This is the inspiring story of Wanda Gag, the young artist who, at age 15, used her talent for drawing to become the primary breadwinner in her family, supporting her 7 younger brothers and sisters. She eventually went on to overcome the hardships of her childhood to write and illustrate the beloved 1929 Newbery Honor Book, Millions of Cats.

-Miriam

Making it to the Big Leagues in baseball is a dream of many young boys. Imagine if you were a young black girl growing up in 1940's. Mamie "Peanut" Johnson grew up playing baseball with her older cousins and dreamed of playing in the Negro Leagues when she grew up. She had a dream and was going to see it through no matter what. Mamie not only succeeded in making it to the Negro Leagues to play, but also created a foundation to share her love and knowledge with the next generation of children. A very inspirational story.

-Dawn

Caldecott Award-winner McCully takes on an unusual subject in this picture book thriller. Part truth, part legend, Grania O’Malley, daughter of a sea-faring family in the time of Queen Elizabeth I, gave birth aboard a pirate ship, married her second husband to obtain a castle (her fifth), narrowly escaped hanging, and faced down the most powerful woman in England.

-Mariana

J FICTION KONIG

Eleanor of Aquitaine, wife of two medieval kings and mother of two others, is the subject of this rousing work of historical fiction by two-time Newbery Award winner E. L. Konigsburg.

-Mrs. Jarombek

This is the story of Annette Kellerman, who has very little strength to walk but through perseverance becomes a star swimmer and diver-- and a true inspiration to all. Her story is one that most of us haven't heard but one that we all should.

-Barbara

 A compelling biography of a Harlem Renaissance sculptor. The story begins with Augusta Savage (1892-1962) as a young girl creating clay animals at home in Florida. Later, she surmounted her father's disapproval, and moved to New York City to pursue her dream of being an artist. The beautiful paintings of illustrator JaeMe Bereal give the book an intense realism. This biography of will appeal to all aspiring artists who read it.

-Mrs. Weicher

Elizabeth Leads the Way: Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the Right to Vote

by Tanya Lee Stone, illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon

J 305.42 STANT

What would you do if someone told you you can't be what you want to be because you are a girl? Elizabeth Cady Stanton began campaigning for women's suffrage way back in the 1840s! This upbeat and energetic book introduces young readers to an important figure who fought tirelessly and helped shape the woman's rights movement in America.

-Vicky