Books published by publisher Carolrhoda Books (2000-01-01)

Coretta Scott King Author Award Read about the fascinating life of Bass Reeves, who escaped slavery to become the first African American Deputy U.S. Marshal west of the Mississippi. Sitting tall in the saddle, with a wide-brimmed black hat and twin Colt pistols on his belt, Bass Reeves seemed bigger than life. Outlaws feared him. Law-abiding citizens respected him. As a peace officer, he was cunning and fearless. When a lawbreaker heard Bass Reeves had his warrant, he knew it was the end of the trail, because Bass always got his man, dead or alive. He achieved all this in spite of whites who didn't like the notion of a black lawman. Born into slavery in 1838, Bass had a hard and violent life, but he also had a strong sense of right and wrong that others admired. When Judge Isaac Parker tried to bring law and order to the lawless Indian Territories, he chose Bass to be a Deputy US Marshal. Bass would quickly prove a smart choice. For three decades, Bass was the most feared and respected lawman in the territories. He made more than 3,000 arrests, and though he was a crack shot and a quick draw, he only killed fourteen men in the line of duty. The story of Bass Reeves is the story of a remarkable African American and a remarkable hero of the Old West.

A sweet middle-grade title about getting lost in a big family and unlikely friendship. Almost-twelve-year-old Sunday Fowler is a middle-of-the-middle child, and it's the absolute worst. Her sisters say she's too young. Her brothers say she's too old. And her parents remember the dog's name more often than they remember hers. But standing out is hard work when you have to help repair an old library and make sure your siblings don't steal your new best friend—or ruin all your plans. Then Sunday finds something in the library's basement that might make her so famous no one will forget her name ever again. But revealing her finding means stirring up secrets that some people in the town hoped to keep buried. Sunday must decide if some things—loyalty, trust, friendship—are worth more than her name in the headlines. A Summer of Sundays is a charming, funny celebration of family and finding friendship in unexpected places.

How can we make the world a better place? This inspiring resource for middle-grade readers is organized as a dictionary; each entry presents a word related to creating a better world, such as ally, empathy, or respect. For each word, there is a poem, a quote from an inspiring person, a personal anecdote from the authors, and a "try it" prompt for an activity.This second poetic collaboration from Irene Latham and Charles Waters builds upon themes of diversity and inclusiveness from their previous book Can I Touch Your Hair? Poems of Race, Mistakes, and Friendship. Illustrations from Iranian-British artist Mehrdokht Amini offer readers a rich visual experience.

Blossom and Rocky are sheep—very sneaky sheep. And they are not very good decision makers. Poor Murphy, the sheep dog, has rescued them from many adventures, like cliff diving and sunbathing on the railroad tracks. And then there was the unfortunate incident with the knitters... But Rocky and Blossom are always looking for greener grass, and there's no telling what they'll try next.

Coretta Scott King Author AwardRead about the fascinating life of Bass Reeves, who escaped slavery to become the first African American Deputy U.S. Marshal west of the Mississippi.Sitting tall in the saddle, with a wide-brimmed black hat and twin Colt pistols on his belt, Bass Reeves seemed bigger than life. Outlaws feared him. Law-abiding citizens respected him. As a peace officer, he was cunning and fearless. When a lawbreaker heard Bass Reeves had his warrant, he knew it was the end of the trail, because Bass always got his man, dead or alive. He achieved all this in spite of whites who didn't like the notion of a black lawman. Born into slavery in 1838, Bass had a hard and violent life, but he also had a strong sense of right and wrong that others admired. When Judge Isaac Parker tried to bring law and order to the lawless Indian Territories, he chose Bass to be a Deputy US Marshal. Bass would quickly prove a smart choice. For three decades, Bass was the most feared and respected lawman in the territories. He made more than 3,000 arrests, and though he was a crack shot and a quick draw, he only killed fourteen men in the line of duty. The story of Bass Reeves is the story of a remarkable African American and a remarkable hero of the Old West.

The Bolds―the hyena family successfully impersonating as humans―have become legendary in the animal kingdom. Soon their house is full of visitors hoping to learn how to pass as humans too. There's a crocodile who can't quite tame her appetite, a poodle who wants to be a famous singer, and runaway racehorses hiding from their owner. With so many houseguests, the Bolds have their hands (ahem, paws) full. Can they teach these outcast critters to survive in the human world?

He believes in science, but only magic can help his mom. Twelve-year-old Finn is used to people in his family disappearing. His twin sister, Faith, drowned when they were three years old. A few months ago, his mom abandoned him and his dad with no explanation. Finn clings to the concrete facts in his physics books―and to his best friend, Gabi―to ward off his sadness. But then his grandmother tells him a secret: the women in their family are Travelers, able to move back and forth in time. Finn's mom is trapped somewhere in the timeline, and she's left Finn a portal to find her. But to succeed, he'll have to put his trust in something bigger than logic.

Louanne’s an only child. She thinks that it would be fun to have a big family, just like her neighbor George. He has five sisters and four brothers—the perfect size. When her parents have to leave town for the weekend, Louanne jumps at the chance to stay with George. But during her stay, there’s too much snoring, a long line for the bathroom, and absolutely nowhere to be alone. Maybe three is the perfect number after all!

Little Wolf has been brushing his teeth without being growled at, he's been going to bed early, and he's been far too nice to his baby brother, Smellybreff. His parents, concerned they will never make a beast of him, send Little Wolf off to Cunning College, where his Uncle Bigbad instructs timid cubs in the rules of badness. Will Little Wolf earn his BAD badge? Or will his uncle Bigbad HUFF and PUFF and turn Little Wolf into a sausage sandwich?

Cookie the dog doesn't walk like other dogs. She walks on her hind legs, and what a sight that is! Cookie's walking catches the attention of a show producer, who turns her into a star. And with fame comes benefits: bacon, candy, a fanny pack, her own mini-fridge… But the more Cookie walks, the more people expect from her. Cookie's old friend Kevin keeps reminding her about how great her regular life used to be. And Cookie's legs are getting tired. Will Cookie keep walking for fame and fortune? Or will she stand down and get her life back?