Collection: Biography & Memoir

He came. He saw. He conquered. Julius Caesar was a force to be reckoned with as a savvy politician, an impressive orator, and a brave soldier. Born in Rome in 100 BC, he quickly climbed the ladder of Roman politics, making allies--and enemies--along the way. His victories in battle awarded him the support of the people, but flush from power, he named himself dictator for life. The good times, however, would not last much longer. On the Ides of March, Caesar was brutally assassinated by a group of senators determined to end his tyranny, bringing his reign to an end.

Our bestselling series is fit for a queen!

The life of Queen Elizabeth I was dramatic and dangerous: cast out of her father's court at the age of three and imprisoned at nineteen, Elizabeth was crowned queen in 1558, when she was only twenty-five. A tough, intelligent woman who spoke five languages, Elizabeth ruled for over forty years and led England through one of its most prosperous periods in history. Over 80 illustrations bring 'Gloriana' and her court to life.

Get ready for a fun-filled journey through art, and discover why we make it and why it matters.

What's the Point of Art? reveals how art has changed the world, one artistic movement at a time, and it is guaranteed to inspire, surprise, and entertain everybody who picks it up.

Why is art important? What's so great about it? In this book, children will see the world through famous artists' eyes, learning what inspired them to make art. If you want to learn why art has the power to be beautiful, shocking, entertaining, and even political, this is the place to start.

This art guide for children offers:

- An exploration to the reasons behind art, from religious devotion to challenging the status quo.
- A great introduction to art and artists for children aged 9+ who are interested in the subject.
- Illustrations and life stories of male and female artists from all around the world.

Did you know that early humans spent a great deal of time on their cave paintings? And that before cameras were invented, the only way to record your face was to sit for a portrait? Many artists, such as Vincent Van Gogh and Frida Kahlo, used art as a language to express their feelings, thoughts, and emotions.

Explore how artists were inspired by the world around them, how their techniques and styles evolved over time, and how their art changed the world. This art guide is a great way to encourage kids to notice art wherever they go.

AN INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER

"Heartfelt and heartening ... a full-throated paean to the fundamental importance of nature in all its glory, fury and impermanence." --Wall Street Journal

The incredible follow-up to the international bestseller The Salt Path, a story of finding your way back home.

Nature holds the answers for Raynor and her husband Moth. After walking 630 homeless miles along The Salt Path, living on the windswept and wild English coastline; the cliffs, the sky and the chalky earth now feel like their home. Moth has a terminal diagnosis, but together on the wild coastal path, with their feet firmly rooted outdoors, they discover that anything is possible.

Now, life beyond The Salt Path awaits and they come back to four walls, but the sense of home is illusive and returning to normality is proving difficult - until an incredible gesture by someone who reads their story changes everything. A chance to breathe life back into a beautiful farmhouse nestled deep in the Cornish hills; rewilding the land and returning nature to its hedgerows becomes their saving grace and their new path to follow. The Wild Silence is a story of hope triumphing over despair, of lifelong love prevailing over everything. It is a luminous account of the human spirit's connection to nature, and how vital it is for us all.

A Boston Globe-Horn Book Nonfiction Award Winner and a Moonbeam Children's Book Gold Award Winner, Photographic is a picture book biography of Graciela Iturbide from author Isabel Quintero and illustrator Zeke Peña.

Graciela Iturbide was born in Mexico City in 1942, the oldest of 13 children. When tragedy struck Iturbide as a young mother, she turned to photography for solace and understanding. From then on Iturbide embarked on a photographic journey that has taken her throughout her native Mexico, from the Sonoran Desert to Juchitán to Frida Kahlo's bathroom, to the United States, India, and beyond.

Photographic is a symbolic, poetic, and deeply personal graphic biography of this iconic photographer. Iturbide's journey will excite readers of all ages as well as budding photographers, who will be inspired by her resolve, talent, and curiosity.

"This extraordinary biography captures the poetry of Graciela Iturbide's photography. The brilliant pairing of Isabel Quintero's words and Zeke Peña's art creates a graphic biography that evokes the process and meaning of what it is to create. Highly recommended!" --Cathy Camper, author of Lowriders in Space

"Striking black and white illustrations . . . A powerful homage to the five-decade evolution of an artist still working--and still evolving--today." --Horn Book

The remarkable story of a couple who came together during the civil rights movement and made fighting for equality and civil and workers' rights their purpose for more than sixty years, overcoming adversity--with the strength of their love and commitment--to bring about meaningful change.

