Own Voices, Own Stories

Nellie Zabel Willhite's story dips and soars like an airplane in flight. After losing her hearing at four and following a tumultuous education, Nellie Zabel was introduced to the world of flight while working at the Sioux Falls airport. The planes and pilots captured her imagination as she watched them sail alongside the birds. With some encouragement, she enrolled in pilot training--carefully tailoring the courses to accommodate her deafness. In 1928, she took off on her own, becoming the first female pilot in South Dakota--and the first deaf pilot in the nation. This Own Voices, Own Stories Award winning book tells Nellie's story from the perspective of an author with a hearing loss and is supported by Easterseals.

An award-winning, authentic perspective on neurodiversity. One boy tries his hardest to do what is expected of him, but his brain just refuses to cooperate. Today it's a Dinosaur! And tomorrow a raging bull. Who knows what might come next? He tries to cope but sinks deeper into despair as his world feels more and more unmanageable. In the midst of a hurricane-brain, his family pulls him back to calmer waters. The boy learns to use his unique moods and mind-sets to their best advantage, stay flexible, and, when in doubt, ask for help. This award-winner gives readers an authentic glimpse into what life can feel like for kids with autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergent traits.

On the eastern plains of Taiwan, a young girl and her mother pick wild greens before a rainstorm drenches them and their garden. When she goes to pull at the roots of a spikey, stalky weed, she learns that the plant is not what it seems. A lyrical story that shows young readers how to appreciate the bounty of nature and the beauty of identity. Chinese and Pinyin translations are included in pages and backmatter features additional information on the Indigenous Amis people of Taiwan. An Own Voices, Own Stories award winner.

Tomorrow is moving day, and one little girl worries about moving so far, far away from her Aaji and Ajoba. But Aaji gifts her with a handmade kurta. A kurta with two big pockets for holding all the small things that will remind the girl of her grandparents, from the mogra flowers in Aaji's hair to Ajoba's diya. Then the girl has an even better idea and helps Aaji make two more kurtas with pockets she can fill to remind her grandparents of her too. When finally, they are on the other sides of a big ocean, they put on their kurtas, and do not feel so far, far away from one another. This touching story about worry and loving reassurance is part of our “Own Voices, Own Stories” collection.

Tomorrow is moving day, and one little girl worries about moving so far, far away from her Aaji and Ajoba. But Aaji gifts her with a handmade kurta. A kurta with two big pockets for holding all the small things that will remind the girl of her grandparents, from the mogra flowers in Aaji's hair to Ajoba's diya. Then the girl has an even better idea and helps Aaji make two more kurtas with pockets she can fill to remind her grandparents of her too. When finally, they are on the other sides of a big ocean, they put on their kurtas, and do not feel so far, far away from one another. This touching story about worry and loving reassurance is part of our Own Voices, Own Stories collection.

On the eastern plains of Taiwan, a young girl and her mother pick wild greens before a rainstorm drenches them and their garden. When she goes to pull at the roots of a spikey, stalky weed, she learns that the plant is not what it seems. A lyrical story that shows young readers how to appreciate the bounty of nature and the beauty of identity. Chinese and Pinyin translations are included in pages and backmatter features additional information on the Indigenous Amis people of Taiwan. An Own Voices, Own Stories award winner.

Amaya was born on a winter night, and every experience and memory helps to build her identity. She is a little bit of Mama, whose family is far away in India, and a little bit of Papa, whose mother immigrated from China for a new life. She is a little bit of the salty ocean and a little bit of the rolling storm. A little bit of the stars in the sky, and a little bit of so many other things. When Amaya's new sibling arrives, she knows just what to say about who she is, and what her sister will become. With stunning, whimsical art, this lyrical book asks readers to celebrate their own uniqueness, and that of others. This is a lullaby to any child who is discovering who they are.

A sweet story about accepting the different ways we all worship. Omar loves going to church every Sunday with his mother. He loves putting on his best clothes, and meeting up with neighbors and his best friend, Imani, as they walk together to services. But his daddy doesn't join them. "Some Sundays are meant for doing much of nothing or a little bit of something," says his father. Or maybe the lawn needs mowing or a ballgame needs watching. Omar's mother doesn't get upset. Each Sunday she reminds Daddy that his suit is in the closet if he would like to attend church. But he never does and Omar wonders why. It bothers him that his father doesn't join them at this special place. When Omar asks his mother about it, she talks to him about faith and belief. There are different ways to worship, and they don't have to take place in a building. But even with Mommy's reassurances, Omar still wishes his father would join them. This new entry in Sleeping Bear Press's Own Voices, Own Stories collection celebrates the bonds of family. An honor winner in the Own Voices, Own Stories collection.

