powerful witchcraft of the Brydgeborn family. At Castle Blackbird, Zita gets instruction in magic from a guardian, Mrs. Cantanker, and bonds with Minnifer and Bram, two other orphans who tend to the castle and grounds. But all is not as it seems: the Brydgeborns were victims of foul play, and their magic is key in a battle between the living and the dead. Zita needs to figure out who she can trust — and whether she can save the family she's always wanted. Suspenseful and magical, with a vibrant and witchy world, this compelling novel is perfect for fans of Katherine Arden’s Small Spaces and Diana Wynne Jones’s Howl’s Moving Castle.

Messy and outdoors-loving Cinders finds life with her mean stepmother and stepsisters boring... until the day her wishes start coming true, and her dog Sparks starts talking! As she tries to figure out what's happening, Cinders meets her fairy godmother, whose name, Brian, isn't the strangest thing about her. And when Cinders magics her own way to the royal ball, it's not quite what she expected either: Prince Joderick would rather be baking than picking a princess, and the royal family is terrified of fairies. This laugh-out-loud chapter book, featuring plenty of hilarious black and white illustrations, follows Cinder as she figures out how to make her own destiny... and how to adapt when it's not what she (or the reader!) expected.

14-year-old Brystal Evergreen lives in the Southern Kingdom, where women are forbidden from reading and all magic is outlawed. But the book-loving girl defies the first law, and then, to her shock, discovers that she's also breaking the second: she is a fairy with magic abilities! Disowned by her family and sent to the Bootstrap Correctional Facility for her "crimes," Brystal is rescued by a mysterious woman named Madame Weatherberry, who runs an Academy of Magic. But when Madame Weatherberry disappears, Brystal and her classmates will have to decide if they dare to go searching for her — and if they have the power to stop a plot that threatens to end all magic forever! The first book in a new series by the author of the Land of Stories, this magical adventure celebrates found family and being true to yourself.

10-year-old Della knows that two things will never change: her own big mouth, and the protection of her 16-year-old sister Suki. Suki took care of her when her mother was jailed, and when her mother's boyfriend started sexually abusing Della, it was Suki who helped her escape. Now they're staying with a foster mother, Francine, and Della is starting to feel safe — but Suki has her sights set on obtaining independence, and custody of Della, at age 18. When Suki learns that won't be possible, her mental health begins to unravel, and Della realizes that it's time for her to use her "big mouth" to break the stigma about childhood sexual abuse and make people take notice. Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, the Newbery Honor-winning author of The War That Saved My Life, tells Della's story with humor, poignancy, and power.

Maureen and Francine are twin sisters, but they're also best friends — or they were until this year. Just before 6th grade, Francine decided to start going by Fran, started dressing differently, and even picked different activities from Maureen. Hurt and confused, Maureen pushes back by running against Fran for student council, kicking off a campaign that includes nasty slander, poster defacement, and an awful lot of family tension. It's not long before Maureen wonders if sisters really are forever, or if they're done for good. Varian Johnson and Shannon Wright team up to create a funny and heartfelt graphic novel about sisterhood, identity, and the rapidly shifting emotional world of tweens.

Like many young girls of her time, Joan Procter hosted pretend tea parties... but unlike the other girls, she invited lizards, snakes, and other reptiles to her table! Joan loved all reptiles, and she became famous for carrying her favorite lizard everywhere she went, and even bringing a crocodile to school! When Joan grew up, she found her place: Curator of Reptiles at the British Museum, and the designer of the Reptile House at the London Zoo, where she once again hosted children's tea parties — this time with her pet komodo dragon! This lively biography of a groundbreaking, lizard-loving scientist is sure to delight young readers.

It's 1941, and 14-year-old Frankie and her siblings are "half-orphans": children given to orphanages by parents who are struggling financially. Unknown to Frankie, though, someone is watching her: the narrator, Pearl, the ghost of a girl who died not much older than Frankie is. As Frankie explores an illicit romance, Pearl meditates on her own past — and both stories illuminate injustice, poverty, and the cruelty directed towards girls and women. Set during a tumultuous period as the final remnants of the Great Depression gave way to World War II, this absorbing, supernaturally tinged novel — a finalist for the National Book Award — brilliantly tells the story of these two young women, disconnected by time yet connected by the shared desire to live their lives freely and fully no matter the costs.

High school senior Liz has a big plan to get out of the midwestern town where a poor, queer, black girl like her never fit in: an elite college and a career as a doctor will write her a ticket out. But when she loses the financial aid she was counting on, her brother suggests something crazy: Liz could try to become prom queen, which comes with a scholarship. As she awkwardly works herself into the running, she meets another candidate for prom queen, new girl Mack — and quickly finds herself falling in love. With prom looming every closer and things getting more complicated by the second, Liz has to decide if it will destroy her dreams or make them come true. Equal parts smart and sweet, this queer YA rom-com is both full of heart and laugh-out-loud funny.

Before bed, Margaret wishes on the North Star for an adventure on a special ship and someone special for company. Soon, she’s sailing the waves on a ship named after her, with her baby brother James along for the adventure. There are exciting things to go and new things to see, and even when a late afternoon thunderstorm churns the waves, Margaret knows just how to comfort James, playing her fiddle until he’s soothed to sleep. This classic picture book ode to imagination and a sister's love is back in print, ready for a new generation of children to enjoy.

