Summer Reading for NCCS Upper School Students 2025

A narrative nonfiction about how the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre, how the robbery made the portrait the most famous artwork in the world-and how the painting by Leonardo da Vinci should never have existed at all. Grades 4-8 (Lexile:780).

Legendary photographers Dorothea Lange, Toyo Miyatake, and Ansel Adams all photographed the Japanese American incarceration, but with different approaches-and different results. This nonfiction picture book for middle grade readers examines the Japanese-American incarceration-and the complexity of documenting it-through the work of these three photographers. Grades 6-9 (Lexile: 990)

An inside look at the early lives of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, This Boy is a perfect book for any young reader embracing their inner Beatlemania. Grades 5-8

Pedro Martin's grown up in the U.S. hearing stories about his legendary abuelito, but during a family road trip to Mexico, he connects with his grandfather and learns more about his own Mexican identity in this moving and hilarious graphic memoir. Grades 5-8 (Lexile: 530)

An inside look at the early lives of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, This Boy is a perfect book for any young reader embracing their inner Beatlemania. Grades 5-8

When these 15 women coders and engineers face impossible problems, they don't quit--they find solutions. They are all doing amazing work in technical fields while overcoming unique challenges not equally faced by male colleagues. Engineering and coding have typically been considered men's fields of study, but these innovative women are showing that problem solving with science and math is everyone's field, and it's time for the world to see powerful women succeeding in it. Grades 8-11

Explores why and how people have constructed taller and taller buildings over the course of human history. Grades 4-8

A stunning and intimate biography of Margaret Hamilton, the computer engineer who helped Apollo 11 and mankind get from the Earth to the moon. First-hand accounts, exclusive interviews with the legendary Margaret Hamilton, and detailed science populate the pages of this remarkable biography. In 1969, mankind successfully left our atmosphere and landed on the moon. It took countless hours of calculations, training, wonder, and sacrifice from all of the men and women who worked hard to make that landing. One of those people was Margaret Hamilton. A young computer engineer, Hamilton was hired to develop the completely new software used in the groundbreaking Apollo Space Program. Soon she became the lead engineer, one of the few women in the almost entirely male-dominated profession. But it wasn't always easy. Grades 6-9 (Lexile: 1100)

Explores the incredible ways animals detect, respond, and adapt to wildfires, as well as how climate change is affecting the frequency and severity of these devastating events in nature. Grades 5-8

Parasites are all around you, all the time, quietly running the world. You might think of them as slimy, disgusting freeloaders – tapeworms and roundworms and ticks and lice, too small to be important and too selfish to be valued. But by the end of this book, you’ll realize that sometimes parasites are the good guys. Learn where you’re most likely to find parasites in your own food (heads up, you might not want to eat any uncooked fish right before reading this book), and how parasitic infection changes the behavior of many organisms―including human beings. Parasites might be weird and mysterious, but the better we understand them, the less we have to fear about them. Grades 4-8

Examine how Indigenous people, farmers, and forestry departments have used fire to manage resources and how climate change is impacting the future of fire. Gtrades 6-10

One hundred years ago, a small-town science teacher ignited a nationwide debate over what students should learn in school--and who should decide. In 1925, when Tennessee lawmakers banned the teaching of evolution in public schools, teacher John Scopes challenged the law--and set off a gripping circus of a legal battle. Two masterminds faced off in a blistering courtroom debate over creationism and natural selection, each armed with the books they believed belonged in classrooms. Celebrity politician William Jennings Bryan relied on the Bible to make his case, while legal luminary Clarence Darrow defended Charles Darwin's groundbreaking books On the Origin of Species and The Descent of Man. Their clash would go down in history as the Scopes Monkey Trial. A century later, here is the riveting truth of what happened and why it matters. Grades 6-9

A powerful and fascinating story of the brave and dedicated young women who helped turn the tides of World War II for the Allies, with their hard work and determination at Bletchley Park. Grades 7-11

