Michelle Lord

Julia Blattman

Mess That We Made

Born in 1940s Harlem, Patricia Bath dreamed of being a doctor--even though that wasn't a career option for most women. This inspiring biography follows Dr. Bath in her quest to become an ophthalmologist and restore sight to the blind. "Choosing miracles" when everyone else had given up hope, she invented a specialized laser for removing cataracts, becoming the first African-American woman doctor to receive a medical patent.

The Doctor Who Saved Sight

Patricia's Vision

Shino Arihara

The true story of Arn Chorn-Pond, Cambodian American musician and human rights activist, who as a young boy survived Khmer Rouge work camps by learning to play a musical instrument.

A Song for Cambodia

Describes how different types of animals in different environments find ways to reuse the objects they encounter, from an elf owl in the desert nesting in an empty woodpecker hole to an elephant using a leaf as a fan before eating it.

How about You?

Nature Recycles

Tigers' quarterback Andre is still recovering from a broken arm--will he get his confidence back and be able to win the big game?

The Quick Quarterback

The Mess That We Made explores the environmental impact of trash and plastic on the ocean and marine life, and it inspires kids to do their part to combat pollution. Simple, rhythmic wording builds to a crescendo ("This is the mess that we made. These are the fish that swim in the mess that we made.") and the vibrant digital artwork captures the disaster that is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Children can imagine themselves as one of the four multi-ethnic occupants of the little boat surrounded by swirling plastic in the middle of the ocean, witnessing the cycle of destruction and the harm it causes to plants, animals, and humans. The first half of the book portrays the growing magnitude of the issue, and the second half rallies children and adults to make the necessary changes to save our oceans, before it is too late. Facts about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, ocean pollution, and how kids can help are included in the back matter.

The Mess That We Made

Meet Maria Toorpakai Wazir, a brave Pakistani girl who pursued her love of sports in spite of being taunted and beaten. When the President of Pakistan gave Maria an award for outstanding achievement, the Taliban threatened her squash club, family, and life. Forced to quit the team, she continued to practice in her bedroom every day for three years! Maria's story will inspire and empower all children . . . especially girls.

The Story of Maria Toorpakai Wazir

A Girl Called Genghis Khan

Steve Harpster

Mason and his cousin are headed to a new beach with their Aunt Molly, but when Molly takes them to a tide pool, Mason is disappointed since there is no sand, just lots and lots of rocks, and he wonders if anything will save their beach day.

Michelle Lord

Books

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