"When I saw you for the very first time, I was filled with joy that you were mine." In this heartwarming book, Caroline Jayne Church's rhyming text and colorful illustrations provide a warm, tender look at the love between parent and child. The repeated refrain, "I knew I would love you forever," reminds young readers that, no matter where they go, they are cherished and loved. This padded cover board book is suitable for all ages and perfect for a snuggly storytime.

The girl in this book loves to draw, paint, and write stories, but one day she wonders: what would happen if she had no pencil? Well, that's easy: she could fold paper to make origami. If the paper was gone... well, she could "chisel the table" or peel away paint on the wall to create a giant sun! In fact, she realizes, creativity and self-expression is something that's impossible to take away: as long as you have your imagination, your art can always fly free.

Follow the adventures of Zoey and her cat Sassafras with this wrapped paperback set of the first six books in this fun chapter book series! Zoey has a special secret: she can see magical animals, who come to her when they need help. In each story, which are filled with whimsical illustrations on nearly every page, Zoey meets a new animal and figures out how to solve their problem using the scientific method. Whether she's researching a topic, conducting experiments, or puzzling out a mystery with her trusty Thinking Goggles, Zoey's stories are the perfect mix of mystery, magic, and science! Don't forget to add the latest volumes in the series, Grumplets and Pests, Bips and Roses, and Wishypoofs and Hiccups.

Frances Perkins grew up at a time when girls weren't supposed to speak up, but her grandmother encouraged her to challenge herself: "when somebody opens a door to you, go forward." She discovered her passion in activism, and became a ferocious advocate for working people across America. And when the newly elected President Franklin Delano Roosevelt asked her to bring her wisdom to his cabinet — and hopefully pull the country out of the Great Depression — she answered that she would... if she could "do it her way." This empowering picture book biography of the first woman in a presidential cabinet — and the mastermind behind Roosevelt's New Deal — will encourage kids to imagine how their own voices could change the world.

Katharine Lee Bates grew up during the Civil War, so she saw her country at its most divided — but even when the war was over, she knew America wasn't unified. Girls were treated differently than boys; immigrants struggled to get education and help; and while some enjoyed prosperity, others struggled to make ends meet. On an 1893 train trip, she saw some of America's greatest beauties... and turned it into a poem that expressed her vision of the country as one family, working together for the good of all. This exquisite picture book explores Bates' history as a college professor, founder of a settlement house, suffragist, and peace activist, and how her political opinions helped her forge one of the nation's most beloved songs.

12-year-old Libby has Turner Syndrome, a genetic condition that makes some things tough, but she's optimistic, talented at science, and crazy about her family — especially her big sister, Nonny. When Nonny gets pregnant, Libby is over the moon... but she worries about how her sister will manage finances, and whether the baby will be born healthy. So she bargains with fate: she'll enter the the Smithsonian Women in STEM contest with her project about astronomer Cecilia Payne, and she'll give Nonny the prize money. Debut author Sarah Allen, who has Turner Syndrome like her heroine, has created a heartwarming story about persistence, love, and finding yourself.

After day after day of cold, loneliness, and dark, a little girl wishes that things would change — and discovers a fallen star! The star's light is "beautiful and warm and perfect" but she's not sure what to do to keep it that way. In fact, wrapped in her sweater, it seems to get dimmer by the moment. But when she discovers that sharing helps brighten the star, she starts doing small good deeds wherever she can — leading to a chain of kindness that not only give light to the star, but also to all of the town! With vibrant illustrations that slowly brighten as the girl helps bring light to others, this is a powerful metaphorical tale about how small kindnesses can make the whole world better.

When dark times surround us — bad news, personal crises, and more — how do we cope? Bestselling author Anne Lamott argues that we do so by embracing what makes us human... and recognizing that the dark must end. Telling her own stories — including the story of marrying for the first time after she already had a grown son and a grandson — she describes how her optimistic outlook led to the good things she enjoys today. With her trademark honesty and humor, Lamott encourages readers to contemplate life, faith, and how we can find joy in unexpected times and places.

18-year-old Daunis is the child of a wealthy Fontaine mother and an Anishinaabe father — and walking between those two worlds can be challenging. She's deferred her plans to go to college while her maternal grandmother recovers from a stroke, and spends time playing hockey with her half brother and his hockey team. When Daunis witnesses a murder — one related to a dangerous new form of meth — she reluctantly agrees to go undercover for the FBI, combining her knowledge of chemistry and traditional medicine in the process. But the investigation is more concerned about punishment than preventing more victims, and soon Daunis has to decide how far she'll go to protect her community from the corruption that threatens to tear it apart. This tense thriller tackles issues of sexual assault, drug addiction, and racism, all through the eyes of a strong Ojibwe woman.

For hundreds of years, a small group of Elders have ruled the Protectorate by terrorizing its citizens with stories of a witch who will destroy the community if a baby is not left in the forest for her once a year. A witch does live in the forest — but she is a kind and gentle witch named Xan, who rescues the abandoned babies. One year, however, she accidentally feeds a rescued baby moonlight instead of starlight. The moonlight fills the child with powerful magic, and for her safety, Xan decides to raise this special child, Luna, as her own. As Luna approaches her 13th birthday, her magic begins to grow in new and unpredictable ways. With her coming of age, Luna will face new challenges to protect the people she loves and bring renewed hope to the lives of those around her. This stunning novel, winner of the 2017 Newbery Medal, has become a modern classic.

