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JoCoLibrary - Kids - Narrative Nonfiction

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Johnson County Library

Staff-created list

Read stories about ordinary people who became extraordinary through their actions, events that have changed the world, and occurrences too strange to be made up.

By:

JoCoLibraryKidPicks

Johnson County Library

24 items

24 items

To Fly Among the Stars

To Fly Among the Stars

The Hidden Story of the Fight for Women Astronauts

by Rissman, Rebecca

Book - 2020

This narrative nonfiction work recounts the early years of air and space exploration and the daring exploits of America's first astronauts--both the men a...Show more This narrative nonfiction work recounts the early years of air and space exploration and the daring exploits of America's first astronauts--both the men and women who were called upon to train."-- "In the 1960s, locked in a heated race to launch the first human into space, the United States selected seven superstar test pilots and former military air fighters to NASA's astronaut class -- the Mercury 7. The men endured grueling training and constant media attention for the honor of becoming America's first space heroes. But a group of 13 women -- accomplished air racers, test pilots, and flight instructors -- were enduring those same astronaut tests in secret, hoping to defy social norms and earn a spot among the stars. With thrilling stories of aviation feats, frustrating tales of the fight against sexism, and historical photos, To Fly Among the Stars recounts an incredible era of US innovation, and the audacious hope of the women who took their fight for space flight all the way to Washington, DC. Show less

This narrative nonfiction work recounts the early years of air and space exploration and the daring exploits of America's first astronauts--both the men a...Show more This narrative nonfiction work recounts the early years of air and space exploration and the daring exploits of America's first astronauts--both the men and women who were called upon to train."-- "In the 1960s, locked in a heated race to launch the first human into space, the United States selected seven superstar test pilots and former military air fighters to NASA's astronaut class -- the Mercury 7. The men endured grueling training and constant media attention for the honor of becoming America's first space heroes. But a group of 13 women -- accomplished air racers, test pilots, and flight instructors -- were enduring those same astronaut tests in secret, hoping to defy social norms and earn a spot among the stars. With thrilling stories of aviation feats, frustrating tales of the fight against sexism, and historical photos, To Fly Among the Stars recounts an incredible era of US innovation, and the audacious hope of the women who took their fight for space flight all the way to Washington, DC. Show less

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Lincoln's Grave Robbers

Lincoln's Grave Robbers

by Sheinkin, Steve

Book - 2012

Describes how a counterfeiting ring plotted to ransom Lincoln's body to secure the release of their imprisoned ringleader, and how a fledging Secret Service and an undercover agent conducted a daring election-night sting operation. Describes how a counterfeiting ring plotted to ransom Lincoln's body to secure the release of their imprisoned ringleader, and how a fledging Secret Service and an undercover agent conducted a daring election-night sting operation. Show less

Describes how a counterfeiting ring plotted to ransom Lincoln's body to secure the release of their imprisoned ringleader, and how a fledging Secret Service and an undercover agent conducted a daring election-night sting operation. Describes how a counterfeiting ring plotted to ransom Lincoln's body to secure the release of their imprisoned ringleader, and how a fledging Secret Service and an undercover agent conducted a daring election-night sting operation. Show less

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We Had to Be Brave

We Had to Be Brave

Escaping the Nazis on the Kindertransport

by Hopkinson, Deborah

Book - 2020

Ruth David was growing up in a small village in Germany when Adolf Hitler rose to power in the 1930s. Under the Nazi Party, Jewish families like Ruth's ex...Show more Ruth David was growing up in a small village in Germany when Adolf Hitler rose to power in the 1930s. Under the Nazi Party, Jewish families like Ruth's experienced rising anti-Semitic restrictions and attacks. Just going to school became dangerous. By November 1938, anti-Semitism erupted into Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass, and unleashed a wave of violence and forced arrests. Days later, desperate volunteers sprang into action to organize the Kindertransport, a rescue effort to bring Jewish children to England. Young people like Ruth David had to say good-bye to their families, unsure if they'd ever be reunited. Miles from home, the Kindertransport refugees entered unrecognizable lives, where food, clothes -- and, for many of them, language and religion -- were startlingly new. Meanwhile, the onset of war and the Holocaust visited unimaginable horrors on loved ones left behind. Somehow, these rescued children had to learn to look forward, to hope Show less

