Books with author Laurie Calkhoven

You think Zoé, the new girl, is brave for coming all the way to Innerstar U from her home in France. You feel kind of shy around her, and you're a little jealous of all the attention she's getting from your friends. But when a couple of girls start teasing Zoé, can you be brave enough to stand up for her - and to help her make her way at Innerstar U?

If you are tired, keep going; if you are scared, keep going, if you are hungry, keep going; if you want to taste freedom, keep going. These are the words of Harriet Tubman, called the “Moses of her people” for leading slaves northward to freedom. After successfully escaping when only in her twenties, she put herself in danger again and again in order to help other slaves achieve liberty. And when the Civil War began, this freedom fighter not only spied for the Union, but became the first American woman to plan and direct a battle. Her compelling story is beautifully told here, along with a rich store of information about slave life, the Underground Railroad, and famous abolitionists.

Blast off into space and get to know Mae Jemison—the first African-American woman to ever go to space—with this fascinating, nonfiction Level 3 Ready-to-Read, part of a new series of biographies about people “you should meet.”Meet Mae Jemison, the first African-American female astronaut! Did you know before Mae was an astronaut, she went to medical school and joined the Peace Corps? But she never forgot her childhood dream to travel to outer space. So in 1985 she applied to NASA’s astronaut training program. On September 12, 1992, Mae flew into space with six other astronauts aboard the space shuttle Endeavour and made history—just like you can if you follow your dreams! A special section at the back of the book includes extras on subjects like history and math, plus a fun timeline filled with interesting trivia facts about space! With the You Should Meet series, learning about historical figures has never been so much fun!

Get to know the father of modern surfing in this fascinating, nonfiction Level 3 Ready-to-Read, part of a new series of biographies about people “you should meet.”Meet Duke Kahanamoku, three-time Olympic gold medalist and the father of modern surfing. Duke gained international fame for participating in four Olympics and won five medals in total. Fans began calling Duke “the human fish.” Wherever he went, Duke would demonstrate his surfing skills and in 1915, Duke introduced board surfing to Australia. Ten years later, he found another use for a surfboard—as a lifesaving device—using it to save eight people from a capsized boat in California! A special section at the back of the book includes extras like how to speak Hawaiian and a brief history of Hawaii and its culture. With the You Should Meet series, learning about historical figures has never been so fascinating!

Pirouette across the stage and get to know Misty Copeland—the first African-American woman to become a principal ballerina with the American Ballet Theater—in this fascinating, nonfiction Level 3 Ready-to-Read, part of a new series of biographies about people “you should meet.”Misty Copeland had always dreamed of becoming a dancer, but she had many obstacles to overcome before she could reach her dream. Although she was always challenged by the things that set her apart from other dancers, with a lot of hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent, Misty has become one of the most well-known dancers in America. On June 30, 2015 Misty stepped on stage as the first female African-American principal dancer for the American Ballet Theater and made history! A special section at the back of the book includes extras on subjects like history and math, plus a fun timeline filled with interesting trivia facts about dance. With the You Should Meet series, learning about historical figures has never been so fascinating!

The city of Boston is under siege. Twelve-year-old Daniel watches as Redcoat soldiers close the harbor and march through the streets. The British have sworn to uphold the king's lass...and to punish the rebels of Boston. But Daniel knows those rebels: they are Patriots. his heroes have vowed to fight for freedom, whatever the cost. And Daniel is determined to help. As he serves British officers in the family tavern, Daniel slowly learns the work of a spy, passing information along a secret network that goes all the way to General Washington. When war breaks out around him, Daniel must find within himself the courage to continue. His loyalty to the Patriots has never been more vital--or more dangerous.

Get to know the first woman to ever run in the Boston Marathon in this fascinating nonfiction Level 3 Ready-to-Read, part of a series of biographies about people “you should meet!”Meet Roberta Gibb. In 1966, Roberta was the first woman ever to run in the Boston Marathon. When Roberta applied for the event she received a letter saying women were not physically able to run marathons and therefore her request was denied. Roberta decided to run anyway, and told her mom, “This is really going to change things for women.” She disguised her appearance with a blue hooded sweatshirt pulled up over her head and her brother’s Bermuda shorts. Instead of being ridiculed, when the men running realized she was a woman, they cheered her on as she became the first woman to ever complete the Boston marathon! A special section at the back of the book includes extras on subjects like history and math, plus exercise and nutrition tips for kids. With the You Should Meet series, learning about historical figures has never been so much fun!

Get to know the first woman to ever run in the Boston Marathon in this fascinating nonfiction Level 3 Ready-to-Read, part of a series of biographies about people “you should meet!”Meet Roberta Gibb. In 1966, Roberta was the first woman ever to run in the Boston Marathon. When Roberta applied for the event she received a letter saying women were not physically able to run marathons and therefore her request was denied. Roberta decided to run anyway, and told her mom, “This is really going to change things for women.” She disguised her appearance with a blue hooded sweatshirt pulled up over her head and her brother’s Bermuda shorts. Instead of being ridiculed, when the men running realized she was a woman, they cheered her on as she became the first woman to ever complete the Boston marathon! A special section at the back of the book includes extras on subjects like history and math, plus exercise and nutrition tips for kids. With the You Should Meet series, learning about historical figures has never been so much fun!

Twelve-year-old Daniel Prescott cheered when the Sons of Liberty dumped English tea into Boston Harbor. Then King George sent his soldiers to take over Boston and its port. Now Daniel's home is a city under siege. When his father slips away to join the rebels, Daniel works in the family tavern and eavesdrops on Redcoat officers. He soon learns how to slip across British lines and becomes a messenger and spy, bringing vital news of the enemy to his father, and even to General Washington. To do so puts Daniel's life in danger. But, to a Patriot, liberty is well worth any risk.