Young Reader Nonfiction

Before she traveled the country speaking out against discrimination, Bessie was a little girl with a big imagination that took her to the sky, through the clouds, and past the birds. Knocking down barriers one by one, Bessie endured racism and grueling training to become the first Black female pilot and an inspiration to Mae Jemison, Josephine Baker, and many more influential people of color for years to come.

Into a memoir that is gripping, funny, heartbreaking, and unforgettable, Walter Dean Myers richly weaves the details of his Harlem childhood in the 1940s and 1950s: a loving home life with his adopted parents, Bible school, street games, and the vitality of his neighborhood. Although Walter spent much of his time either getting into trouble or on the basketball court, secretly he was a voracious reader and an aspiring writer.

The UFO subject as we know it came to the public’s attention on June 24, 1947, when private pilot Kenneth Arnold, flying over the Cascade Mountains in the USA, witnessed a formation of objects that he could not identify. Speaking later to a journalist regarding the encounter, Arnold was asked how this formation of objects moved through the air, and his response was: “Like skipping a saucer across a pond.” From that moment on, the coined phrase "Flying Saucer" was born.

Dutch Shepherd puppy Halo has spent almost her whole life preparing for one job: finding people who are trapped in disaster zones. Her bond with her human partner, Fire Captain Cat, is unshakeable, and together, they can overcome any obstacle. But training to be an Urban Search and Rescue dog is tough, and it's going to take all of Cat's dedication and Halo's courage to succeed.

In Whistler, British Columbia, dogs can be found riding chairlifts, perched on skiers' shoulders, and even descending from helicopters - all in the race against time to save people caught in the path of an avalanche. Meet Henry, a lovable border collie, and the team of dogs and human partners he works with in the beautiful and sometimes dangerous mountains.

Stories from the old neighborhood, from when we were children back in the '60s. These were our growing-up years. Childhood was simple; all we had to do was follow a few rules and keep out of trouble...well okay, that may have been asking too much.

Rahab is an adventurous girl who enjoys playing with her siblings in the city of Jericho. Growing up, she makes a lot of bad choices, then desperately wants to change her life. When two Israelite spies come to Rahab's door, she bravely offers them a place to hide. Then God gives her a great idea to help them escape, and the spies agree to protect her and her family once Israel takes over Jericho. And when that day finally comes, God keeps His promise to Rahab because of her faithfulness and courage, even making her a relative to Jesus.

This book will help children see how people from all ethnic and social backgrounds are valuable to God and how Jesus came to rescue all kinds of people. It will also excite them about being part of church.