An in-depth look at voting rights in the US, particularly examining when certain groups of people won the right to vote. Special features expand on the text and highlight why voting is important. Grades 4-8

Meet Ham, Minnie, Enos, Roscoe, Tiger, and Rocky. When the United States was scrambling to catch up to the Soviets after their successful launch of Sputnik, they didnt turn to Mercury Seven astronauts Alan Shepard and John Glenn. Rather, they began bringing chimpanzees to Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico for a top-secret program. The goal? To do everything America needed to make space travel safe for humans and beat the Soviets. Grades 4-7

A fascinating look at the most destructive wildfires in American history, the impact of climate change, and what we're doing right and wrong to manage forest fire. Grades 8-12 (Lexile: 1140)

An exploration of the building of the Hoover Dam, revealing the causes, effects, and lasting legacies of one of America's most recognizable and misrepresented landmarks. Grades 4-9

The unlikely true story of why we know the name William Shakespeare today, and the four-hundred-year-old book that made it possible. Four hundred years ago, no one bothered to write down the exact words of stage plays. Characters' lines were scribbled on small rolls of paper (as in, an actor's role) and passed around, but no master script was saved for the future. The main reason we've heard of Romeo, Juliet, Hamlet, and Shakespeare himself is that a group of people made the excellent choice to preserve the plays after the Bard died. If they hadn't created the book known as the First Folio, Shakespeare and his works would surely have been lost to history. Part literary scavenger hunt (the search for every existing First Folio continues today), part book trivia treasure trove, and part love letter to Shakespeare, this behind-the-scenes, sharply funny true story is an ideal introduction to the Bard and his famous plays. Grades 5-8

Twenty poets each share a poem about a mistake they made as a young person and also provide a short statement on what they learned from it. Grades 3-8

A fascinating guide to Van Gogh's itinerant life, with vibrant images and stories about the many places he lived and worked. Grades 4-8

In this zany, inclusive, and vibrantly illustrated guide to all things color, the origins of today's pigments come alive across continents and history, with oodles of art, tons of science--and extensive interactive backmatter! Grades 4-8

This is the life story of Cudjo Lewis, as told by himself.

Of the millions of men, women, and children transported from Africa to America to be enslaved, eighty-six-year-old Cudjo Lewis was then the only person alive to tell the story of his capture and bondage—fifty years after the Atlantic human trade was outlawed in the United States. Cudjo shared his firsthand account with legendary folklorist, anthropologist, and writer Zora Neale Hurston.

Adapted with care and delivered with age-appropriate historical context by award-winning historian Ibram X. Kendi, Cudjo’s incredible story is now available for young readers and emerging scholars. With powerful illustrations by Jazzmen Lee-Johnson, this poignant work is an invaluable contribution to our shared history and culture. Grades 5-8

This illustrated book for young readers shares the stories of five girls growing up around the world and some of the injustices they face. Grades 7-10 (Lexile: 840)

From Emmy award-winning journalist Elisa Boxer comes an inspiring YA anthology of 35 trailblazing women from all walks of life, detailing their struggles and achievements and featuring a personal message from each woman written just for this book, telling their younger selves. Grades 7-10

How did Jim Jones, the leader of Peoples Temple, convince more than 900 of his followers to commit "revolutionary suicide" by drinking cyanide-laced punch? From a master of narrative nonfiction comes a chilling chronicle of one of the most notorious cults in American history. Grades 7-12 (Lexile: 860)

From the big stage to the US Navy, from laboratories to the boardroom, from the Olympics to the pages in books, these girls and women lead every line. Bold, bright, and empowering profiles by Geisel Honor–winning and #1 New York Times bestselling artist Niña Mata place these incredible changemakers at the very front and inspire readers to tap into their own greatness. Grades 3-7 (Lexile: 1050)

After surviving World War II and the Holocaust as children, nine survivors share their memories in first-person interviews. Grades 5-8