Ruth David was growing up in a small village in Germany when Adolf Hitler rose to power in the 1930s. Under the Nazi Party, Jewish families like Ruth's ex...Show more Ruth David was growing up in a small village in Germany when Adolf Hitler rose to power in the 1930s. Under the Nazi Party, Jewish families like Ruth's experienced rising anti-Semitic restrictions and attacks. Just going to school became dangerous. By November 1938, anti-Semitism erupted into Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass, and unleashed a wave of violence and forced arrests. Days later, desperate volunteers sprang into action to organize the Kindertransport, a rescue effort to bring Jewish children to England. Young people like Ruth David had to say good-bye to their families, unsure if they'd ever be reunited. Miles from home, the Kindertransport refugees entered unrecognizable lives, where food, clothes -- and, for many of them, language and religion -- were startlingly new. Meanwhile, the onset of war and the Holocaust visited unimaginable horrors on loved ones left behind. Somehow, these rescued children had to learn to look forward, to hope Show less

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We Are the Ship

We Are the Ship

The Story of Negro League Baseball

by Nelson, Kadir

Book - 2008

Using an "Everyman" player as his narrator, Kadir Nelson tells the story of Negro League baseball from its beginnings in the 1920s through the d...Show more Using an "Everyman" player as his narrator, Kadir Nelson tells the story of Negro League baseball from its beginnings in the 1920s through the decline after Jackie Robinson crossed over to the majors in 1947. Illustrations from oil paintings by artist Kadir Nelson. Show less

Using an "Everyman" player as his narrator, Kadir Nelson tells the story of Negro League baseball from its beginnings in the 1920s through the d...Show more Using an "Everyman" player as his narrator, Kadir Nelson tells the story of Negro League baseball from its beginnings in the 1920s through the decline after Jackie Robinson crossed over to the majors in 1947. Illustrations from oil paintings by artist Kadir Nelson. Show less

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The Boy Who Became Buffalo Bill

The Boy Who Became Buffalo Bill

Growing up Billy Cody in Bleeding Kansas

by Warren, Andrea

Book - 2015

Explores how the man who became the most famous entertainer of his time and a legend of the "Wild West" grew up amid a violent regional conflict that would soon tear apart the nation. Explores how the man who became the most famous entertainer of his time and a legend of the "Wild West" grew up amid a violent regional conflict that would soon tear apart the nation. Show less

Explores how the man who became the most famous entertainer of his time and a legend of the "Wild West" grew up amid a violent regional conflict that would soon tear apart the nation. Explores how the man who became the most famous entertainer of his time and a legend of the "Wild West" grew up amid a violent regional conflict that would soon tear apart the nation. Show less

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Bomb

Bomb

The Race to Build - and Steal - the World's Most Dangerous Weapon

by Sheinkin, Steve

Book - 2012

In December of 1938, a chemist in a German laboratory made a shocking discovery: When placed next to radioactive material, a Uranium atom split in two. That simple discovery launched a scientific race that spanned 3 continents. In December of 1938, a chemist in a German laboratory made a shocking discovery: When placed next to radioactive material, a Uranium atom split in two. That simple discovery launched a scientific race that spanned 3 continents. Show less

In December of 1938, a chemist in a German laboratory made a shocking discovery: When placed next to radioactive material, a Uranium atom split in two. That simple discovery launched a scientific race that spanned 3 continents. In December of 1938, a chemist in a German laboratory made a shocking discovery: When placed next to radioactive material, a Uranium atom split in two. That simple discovery launched a scientific race that spanned 3 continents. Show less

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Truce

Truce

The Day the Soldiers Stopped Fighting

by Murphy, Jim

Book - 2009

On July 29, 1914, the world's peace was shattered as the artillery of the Austro-Hungarian Empire began shelling the troops of the country to its south. W...Show more On July 29, 1914, the world's peace was shattered as the artillery of the Austro-Hungarian Empire began shelling the troops of the country to its south. What followed was like a row of falling dominoes as one European country after another rushed to war. Soon most of Europe was fighting in this calamitous war that could have been avoided. This was, of course, World War I. But who could have guessed that on December 25 the troops would openly defy their commanding officers by stopping the fighting and having a spontaneous celebration of Christmas with their "enemies"? Show less

