The Libri Foundation

The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere, written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, illus. by Christopher Bing. Grades 3-6.: With scratchboard and watercolor illustrations that suggest old engravings, this new edition of Longfellow's classic poem captures the conspiratorial mood of the American revolutionists.

Ellis Island Opened (January 1, 1892)

Liberty, by Lynn Curlee. Grades 3-8.: The history, construction, and restoration of one of the most enduring symbols of the United States and freedom—the Statue of Liberty, which was designed by the French sculptor, Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi. Large picture-book format.

Louis Braille's Birthday (January 4, 1809)

Out of Darkness: The Story of Louis Braille, written by Russell Freedman, illus. by Kate Kiesler. Grades 3-6.: In this accessible biography, Freedman examines the life of Louis Braille, his struggle to communicate through the written word after he loses his sight, and the many obstacles which had to be overcome before the universal acceptance of his "Braille" system, which he developed when he was just 15.

Alvin Ailey's Birthday (January 5, 1931)

Alvin Ailey, written by Andrea Davis Pinkney. Grades K-3.: A biography about the life and times of the pioneer dancer.

George Washington Carver Died (January 5, 1943)

Carver: A Life in Poems, written by Marilyn Nelson. Grades 6 up.: A series of lyrical poems which touch upon different aspects of George Washington Carver's life.

The Life and Times of the Peanut, written by Charles Micucci. Grades 3-5.: Describes how peanuts are grown and harvested, where they are produced, and how they are used worldwide. Also includes information on how to make peanut butter and a section on African American scientist George Washington Carver, who spent his life studying and developing uses for peanuts.

Joan of Arc's Birthday (January 6, 1412)

Joan of Arc, written by Diane Stanley. Grades 4-8.: The complex story of the historical, yet mystical, young girl who saves France at the cost of her own life is beautifully rendered through carefully researched text and luminous artwork.

Joan of Arc, written by Josephine Poole, illus. by Angela Barrett. Grades K-5.: The dramatic events of Joan's vision and her crusade to save France set against paintings which reflect the influence of medieval tapestries.

Jacques Etienne Montgolfier's Birthday (January 7, 1745)

Feathers, Flaps, & Flops: Fabulous Early Fliers, written by Bo Zaunders, illus. by Roxie Munro. Grades 2-5.: Lively biographical sketches of seven of "not-the-usual" aviation pioneers, including "Wrong Way" Corrigan, the Montgolfier brothers, Alberto Santos-Dumont, Jimmy Doolittle, and Bessie Coleman.

Frisby Introduced (January 13, 1957)

The Toughest Cowboy: Or How the Wild West Was Tamed, written by John Frank, illus. by Zachary Pullen. Grades K-4.: In this laugh-out-loud tall tale, Grizz Brickbottom, the toughest cowboy in the West, decides he needs a little loving and decides to get a dog. He envisions a big dog that will protect him from mountain lions and herd wild cattle. Instead, he winds up with Foofy, a pampered miniature poodle. Foofy does have one endearing talent—she loves to catch the tin dinner plate the cowboy tosses in the air. Old Grizz then decides to give up the range, settle down in town, and sell tin plates carrying his brand: Grizz B. The larger-than-life artwork is a joy unto itself.

Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday (January 15, 1929)

I Have a Dream, written by Martin Luther King, Jr. Grades K up.: Fifteen Coretta Scott King Award-winning artists illustrate Martin Luther King, Jr.'s classic speech. Includes an explanation from each artist about his work. With a foreword by Coretta Scott King, a biographical sketch of King, and highlights of his life.

Martin's Big Words, written by Doreen Rappaport, illus. by Bryan Collier. Grades 1-5.: On each double-page spread, beautifully paired with the watercolor-and-collage artwork, is information about Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life and work, as well as powerful quotes from his speeches, presented in oversized, boldface type.

Benjamin Franklin's Birthday (January 17, 1706)

The Amazing Life of Benjamin Franklin, written by James Cross Giblin, illus. by Michael Dooling. Grades 3-6.: A balanced biography of Franklin which covers his inventive genius and his diplomatic successes, as well as the many challenges he faced including his estrangement from his son due to their disagreements about the Revolutionary War. Includes a chronology of his life, a discussion of his inventions, a page of saying from Poor Richard's Almanack, related historical sites, and source notes.

