Carolrhoda Picture Books Series

Carolrhoda’s high-quality, award-winning books spark children’s imaginations and offer new ways of looking at the world.

Mumbet’s Declaration of Independence by Gretchen Woelfle
“All men are born free and equal.” Everybody knows about the Founding Fathers and the Declaration of Independence in 1776. But the founders weren’t the only ones who believed that everyone had a right to freedom. Mumbet, a Massachusetts slave, believed it too. She longed to be free, but how? Would anyone help her in her fight for freedom? Could she win against her the richest man in town? Mumbet was determined to try.

Hoop Genius by John Coy
Taking over a rowdy gym class right before winter vacation is not something James Naismith wants to do at all. The last two teachers of this class quit in frustration. The students—a bunch of energetic young men—are bored with all the regular games and activities. Naismith needs something new, exciting, and fast to keep the class happy—or someone’s going to get hurt. Saving this class is going to take a genius. Discover the true story of how Naismith invented basketball in 1891 at a school in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Game Changer by John Coy
When they piled into cars and drove through Durham, North Carolina, the members of the Duke University Medical School basketball team only knew that they were going somewhere to play basketball. They didn’t know whom they would play against. But when they came face to face with their opponents, they quickly realized this secret game was going to make history. Discover the true story of how in 1944, Coach John McLendon orchestrated a secret game between the best players from a white college and his team from the North Carolina College of Negroes. At a time of widespread segregation and rampant racism, this illegal gathering changed the sport of basketball forever.

Niko Draws a Feeling by Bob Raczka
Niko loves to draw his world: the ring-a-ling of the ice cream truck, the warmth of sun on his face. But no one appreciates his art. Until one day, Niko meets Iris. This imaginative and tender story explores the creative process, abstract art, friendship, and the universal desire to feel understood.

A Valentine for Frankenstein by Leslie Kimmelman
Frankenstein isn’t your typical monster. For starters, he only has one head, just two eyes, and no tail. And worst of all, he’s sort of nice! Frankenstein quickly realizes his friendly behavior is out of place at the Valentine’s Day Bash. There’s one monster, though, who likes that Frankenstein is different. Can Frankenstein figure out the identity of his secret valentine? And can the other monsters finally accept Frankenstein for the monster that he is?

Undercover Ostrich by Joe Kulka
Animals can be sneaky. But do you know who is especially sneaky? Undercover ostriches! They’re everywhere, and they’re masters at going undetected. You’ve probably seen one and just assumed it was another woodpecker or owl. The narrator of this book is on the case, following a single ostrich on his many adventures. Not until the final twist does author Joe Kulka let the listener in on the narrator’s true motivation: a peanut collection mission involving undercover elephants.

A Bowl Full of Peace: A True Story by Caren Stelson
In this deeply moving nonfiction book, award-winning author Caren Stelson brings Sachiko Yasui’s story of surviving the atomic bombing of Nagasaki and her message of peace to a young audience. Sachiko’s family home was about half a mile from where the atomic bomb fell on August 9, 1945. Her family experienced devastating loss. When they returned to the rubble where their home once stood, her father miraculously found their serving bowl fully intact. This delicate leaf-shaped green bowl—which once held their daily meals—now holds memories of the past and serves as a vessel of hope, peace, and new traditions for Sachiko and the surviving members of her family.