Abraham Lincoln. Theodore Roosevelt. Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Lyndon B. Johnson. They grew up and lived in very different worlds-Lincoln was poor and uneducated, his frontier cabin home deep in the harsh wilderness; Theodore Roosevelt hailed from an elegant home in the heart of New York City and traveled the world with his family; Franklin Roosevelt loved the outdoors surrounding his family's rural estate where he was the center of attention; and Lyndon Johnson's modest childhood home had no electricity or running water but provided a window into Texas politics. So how did each of them do it-rise to become President of the United States? What did these four kids have individually-and have in common-that made them the ones to lead the country through some of its most turbulent times? Grades 5-7

Shines a light on the generations of Asian Americans who've transformed the United States and who continue to shape what it means to be American today. Grades 5-8

When eleven-year-old Matthew Henson ran away from his cruel stepmother to find a new life in the big city, no one could have predicted that he would become the first man to reach the North Pole. With a little luck and a lot of hard work, Matthew found a life of adventure on the high seas and in the Arctic. But back home in America his achievements were largely overlooked because he was Black. Grades 4-7

The true story of a young girl and a Holocaust survivor whose friendship led to a significant change in their community and beyond. Grades 5-8

The extraordinary true story of America’s first female astronauts. Grades 5-8

The gripping story of America’s first female cryptanalyst, Elizebeth Smith Friedman, who busted Nazi spy rings. Grades 5-8

Dan SaSuWeh Jones brings to light the forced assimilation and cultural erasure of Indigenous people by government-run residential schools with first-person accounts that breaks down the truth of America's hidden past. Grades 4-7

Offers young Stephen King fans a thrilling journey through the writer's personal story and its impact on his work. Grades 7-12

While reporting on the war in Ukraine, George Butler has created striking and intimate illustrations to introduce us to the people behind the headlines. His drawings, made in a variety of places from missile-scarred streets to nursing homes, vividly capture stories of family, tragedy, and perseverance. These powerful portraits of war and conflict are a timely reminder of the humanity we all share and our universal need for peace. A stunning, illuminating, and sensitive look at stories that deserve to be told. Grades 6-9

A fascinating guide to Van Gogh's itinerant life, with vibrant images and stories about the many places he lived and worked. Grades 4-8

From Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker James Robinson comes [an] ... illustrated memoir for middle-grade readers (and adults, too), inspired by the viral, Emmy-nominated short film Whale Eyes. Told through an experimental mix of intimate anecdotes and interactive visuals, this book immerses readers in James's point of view, allowing them to see the world through his disabling eye conditions. Grades 5-8 (Lexile: 880)

From Emmy award-winning journalist Elisa Boxer comes an inspiring YA anthology of 35 trailblazing women from all walks of life, detailing their struggles and achievements and featuring a personal message from each woman written just for this book, telling their younger selves. Grades 7-10

From the big stage to the US Navy, from laboratories to the boardroom, from the Olympics to the pages in books, these girls and women lead every line. Bold, bright, and empowering profiles by Geisel Honor–winning and #1 New York Times bestselling artist Niña Mata place these incredible changemakers at the very front and inspire readers to tap into their own greatness. Grades 3-7 (Lexile: 1050)

Cultures around the world celebrate tales and myths of daring and brave goddesses. These twenty-one legendary ladies were tenacious, smart, and strong. Meet... - Osun, the Yoruba goddess of love who refuses to be dismissed because of her gender and stands up to those who believe women are less important than men - Rhiannon, the Welsh queen of fairies who won't let anyone make decisions for her and instead follows her heart - Freyja, the Norse goddess of love and death who doesn't give into pressure, sets boundaries, and is comfortable with being a single independent woman From demanding respect and recognizing unhealthy relationships, to standing your ground, helping others, and using words instead of violence, these rich and sometimes forgotten female stories of the ancient past teach girls and young women everything they need to know, so they can be just as fierce and fearless in the future. Grades 7-11

The true story of a young girl and a Holocaust survivor whose friendship led to a significant change in their community and beyond. Grades 5-8

A highly practical self-help guide exploring 10 life-changing lessons based on teachings of the ancient philosophers.