This tender story of friendship deals with the hardships of war in an age-appropriate, relatable way. Yasi and her best friend Mina love playing under the pomegranate tree in the courtyard of their apartment building in Tehran. When the air sirens start howling, the girls rush to their homes to safety. Yasi doesn't understand the war with Iraq, but she knows it isn't good. The girls reunite in the morning, but Yasi lets her friend know her family has decided to move to the United States. Mina wishes they could go too. When the girls part, Mina gives Yasi a special gift to help her remember their friendship, their tree, and Tehran. Part of the “Own Voices, Own Stories Collection” from Sleeping Bear Press, which are written by new authors from historically marginalized groups with the intention of recognizing and amplifying new and diverse voices with underrepresented perspectives.

"Who am I?" a young girl asks her mom as she snuggles close. "You are the fire that burns and the eagle that soars. You are the oak tree and the wild rose," says momma. Written from an Indigenous perspective, Who Am I? tells the story of how we are all connected to our ancestors, our past and future, and the Earth--and how it is everyone's duty to fend off darkness, connect to the past, offer safety and shelter, and color the world with beauty. An Own Voices, Own Stories Grand Prize winner. "Who am I?" a young girl asks her mom as she snuggles close. "You are the fire that burns and the eagle that soars. You are the oak tree and the wild rose," says momma. Written from an Indigenous perspective, Who Am I? tells the story of how we are all connected to our ancestors, our past and future, and the Earth--and how it is everyone's duty to fend off darkness, connect to the past, offer safety and shelter, and color the world with beauty. Afterword Original artwork

This tender story of friendship deals with the hardships of war in an age-appropriate, relatable way. Yasi and her best friend Mina love playing under the pomegranate tree in the courtyard of their apartment building in Tehran. When the air sirens start howling, the girls rush to their homes to safety. Yasi doesn't understand the war with Iraq, but she knows it isn't good. The girls reunite in the morning, but Yasi lets her friend know her family has decided to move to the United States. Mina wishes they could go too. When the girls part, Mina gives Yasi a special gift to help her remember their friendship, their tree, and Tehran. Part of the “Own Voices, Own Stories Collection” from Sleeping Bear Press, which are written by new authors from historically marginalized groups with the intention of recognizing and amplifying new and diverse voices with underrepresented perspectives.

A sweet story about accepting the different ways we all worship. Omar loves going to church every Sunday with his mother. He loves putting on his best clothes, and meeting up with neighbors and his best friend, Imani, as they walk together to services. But his daddy doesn't join them. "Some Sundays are meant for doing much of nothing or a little bit of something," says his father. Or maybe the lawn needs mowing or a ballgame needs watching. Omar's mother doesn't get upset. Each Sunday she reminds Daddy that his suit is in the closet if he would like to attend church. But he never does and Omar wonders why. It bothers him that his father doesn't join them at this special place. When Omar asks his mother about it, she talks to him about faith and belief. There are different ways to worship, and they don't have to take place in a building. But even with Mommy's reassurances, Omar still wishes his father would join them. This new entry in Sleeping Bear Press's Own Voices, Own Stories collection celebrates the bonds of family. An honor winner in the Own Voices, Own Stories collection.

An award-winning, authentic perspective on neurodiversity. One boy tries his hardest to do what is expected of him, but his brain just refuses to cooperate. Today it's a Dinosaur! And tomorrow a raging bull. Who knows what might come next? He tries to cope but sinks deeper into despair as his world feels more and more unmanageable. In the midst of a hurricane-brain, his family pulls him back to calmer waters. The boy learns to use his unique moods and mind-sets to their best advantage, stay flexible, and, when in doubt, ask for help. This award-winner gives readers an authentic glimpse into what life can feel like for kids with autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergent traits.

Everyone's hair is different and good, and one girl shares all the things that delight her about her nappy curls. It stretches! It's springy! It twirls and loops and hoops! But that's nothing compared to all the amazing things she can do with it to express her every mood and style. It is truly unique. Just like her! Part of the Own Voices, Own Stories collection. Everyone's hair is different and good, and one girl shares all the things that delight her about her nappy curls. It stretches! It's springy! It twirls and loops and hoops! But that's nothing compared to all the amazing things she can do with it to express her every mood and style. It is truly unique. Just like her! Part of the Own Voices, Own Stories collection. Author/Illustrator biography Original artwork