"A chronicle of lives of unwavering dedication. Now in their 80s, labor and civil rights activists Norman and Velma Hill recount more than six decades of struggles, triumphs, and frustrations in their tireless work as 'crusaders for democracy.'... An inspiring joint memoir." --Kirkus Reviews

When Velma Murphy was knocked unconscious by a brick thrown by a man from an angry white mob and was carried away by Norman Hill, it was the beginning of a six-decade-long love story and the turmoil, excitement, and struggle for civil rights and labor movements. In Climbing the Rough Side of the Mountain, the Hills reflect upon their more than half a century of fighting to make America realize the best of itself.

Through profound conversations between the two, Velma and Norman Hill share their earliest memories of facing racial segregation in the 1960s, working with Martin Luther King Jr., Bayard Rustin, and A. Philip Randolph, crossing paths with Malcolm X and Stokely Carmichael. They also reveal how they kept white supremacists like David Duke from taking office, organized workers into unions, met with Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, and continued to work tirelessly, fighting the good fight and successfully challenging power with truth.

This picture book biography tells the story of Meg Lowman, a groundbreaking female scientist called a "real life Lorax" by National Geographic, who was determined to investigate the marvelous, undiscovered world of the rainforest treetops.

Meg Lowman was always fascinated by the natural world above her head -- the colors, the branches, and, most of all, the leaves and mysterious organisms living there. Meg set out to climb up and investigate the rain forest tree canopies -- and to be the first scientist to do so. But she encountered challenge after challenge. Male teachers would not let her into their classrooms, the high canopy was difficult to get to, and worst of all, people were logging and clearing the forests. Meg never gave up or gave in. She studied, invented, and persevered, not only creating a future for herself as a scientist, but making sure that the rainforests had a future as well. Working closely with Meg Lowman, author Heather Lang and artist Jana Christy beautifully capture Meg's world in the treetops.

Former White House Press Secretary and current MSNBC host Jen Psaki shares the surprising lessons she's learned on her path to success and offers unique yet universal advice about how to be a more effective communicator in any situation.

Not many White House Press Secretaries capture the nation's interest the way Jen Psaki did. Refreshingly candid and clear, Psaki quickly became known for her ability to break through the noise and successfully deliver her message. In her highly anticipated book, Psaki shares her journey to the Briefing Room and beyond, taking readers along the campaign trail, to the State Department, and inside the White House under two Presidents. With her signature wit, Psaki writes about reporting to bosses from the hot-tempered Rahm Emanuel to the coolly intellectual Barack Obama to the surprisingly tenderhearted John Kerry. She also talks about her time working closely with President Joe Biden from the start of his administration to set a new tone for the country, restoring a sense of calm and respect for the role of the media in our Democracy.

Since leaving the White House, Psaki's star has continued to rise. She launched a highly rated show on MSNBC and was so successful that in just six months she was given an additional primetime Monday slot, ahead of Rachel Maddow. And Psaki's work doesn't end at the office. She is the mother of two young children and shares her stories about the journey of communicating as a parent: During one bedtime briefing, her young daughter asked the question, "Why do wars start?", which Jen carefully explained and then got a follow up: "Have you ever seen a unicorn?"

In Say More, Psaki explains her straightforward approach to communication, walking readers through difficult conversations as well as moments where humor saves the day--whether it is with preschoolers, partners, or presidents. She addresses the best ways to give and receive feedback, how to connect with your audience, how to listen actively, and much more. Say More is the book Psaki wishes she had when she started her career, and is a trove of entertaining, essential lessons from one of the most prominent voices in American politics today.

"A powerful story." --The Horn Book

"A worthy addition to children's biography collections." --Booklist

"A solid treatment of an important but little-known figure, and it may prompt kids to think about the role and composition of a free press." --BCCB

"Cline-Ransome tells [Ethel Payne's] story with economy and drive. 'Somebody had to do the fighting, ' she quotes Payne saying, 'somebody had to speak up.'" --Publishers Weekly

Renowned author Lesa Cline-Ransome and celebrated illustrator John Parra unite to tell the inspiring story of Ethel Payne, a groundbreaking African American journalist known as the First Lady of the Black Press.