In 2014, 21-year-old Nadia Murad's quiet life in a Yazidi village in Iraq ended when ISIS invaded, massacring most of her family and neighbors, and kidnapping women young enough to be used as sex slaves. Nadia was taken to Mosul and forced into the ISIS slave market. Following months of abuse, she escaped — and went on to become one of most vocal advocates for the girls and women left in captivity. As a witness to the Islamic State's brutality, a survivor of rape, a refugee, a Yazidi, Nadia tells her harrowing and ultimately inspiring story in a powerful memoir. This courageous young woman's story is a moving testament of the human will to survive and a call to action to end abuses towards women worldwide by the winner of the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize.

When Harriet Tubman served as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, she depended on two other women: Martha Wright, Quaker mother of seven, and Frances Seward, wife of William H. Seward — who was first a Governor, then a Senator, then Secretary of State. These three unexpected friends formed a bond based on their mutual desire to fight for the abolition of slavery and the establishment of women's rights. In this remarkable book, drawn from the letters the three wrote to one another, acclaimed author Dorothy Wickenden explores how these women's lives changed — and how their country changed around them.

At first, Lida believes that she and her family are safe from the Nazis since they aren't Jewish. However, the Ukrainian girl can't escape the horrors of World War II. Lida is rounded up with other youth and sent to a brutal labor camp where she and other children will be forced to make German bombs until they drop. There, Lida comes up with a daring plan: sabotage the bombs. Her friends are eager to join her secret resistance, but if their deception is discovered, they'll surely be executed. Nevertheless, the chance to do their own, small part to end the war is too important to waste. Based on the real-life experience of countless Ukrainian and other Central and Eastern European children who were among the estimated 3 to 5 million Ostarbeiters (or "Eastern workers") used as slave labor in Nazi work camps, this historical fiction novel is not too graphic for younger readers, but still captures both the horrors of the camps and the courage of people like Lida who found ways to fight back against Nazi oppression.

In the midst of the Holocaust, 25 women — mostly Jewish women and girls — were pulled out of the worst hell of Auschwitz-Berkenau concentration camp. They might be spared from the gas chambers, but in exchange, they had to design and sew dresses for elite Nazi women, wives of the camp commandant, SS guards, and officers. Their support the dressmakers gave to one another helped them endure the persecution and oppression they faced, but it also gave them the opportunity to help during rare moments of resistance in the camp. Historian Lucy Adlington draws on multiple sources, including interviews with the last surviving dressmakers, to create this book that's part examination of the hypocrisy of the Third Reich and part celebration of female friendship in the midst of horror.

11-year-old Pearl lives on a cattle and ostrich ranch outside San Diego, where her days are spent collecting feeding cows, collecting eggs, and avoiding the cranky birds. But when her brothers get jobs doing stunts for the newfangled silent film industry, Pearl gets curious — and a set visit leads to director Mr. Corrigan signing the "nervy girl" on to do stunts too! Riding tricks are second nature to Pearl, but acting is less so (which is particularly annoying when her rival, Mary Mason, seems to find it so easy.) And, of course, her mother wouldn't be happy to learn what Pearl has been up to... This laugh-out-loud cross between Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken and Ramona Quimby, inspired by real-life stuntwoman Pearl White, is packed with adventure and fascinating facts about early film.

Ruby Bridges was just six years old when she walked through an angry crowd, escorted by federal marshals, to integrate an all-white school in New Orleans — by starting kindergarten. In this early reader, Bridges aptly tells her story to her young audience and accents it with historical photographs, allowing emerging readers to develop an understanding of segregation and to explore an iconic moment in the struggle for civil rights. It's an inspiring story about a courageous girl, told in her own voice! For a picture book telling of Bridges' story, check out The Story of Ruby Bridges for ages 4 to 8.

Stefania “Fusia” Podgórska achieved her dream of leaving the family farm by working for the Jewish Diamant family in their grocery story in Przemsyl, Poland. The Catholic Fusia finds friendship with the family, and even first love: a secret betrothal with Izio Diamant. But when the German army invades, the Diamants are forced into a ghetto and Fusia is left without work and responsible for her 6-year-old sister Helena. And then, she hears a knock on the door: Izio's brother, Max, has jumped from a train taking Jews to the death camps. Fusia and Helena end up hiding Max and twelve other Jews — even while two Nazi offers requisition living space in their house. But can they keep their deadly secret? Best-selling author Sharon Cameron based this book on Fusia's true story, and includes an author's note detailing Fusia, Helena, and Max's lives after the war.

Elizabeth Berg's father was a tough-as-nails Army veteran who adored his wife: for nearly seventy years, he devoted himself to her, and they spent as little time as possible apart. But when he developed Alzheimer's disease, the couple had to leave their home and move into a facility that could provide the care he needed. Suddenly, she and her siblings had to provide the advice, support, and direction that their parents had always given them. How could they know what was the right thing to do? Though challenges and missteps, but also through laughter and joy, they found a way to make the transition work. In this heartfelt memoir, Berg chronicles what it's like to watch someone you love on a journey you can't make easier — and how love can still help heal.

Lee Westfall has a secret: she can sense when gold is near. She's used her talent frugally, but everything falls apart when her parents are murdered, her best friend — maybe more — leaves for the California gold rush, and her uncle tries to claim her parents' property, including her and her talent, for himself. To escape, Lee disguises herself as a boy and sets out by train for California. With a mix of historic obstacles — everything from hunger and illness to buffalo stampedes — and fantasy ones — keeping her gold-finding abilities a secret — this first volume of the Gold Seer Trilogy features a fast-paced story and an appealing, determined main character. Fans of the first book can check out the other two volumes, Like A River Glorious and Into The Bright Unknown.

