Books in American Legends series

Author Catherine Reef paints a rich and memorable portrait of the first African American to earn his living as a writer. "I know why the caged bird sings," wrote Paul Laurence Dunbar in "Sympathy," one of his best-loved poems. Born in 1872 to former slaves, Dunbar touched the nation with poetry that portrayed the sorrows and the joys of African-American life. Dunbar's work spoke directly to the hearts of his readers, and his legacy inspired the generation of African-American poets who followed.

Sorting myth from truth in this amazing tale of courage and heroism, Anne Schraff breathes new life into the story of the most famous “conductor” on the Underground Railroad. “I grew up like a neglected weed—ignorant of liberty, having no experience of it. Now I’ve been free, I know what a dreadful condition slavery is.” Harriet Tubman ran away from slavery in 1849, walking one hundred miles to freedom in the North. For the next sixteen years, Tubman risked her newfound freedom—and her life—to help about three hundred other slaves escape. During the Civil War, Tubman worked as a nurse and a scout for the Union army, and in her later years, she joined the struggle for the education of her people and for women’s rights.

George Washington Carver spent his life asking questions and looking for the answers. He gained a reputation as the farmers' best friend: He taught farmers about crop rotationtelling them to grow peanuts and sweet potatoes to "rest" their soil between cotton crops. And what could they do with all those peanuts? Carver developed more than three hundred peanut-based productsfrom milk to printers inkand more than a hundred ways to use sweet potatoes. Barbara Kramer selects the correct anecdotes and quotes to bring "The Peanut Man" to life.

The story of Molly Pitcher highlights a side of the American Revolution not often touched upon in history booksthe role of women. The legend of Molly Pitcher tells of a woman who has followed her husband to the war and brings water to the soldiers in battle. When her husband is killed, she takes up his station and fires the cannon at the British. Historians think this could be a compilation of many true stories of women who helped out in the war, specifically of Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley or Margaret Corbin. This lesson in history and courage that gives a different perspective on events is a welcome addition to any library collection.

John Chapman is better known as Johnny Appleseed, but who was he, really? Did he really wear a pan on his head as a hat and travel the United States planting apple seeds? This unique biography explores the legend and the real man. The comic book-style illustrations help young people get a true flavor for what life might have been like for this memorable legendary figure.

The American tall tale has a starring role in the new Common Core curriculum, and tales do not get much taller than the stories of Pecos Bill. His adventures include fighting the Bear Lake Monster and lassoing and riding a tornadoand this legend is just getting warmed up! Most historians and folklorists think Pecos Bill stories are fiction, but there is the possibility that the character could be based in part on William Shafter, nicknamed Pecos Bill, who was know for being tougher than most folks. Whether based on a real man, or just pure American invention, readers will be thrilled to be along for the ride.

Paul Bunyan is one of America's first true tall tales, literally. It doesn't get much taller than a giant lumberjack with a giant blue ox, however there is some truth behind the stories. There is also a lasting legacy of people who are working under tough conditions, but easing their hearts and minds through enjoying the stories like this. Readers will enjoy this graphic representation that unravels the legend of Paul Bunyan and the truth behind it.