Katie Kawa

Fireworks, picnics, flags, and parades should remind Americans young and old of perhaps the most famous national holiday. Independence Day, also called the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday. While most know that the observance is a celebration of the nation, they might not know what happened on July 4 in 1776 and why this is a now famous date. This beautifully designed book, beneficial to any social studies collection, presents the history of this holiday in 20 of the most fun, intriguing facts. Budding historians will appreciate the high-interest photographs and accessible text.

Writers can make a huge impact on the world, and Lin-Manuel Miranda's life and work is a perfect example of how a writer can make the world a better place with their words. As readers learn Lin-Manuel Miranda's story, they'll discover that there's power in the written word and in creating a space for everyone to feel welcome and empowered through works of art. Colorful photographs of one of the most famous faces in entertainment today accompany the detailed narrative, helpful timeline, and inspiring quotes from Miranda himself.

An asthma attack can be a frightening thing to experience or to witness, but knowing the facts about asthma can help people prepare themselves as thoroughly as possible. These facts include detailed information about what causes asthma and what can be done to treat it, which readers learn through exploring detailed main text, sidebars, and graphic organizers. Diagrams and full-color photographs help readers visualize the biological processes affected by asthma. Readers discover that people with asthma can still lead active and exciting lives, which helps to erase the stigma surrounding this medical condition.

Some people believe free speech means you can say whatever you want and no one can get mad at you or punish you for it. Readers learn this isn't exactly the truth as they explore one of the most important aspects of any free society. The concept of free speech and what it means has been debated for centuries, and as readers take a closer look at all sides of this debate, they sharpen their critical-thinking skills. Fact boxes, colorful photographs, and detailed graphic organizers enhance the main text to give readers a stronger understanding of this essential civics concept.

Loneliness can be an overwhelming emotion, but this engaging book teaches beginning readers healthy ways to deal with feeling lonely. Using a fictional approach, this book details the story of a child's trip to the park--from the lonely feeling of watching other children play together to the joy of making a new friend. With the help of simple text and a useful picture glossary, young readers discover for themselves how easy it is to conquer loneliness by beginning a new friendship. Charming illustrations will draw beginning readers to this relatable story.

Dogs are called "man's best friend" because of their famed loyalty. In this bilingual book, English language learners explore the daily lives of one of the world's most beloved animals. Fun facts are presented in both English and standard Latin American Spanish, teaching readers how to care for a dog using simple text. Bright photographs of a variety of dog breeds accompany these facts, so readers can see exactly what they are learning about.

A'ja Wilson is one of the WNBA's brightest stars. While her stats are impressive, readers discover that what she has done off the court is even more impressive. Whether she's speaking out about race and gender in sports marketing, helping young people through her foundation, or writing a book to inspire young Black girls, she knows how to make a difference off the court as well as on it. As readers explore age-appropriate quotes, colorful photographs, and suggestions for ways they can be like this superstar, they gain a sense of empowerment and a desire to make a difference.

Travis Kelce is one of the most famous football players in the world, and his relationship with musical superstar Taylor Swift has earned him even more fans. But it's the work he does beyond the football field and outside of the spotlight that is really making a difference in the world around him. Readers take a deep dive into the tight end's career, but they are also introduced to his charitable work and activism. Through this unique approach to a high-interest biography, readers are inspired to find their own ways to make a difference in the world around them.

Travis Kelce is one of the most famous football players in the world, and his relationship with musical superstar Taylor Swift has earned him even more fans. But it's the work he does beyond the football field and outside of the spotlight that is really making a difference in the world around him. Readers take a deep dive into the tight end's career, but they are also introduced to his charitable work and activism. Through this unique approach to a high-interest biography, readers are inspired to find their own ways to make a difference in the world around them.

A'ja Wilson is one of the WNBA's brightest stars. While her stats are impressive, readers discover that what she has done off the court is even more impressive. Whether she's speaking out about race and gender in sports marketing, helping young people through her foundation, or writing a book to inspire young Black girls, she knows how to make a difference off the court as well as on it. As readers explore age-appropriate quotes, colorful photographs, and suggestions for ways they can be like this superstar, they gain a sense of empowerment and a desire to make a difference.

Billie Eilish is one of the most successful women in music, using her voice to connect with fans around the world. She also uses her voice to call attention to issues that she cares about, including women's rights, global peace, and the fight against climate change. As readers explore the ways this award-winning musician has stood up for what she believes through her music and outside of it, they are encouraged to think of ways they can get involved with causes that they care about. Basic biographical information is presented alongside age-appropriate quote boxes, colorful photographs, and a helpful timeline.

Billie Eilish is one of the most successful women in music, using her voice to connect with fans around the world. She also uses her voice to call attention to issues that she cares about, including women's rights, global peace, and the fight against climate change. As readers explore the ways this award-winning musician has stood up for what she believes through her music and outside of it, they are encouraged to think of ways they can get involved with causes that they care about. Basic biographical information is presented alongside age-appropriate quote boxes, colorful photographs, and a helpful timeline.

Lewis Hamilton's success as a Formula 1 driver has made a huge difference in the world of F1--and beyond. He's used his platform to speak out against racism and fight for causes close to his heart, including environmentalism and children's rights. Readers learn this inspiring information and more as they take a closer look at the impact this driver has made behind the wheel and in the larger world. As they explore empowering quotes, colorful photographs, and age-appropriate suggestions for ways they can help others, readers discover that they don't have to drive to be like Lewis Hamilton.

Lewis Hamilton's success as a Formula 1 driver has made a huge difference in the world of F1--and beyond. He's used his platform to speak out against racism and fight for causes close to his heart, including environmentalism and children's rights. Readers learn this inspiring information and more as they take a closer look at the impact this driver has made behind the wheel and in the larger world. As they explore empowering quotes, colorful photographs, and age-appropriate suggestions for ways they can help others, readers discover that they don't have to drive to be like Lewis Hamilton.

Group projects are often a challenging exercise for students. Are the benefits worth the challenges? Readers learn to develop their own informed answer to that question as they explore the different sides to the debate surrounding group projects. The unbiased main text presents different points of view alongside relatable photographs and fact boxes with information readers can use to support their argument. In addition, a detailed graphic organizer completes this critical thinking exercise that applies to many readers' personal experiences. This introduction to the process of respectful debating is an essential tool for today's world.

Giannis Antetokounmpo's journey from a childhood in Greece with his Nigerian parents to NBA superstardom in the United States makes for an inspiring story, which readers discover in this unique biography of one of the best basketball players in the world. Basic biographical facts and a comprehensive timeline are included, but the real focus of the accessible text is on the ways the "Greek Freak" helps others. Through quote boxes and achievable suggestions for ways to follow in his footsteps, readers are empowered to find their own path to make a difference in the world around them.