Synopses & Reviews
and#160;As a boy, Kenichi andldquo;Zeniandrdquo; Zenimura dreams of playing professional baseball, but everyone tells him he is too small. Yet he grows up to be a successful player, playing with Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig! When the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor in 1941, Zeni and his family are sent to one of ten internment camps where more than 110,000 people of Japanese ancestry are imprisoned without trials. Zeni brings the game of baseball to the camp, along with a sense of hope.
This true story, set in a Japanese internment camp during World War II, introduces children to a little-discussed part of American history through Marissa Mossandrsquo;s rich text and Yuko Shimizuandrsquo;s beautiful illustrations. The book includes author and illustrator notes, archival photographs, and a bibliography.
Praise for Barbed Wire Baseball
andquot;In language that captures the underlying sadness and loss, Moss emphasizes Zeniandrsquo;s fierce spirit as he removes every obstacle in order to play his beloved baseball and regain a sense of pride. Shimizuandrsquo;s Japanese calligraphy brushandndash;and-ink illustrations colored in Photoshop depict the dreary landscape with the ever-present barbed wire, with that beautiful grassy baseball field the only beacon of hope.andquot;
andmdash;Kirkus Reviews
andquot;As this expressive picture book makes clear, Zenimura never allowed his small stature to diminish his dreams.andquot;
andmdash;Booklist
andquot;Moss is a skilled author of historical narrative nonfiction for young readers; her tale is both well researched and well told. But itandrsquo;s the visually stunning, sensitive illustrations by the hugely talented Shimizu that make the book a standout.andquot;
andmdash;New York Times Book Review
andquot;Text and illustrations mesh to create an admiring portrait of an exemplary individual who rose above his challenges and inspired others.andquot;
andmdash;School Library Journal
andquot;In her picture book debut, artist Shimizu finely crafts pen-and-ink illustrations with a calligraphy brush to help portray a true story of resilience during WWII.andquot;
andmdash;Publishers Weekly
andquot;Shimizuandrsquo;s Japanese brush and ink illustrations, digitally layered with dusty colors suggestive of the arid relocation camp, are a visual feast, from the patterned swirls of battleship steam and desert dust, to the series of depictions of Zenimura in motion, to the rhythmic composition of the female detainees stitching the potato-sack uniforms.andquot;
andmdash;Bulletin of the Center for Childrenand#39;s Books
andquot;Yuko Shimizuandrsquo;s arresting illustrations, evoking the firm lines, dramatic curves and color wash of Japanese prints, add drama and authenticity to this memorable account.andquot;
andmdash;The Wall Street Journal
andquot;This is a beautifully designed and inspirational sports story about the power of American dreams, even when such dreams are sometimes deferred.andquot;
andmdash;HornBook
Award
2013 California Book Award Winner - Juvenile Category
California Reading Associationandrsquo;s Eureka! Nonfiction Childrenandrsquo;s Book Awards - HONOR
Notable Childrenand#39;s Books from ALSC 2014
and#160;
Review
"Moss is a skilled author of historical narrative nonfiction for young readers; her tale is both well researched and well told. But itand#8217;s the visually stunning, sensitive illustrations by the hugely talented Shimizu that make the book a standout."
Review
andquot;Hendrixand#39;s richly detailed, brightly colored spreads make the book visually engaging.andquot;
Review
STARRED REVIEW
andquot;Anglebergerandrsquo;s sly charmer is a gift to any reader besotted with engines, motors, and combustible fuel...Itandrsquo;s an unabashed celebration of the pleasure of using big machines to move things aroundandmdash;just because.andquot;
Synopsis
A thrilling picture book biography of Civil War soldier Sarah Emma Edmonds, from award-winning creators Marissa Moss and John Hendrix
When Frank Thompson sees a recruitment poster for the new Union army, he's ready and willing to enlist. Except Frank isn't his real name. In fact, Frank is really Sarah Emma Edmonds, in disguise.
Only nineteen years old, Sarah has already been dressing as a man for three years and living on the run in order to escape an arranged marriage. She's tasted freedom, and as far as she's concerned, there's no going back.
Eager to fight for the North during the Civil War, Sarah joins a Michigan infantry regiment. She excels as a soldier and even takes on the grueling task of nursing the wounded. Because of her heroism, she is asked to become a spy, cross enemy lines, and infiltrate a Confederate camp. For her first mission, Sarah must once again disguise herself and rely on the kindness of enslaved people to help her do her job.
This incredible true story of a brave young woman who makes an unlikely choice to fight for her country is one that should not be lost to history.
Synopsis
Filled with intrigue and surprises,
The Pharaohs Secret includes Marissa Mosss original illustrations throughout. The novel skillfully weaves history with a personal story full of heartache and family tensions that will entice and enthrall readers.
When Talibah and her younger brother, Adom, accompany their father, an academic, to his homeland of modern Egypt on his research assignment, they become involved in a mystery surrounding an ancient, lost pharaoha rare queen ruler. Someone has tried to wipe her from the record, to make it appear as if she never existed! She needs Talibah to help her and her high priest, Senenmut, reclaim their rightful place in history. Exotic locales, mysterious strangers, and a sinister archaeologist round out an adventure that is full of riddles, old tales, and, most surprisingly of all, a link to Talibahs and Adoms mother, who died mysteriously.