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She's a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world's future. No one — including Cinder herself — knows that Earth's fate hinges on one very special young woman... To follow Cinder's further adventures, all five books in the series are available in The Lunar Chronicles Box Set.

As a child, Malala Yousafzai dreamed of having a magic pencil -- the kind that could erase the smell of garbage or even let her sleep in an extra hour! But as she got older, she realized that there were bigger problems in the world than she saw before... and that there were more important things to wish for. Most importantly, she realized that her pencil could be magic: the power of her words could make her own dreams come true and help her fight for the millions of other children like her who desperately wished for an education. Yousafzai's first picture book is uplifting and inspiring, with vibrant illustrations from Kerascoët.

Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton was far more than the wife of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton! From her work building schools and orphanages to raising funds for the Washington Monument, Eliza — who outlived her husband by fifty years — was a determined and resilient force for change in her time. This well-researched picture book biography is framed as a letter from Eliza to her as-yet-unborn great-granddaughter, and accented with exquisite illustrations that mirror 18th century American paintings, elegantly illuminating the life and influence of this extraordinary woman.

"I look up to Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Let me tell you why..." This detailed board book is a great way to introduce babies, toddlers, and preschoolers to a woman you admire! The book distills Ruth Bader Ginsburg's inspiring attributes into page spreads with vibrant illustrations that are appealing for babies and toddlers and text that's interesting enough for preschoolers. Each spread includes a quote from RBG herself! This book is from the I Look Up To... series that celebrates inspiring women; other volumes in the series feature Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Malala Yousafzai, Serena Williams, and Misty Copeland.

Young children can learn their colors and meet the inimitable Anne Shirley in this large-format concept board book! Artist Kelly Hill uses cut fabric and embroidery to create famous scenes from Anne's story, from the puffed-sleeve dress to a taste of raspberry cordial to Gilbert pulling Anne's hair. The 8 by 8 inch size makes it easy to see all the gorgeous details! This series of Anne concept books includes three other volumes: Anne's Alphabet, Anne's Feelings, and Anne's Numbers.

Meet the little sisters of The Baby-sitters Club in this graphic novel adaptation by Katy Farina! 6-year-old Karen is Kristy's little stepsister, and despite the "no spying" rule at her father's house, her interest (and fears) are piqued by Mrs. Porter, the next door neighbor, who she's convinced that is actually a witch named Morbidda Destiny. With some sort of special meeting due to happen at Mrs. Porter's house soon, can Karen face her fears to stop this witchy plot... or to discover that things aren't necessarily as they appear? Farina's expressive illustrations make this graphic novel, the first in the Baby-Sitters Little Sister series, a charming choice — and the perfect introduction to a new crew of Ann M. Martin's beloved characters.

When Woodrow Wilson was inaugurated as President, Alice Paul was waiting — and knew he would meet his match! Paul was determined to win the battle for women's suffrage, and she battered Wilson with clever protests, articulate arguments, and a ferocious refusal to quit. In this thrilling picture book biography, author Barb Rosenstock captures the struggle between Paul and Wilson as a four-round boxing match — in which Paul's clever strategy defeats him at every turn! With colorful, period-inspired illustrations from Sarah Green, and extensive back matter providing additional detail about Paul's work and legacy, this compelling book highlights just how fierce the fight for the vote was.

"Flip a switch. Turn a gear. Could Baby be an engineer?" This baby loves to find out all about how things work! She's full of questions — just like a grown-up engineer — and she's determined to learn the answers. In this charming book from the Future Baby board book series, baby learns fun facts about a variety of engineering fields, including electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering, as well as the importance of keeping a curious spirit and refusing to give up. This delightful and encouraging board book is sure to spark some engineering spirit in everyone!

A young orca named Vega knows she will be the matriarch of the pod someday, hunting and navigating the Salish Sea with her brother, Deneb, supporting her — but Vega still wonders if she's the right whale to lead. Then, an earthquake and tsunami separate Vega and Deneb from the pod, and leave the ocean unrecognizable with wreckage from the disasters everywhere. To save her brother and her surviving family, Vega will have to journey into the open water and find her way back home again. Told in alternating perspectives by Vega and Deneb, this thrilling animal adventure, accented by black and white spot illustrations, incorporates lessons about sea life and environmental issues into a powerful story about the strength of family.

Brenda Berkman was tired of hearing that there were some jobs that girls just couldn't do. She wanted a challenging job where she could put her intelligence and physical strength to work — she wanted to be a firefighter! But the New York City Fire Department didn't want to admit women, — and even when they grudgingly complied with the law and let women take the FDNY exam, they changed the test so that women couldn't pass it &mdash ; and neither could many of the men. Brenda took the FDNY to court, and in 1982, they finally made a fair test... which she and 41 other women passed. Brenda went on to work as a firefighter for 25 years, and even served as a first responder during the 9/11 attacks. This inspiring picture book is a celebration of a woman who insisted on fighting fires — and fighting for what was fair.