On July 29, 1914, the world's peace was shattered as the artillery of the Austro-Hungarian Empire began shelling the troops of the country to its south. W...Show more On July 29, 1914, the world's peace was shattered as the artillery of the Austro-Hungarian Empire began shelling the troops of the country to its south. What followed was like a row of falling dominoes as one European country after another rushed to war. Soon most of Europe was fighting in this calamitous war that could have been avoided. This was, of course, World War I. But who could have guessed that on December 25 the troops would openly defy their commanding officers by stopping the fighting and having a spontaneous celebration of Christmas with their "enemies"? Show less

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Neighborhood Sharks

Neighborhood Sharks

Hunting With Great Whites of California's Farallon Islands

by Roy, Katherine

Book - 2014

"An up close look at the ocean's most fearsome and famous predator and the scientists who study them--just twenty-six miles from the Golden Gate Bridge"-- "An up close look at the ocean's most fearsome and famous predator and the scientists who study them--just twenty-six miles from the Golden Gate Bridge"-- Show less

"An up close look at the ocean's most fearsome and famous predator and the scientists who study them--just twenty-six miles from the Golden Gate Bridge"-- "An up close look at the ocean's most fearsome and famous predator and the scientists who study them--just twenty-six miles from the Golden Gate Bridge"-- Show less

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Small Steps

Small Steps

The Year I Got Polio

by Kehret, Peg

Book - 1996

The author describes her battle against polio when she was thirteen and her efforts to overcome its debilitating effects. The author describes her battle against polio when she was thirteen and her efforts to overcome its debilitating effects. Show less

The author describes her battle against polio when she was thirteen and her efforts to overcome its debilitating effects. The author describes her battle against polio when she was thirteen and her efforts to overcome its debilitating effects. Show less

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Marching for Freedom

Marching for Freedom

Walk Together, Children, and Don't You Grow Weary

by Partridge, Elizabeth

Book - 2009

Tells the unsettling but uplifting story of the Selma to Montgomery March in 1965, using the voices of men and women who participated as children and teen...Show more Tells the unsettling but uplifting story of the Selma to Montgomery March in 1965, using the voices of men and women who participated as children and teenagers. Their stories unfold over 10 chapters that detail voter discrimination and the subsequent meetings and protests that culminated in the famous march. Show less

Tells the unsettling but uplifting story of the Selma to Montgomery March in 1965, using the voices of men and women who participated as children and teen...Show more Tells the unsettling but uplifting story of the Selma to Montgomery March in 1965, using the voices of men and women who participated as children and teenagers. Their stories unfold over 10 chapters that detail voter discrimination and the subsequent meetings and protests that culminated in the famous march. Show less

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A Black Hole Is Not A Hole

A Black Hole Is Not A Hole

by DeCristofano, Carolyn Cinami

Book - 2012

Introduces black holes, describing their physical features, how they were discovered, what causes them, and where they exist in space. Introduces black holes, describing their physical features, how they were discovered, what causes them, and where they exist in space. Show less

Introduces black holes, describing their physical features, how they were discovered, what causes them, and where they exist in space. Introduces black holes, describing their physical features, how they were discovered, what causes them, and where they exist in space. Show less

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Ivan

Ivan

The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla

by Applegate, Katherine

Book - 2014

"The true story of Ivan, known as the Shopping Mall Gorilla, who lived alone in a small cage for almost 30 years before being relocated to the gorilla habitat at ZooAtlanta."-- Details Full Record Additional Info "The true story of Ivan, known as the Shopping Mall Gorilla, who lived alone in a small cage for almost 30 years before being relocated to the gorilla habitat at ZooAtlanta."-- Details Full Record Additional Info Show less

"The true story of Ivan, known as the Shopping Mall Gorilla, who lived alone in a small cage for almost 30 years before being relocated to the gorilla habitat at ZooAtlanta."-- Details Full Record Additional Info "The true story of Ivan, known as the Shopping Mall Gorilla, who lived alone in a small cage for almost 30 years before being relocated to the gorilla habitat at ZooAtlanta."-- Details Full Record Additional Info Show less

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The Frog Scientist

The Frog Scientist

by Turner, Pamela S.