The challenges are based on ancient philosophical ideas – such as ‘shame attacking’, facing your fears, and appreciating the small things in life – as well as the ancient arts of Tai-Chi, Qi-Gong and meditation. Seriously Happy shows how to harness the power of ancient philosophies to deal with the real-world stress and anxieties of today. Grades 7-10

The extraordinary true story of America’s first female astronauts. Grades 5-8

From Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker James Robinson comes [an] ... illustrated memoir for middle-grade readers (and adults, too), inspired by the viral, Emmy-nominated short film Whale Eyes. Told through an experimental mix of intimate anecdotes and interactive visuals, this book immerses readers in James's point of view, allowing them to see the world through his disabling eye conditions. Grades 5-8 (Lexile: 880)

This is the life story of Cudjo Lewis, as told by himself.

Of the millions of men, women, and children transported from Africa to America to be enslaved, eighty-six-year-old Cudjo Lewis was then the only person alive to tell the story of his capture and bondage—fifty years after the Atlantic human trade was outlawed in the United States. Cudjo shared his firsthand account with legendary folklorist, anthropologist, and writer Zora Neale Hurston.

Adapted with care and delivered with age-appropriate historical context by award-winning historian Ibram X. Kendi, Cudjo’s incredible story is now available for young readers and emerging scholars. With powerful illustrations by Jazzmen Lee-Johnson, this poignant work is an invaluable contribution to our shared history and culture. Grades 5-8

One hundred years ago, a small-town science teacher ignited a nationwide debate over what students should learn in school--and who should decide. In 1925, when Tennessee lawmakers banned the teaching of evolution in public schools, teacher John Scopes challenged the law--and set off a gripping circus of a legal battle. Two masterminds faced off in a blistering courtroom debate over creationism and natural selection, each armed with the books they believed belonged in classrooms. Celebrity politician William Jennings Bryan relied on the Bible to make his case, while legal luminary Clarence Darrow defended Charles Darwin's groundbreaking books On the Origin of Species and The Descent of Man. Their clash would go down in history as the Scopes Monkey Trial. A century later, here is the riveting truth of what happened and why it matters. Grades 6-9

How did Jim Jones, the leader of Peoples Temple, convince more than 900 of his followers to commit "revolutionary suicide" by drinking cyanide-laced punch? From a master of narrative nonfiction comes a chilling chronicle of one of the most notorious cults in American history. Grades 7-12 (Lexile: 860)

A powerful and fascinating story of the brave and dedicated young women who helped turn the tides of World War II for the Allies, with their hard work and determination at Bletchley Park. Grades 7-11

Abraham Lincoln. Theodore Roosevelt. Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Lyndon B. Johnson. They grew up and lived in very different worlds-Lincoln was poor and uneducated, his frontier cabin home deep in the harsh wilderness; Theodore Roosevelt hailed from an elegant home in the heart of New York City and traveled the world with his family; Franklin Roosevelt loved the outdoors surrounding his family's rural estate where he was the center of attention; and Lyndon Johnson's modest childhood home had no electricity or running water but provided a window into Texas politics. So how did each of them do it-rise to become President of the United States? What did these four kids have individually-and have in common-that made them the ones to lead the country through some of its most turbulent times? Grades 5-7

Loch Ness Uncovered is an extensively researched, myth-busting account of the world's most famous monster hoax-the Loch Ness Monster-and a cautionary tale on the dangers of misinformation. Grades 5-8

Shines a light on the generations of Asian Americans who've transformed the United States and who continue to shape what it means to be American today. Grades 5-8

Dan SaSuWeh Jones brings to light the forced assimilation and cultural erasure of Indigenous people by government-run residential schools with first-person accounts that breaks down the truth of America's hidden past. Grades 4-7