Across World War II France, nine women — all under 30 — had joined the resistance against the Nazis. Each of them helped however they could, whether they were smuggling weapons, harboring spies and Jewish fugitives, or coordinating communication. And each of them was caught by French police and interrogated and tortured by the Gestapo before being deported to Germany for imprisonment. Along the way, these nine women met, becoming close friends, even as they faced the infamous Ravensbrück concentration camp and forced labor. And when they were forced onto a death march in the final days of the war, one of the women, Hélène Podliasky, led the nine in a daring and heart-stopping escape. Told by Podliasky's grandniece, author Gwen Strauss, this is a stunning story of resistance, friendship, and the will to survive.

Nice Leng'ete and her older sister Soila's paths diverged on the day that they climbed a tree, hoping to escape "the cut" — female genital mutilation. The two girls had been orphaned young, and their uncle didn't think girls were worth more than a dowry. Soila realized that it would be impossible for both of them to avoid the cut... but agreed to submit in exchange for sparing her younger sister. Soila married, left school, and started bearing children, while Nice became the first in her family to attend college. But her example provided the opportunity to change the minds of both the elders and the women who supported the practice. Today, Nice's village has ended FGM — and Nice is devoted to stopping the practice around the world. Heartbreaking but hopeful, this is a powerful story of the change that can come from one girl when she's given the chance to succeed.

Jane Goodall loved animals, even as a child, and as an adult, she wanted to study them! She made groundbreaking observations about chimpanzees at Gombe, but in the process, she also realized that the actions of humans were hurting the chimpanzees and their environment. In fact, even well-meaning human activity — like traveling into natural spaces to observe animals in the wild — could cause big problems. Since then, she's inspired millions of people around the world to protect the environment! This inspiring board book is the perfect way to show young animal-lovers how they can make the world a greener place.

Vanessa Nakate grew up in Uganda, and she didn't think about how climate change affected her until she was a college student, when she realized that the floods and droughts that ravaged her home country, and others across Africa, were increasing. Even though African countries had little impact on climate change, it had a huge impact on them. Vanessa became an activist, campaigning to save ecosystems and fight for climate equity. She even got invited to an important summit in 2020... only to be cropped out of a photo of climate change activists. She raised her voice about how the global change movement disregarded Africa's needs, and she's still working for a greener — and fairer — world. This book from the best-selling Little People, BIG DREAMS series is an empowering introduction to an activist who raised her voice for a continent.

As a slave in the early 19th century, Araminta Ross got to see just how bad the abuses of slave-owners could get. So despite the risk, she took off for places north of the Mason-Dixon line, where slavery was illegal and she could be free. She changed her name to Harriet Tubman... and then she went back. Tubman couldn't bring herself to leave others in bondage, so she spent the rest of her life helping other enslaved people escape. This graphic novel from the Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales series paints a dramatic portrait of a truly courageous woman.

Emily Windsnap is half-human, half-mermaid, and the moment she discovers her true heritage, she's off on a series of underwater adventures! But there are dangers that Emily, who was raised as a human, isn't prepared for in the world of the merpeople — and when she makes mistakes, the consequences can be enormous. Fortunately, she has good friends to help her find her way. This beautiful collection includes the first six books from the Emily Windsnap series in paperback editions. For more books in the series, visit our Emily Windsnap Collection.

The mystery of Jack the Ripper looms large in popular culture, but the story of his victims is nearly forgotten. From early on, London newspapers spread the story that the Ripper killed prostitutes — the sort of woman society wouldn't miss — giving readers license to gasp in delighted horror at his crimes. Historian Hallie Rubenhold looks further at the stories of Polly, Annie, Elizabeth, Catherine and Mary-Jane, revealing complex lives, intriguing stories, and dreams shattered by the prejudices against women they faced every day. Shedding new perspective on one of the world's most famous crime stories, this book's most important question asks: why don't we care about the women the Ripper destroyed?

Ronia is the celebrated daughter of Matt, leader of a ferocious band of robbers, but she’s happiest alone, exploring the deep forest. There, she meets Birk, the son of Matt’s greatest rival, Borka, and the two become unexpected friends. But when new hostilities break out between two bands, Ronia is faced with conflicting loyalties when her father wants to use Birk as a hostage to force his rival’s surrender. Can Ronia and Birk find a way to reconcile the two robber barons, or will they have to choose between friendship and family? This book by Astrid Lindgren, author of Pippi Longstocking, is full of adventure and suspense, as well as insightful explorations about loyalty, gender, and standing up for what you believe in.

12-year-old Cassie's mother was adventurous, vibrant, and full of energy... before her early-onset Alzheimer's diagnosis. Now, she's unpredictable and almost childlike, and she sometimes even forgets Cassie's name. The strain of her mother's illness has taken the joy out of Cassie's life, and left a rift between her and her best friend, Bailey. But when it becomes obvious that her mother isn't going to get better, Cassie reaches out to Bailey to help with one more adventure: fulfilling her mother's dream of swimming with dolphins before she moves to a care facility. This poignant story from the author of Extraordinary Birds explores how Cassie deals with her mother's degenerative condition — and provides a reminder that there is joy to be found, even in the toughest times.

In December 1941, Elspeth Kent is a teacher at the Chefoo School, a missionary school in northern China — but she's eager to return home to England to help with the war effort. 10-year-old Nancy Plummer, one of her students, is quite happy at the school, which is comfortable and safe — especially for a British citizen. But when Japan declares war on Britain and America, and Japanese forces take over the school, both their lives are turned upside down. Miss Kent's new Girl Guide patrol helps provide a sense of safety, but when they are all sent to an internment camp, it may not be enough... This stunning novel, inspired by true events, captures the bonds between students and teacher and the impossible choices we face in war.

