Heroes of Black History

Sojourner Truth is best known for her famous speech at the Ohio Women's Rights Convention in 1851 in which she asked, "Ain't I a woman?" Born into slavery in 1797, she escaped to freedom with her baby daughter by 1826. But freedom held hardships for Truth, too. Despite all odds, this extraordinary woman fought for rights for both blacks and women as well as other disenfranchised populations. This in-depth account of the fascinating life of the abolitionist is a must-read in any social studies collection.

In the mid-1880s, the first black regiments of the US Army were nicknamed "buffalo soldiers" by Native Americans, a name that stuck. In the nearly 85 years of service that followed, buffalo soldiers served on the western frontier as well as in conflicts in Cuba, the Philippines, and Mexico. These courageous men became known for their discipline, among other admirable qualities. Sadly, they continued to face great prejudice in their own country despite stellar military records. Photographs of the soldiers, accounts of their exploits, and a timeline highlighting important moments of service further reveal the bravery of these troops.

Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American flying unit in the American military, were some of the most decorated servicemen of the Army Air Forces during World War II. Trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama, these courageous men flew more than 1,500 missions. This stirring narrative describes the fight to allow African Americans to serve as pilots, the training the men received, and some of the most exciting missions and sorties the unit faced. Not only did these exceptional soldiers fight the Axis powers, they fought prejudice and discrimination at home.

W. E. B. DuBois tackled the great question of the early twentieth century: How could African Americans gain equal footing with whites in the United States? He studied the social conditions of blacks for more than a decade before espousing protest and agitation as vehicles for change. This stand and black nationalist ideas put him at odds with other reformers of the day, such as Booker T. Washington. This outstanding biography of the great leader details his life as well as his roles in the Niagara Movement and the NAACP.

Oprah Winfrey is one of the richest and most influential women in the United States. But she began her life in poverty and endured some terrible experiences in childhood before her father helped her turn her life around. This absorbing volume traces Winfrey's life from her difficult childhood to her early success and her rise to fame and fortune. Age-appropriate text covers important social studies content while colorful photographs enliven the reading experience. Sidebars and a detailed timeline support the main text.

Malcolm X was a pioneering figure in the black pride movement, and his life story is sure to captivate young readers. Readers learn about his life and legacy, from his childhood to the aftermath of his assassination in 1965, through age-appropriate text and detailed historical photographs. Sidebars provide additional information about this legendary civil rights leader, and graphic organizers clarify essential concepts. Malcolm X lived a life of outspoken activism. As readers discover fascinating details about his life, they also discover the importance of standing up for their beliefs and being proud of who they are.

From the day she was born in 1928, Maya Angelou, born Marguerite Annie Johnson, lived a life full of trials and triumph, struggle and success, and the magic and the power of words. This book tells the inspiring and powerful story of the girl from rural Arkansas who rose to become one of the most beloved writers in the United States and the world. Through photographs and stories, young readers will learn more about the life and words of this amazing American storyteller.

Bo's grandfather asks him to mail an important letter. But when Bo forgets to mail it, he lies to his grandfather. Follow along as Bo learns the importance of telling the truth.

Toni Morrison was one of the most celebrated writers of the 20th and early 21st centuries. She was the first African American woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature and she received numerous other awards. This fascinating volume traces Morrison's life from her childhood in Lorain, Ohio, through her marriage, academic career, editing career, and writing success. Accessible text provides important social studies material while vivid photographs impart touching and important moments. Sidebars and a detailed timeline enrich the narrative.

Muhammad Ali may have been the greatest athlete of the 20th century. He won two Golden Gloves titles and recorded many victories during his incredible boxing career. In 1960 he won the gold medal for boxing at the Olympics in Rome, Italy. Later, he became and activist and philanthropist, leaving a legacy out of the boxing ring as well as in it. Readers explore the rich life of a great champion who also became a living symbol of hope and peace in this inspiring biography.

Harriet Tubman is well known for her work as an abolitionist and a conductor on the Underground Railroad. Her life was one of extraordinary suffering and extraordinary courage. This absorbing biography traces her life from childhood years in slavery, through her escape and subsequent work on the Underground Railroad, ending with her final years. Powerful historical images and age-appropriate text supply solid social studies content. Fact-filled sidebars and a timeline enhance the reading experience.

Shirley Chisholm died in 2005, and her career had largely ended over a decade before that. But the life of this remarkable woman has particular resonance for our world today. The child of immigrants, she was the first African American woman elected to Congress and the first African American to run for the Democratic Party presidential nomination. This compelling volume traces Chisholm's life from her childhood through her career in education and her extraordinary political career. Accessible text provides important social studies content and remarkable photographs bring Chisholm's story into focus.

Jackie Robinson became the first African American Major League Baseball player, and the story of how he broke baseball's color barrier brings the worlds of sports and history together. How was he chosen to break this barrier, and what struggles did he have to face once he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers? These questions and many more are answered through age-appropriate text, including sidebars that provide additional information about this member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Graphic organizers and photographs enhance the exciting story of a man whose groundbreaking career continues to inspire athletes around the world.

Nelson Mandela, the late president of South Africa, was a civil rights leader for more than 50 years, and he spent more than 25 of those years in prison for fighting apartheid. This exceptional biography takes readers to a time and place they need to know about. The struggles of the South African black population against racism and discrimination resonate with all races today. Photographs of the era and quotations from Mandela and others will shed light on this important leader's legacy. His example lives on for others to follow.