The unlikely true story of why we know the name William Shakespeare today, and the four-hundred-year-old book that made it possible. Four hundred years ago, no one bothered to write down the exact words of stage plays. Characters' lines were scribbled on small rolls of paper (as in, an actor's role) and passed around, but no master script was saved for the future. The main reason we've heard of Romeo, Juliet, Hamlet, and Shakespeare himself is that a group of people made the excellent choice to preserve the plays after the Bard died. If they hadn't created the book known as the First Folio, Shakespeare and his works would surely have been lost to history. Part literary scavenger hunt (the search for every existing First Folio continues today), part book trivia treasure trove, and part love letter to Shakespeare, this behind-the-scenes, sharply funny true story is an ideal introduction to the Bard and his famous plays. Grades 5-8

The Mexican American story is usually carefully presented as a story of immigrants: migrants crossing borders, drawn to the promise of a better life. In reality, Mexicans were on this land long before any borders existed. Their culture and practices shaped the Southwestern part of this country, in spite of relentless attempts by white colonizers and settlers to erase them.
From missions and the Alamo to muralists, revolutionaries, and teen activists, this is the true story of the Mexican American experience. Grades 6-10 (Lexile:: 1040)

Explores the strange and remarkable stories of poisonous and even deadly plants. A wild journey to look at how toxic chemicals in the natural world have been used for medicine, warfare, and sinister acts of foul play. Science, history, and true crime converge in an informative and exciting look at Mother's Nature's ghoulish garden. From a hallucinogenic fungus linked to the Salem Witch Trials to the weed that killed Abraham Lincoln's mother, learn how certain plants evolved toxicity to avoid being consumed by predators and became the predator on their own. Grades 7-12

Father-son scientists Luis and Walter Alvarez piece together one of the greatest mysteries of all time: What really happened to the dinosaurs? Dive into this fun and informative book, which outlines the many important scientific discoveries that aided the Alvarezes in their search for answers. Grades 5-8

Readers are guided through the development of this world-changing technology, exploring how AI has touched every corner of our world, including education, healthcare, work, politics, war, international relations, and even romance. This is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand how artificial intelligence got here, how to make the best use of it, and how we can expect it to transform our lives. Grades 7-12

A journey through the evolution of knowledge, communication, and information. Grades 4-7

Myths! Lies! Recycling scams? Discover the real story behind the first Earth Day celebration and some of the biggest US climate catastrophes--and their solutions. Grades 4-8 (Lexile:1100)

Exploring the amazing ways animals perceive the world is an excellent way to help understand the world itself. And this young readers adaptation of the mega-bestseller AN IMMENSE WORLD is perfect for curious kids and their families. Sure to capture young readers' interest it is filled amazing animal facts and stunning full-color illustrations. Along the way are tons of amazing animal facts. Grades 5-8 (Lexile: 980)

Loch Ness Uncovered is an extensively researched, myth-busting account of the world's most famous monster hoax-the Loch Ness Monster-and a cautionary tale on the dangers of misinformation. Grades 5-8

America's "first river," the Hudson, and the Riverkeepers who protect it, offer insight into the history of environmental activism and how individuals and communities can learn by example to protect watersheds all over the globe. Grades 5-8

A highly practical self-help guide exploring 10 life-changing lessons based on teachings of the ancient philosophers.

The challenges are based on ancient philosophical ideas – such as ‘shame attacking’, facing your fears, and appreciating the small things in life – as well as the ancient arts of Tai-Chi, Qi-Gong and meditation. Seriously Happy shows how to harness the power of ancient philosophies to deal with the real-world stress and anxieties of today. Grades 7-10

This tween-friendly handbook encourages kids to seek out nature for health benefits and planet protection. Kids who spend more time in nature benefit in mind, body, and spirit! And likewise, benefit the Earth. Grades 4-8

A propulsive nonfiction look at the elite squads of scientists, doctors, and infectious disease experts who guard the boundary between public health and pandemics and how they gather data via boots on the ground 'shoe-leather epidemiology' in order to save lives. Grades 6-8