12-year-old Dominican-American Lucely is used to ghosts: all of her family's spirits live as fireflies in the willow tree behind her house. But when Lucely's single father realizes he might lose the house, and her grandmother's spirit gives her a dire warning and then falls dormant, Lucely decides she has to take the situation into her own hands. She and her friend Syd borrow a book of magic from Syd's grandmother Babette's occult store to revive Mamá — and accidentally release some very unfriendly spirits instead! To fix the haunting, Lucely and Syd will need help from Babette, her cat, and and Lucely's very opinionated ancestors! This sweetly spooky and action-packed novel, part Coco and part Ghostbusters, is a delightful middle grade ghost story.

It's 1958, and twelve-year-old Marlee is struggling: the Governor of Arkansas has shut all high schools to avoid the federal order to integrate schools, so her sister has been sent away so she doesn't miss a year. Always shy, Marlee responds to the chaos by retreating even more... until she meets Liz, the new girl at her middle school. Fearless and determined, Liz knows just what to say to encourage Marlee to find her voice. Then, one day, Liz is gone; rumor has it that she was actually black, and pretending to be white. Liz's friendship helps Marlee understand the damage that segregation does — and the value of fighting it. As racial tensions rise, danger looms for both the girls and their families as they stand up for integration, but their friendship helps them stand strong. Heartfelt and satisfying, this story of friendship and the fight for justice will make young readers cheer.

This empowering board book is a great way to teach kids that "little trailblazers cause great big changes!" Ten groundbreaking women leaders are featured in this book, ranging from computer pioneer Ada Lovelace to athlete Wilma Rudolph to prima ballerina Maria Tallchief. Each woman's story is told in a short verse and accompanied by a cheerful illustration, while a final two-page spread provides a list of twelve more women whose stories you can explore together.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Alice Paul reignited the Women's Suffrage Movement with dramatic new protests, finally bringing sufficient pressure on elected officials that the 19th Amendment was passed in 1920. Then, she set her sights on other laws that discriminated against women. Her proposed Equal Rights Amendment may not have been passed — yet — but her continued fight for equality for women has inspired the generations after her to take up the banner. This compelling biography provides an excellent introduction for tweens and teens to the life and work of one of the greatest champions of women's right in U.S. history.

Before the Nazis could implement their Final Solution, they needed to convert Auschwitz from a prison camp into a death machine — and they used Jewish teenage girls and young women to do it. When the 999 young women boarded a train in Slovakia, they believed they were being sent to work in a shoe factory; in reality, their actual purpose was to be used as slave labor at Auschwitz, demolishing buildings with their bare hands, digging trash out of frozen lakes, and building dozens of barracks. Almost all of them were dead within a year from starvation and disease. Of those few who survived the war, author Heather Dune Macadam was able to interview twenty of them before their stories were lost to history forever, and this gripping book finally gives voice to these forgotten young women and their astounding struggle to survive in the most harrowing of circumstances.

As a child in the 1940s, Patricia Bath became fascinated by caring for vision when she saw a beggar with cloudy eyes. Most people then thought a girl — particularly an African American girl — couldn't be a doctor, but she proved them wrong and became an ophthalmologist. Through her pioneering work in laser eye surgery, her work as cofounder of the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness, and her innovative concept of community preventative eye care, Dr. Bath would save the sight of people around the world. This inspiring book from the People Who Shaped Our World series is a fitting tribute to this compassionate woman.

When the Berlin Wall went up, it split Gerta's family in two: her father and middle brother, who had gone to West Berlin to look for work, are on one side; Gerta, her mother, and her other brother are on the other, under the Soviet's authoritarian control in East Berlin. Now Gerta is growing up with East German soldiers pointing guns at their own citizens to keep them prisoners in their own city. Then, on her way to school, Gerta spots her father on a viewing platform, performing a strange dance, and receives a mysterious drawing. Her conclusion? Her father wants them to tunnel under the wall and reunite the family. But do they dare the deadly consequences of getting caught in search of freedom? This gripping book encourages kids to consider how fragile freedom can be as it ends with the warning: 'History repeats itself."

It's 1896, and all Bessie wants is to go hiking with her father and brothers... but girls don't hike, so they leave her at home. Instead, she gets to meet an intriguing guest: Susan B. Anthony, in town for a rally in hopes of passing the first referendum on women's suffrage. Inspired by Anthony's speech, Bessie recruits a friend to join her as she helps at the suffrage headquarters. There may be lots of things that Bessie can't do, but perhaps, someday, those restrictions will finally lift. Although the 1896 referendum did not pass, Claire Rudolf Murphy's fictional story of a real Californian girl hints at the change to come: Bessie's mother learns to ride a bicycle and her father decides to take her hiking after all.

Ages:	4 - 8
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Upon her christening, the fairies gift Princess Amy with Wit, Charm, Health, Courage... and Ordinariness. Unlike her exquisite sisters, Amy's appearance is plain, and she's far more interested in adventures than in marrying a prince. So when her parents try to marry her off, Amy decides to run away, and her gift of being ordinary allows her to blend in perfectly as a kitchen maid in the neighboring kingdom's palace. There, she makes a new friend — but Perry, a "man of all work", has a secret as remarkable as her own. In fact, they may just be the perfect pair... This charming story, with its reminder that looks are unimportant without substance behind them, also captures the power of choosing your own future.

