Showing titles in Cultural Heritage

There wasn't anything that George Washington Carver couldn't grow. He took the common goober—today's peanut—and created hundreds of useful products from it, turning goobers into a very profitable staple for the South. At the same time, this very special man passed on to everyone who knew him the importance of following one's own dreams.

Mary Church Terrell grew up after the Civil War with many opportunities. Although she received an excellent education and had a distinguished teaching career, Mary grew up African American in a segregated country. There were opportunities she did not have. Always determined, she joined the fight for equal rights. By lecturing, picketing, and writing she made her voice be heard and helped to end segregation.

Mary Ann Shadd Cary spent her entire lifetime fighting for justice and equality for African Americans. Born a free African American in the 1820s, Cary started schools for black children and wrote books and articles. She was also the first black woman to publish a weekly newspaper and to enter law school. Never afraid of offending anyone, Cary demanded justice for herself and for her fellow African Americans.

Sojourner Truth was born into slavery in New York in 1797 or 1798. She never knew for sure which year she was born or even whether it was summer or winter. By the time she was a young woman, Sojourner knew she could no longer live as a slave, and with the help of Quakers, she escaped to freedom. She then began her long struggle to reunite her family and to free other slaves.

Discover the life of John Lewis—a story for kids 6 to 9 about fighting for a better world John Lewis was a civil rights leader and United States congressman who never stopped speaking up for justice, equality, and peace. Before he marched with Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights...

Discover 15 inventors and inventions that changed the world in this guide for kids ages 8 to 12. Throughout history, Black inventors have achieved some of the world's greatest advancements in science, technology, engineering, and math. This book highlights 15 men and women who made a big impact...

Help kids ages 6 to 9 discover the life of Malala Yousafzai—a story about standing up for education and equal rights Malala Yousafzai became a brave activist while she was still a young girl. Before she fearlessly fought for girls’ right to education, she was a thoughtful kid who enjoyed...

Discover the life of Martin Luther King Jr.—a story about standing up for civil rights for kids ages 6 to 9 Martin Luther King Jr. became one of the most important civil rights leaders in America by fighting for equality for Black people. Before he made history with his powerful speeches and...

An introduction to the history of Juneteenth for kids ages 6 to 9. On June 19, 1865, a Union soldier traveled to Texas to tell the enslaved people who lived there that they were free and that slavery was now illegal in every state. The people danced and sang in celebration of their freedom...

Did you know that NASA uses mathematics for space travel? Meet Katherine Johnson, one of the first African-American and female mathematicians who worked for NASA. Learn about her life growing up in segregated America and her journey to pursue her education and dreams. Her mathematical calculations helped American astronauts to go to space, land on the moon, and return to earth safely in 1969!

Once upon a time, children's music was just Mother Goose, nursery songs, and lullabies. And then came Ella Jenkins. Ella Jenkins is an American folk singer and living legend dubbed The First Lady of Children's Music. For nearly 70 years, she has been writing and performing music that has entertained and engaged generations of young listeners. In Make a Pretty Song, Ella's life and legacy are captured in vibrant sights, sounds, and stories that leap right out of the book.

How much do you know about Marian Anderson? Find out the facts you need to know about this singer. You’ll learn about the early life, challenges, and major accomplishments of this important American.

How much do you know about Daniel Boone? Find out the facts you need to know about this pioneer and explorer in early America. You’ll learn about the early life, challenges, and major accomplishments of this famous American.

How much do you know about Crispus Attucks? Find out the facts you need to know about the first person killed in America's fight for independence. You’ll learn about the early life, challenges, and major accomplishments of this important American.

How much do you know about Ida B. Wells? Find out the facts you need to know about this journalist and activist. You’ll learn about the early life, challenges, and major accomplishments of this important American.

Legends from every corner of the globe are full of heroes. Legendary Heroes celebrates their timeless heroism, incredible bravery, supreme strength, keen intelligence, and exceptional self-sacrifice.

When Mavasta Honyouti was a boy he would go with his grandfather to their cornfield, watching him nurture every plant. During breaks, his grandfather would take out a piece of paako root and use his pocketknife to whittle away. He made beautiful carvings that Mavasta would later learn to do himself. But Mavasta would often wonder: what was his kwa’a like when he was a boy? And one day, he heard the story.

In the first middle grade offering from Zora Neale Hurston and Ibram X. Kendi, young readers are introduced to the remarkable and true-life story of Cudjo Lewis, one of the last survivors of the Atlantic human trade, in an adaptation of the internationally bestselling and critically acclaimed...

This quintessential middle grade biography of Harriet Tubman now features a foreword written and read by National Book Award finalist Jason Reynolds and additional new material. A selection of the Schomburg Center's Black Liberation Reading List. Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground...

This biography of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. brings his life and the profound nature of his message to young children through his own words. Martin Luther King, Jr., was one of the most influential and gifted speakers of all time. Doreen Rappaport uses quotes from some of his most beloved speeches to tell the story of his life and his work in a simple, direct way.