In this zany, inclusive, and vibrantly illustrated guide to all things color, the origins of today's pigments come alive across continents and history, with oodles of art, tons of science--and extensive interactive backmatter! Grades 4-8

Featuring contributions from an award-winning, bestselling group of Black voices, past and present, this poetry anthology elicits conversations about race, belonging, history, and faith to highlight Black joy and pain. Grades 7-12

An empowering guide for kids on how to STOP climate change and START building a better world--from rising-star activist Mikaela Loach. It's easy to see news about the climate crisis and feel powerless to stop it. But there's another way of looking at things. The author offers an inspiring and optimistic road map toward a brighter future for everyone! Using stories from her life and work, she explains the climate crisis and how it connects with other social issues. She writes about friends from around the world who are experiencing the worst of climate change and what they are doing to fight back. She delivers a message not only of hope but of excitement to save our planet and create better lives for everyone in the process, Grades 4-7

Explores the strange and remarkable stories of poisonous and even deadly plants. A wild journey to look at how toxic chemicals in the natural world have been used for medicine, warfare, and sinister acts of foul play. Science, history, and true crime converge in an informative and exciting look at Mother's Nature's ghoulish garden. From a hallucinogenic fungus linked to the Salem Witch Trials to the weed that killed Abraham Lincoln's mother, learn how certain plants evolved toxicity to avoid being consumed by predators and became the predator on their own. Grades 7-12

Father-son scientists Luis and Walter Alvarez piece together one of the greatest mysteries of all time: What really happened to the dinosaurs? Dive into this fun and informative book, which outlines the many important scientific discoveries that aided the Alvarezes in their search for answers. Grades 5-8

From award-winning historian Leonard S. Marcus, Earthrise is a unique middle-grade nonfiction book about the astonishing photograph taken during the Apollo 8 mission that forever shifted the way we view ourselves and our planet. Grades 7-10

A spellbinding, moment-by-moment account of seventy-two hours in the lives of eight young fishermen-some of whom would never set foot on dry land again-as they fight to survive a deadly storm in the middle of winter. Grades 4-8

Explores the incredible ways animals detect, respond, and adapt to wildfires, as well as how climate change is affecting the frequency and severity of these devastating events in nature. Grades 5-8

Myths! Lies! Recycling scams? Discover the real story behind the first Earth Day celebration and some of the biggest US climate catastrophes--and their solutions. Grades 4-8 (Lexile:1100)

Exploring the amazing ways animals perceive the world is an excellent way to help understand the world itself. And this young readers adaptation of the mega-bestseller AN IMMENSE WORLD is perfect for curious kids and their families. Sure to capture young readers' interest it is filled amazing animal facts and stunning full-color illustrations. Along the way are tons of amazing animal facts. Grades 5-8 (Lexile: 980)

From Popsicles and swim fins to robots and glitter shooting prosthetics, full of fun and inspiring stories about real kid inventors and some of their most amazing inventions. Grades 4-8

America's "first river," the Hudson, and the Riverkeepers who protect it, offer insight into the history of environmental activism and how individuals and communities can learn by example to protect watersheds all over the globe. Grades 5-8

The extraordinary true story of America’s first female astronauts. Grades 5-8

Over the last half-billion years, there have been five mass extinctions, when the diversity of life on earth suddenly and dramatically contracted. Scientists around the world are monitoring the sixth extinction, predicted to be the most devastating extinction event since the asteroid impact that wiped out the dinosaurs. Adapting from her New York Times-bestselling, Pulitzer Prize-winning adult nonfiction, Elizabeth Kolbert explores how humans are altering life on Earth. Grades 5-8

This tween-friendly handbook encourages kids to seek out nature for health benefits and planet protection. Kids who spend more time in nature benefit in mind, body, and spirit! And likewise, benefit the Earth. Grades 4-8

A propulsive nonfiction look at the elite squads of scientists, doctors, and infectious disease experts who guard the boundary between public health and pandemics and how they gather data via boots on the ground 'shoe-leather epidemiology' in order to save lives. Grades 6-8

or teens who are space fans, this book is loaded with fascinating facts, great stories, and new ways of thinking about the challenges of space. It covers topics on the science of space and developments in technology (e.g., satellites behaving like spacecraft), and it also considers the laws that have been drafted for space travel and space etiquette—the agreed upon norms of behavior that allow humans to explore without conflict.

