Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer, Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement by Carole Boston Weatherford, Illustrated by Ekua Holmes

When people think “Civil Rights”, what name(s) come to mind? MLK, Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, John Lewis? Enter Fannie Lou Hamer, a champion of civil and voting rights movements in the 1960s. Hamer also started the Freedom Farm Collective (FFC) in addition to various educational programs and support for the Black community. Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer is a celebration of Hamer’s work, contributions, and commitment to civil rights and equality in a beautifully illustrated picture book in verse. (2016 Caldecott Winner)

Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909 by Michelle Markel, illustrated by Melissa Sweet

Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909 tells the true tale of Ukrainian immigrant Clara Lemlich who led the 1909 Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike, the largest strike by women to date in American history (jwa.org). Lemlich organized with garment workers across the US against poor working conditions, unfair wages, high quotas, and inconsistent hours in the factories, and was successful! Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909 illuminates Clara Lemlich’s bravery and perseverance to speak out and fight for change at a time where workers’ rights and regulations did not exist.

Fly High! The Story of Bessie Coleman, by Louise Borden and Mary Kay Kroeger, illustrated by Teresa Flavin

Fly High! The Story of Bessie Coleman celebrates the life and story of the first African American woman and first Native American pilot! Also known as “Brave Bessie”, Bessie Coleman wanted to inspire other women, African Americans, and Native Americans to follow in her footsteps and reach their dreams. Coleman’s story is an inspiring tale of bravery, perseverance, and empowerment fit for all readers.

When Sue Found Sue: Sue Hendrickson Discovers her T.Rex by Toni Buzzeo, illustrated by Diana Sudyka

If you’ve ever gone to see Sue, the T.Rex at the Field Museum in Chicago, have you ever wondered who discovered her or how Sue got her name? Sue Hendrickson discovered who we now know as “Sue” while on an excavation in South Dakota! This is Hendrickson’s story, starting as a curious, adventurous girl who pursued her passion to collect and eventually found the most well-known (and complete!) tyrannosaurus rex in history.