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Books in Rookie Biography series

  • The Creaking on the Stairs: Finding Faith in God Through Childhood Abuse

    Mez McConnell

    Paperback (Christian Focus, Oct. 4, 2019)
    I think there is real hope to be found, in the middle of our deepest traumas, in the good news about Jesus Christ. I also think that there is a place for us to find hope and community within the church. Because of these two beliefs, I truly think, distant though it may be, that we may even get to a place of peace within our souls and a place of forgiveness for those who hurt us so much. This is a book that has no easy answers and will offer none. This is a book that tries to get behind the tough questions of why God permits such abuses to occur in this world. Using his own story of childhood abuse, Mez McConnell tells us about a God who is just, sovereign and loving. A good father who knows the pain of rejection and abuse, who hates evil, who can bring hope even in the darkest place. ‘It’s not a pagan rags to Christian riches story. It’s real, raw and radical. I suspect that there will be as many people shocked by the Bible teaching that Mez wrestles with, as there will be those shocked by the abuse he suffered. With chapters like ‘The glorious, wonderful reality of Hell’ and ‘The terrible reality of Heaven’, there is no chance of this book being perceived as comfortable.’ – David Robertson, Christian Today https://christiantoday.com/article/my-favourite-christian-book-of-2019/133774.htm
  • Simone Biles: America's Greatest Gymnast

    Joanne Mattern

    Paperback (Children's Press, Sept. 1, 2017)
    Meet Simone Biles!Fact-filled Rookie Read-About Biographies introduce the youngest readers to influential women and men, both past and present. Colorful photos and age appropriate text encourage children to read on their own-as they learn about people like Serena Williams, Neil Armstrong, Rosa Parks, Anne Frank and many more. From the time she was a little girl, Simone wanted to be a world-class gymnast. Through hard work and determination she made her dreams come true. Read this book to learn all about Olympic champion Simone Biles and her path to glory.
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  • Lost Boy, Lost Girl: Escaping Civil War in Sudan

    John Bul Dau

    Hardcover (National Geographic Children's Books, Oct. 12, 2010)
    One of thousands of children who fled strife in southern Sudan, John Bul Dau survived hunger, exhaustion, and violence. His wife, Martha, endured similar hardships. In this memorable book, the two convey the best of African values while relating searing accounts of famine and war. There’s warmth as well, in their humorous tales of adapting to American life. For its importance as a primary source, for its inclusion of the rarely told female perspective of Sudan’s lost children, for its celebration of human resilience, this is the perfect story to inform and inspire young readers.
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  • Untamed: The Wild Life of Jane Goodall

    Anita Silvey, Jane Goodall

    Hardcover (National Geographic Children's Books, June 9, 2015)
    Jane Goodall, one of the most recognized scientists in the Western world, became internationally famous because of her ability to observe and connect with another species. A girl of humble beginnings and training, she made scientific breakthroughs thought impossible by more experienced field observers when she was only in her twenties. Then these animals shaped Jane's life. She began tirelessly fighting to protect the environment so that chimpanzees and other animals will continue have a place and a future on our planet. Jane Goodall continues to leave the modern world with an extraordinary legacy and has changed the scientific community forever.
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  • Mae Jemison

    Jodie Shepherd

    Paperback (Children's Press, Feb. 1, 2015)
    Meet Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman to travel to space.Fact-filled Rookie Read-About Biographies introduce the youngest readers to influential women and men, both past and present. Colorful photos and age appropriate text encourage children to read on their own-as they learn about people like Serena Williams, Neil Armstrong, Rosa Parks, Anne Frank and many more. Mae Jemison was a bright child who was always fascinated by science. The top student and gifted dancer ignored naysayers and worked hard to achieve her dream of becoming a doctor and an astronaut.
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  • Facing the Lion: Growing Up Maasai on the African Savanna

    Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton, Herman Viola

    Paperback (National Geographic Children's Books, Oct. 11, 2005)
    Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton gives American kids a firsthand look at growing up in Kenya as a member of a tribe of nomads whose livelihood centers on the raising and grazing of cattle. Readers share Lekuton's first encounter with a lion, the epitome of bravery in the warrior tradition. They follow his mischievous antics as a young Maasai cattle herder, coming-of-age initiation, boarding school escapades, soccer success, and journey to America for college. Lekuton's riveting text combines exotic details of nomadic life with the universal experience and emotions of a growing boy.
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  • Serena Williams: A Champion on and off the Court

    Jodie Shepherd

    Paperback (C. Press/F. Watts Trade, Sept. 1, 2016)
    Meet Serena Williams!Fact-filled Rookie Read-About Biographies introduce the youngest readers to influential women and men, both past and present. Colorful photos and age appropriate text encourage children to read on their own-as they learn about people like Serena Williams, Neil Armstrong, Rosa Parks, Anne Frank and many more. From the time she was five years old, Serena played tennis. Thanks to years of hard work and incredible talent she is considered by many to be the best female player ever. Serena's accomplishments aren't limited to the tennis court, though. She is also a successful entrepreneur and a dedicated philanthropist.
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  • Anne Frank: A Life In Hiding

    Wil Mara

    Paperback (C. Press/F. Watts Trade, Sept. 1, 2016)
    Meet Anne Frank. When she was 13 years old, Anne, her parents, and her sister went into hiding.Fact-filled Rookie Read-About Biographies introduce the youngest readers to influential women and men, both past and present. Colorful photos and age appropriate text encourage children to read on their own-as they learn about people like Serena Williams, Neil Armstrong, Rosa Parks, Anne Frank and many more. As Jews living under Nazi rule, they were in constant danger. The Franks lived in a small secret space-always quiet, always hungry, ever fearful-for two years before they were betrayed. Anne's diary of her time in hiding went on to become one of the most important pieces of literature in history.
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  • Roberto Clemente

    Wil Mara

    Library Binding (Childrens Pr, March 1, 2005)
    Uses simple text and photographs to profile the Hall of Fame baseball player and humanitarian, from his youth in Puerto Rico to his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
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  • George Washington Carver: Scientist and Teacher

    Carol Greene

    Paperback (Childrens Pr, Jan. 1, 1993)
    Describes the life and accomplishments of the former slave who became a scientist and devoted his career to helping the South improve its agriculture
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  • Florence Nightingale: Mother of Modern Nursing

    Carol Alexander

    Paperback (Children's Press, Sept. 1, 2015)
    From the time she was a little girl, Florence Nightingale knew she wanted to help people.Fact-filled Rookie Read-About Biographies introduce the youngest readers to influential women and men, both past and present. Colorful photos and age appropriate text encourage children to read on their own-as they learn about people like Serena Williams, Neil Armstrong, Rosa Parks, Anne Frank and many more. As a nurse, Nightingale worked hard to change health care practices-saving many lives in the process. Today she is considered the mother of modern nursing.
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  • Abraham Lincoln

    Wil Mara

    Paperback (Children's Press, March 1, 2014)
    Considered by many to be the greatest American President, Abraham Lincoln went from humble beginnings to the highest office in the land.Fact-filled Rookie Read-About Biographies introduce the youngest readers to influential women and men, both past and present. Colorful photos and age appropriate text encourage children to read on their own-as they learn about people like Serena Williams, Neil Armstrong, Rosa Parks, Anne Frank and many more. Read about how "Honest Abe" held the United States together during the country's most difficult times and fought to free the slaves.
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