Books in Step-Up Biographies series

Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier and integrated Major League baseball—changing the game forever. Kids will enjoy discovering more about this champion of equality, including:His astonishing skill as a four-sport athlete: football, basketball, baseball, and trackHow he was court-martialed during World War II for standing up for his rightsWhy he was chosen to become baseball’s first black playerHow he continued to build his civil rights legacy even after his baseball career ended It’s an inspiring story, beautifully told by Michael Teitelbaum.

“What is looked upon as an American dream for white people has long been an American nightmare for black people.” Experience of that nightmare transformed Malcolm X into one of the most rousing Black Nationalist leaders. Beatrice Gormley captures Malcolm X’s life: his youth as a petty criminal; jailhouse conversion to the Nation of Islam; marriage to Betty Shabazz; embrace of traditional Islam; and assassination.

He floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee, darting and dancing his way to boxing’s heavyweight world championship. In the process, the fleet-footed and motormouthed fighter became King of the Ring and more: a cultural icon who dominated headlines, generated controversy, and enthralled even those audiences uninterested in the sport. Learn the fascinating facts about this dazzling champ: -How he began boxing at only age 12—and the trainer who first knew he was something special- His involvement in the controversial Nation of Islam- What happened when he refused to fight in the Vietnam War- Round-by-round coverage of his “Rumble in the Jungle” and “Thrilla in Manila” matchups with George Foreman and nemesis Joe Frazier- His present-day battle with Parkinson’s Syndrome

Christopher Columbus made the voyage that, for better and worse, changed history. Born in the bustling port city of Genoa, Italy, Columbus fell in love with the sea, and spent his youth learning all he could about steering and navigating a ship. Dreaming of wealth and fame, he believed he could find a new route to the Indies by sailing westward. Expert biographer Emma Carlson Berne paints this compelling portrait of his life and times in a language that will help children follow his journeys to the “New World.” With careful attention to context, she explains how Columbus won support for his expedition, what happened when he finally reached land, what effect his arrival had on the native people, and how he ultimately clashed with the Spanish crown.

From slave to freedom fighter: that was the long and hard journey taken by Frederick Douglass. Douglass was America’s first great civil rights leader, and he threw off the physical, mental, and legal chains of slavery to become one of the greatest champions for human rights. Frances E. Ruffin explores this figure in all his complexity, and captures the hardships Douglass endured as he fought for justice.