"I've had a box seat on history."

Ethel Payne always had an ear for stories. Seeking truth, justice, and equality, Ethel followed stories from her school newspaper in Chicago to Japan during World War II. It even led her to the White House briefing room, where she broke barriers as the only black female journalist. Ethel wasn't afraid to ask the tough questions of presidents, elected officials, or anyone else in charge, earning her the title, "First Lady of the Black Press."

Fearless and determined, Ethel Payne shined a light on the darkest moments in history, and her ear for stories sought answers to the questions that mattered most in the fight for Civil Rights.

Uncover the lives of thirteen African-Americans who fought during the Revolutionary War.

Even as American Patriots fought for independence from British rule during the Revolutionary War, oppressive conditions remained in place for the thousands of enslaved and free African Americans living in this country. But African Americans took up their own fight for freedom by joining the British and American armies; preaching, speaking out, and writing about the evils of slavery; and establishing settlements in Nova Scotia and Africa. The thirteen stories featured in this collection spotlight charismatic individuals who answered the cry for freedom, focusing on the choices they made and how they changed America both then and now. These individuals include: Boston King, Agrippa Hull, James Armistead Lafayette, Phillis Wheatley, Elizabeth "Mumbet" Freeman, Prince Hall, Mary Perth, Ona Judge, Sally Hemings, Paul Cuffe, John Kizell, Richard Allen, and Jarena Lee. Includes individual bibliographies and timelines, author note, and source notes.

This is volume 1 of a 2 volume set. Born in 1822, Grant was the son of an Ohio tanner. He went to West Point rather against his will and graduated in the middle of his class. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Grant was appointed by the governor to command an unruly volunteer regiment, quickly rising to the rank of brigadier general of volunteers. In February 1862, he took Fort Henry and attacked Fort Donelson. When the Confederate commander asked for terms, Grant replied, "No terms except an unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted." The Confederates surrendered, and President Lincoln promoted Grant to major general of volunteers. At Shiloh in April, Grant fought one of the bloodiest battles in the West and came out less well. Lincoln fended off demands for his removal by saying, "I can't spare this man-he fights." For his next major objective, Grant then maneuvered and fought skillfully to win Vicksburg, the key city on the Mississippi, cutting the Confederacy in two. ISBN for Volume 2 is 9781582188584

A STEM-focused addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling She Persisted series!

Throughout history, women have been told that science isn't for them. They've been told that they're not smart enough, or that their brains just aren't able to handle it. In this book, Chelsea Clinton introduces readers to women scientists who didn't listen to those who told them "no" and who used their smarts, their skills and their persistence to discover, invent, create and explain.

She Persisted in Science is for everyone who's ever had questions about the world around them or the way things work, and who won't give up until they find their answers.

With engaging artwork by Alexandra Boiger accompanying the inspiring text, this is a book that shows readers that everyone has the potential to make a difference, and that women in science change our world.

This book features: Florence Nightingale, Rebecca Lee Crumpler, Ynes Enriquetta Julietta Mexia, Grace Hopper, Rosalind Franklin, Gladys West, Jane Goodall, Flossie Wong-Staal, Temple Grandin, Zaha Hadid, Ellen Ochoa, Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha & Mari Copeny, and Autumn Peltier, Greta Thunberg & Wanjiru Wathuti

Praise for She Persisted

* "[A] lovely, moving work of children's literature [and a] polished introduction to a diverse and accomplished group of women." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Exemplary . . . This well-curated list will show children that women's voices have made themselves emphatically heard." --Booklist

"[She Persisted] will remind little girls that they can achieve their goals if they don't let obstacles get in the way." --Family Circle

"We can't wait to grab a copy for some of the awesome kids in our lives . . . and maybe some of the grown-ups, too." --Bustle

"A message we all need to hear." --Scary Mommy

Praise for She Persisted in Science:

"This inspiring collective biography provides a host of role models for young readers." --School Library Journal

The uproarious, bestselling true story of the world's most sought-after con man, immortalized by Leonardo DiCaprio in DreamWorks' feature film of the same name, from the author of Scam Me If You Can.