For this little girl, bedtime means special time with Daddy! In this charming bedtime book, as a father cradles his little girl, she is whisked away on an imaginative adventure swinging above lush floral gardens under the golden moonlight — that ends, naturally, in content slumber. The text, inspired by "Rock-a-bye baby", is engaging and loving, and coupled with the whimsical and peaceful illustrations, this is a fantastic bedtime (or anytime) story.

Sent to a boarding school in Ancelstierre as a young child, Sabriel has had little experience with the power of Free Magic or the Dead who refuse to stay dead in the Old Kingdom. But during her final semester, her father, the Abhorsen, goes missing, and Sabriel knows she must enter the Old Kingdom to find him. With the help of new friends, she'll travel deep into the lands of the Dead but every step brings them closer to a battle that will pit them against the true forces of life and death and bring Sabriel face-to-face with her own destiny. The first book of the Abhorsen Trilogy established Garth Nix as a star of the fantasy world; the story continues in Lirael and Abhorsen — or all three books are available in the Abhorsen box set.

After seeing a video of Grandmother Wolfe jingle dancing, Jenna, a Muscogee girl, wants to continue her family’s tradition at the upcoming powwow. But how can she get enough jingles for her dress? By taking a few jingles from dresses belonging to a neighbor and several of her relatives, Jenna is able to sew a dress that will jingle properly. Grandmother helps her practice, and at the powwow, Jenna represents all four women who shared parts of their dresses and their memories with an eager young girl. This book celebrates the joy of dancing, the pride of continuing family and cultural traditions, and the power of a supportive community of women.

This unique picture book takes readers on a journey through the seven decades of the Women's Suffrage Movement. From Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott at the Seneca Falls convention, to Alice Paul and Lucy Burns' protests that finally led to the 19th Amendment, this book presents a capsule history of the movement, its key figures, and the most important moments on the quest to get women the vote. With enough detail to satisfy a newly independent reader, but an accessible tone that creates a sense of excitement to the story, this book is sure to become a favorite resource on women's history.

It started as an assignment: Caitlin, a 12-year-old from a middle class American family, was given a pen pal named Martin, a 14-year-old from a Zimbabwe slum. Caitlin began by describing a world of shopping mall trips, movies, and quarrels with friends; when Martin finally opened up, Caitlin was shocked to realize how many of the things he dreamed of having were things she took for granted. In this dual memoir, the pair recount how that simple assignment became a six year relationship that changed both of their lives, as Caitlin helped Martin achieve his dream of studying at an American university, while Martin opened Caitlin eyes to the world — and her privileged place within it. Accessible and heartfelt, this book will give teens new perspective on their world.

Flavia de Luce is an aspiring chemist with a particular interest in poisons, but in her 1950s English village, she's definitely the oddball. But her talents for listening at keyholes and picking locks come in handy when a series of mysterious events come to the mansion at Buckshaw: first a dead bird on the doorstep with a postage stamp on its beak, then a dying man in the family's cucumber patch. No matter what happens, Flavia can't help but admit that her life began in earnest once murder came calling! Rollicking and intriguing, this is an excellent option for teens and adults alike; fans of Flavia can find the rest of the series here.

In this tenderly funny book, when a little girl meets a lost duckling, it's love at first sight! The pair are soon inseparable, but that doesn't mean there aren't challenges as they clash over midnight feedings, messes, and bathtime. But as both girl and duckling grow, they also grow in their understanding of what it is to care for each other, discovering that love is as much about letting go as it is about holding tight. Parents and children alike will adore this sweet book about growing up and the joys of offering and returning love.

Elloren Gardner is the granddaughter of the last Black Witch, but unlike her ancestor, she has no mystical power in a society that prizes magical ability above all else. When she has the opportunity to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming an apothecary at Verpax University, which admits all manner of people, including many of sworn enemies of the Gardnerians, she quickly learns how difficult it is to escape her family's legacy. As Elloren seeks out other outcasts for company, which forces her to confront the stereotypes and xenophobia she's been taught, she begins to realize that there may be good reasons for their opposition to her government. This complex, rich fantasy conveys powerful messages about prejudice and extremism; Elloren and her friends return in the further books of The Black Witch Chronicles.

When Abigail's attempt to escape from her terribly boring boarding school fails, she learns her school is more interesting than she thought! The school is actually a cover for an elite spy ring called The Center, and Abigail's mother, The Center's top agent, has gone missing in action. Abigail has to master her spy training fast, because even with the help of a former nemesis and a boy from her grade, she doesn't have much time to solve the mystery and save her mother. And answers may be closer than she thinks... Fast-paced and full of twists and turns, this will be a hit with young would-be spies! For more volumes in the series, check out Power Play and Double Cross — or get all three in the Mrs. Smith's Spy School for Girls Complete Collection.

Everything seems to be going against Karma: her best friend has found a blonder best friend; her beloved dadima has passed away; her father has become the new stay-at-home parent while her mother spends most of her time at work; and perhaps worst of all, she's spotted seventeen hairs sprouting on her upper lip. As her classmate's taunts about her mustache grow, Karma wonders if someone like her — half White and half Indian, half Methodist and half Sikh — belongs anywhere. In the tradition of Judy Blume, this charming novel tackles topics such as body hair, self-image, and bullying as one girl learns how to define her own destiny.