B. Franklin, Printer, written by David A. Adler. Grades 4-8.: A well-written, lively account of Franklin's fascinating life as a printer, scientist, inventor, writer, and statesman.

Ben Franklin's Almanac: Being a True Account of the Good Gentleman's Life, written by Candace Fleming. Grades 5 up.: Resembling an 18th-century almanac and quoting from a variety of primary sources, this highly-informative biography provides a three-dimensional portrait of this very complex, and often contradictory, American genius.

The Signers: The 56 Stories behind the Declaration of Independence, written by Dennis Brindell Fradin, illus. by Michael McCurdy. Grades 4-7.: In addition to being a collective biography of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, this important work also offers a short history of each of the 13 colonies.

Bessie Coleman's Birthday (January 26, 1893)

Feathers, Flaps, & Flops: Fabulous Early Fliers, written by Bo Zaunders, illus. by Roxie Munro. Grades 2-5.: Lively biographical sketches of seven of "not-the-usual" aviation pioneers, including "Wrong Way" Corrigan, the Montgolfier brothers, Alberto Santos-Dumont, Jimmy Doolittle, and Bessie Coleman.

Fly High!: The Story of Bessie Coleman, written by Louise Borden, illus. by Teresa Flavin. Grades K-4.: The inspiring story of Bessie Coleman, the first African American to earn a pilot's license.

Talkin' about Bessie: The Story of Aviator Elizabeth Coleman, written by Nikki Grimes, illus. by E. B. Lewis. Grades 3-7.: Twenty-one free-verse vignettes by "speakers" at Coleman's funeral provide different glimpses into the life of the first black female licensed pilot in the world. Full-page watercolor illustrations perfectly match each moment captured in the aviator's short life.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Birthday (January 27, 1756)

Lives of the Musicians: Good Times, Bad Times (and What the Neighbors Thought)., written by Kathleen Krull, illus. by Kathryn Hewitt. Grades 3-6.: Child-pleasing profiles of 20 diverse composers, beginning with Vivaldi and ending with Woody Guthrie. Profiles also include: Bach, Beethoven, Boulanger, Chopin, Gershwin, Gilbert and Sullivan, Joplin, Liszt, Mozart, Prokofiev, Satie, Schumann, and Verdi.

Mahatma Gandhi Assassinated (January 30, 1948)

Gandhi, Great Soul, written by John B. Severance. Grades 6 up.: This well-written biography of one of the 20th century's most influential thinkers portrays both his private struggles and public triumphs as well as the impact he had on those who followed him, including Martin Luther King, Jr. and Nelson Mandela.

Jackie Robinson's Birthday (January 31, 1919)

Lives of the Athletes: Thrills, Spills (and What the Neighbors Thought), written by Kathleen Krull, illus. by Kathryn Hewitt. Grades 3-7.: Profiles the public and private lives of 20 athletes who excelled in golf, swimming, volleyball, surfing, and the martial arts. Athletes include: Johnny Weissmuller, Jim Thorpe, Babe Ruth, Red Grange, Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Sonja Henie, Jessie Owens, Jackie Robinson, Roberto Clemente, Wilma Rudolph, and Arthur Ashe.

Promises to Keep: How Jackie Robinson Changed America, written by Sharon Robinson. Grades 3-7.: Written by his daughter, this is a personal account of Jackie Robinson's youth, his rise to become major league baseball's first African American player, and his involvement in the civil rights movement. With family and team photos and other personal mementos.

About the Booklist

The librarian of each library participating in the BOOKS FOR CHILDREN program selects the books her library will receive from a booklist provided by the Foundation. The 700-plus fiction and nonfiction titles on the list reflect the very best of children's literature published within the last three years, as well as a selection of classic favorites. Although the complete booklist is for the sole use of libraries participating in the BOOKS FOR CHILDREN program, the website features an ever-changing selection of books from current and past booklists.

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