Frank W. Abagnale, alias Frank Williams, Robert Conrad, Frank Adams, and Robert Monjo, was one of the most daring con men, forgers, imposters, and escape artists in history. In his brief but notorious criminal career, Abagnale donned a pilot's uniform and copiloted a Pan Am jet, masqueraded as the supervising resident of a hospital, practiced law without a license, passed himself off as a college sociology professor, and cashed over $2.5 million in forged checks, all before he was twenty-one.

Known by the police of twenty-six foreign countries and all fifty states as "The Skywayman," Abagnale lived a sumptuous life on the lam--until the law caught up with him. Now recognized as the nation's leading authority on financial foul play, Abagnale is a charming rogue whose hilarious, stranger-than-fiction international escapades, and ingenious escapes-including one from an airplane-make Catch Me If You Can an irresistible tale of deceit.

Our climate future is not yet written. What if we act as if we love the future?

Sometimes the bravest thing we can do while facing an existential crisis is imagine life on the other side. This provocative and joyous book maps an inspiring landscape of possible climate futures.

Through clear-eyed essays and vibrant conversations, infused with data, poetry, and art, Ayana Elizabeth Johnson guides us through solutions and possibilities at the nexus of science, policy, culture, and justice. Visionary farmers and financiers, architects and advocates, help us conjure a flourishing future, one worth the effort it will take--from every one of us, with whatever we have to offer--to create.

If you haven't yet been able to picture a transformed and replenished world--or to see yourself, your loved ones, and your community in it--this book is for you. If you haven't yet found your role in shaping this new world or you're not sure how we can actually get there, this book is for you.

With grace, humor, and humanity, Johnson invites readers to ask and answer this ultimate question together: What if we get it right?

On imagination, possibility, and transformation with
Paola Antonelli - Xiye Bastida & Ayisha Siddiqa - Jade Begay - Régine Clément - Abigail Dillen - Brian Donahue - Kelly Sims Gallagher - Rhiana Gunn-Wright - K. Corley Kenna - Bryan C. Lee Jr. & Kate Orff - Franklin Leonard & Adam McKay - Bill McKibben - Kate Marvel - Samantha Montano - Leah Penniman - Colette Pichon Battle - Kendra Pierre-Louis - Judith D. Schwartz - Jigar Shah - Bren Smith - Oana Stănescu - Mustafa Suleyman

Join a dad and his child for an interactive visit through the art museum. The guided tour turns into an incredible maze adventure as you go through each room you will find recognizable artists and art styles.

From Monet to Hockney and Klee and Warhol, each lift of the flap explores a new movement. But be aware, the art might come alive to become your tour guides. If you should get lost in the galleries, follow the mazes in order to find your way to the next room.

This book features the following:
- Oversized, full-color interior spreads that engage young minds to interact with modern art movements and artists through eight fold-out flaps
- Seven entertaining mazes are designed to guide you from room to room and help improve fine motor, problem-solving, and visual-perceptual skills
- Movements include impressionism, postimpressionism, expressionism, fauvism, cubism, surrealism, abstract art, and pop art
- Artists include Mary Cassat, Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, Paul Gauguin, George Seurat, Vincent Van Gogh, Paula Modersohn-Becker, Edvard Munch, André Derain, Paul Matisse, Constantin Brancusi, Georges Braque, Pablo Picasso, Liuov Popova, Eleonora Carrington, Paul Klee, René Magritte, Joan Miró, Sonia Delaunay, Vasili Kandinski, Piet Mondrian, Jackson Pollock, David Hockney, Roy Lichtenstein, and Andy Warhol

Readers will be immersed in the exciting and colorful scenes of the museum that can be explored by tracing the mazes on every double page. Jump-start your child's learning of art history while having fun walking through this unique one-of-a-kind museum maze! It's mind-bending, super-engaging, and highly visual fun for the entire family!

Davy Crockett, the King of the Wild Frontier, is a man of legend. He is said to have killed his first bear when he was three years old. His smile alone killed another, and he skinned a bear by forcing him to run between two trees. Fact or fiction? Find out the real story of this folk hero, who did love to hunt bears, served as a congressman for Tennessee, and fought and died at the Alamo.