Book - 2009

Tyrone Hayes works to discover the effects pesticides have on frogs and, in turn, us, by traveling America with his enthusiastic "Frog Squad." Tyrone Hayes works to discover the effects pesticides have on frogs and, in turn, us, by traveling America with his enthusiastic "Frog Squad." Show less

Tyrone Hayes works to discover the effects pesticides have on frogs and, in turn, us, by traveling America with his enthusiastic "Frog Squad." Tyrone Hayes works to discover the effects pesticides have on frogs and, in turn, us, by traveling America with his enthusiastic "Frog Squad." Show less

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Moonbird

Moonbird

A Year on the Wind With the Great Survivor B95

by Hoose, Phillip M.

Book - 2012

Newbery Honor and National Book Award-winning author Phillip Hoose tells the extraordinary story of one bird's strength, adaptability, and determination. ...Show more Newbery Honor and National Book Award-winning author Phillip Hoose tells the extraordinary story of one bird's strength, adaptability, and determination. B95 can feel it: a stirring in his bones and feathers. It's time. Today is the day he will once again cast himself into the air, spiral upward into Show less

Newbery Honor and National Book Award-winning author Phillip Hoose tells the extraordinary story of one bird's strength, adaptability, and determination. ...Show more Newbery Honor and National Book Award-winning author Phillip Hoose tells the extraordinary story of one bird's strength, adaptability, and determination. B95 can feel it: a stirring in his bones and feathers. It's time. Today is the day he will once again cast himself into the air, spiral upward into Show less

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Mission Control, This Is Apollo

Mission Control, This Is Apollo

The Story of the First Voyages to the Moon

by Chaikin, Andrew

Book - 2009

This book highlights the space program's magnificent achievements, as well as its moments of tension and tragedy. This book highlights the space program's magnificent achievements, as well as its moments of tension and tragedy. Show less

This book highlights the space program's magnificent achievements, as well as its moments of tension and tragedy. This book highlights the space program's magnificent achievements, as well as its moments of tension and tragedy. Show less

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Almost Astronauts

Almost Astronauts

13 Women Who Dared to Dream

by Stone, Tanya Lee

Book - 2009

Here is the tale of thirteen women who proved that they were not only as tough as the toughest man but also brave enough to challenge the government. But ...Show more Here is the tale of thirteen women who proved that they were not only as tough as the toughest man but also brave enough to challenge the government. But even though the Mercury 13 women did not make it into space, they did not lose, for their example empowered young women to take their place in the sky, piloting jets and commanding space capsules. Almost Astronauts is the story of thirteen true pioneers of the space age. Show less

Here is the tale of thirteen women who proved that they were not only as tough as the toughest man but also brave enough to challenge the government. But ...Show more Here is the tale of thirteen women who proved that they were not only as tough as the toughest man but also brave enough to challenge the government. But even though the Mercury 13 women did not make it into space, they did not lose, for their example empowered young women to take their place in the sky, piloting jets and commanding space capsules. Almost Astronauts is the story of thirteen true pioneers of the space age. Show less

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Team Moon

Team Moon

How 400,000 People Landed Apollo 11 on the Moon

by Thimmesh, Catherine

Book - 2006

Chronicles the Apollo 11 mission, the spaceflight that landed the first man on Earth's moon on July 20, 1969, emphasizing the contributions and reactions of the thousands of people who made the mission successful. Chronicles the Apollo 11 mission, the spaceflight that landed the first man on Earth's moon on July 20, 1969, emphasizing the contributions and reactions of the thousands of people who made the mission successful. Show less

Chronicles the Apollo 11 mission, the spaceflight that landed the first man on Earth's moon on July 20, 1969, emphasizing the contributions and reactions of the thousands of people who made the mission successful. Chronicles the Apollo 11 mission, the spaceflight that landed the first man on Earth's moon on July 20, 1969, emphasizing the contributions and reactions of the thousands of people who made the mission successful. Show less

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Boys of Steel

Boys of Steel

The Creators of Superman

by Nobleman, Marc Tyler

Book - 2008

Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster, two misfit teens in Cleveland, were more like Clark Kent than Superman. Both boys escaped into the worlds of science ficti...Show more Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster, two misfit teens in Cleveland, were more like Clark Kent than Superman. Both boys escaped into the worlds of science fiction and pulp magazine tales. In 1934, they created the superhero, but it was four years before they convinced a publisher to take a chance on their Man of Steel in a new format--the comic book. Show less

Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster, two misfit teens in Cleveland, were more like Clark Kent than Superman. Both boys escaped into the worlds of science ficti...Show more Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster, two misfit teens in Cleveland, were more like Clark Kent than Superman. Both boys escaped into the worlds of science fiction and pulp magazine tales. In 1934, they created the superhero, but it was four years before they convinced a publisher to take a chance on their Man of Steel in a new format--the comic book. Show less

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Brothers at Bat

Brothers at Bat

The True Story of An Amazing All-brother Baseball Team

by Vernick, Audrey

Book - 2012

Learn about the sinking of the Titanic, the discovery of its wreckage and more. Learn about the sinking of the Titanic, the discovery of its wreckage and more. Show less

Learn about the sinking of the Titanic, the discovery of its wreckage and more. Learn about the sinking of the Titanic, the discovery of its wreckage and more. Show less

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Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!

Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!

Voices From A Medieval Village

by Schlitz, Laura Amy

Book - 2007

A collection of short one-person plays featuring characters, between ten and fifteen years old, who live in or near a thirteenth-century English manor. A collection of short one-person plays featuring characters, between ten and fifteen years old, who live in or near a thirteenth-century English manor. Show less

A collection of short one-person plays featuring characters, between ten and fifteen years old, who live in or near a thirteenth-century English manor. A collection of short one-person plays featuring characters, between ten and fifteen years old, who live in or near a thirteenth-century English manor. Show less

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The Wall

The Wall

Growing up Behind the Iron Curtain

by Sís, Peter

Book - 2007

Through annotated illustrations, journals, maps, and dreamscapes, Peter Sis shows what life was like for a child who loved to draw, proudly wore the red s...Show more Through annotated illustrations, journals, maps, and dreamscapes, Peter Sis shows what life was like for a child who loved to draw, proudly wore the red scarf of a Young Pioneer, stood guard at the giant statue of Stalin, and believed whatever he was told to believe. Show less

Through annotated illustrations, journals, maps, and dreamscapes, Peter Sis shows what life was like for a child who loved to draw, proudly wore the red s...Show more Through annotated illustrations, journals, maps, and dreamscapes, Peter Sis shows what life was like for a child who loved to draw, proudly wore the red scarf of a Young Pioneer, stood guard at the giant statue of Stalin, and believed whatever he was told to believe. Show less

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So You Want to Be President

So You Want to Be President

by St. George, Judith

Book - 2000

Presents an assortment of facts about the qualifications and characteristics of U.S. presidents, from George Washington to Bill Clinton. Presents an assortment of facts about the qualifications and characteristics of U.S. presidents, from George Washington to Bill Clinton. Show less

Presents an assortment of facts about the qualifications and characteristics of U.S. presidents, from George Washington to Bill Clinton. Presents an assortment of facts about the qualifications and characteristics of U.S. presidents, from George Washington to Bill Clinton. Show less

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Blizzard!

Blizzard!

The Storm That Changed America

by Murphy, Jim

Book - 2000

Presents a history, based on personal accounts and newspaper articles, of the massive snow storm that hit the Northeast in 1888, focusing on the events in New York City. Presents a history, based on personal accounts and newspaper articles, of the massive snow storm that hit the Northeast in 1888, focusing on the events in New York City. Show less

Presents a history, based on personal accounts and newspaper articles, of the massive snow storm that hit the Northeast in 1888, focusing on the events in New York City. Presents a history, based on personal accounts and newspaper articles, of the massive snow storm that hit the Northeast in 1888, focusing on the events in New York City. Show less

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Amelia Lost

Amelia Lost

The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart

by Fleming, Candace

Book - 2011

Tells the story of Amelia Earhart's life - as a child, a woman, and a pilot - and describes the search for her missing plane. Tells the story of Amelia Earhart's life - as a child, a woman, and a pilot - and describes the search for her missing plane. Show less

Tells the story of Amelia Earhart's life - as a child, a woman, and a pilot - and describes the search for her missing plane. Tells the story of Amelia Earhart's life - as a child, a woman, and a pilot - and describes the search for her missing plane. Show less

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