Everyone in the neighborhood knows Allen is the fastest kid around. As soon as school lets out, he's racing through the park, past the library, and down the sidewalks. They call him A-Train because he's practically faster than the subway. ZOOM! But where is Allen off to every afternoon? "Got somewhere to be! Got somewhere to be!" he calls. Race through the city with A-Train and discover what finally gets him to slow down. An Own Voices, Own Stories Grand Prize winner. Everyone in the neighborhood knows Allen is the fastest kid around. As soon as school lets out, he's racing through the park, past the library, and down the sidewalks. They call him A-Train because he's practically faster than the subway. ZOOM! But where is Allen off to every afternoon? "Got somewhere to be! Got somewhere to be!" he calls. Race through the city with A-Train and discover what finally gets him to slow down. An Own Voices, Own Stories Grand Prize winner. Author/Illustrator biography Original artwork

Tuchi longs to join in and play with the school's mariachi band, but it's the 1970s and in her community, mariachi is only for the boys. Still she hopes--and wishes on Seńora Luna. When Tuchi stumbles across her nana's guitarrón, Nana teaches her to play in secret. The music rumbles inside Tuchi like desert thunder. Will Tuchi be ready for the big audition? And will Seńora Luna help Tuchi make her wish come true? Tuchi longs to join in and play with the school's mariachi band, but it's the 1970s and in her community, mariachi is only for the boys. Still she hopes--and wishes on Seńora Luna. When Tuchi stumbles across her nana's guitarrón, Nana teaches her to play in secret. The music rumbles inside Tuchi like desert thunder. Will Tuchi be ready for the big audition? And will Seńora Luna help Tuchi make her wish come true? Afterword Educational note Original artwork

Amaya was born on a winter night, and every experience and memory helps to build her identity. She is a little bit of Mama, whose family is far away in India, and a little bit of Papa, whose mother immigrated from China for a new life. She is a little bit of the salty ocean and a little bit of the rolling storm. A little bit of the stars in the sky, and a little bit of so many other things. When Amaya's new sibling arrives, she knows just what to say about who she is, and what her sister will become. With stunning, whimsical art, this lyrical book asks readers to celebrate their own uniqueness-and that of others. This is a lullaby to any child who is discovering who they are.

"Jojo, come dance!" Lola calls, inviting him to leap between the clapping and slapping bamboo poles and dance the tinikling with her. Whirling, twirling, and singing in Tagalog, Jojo tries but trips. Lola dances between the two poles easily, the same way she dances between their American and Filipino cultures--Jojo knows that dance! And finally, spinning and hopping to the rhythm of his life, he's dancing the tinikling! Part of the Own Voices, Own Stories Collection. "Jojo, come dance!" Lola calls, inviting him to leap between the clapping and slapping bamboo poles and dance the tinikling with her. Whirling, twirling, and singing in Tagalog, Jojo tries but trips. Lola dances between the two poles easily, the same way she dances between their American and Filipino cultures--Jojo knows that dance! And finally, spinning and hopping to the rhythm of his life, he's dancing the tinikling! Educational note Original artwork

Everyone's hair is different and good, and one girl shares all the things that delight her about her nappy curls. It stretches! It's springy! It twirls and loops and hoops! But that's nothing compared to all the amazing things she can do with it to express her every mood and style. It is truly unique. Just like her! Part of the Own Voices, Own Stories collection. Everyone's hair is different and good, and one girl shares all the things that delight her about her nappy curls. It stretches! It's springy! It twirls and loops and hoops! But that's nothing compared to all the amazing things she can do with it to express her every mood and style. It is truly unique. Just like her! Part of the Own Voices, Own Stories collection. Author/Illustrator biography Original artwork

"Jojo, come dance!" Lola calls, inviting him to leap between the clapping and slapping bamboo poles and dance the tinikling with her. Whirling, twirling, and singing in Tagalog, Jojo tries but trips. Lola dances between the two poles easily, the same way she dances between their American and Filipino cultures--Jojo knows that dance! And finally, spinning and hopping to the rhythm of his life, he's dancing the tinikling! Part of the Own Voices, Own Stories Collection. "Jojo, come dance!" Lola calls, inviting him to leap between the clapping and slapping bamboo poles and dance the tinikling with her. Whirling, twirling, and singing in Tagalog, Jojo tries but trips. Lola dances between the two poles easily, the same way she dances between their American and Filipino cultures--Jojo knows that dance! And finally, spinning and hopping to the rhythm of his life, he's dancing the tinikling! Educational note Original artwork

Nellie Zabel Willhite's story dips and soars like an airplane in flight. After losing her hearing at four and following a tumultuous education, Nellie Zabel was introduced to the world of flight while working at the Sioux Falls airport. The planes and pilots captured her imagination as she watched them sail alongside the birds. With some encouragement, she enrolled in pilot training--carefully tailoring the courses to accommodate her deafness. In 1928, she took off on her own, becoming the first female pilot in South Dakota--and the first deaf pilot in the nation. This Own Voices, Own Stories Award winning book tells Nellie's story from the perspective of an author with a hearing loss and is supported by Easterseals.