The book discusses the problem of space debris, and the growth of space tourism. It provides details about the Artemis missions and plans for the Gateway space station, and so much more. It challenges young readers to think about the decisions that need to be made in the years ahead to ensure that space exploration remains an exhilarating and peaceful activity.

And the final chapter provides guidance on careers in the space industry—being an astronaut is only one of many exciting paths to pursue. Grades 7-12

Examine how Indigenous people, farmers, and forestry departments have used fire to manage resources and how climate change is impacting the future of fire. Gtrades 6-10

This illustrated book for young readers shares the stories of five girls growing up around the world and some of the injustices they face. Grades 7-10 (Lexile: 840)

A compelling, nuanced account of Los Angeles's 1992 uprising and its impact on its Korean and Black American communities. Grades 7-10

The unlikely true story of why we know the name William Shakespeare today, and the four-hundred-year-old book that made it possible. Four hundred years ago, no one bothered to write down the exact words of stage plays. Characters' lines were scribbled on small rolls of paper (as in, an actor's role) and passed around, but no master script was saved for the future. The main reason we've heard of Romeo, Juliet, Hamlet, and Shakespeare himself is that a group of people made the excellent choice to preserve the plays after the Bard died. If they hadn't created the book known as the First Folio, Shakespeare and his works would surely have been lost to history. Part literary scavenger hunt (the search for every existing First Folio continues today), part book trivia treasure trove, and part love letter to Shakespeare, this behind-the-scenes, sharply funny true story is an ideal introduction to the Bard and his famous plays. Grades 5-8

Explores the strange and remarkable stories of poisonous and even deadly plants. A wild journey to look at how toxic chemicals in the natural world have been used for medicine, warfare, and sinister acts of foul play. Science, history, and true crime converge in an informative and exciting look at Mother's Nature's ghoulish garden. From a hallucinogenic fungus linked to the Salem Witch Trials to the weed that killed Abraham Lincoln's mother, learn how certain plants evolved toxicity to avoid being consumed by predators and became the predator on their own. Grades 7-12

A powerful and fascinating story of the brave and dedicated young women who helped turn the tides of World War II for the Allies, with their hard work and determination at Bletchley Park. Grades 7-11

A spellbinding, moment-by-moment account of seventy-two hours in the lives of eight young fishermen-some of whom would never set foot on dry land again-as they fight to survive a deadly storm in the middle of winter. Grades 4-8

Dan SaSuWeh Jones brings to light the forced assimilation and cultural erasure of Indigenous people by government-run residential schools with first-person accounts that breaks down the truth of America's hidden past. Grades 4-7

A powerful and fascinating story of the brave and dedicated young women who helped turn the tides of World War II for the Allies, with their hard work and determination at Bletchley Park. Grades 7-11

After surviving World War II and the Holocaust as children, nine survivors share their memories in first-person interviews. Grades 5-8

The true story of a young girl and a Holocaust survivor whose friendship led to a significant change in their community and beyond. Grades 5-8

The gripping story of America’s first female cryptanalyst, Elizebeth Smith Friedman, who busted Nazi spy rings. Grades 5-8

While reporting on the war in Ukraine, George Butler has created striking and intimate illustrations to introduce us to the people behind the headlines. His drawings, made in a variety of places from missile-scarred streets to nursing homes, vividly capture stories of family, tragedy, and perseverance. These powerful portraits of war and conflict are a timely reminder of the humanity we all share and our universal need for peace. A stunning, illuminating, and sensitive look at stories that deserve to be told. Grades 6-9