Synopsis
Published on the 150th anniversary of John Brownand#8217;s raid on Harpers Ferry, this biography explores the life of one of American historyand#8217;s most controversial figures. A great deal of academic study has been published recently about John Brown. This is the first book for young readers to include these new attitudes and research.
and#160;
In the late 1850s, at a time when many men and women spoke out against slavery, few had the same impact as John Brown, the infamous white abolitionist who backed his beliefs with unstoppable action. His dedication to freeing the American slaves made him one of the most recognizable leaders in the liberation movement to end slavery.
and#160;
Told through engaging, thoughtful narration and bold, dynamic illustrations, John Brown: His Fight for Freedom is a fitting reminder that all men and women are created equal, and that some things are worth fighting for. The book includes an authorand#8217;s note, a bibliography, and an index.and#160;FandP level: U
Synopsis
The ever-fascinating story of the legendary pilot is given new life in this vividly told true-life adventure.
and#160;
Ever since Amelia Earhart and her plane disappeared on July 2, 1937, people have wanted to know more about this remarkable woman. Amelia Earhart follows the charismatic aviator from her first sight of an airplane at the age of ten to the last radio transmission she made before she vanished. Illustrated with original artworks, contemporary photographs, quotes, and details, this is a great introduction to the famous pilot. The book includes a bibliography and an index.
Synopsis
This fast-paced, high-energy picture book tells the true story of Sarah Emma Edmonds, who at age nineteen disguised herself as a man in order to fight in the Civil War. She took the name Frank Thompson and joined a Michigan army regiment to battle the Confederacy. Sarah excelled as a soldier and nurse on the battlefield. Because of her heroism, she was asked to become a spy. Her story comes to life through the signature illustrations and design of John Hendrix and the exciting storytelling of Marissa Moss.
Praise for Nurse, Soldier, Spy
“The incredible story of how Sarah Edmonds becomes Frank Thompson is full of adventure, bravado and pathos. Spirited pen-and-ink drawings, full of period detail and war action always focus on the intriguing Frank…” –San Francisco Chronicle
“Readers won't stop until the last page of Marissa Moss' exciting Civil War story about Sarah Edmonds' life as a man in the Union Army. Vivid illustrations by artist John Hendrix match Moss' exciting account of Sarah's life in the Army.” –Sacramento Bee
Synopsis
This fast-paced, high-energy picture book tells the true story of Sarah Emma Edmonds, who at age nineteen disguised herself as a man in order to fight in the Civil War. She took the name Frank Thompson and joined a Michigan army regiment to battle the Confederacy. Sarah excelled as a soldier and nurse on the battlefield. Because of her heroism, she was asked to become a spy. Her story comes to life through the signature illustrations and design of John Hendrix and the exciting storytelling of Marissa Moss.
Praise for Nurse,and#160;Soldier, Spy
and#8220;The incredible story of how Sarah Edmonds becomes Frank Thompson is full of adventure, bravado and pathos. Spirited pen-and-ink drawings, full of period detail and war action always focus on the intriguing Frankand#8230;and#8221; and#8211;San Francisco Chronicle
and#8220;Readers won't stop until the last page of Marissa Moss' exciting Civil War story about Sarah Edmonds' life as a man in the Union Army. Vivid illustrations by artist John Hendrix match Moss' exciting account of Sarah's life in the Army.and#8221; and#8211;Sacramento Beeand#160;
and#8220;Hendrix's artwork is, as usual, a showstopper, and his bold caricatures convey Edmonds's strength and determination. Moss delivers a riveting narrative, making it clear that Edmonds was fighting for more than one kind of freedom.and#8221; and#8211;Publishers Weekly, starred review
and#8220;The focused view makes the book accessible for children. The pen-and-ink with acrylic wash illustrations are full of vibrant detail. Hendrix presents a meticulous view of military life, including army camp layouts and fortifications. Hand-drawn typography highlights important or humorous points in the text and adds even more visual interest.and#8221; and#8211;School Library Journal
and#8220;Hendrixand#8217;s art emphasizes the horror and drama of war. Using hand-lettered text reminiscent of broadsides of the time, he visually shouts danger to the reader when tension is the highest.and#8221; and#8211;Horn Book
and#8220;In ink-and-wash illustrations, Hendrix again displays his knack for visual narrative. The aerial view of Edmonds approaching the Confederate camp is particularly effective. This large-format picture book illustrates Edmondsand#8217; courage and determination while conveying a good deal of information in a highly readable way.and#8221; and#8211;Booklist
and#8220;Admirable and enlightening. Moss is a lively prose writer, and Hendrixand#8217;s illustrations inject humor into what is actually a serious subject.and#8221; and#8211;The New York Times
and#8220;Boldly illustrated. The text is full of interesting details. This book strikes a fine balance which conveys the horrors of the Civil War without portraying too much blood and violence for elementary readers. A very useful and researchable picture book.and#8221; and#8211;Library Media Connection, starred review
Synopsis
McToad likes Thursdays. Why? Because on every other day of the week, McToad mows Big Island, but on Thursdays, McToad mows Tiny Island. To do so, he puts his mower on the back of a truck, which drives to a train, which goes to a helicopter, which flies to a boat, which uses a crane to put the lawn mower onto Tiny Island. There McToad mows and drinks some lemonade, and before you know it, itandrsquo;s time to turn around and go back home. But first, the mower has to get lifted by a crane, to get put back on a boat, which is lifted by a helicopter, and . . . well . . . you get the idea.
From master storyteller Tom Angleberger and celebrated illustrator John Hendrix comes this playful narrative that treasures the journey over the destination, with lots of planes, trains, and automobiles to boot.
About the Author
John Hendrix lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with his wife and two children, and teaches illustration at Washington University. He has won numerous awards for his drawings, and his illustrations have been featured in the New Yorker, Rolling Stone, and the New York Times. This is his first childrenand#8217;s book that he has both written and illustrated. He illustrated Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek: A Tall, Thin Tale, which was named an ALA Notable Book. Visit his Web site at www.johnhendrix.com.