Doctors told Temple Grandin's mother that she'd never speak, let alone have a productive life. But her mother refused to believe it: she saw potential in her observant and creative child. As Temple grew, she learned to articulate how her mind worked: her astounding visual memory allowed her to draw whole blueprints from just one tour through a facility, and her empathy with animals helped her design spaces that helped them stay calm. Today, she is a powerful voice in science, advocating for autistic people like herself. This picture book biography told in rhyming text, the first book in the Amazing Scientists series, is an inspiring introduction to an important figure in scientific history.

When American women won the right to vote in 1920, it was the culmination of a nearly eighty-year fight! In this mesmerizing book, author Winifred Conkling crafts a unique history of the Women's Suffrage Movement that explores the broader progress of the movement, as well as its often powerful and sometimes rocky relationship with the temperance and abolitionist movements. From early activists like Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Sojourner Truth; to the first female candidate for president, Victoria Woodhull; to later activists like Alice Paul and Lucy Burns who succeeded in successfully pushing the amendment through at great personal cost, Votes for Women! tells their stories and explores their legacies in a riveting and unflinching fashion.

Mae Jemison famously became the first African American woman in space on the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992 but years before that historic journey, she was a little girl who dreamed of dancing in space. Her mother told her, "If you believe it, and work hard for it, anything is possible." Little Mae's curiosity, intelligence, and determination, matched with her parents' encouraging words, paved the way for her incredible success at NASA. This inspirational introduction to a trailblazing astronaut will encourage children to reach for the stars and never give up on their dreams.

This real-life political thriller tells the story of the nail-biting climax of one of the greatest political battles in American history: the ratification of the constitutional amendment that granted women the right to vote. In August 1920, 35 states have ratified the Nineteenth Amendment, twelve have rejected or refused to vote, and one last state is needed — after a seven-decade long crusade, the future of women's suffrage comes down to Tennessee. Over one hot summer, opposing forces converge on the state for a vicious face-off replete with dirty tricks, bigotry, and betrayals. Following a handful of remarkable women who led their respective forces into battle, The Woman's Hour is the inspiring story of activists winning their own freedom in one of the last campaigns forged in the shadow of the Civil War, and the beginning of the great twentieth-century battles for civil rights.

11-year-old Nan Sparrow is a 'climbing boy,' an orphan owned by a chimney sweep to do the dirty, dangerous work of cleaning flues in Victorian London. But, Nan isn't a boy and she's quite possibly the best chimney climber who ever lived, beating the odds again and again... until the day she's trapped in a chimney fire. When she wakes up safe in an attic, she discovers that she was saved by a mysterious creature — a golem — made from ash and coal. Together, the two outcasts will need to evade Nan's abusive boss and figure out how to create a better life in a world that's quick to label differences as monstrous. Told by master storyteller Jonathan Auxier, this powerful and heartwarming tale explores the search for home and family, in whatever form they take.

Young Amelia Earhart dreamed of flying like a bird, so as an adult, she decided to learn how to fly a plane! Female pilots were few and far between, but Amelia wanted to prove that women could fly just as well as men. First, she set a female world record by flying at 14,000 feet; then, she flew across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans; and finally, she decided to try flying all around the whole world. This board book from the Little People, BIG DREAMS series, which also includes a board book about Maya Angelou, will inspire and empower the littlest readers.

In this quirky story, 12-year-old introvert Bicycle has been raised by Sister Wanda in the Mostly Silent Monastery since she was left there as a three-year-old. But Sister Wanda is worried that Bicycle doesn't have any friends, so she declares that she's going to sleepaway camp at the Friendship Factory (“Three Guaranteed Friendships or Your Money Back.”) Bicycle has other ideas, and sets off on her own bike for California, aiming to meet her hero, Polish cycling racer Zbig. Along the way, she encounters a good-natured ghost, a mysterious woman in black, and an unexpected number of new friends! Hilarious and charming, this adventure celebrates the call of the open road and the joy of friendship.

The streets of Chennai are dangerous for children, but when life gets more dangerous at home, sisters Viji and Rukku become runaways. Fortunately, before long the girls find shelter under and abandoned bridges, as well as friendship, both from a puppy they name Kutti and from two runaway boys, Muthi and Arul. Muthi and Arul are so taken with Viji's storytelling that they agree to teach her and Rukku how to scavenge the garbage dump for items to sell. And when tragedy strikes, their new family will help Viji come to terms with her grief. Written in the form of a letter from Viji to Rukku, this vividly emotional book gently explores issues around poverty, caste, and child labor through the story of one girl.

After a bad bout with stomach flu, Raina finds herself worrying that she'll throw up — and soon the worry extends to other things, including challenges at school and struggles with friends. As her stomach troubles get worse, she wonders whether there's something really wrong with her. Fortunately, her parents connect her with Lauren, a therapist who helps her figure out how to confront her fears and shows her how her mental health intertwines with her new diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This funny but deeply compassionate graphic memoir is a reminder to kids that counseling and therapy are a valuable tool when you need help — and that you can overcome your anxieties and fears.

12-year-old Piper thinks some people are born to shine — and some people, like her, are not. So when her dad takes a new job at Chumley Prep, a private school where everyone else seems to be the best at something, science-loving Piper feels less important than ever. When the school holds a competition with the very vague criteria of "excel," Piper thinks she doesn't have a chance, especially when she runs late for class after stopping to help other students and school employees. Fortunately, the contest helps Piper realize that kindness is always worthwhile. This charming middle grade novel celebrates being yourself, finding where you fit, and recognizing that there are many ways to shine.