Henderson, Leah

A retelling of a tale of bravery against seemingly insurmountable odds and a community working together to overcome adversity, reminding us that no challenge is too great, and that even the smallest of us can make a world of difference. Includes the origins of the folktale and facts about hummingbirds.

"Eleven-year-old Mor was used to hearing his father's voice, even if no one else could since his father's death. It was comforting. It was also a reminder that Mor had made a promise to his father before he passed: keep your sisters safe. Keep the family together. But almost as soon as they are orphaned, that promise seems impossible to keep. With an aunt from the big city ready to separate him and his sisters as soon as she arrives, and a gang of boys from a nearby village wanting everything he has--including his spirit--Mor is tested in ways he never imagined. With only the hot summer months to prove himself, Mor must face a choice. Does he listen to his father and keep his heart true, but risk breaking his promise through failure? Or is it easier to just join the Danka Boys, whom in all their maliciousness are at least loyal to their own?"--Amazon.com.

"A tribute to the joy and grounding that fathers bring to their children's lives"--Provided by publisher.

"Mamie 'Peanut' Johnson had one dream: to play professional baseball. She was a talented player, but she wasn't welcome on the all-white Girls Pro Baseball League team due to the color of her skin. However, a greater opportunity came her way in 1953 when Johnson signed to play ball with the Negro Leagues' Indianapolis Clowns, becoming the only professional female pitcher to play on a men's team. During the three years she played with the team, her record was an impressive 33-8. But more importantly, she broke ground for female pitchers like Mo'ne Davis and women everywhere"--Provided by publisher.

"A . . . book that documents multiple marches and protests throughout America's history"--Provided by publisher.

In Charleston, South Carolina, in 1865, ten-year-old Eli and other newly freed slaves gather to honor the memory of fallen Union soldiers, an event considered to be one of the first celebrations of what is now called Memorial Day. Includes author's note.

"Mamie 'Peanut' Johnson had one dream: to play professional baseball. She was a talented player, but she wasn't welcome on the all-white Girls Pro Baseball League team due to the color of her skin. However, a greater opportunity came her way in 1953 when Johnson signed to play ball with the Negro Leagues' Indianapolis Clowns, becoming the only professional female pitcher to play on a men's team. During the three years she played with the team, her record was an impressive 33-8. But more importantly, she broke ground for female pitchers like Mo'ne Davis and women everywhere"--Provided by publisher.

After bungling his audition to play the Scarecrow in The Wiz, fifth-grader Ailey is magically transported to 1930s Harlem where he meets his own grandfather and legendary tap dancer Bill "Bojangles" Robinson.

"Eleven-year-old Mor was used to hearing his father's voice, even if no one else could since his father's death. It was comforting. It was also a reminder that Mor had made a promise to his father before he passed: keep your sisters safe. Keep the family together. But almost as soon as they are orphaned, that promise seems impossible to keep. With an aunt from the big city ready to separate him and his sisters as soon as she arrives, and a gang of boys from a nearby village wanting everything he has--including his spirit--Mor is tested in ways he never imagined. With only the hot summer months to prove himself, Mor must face a choice. Does he listen to his father and keep his heart true, but risk breaking his promise through failure? Or is it easier to just join the Danka Boys, whom in all their maliciousness are at least loyal to their own?"--Amazon.com.