A Big Words Book | Hachette Book Group

Beacon of Hope

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A magnificently illustrated picture book biography of Barack Obama: a tireless organizer, a brilliant orator, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, and the first Black president of the United States of America. Before he became the president, Barack Obama was a… Read More
Eleanor, Quiet No More

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A stunning portrait of ambassador, activist, and beloved First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Eleanor Roosevelt was raised in a privileged but stern Victorian household, with an affectionate but mostly absent father and a critical mother who made fun of her daughter's… Read More
Ellen Takes Flight

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A Junior Library Guild Selection, Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year, and National Science Teaching Association Best STEM Book ● Celebrate the groundbreaking life of astronaut and Johnson Space Center director Ellen Ochoa, the first Latina in space, in this "picture-book… Read More
Ruth Objects

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An "insightful and fascinating" (Kirkus Reviews) portrait of Ruth Bader Ginsburg: the trailblazer, fighter, and public servant who dedicated her life to the pursuit of equality. When Ruth was a young girl, her mother encouraged her to read, be independent, and stand… Read More
Walt’s Imagination

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An inspiring picture book biography of legendary leader in entertainment, Walt Disney, by the critically-acclaimed author of the Big Words series.Walt Disney's name is synonymous with family entertainment. Mickey Mouse, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Bambi, Disneyland, and numerous… Read More
Wilma’s Way Home

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This powerfully illustrated picture book biography tells the courageous life story of Wilma Mankiller, the first female chief of the Cherokee Nation. As a child in Oklahoma, Wilma Mankiller experienced the Cherokee practice of Gadugi, helping each other, even when… Read More
Frederick’s Journey

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This “riveting biography” (Kirkus Reviews) presents a thought-provoking portrait of celebrated human rights activist Frederick Douglass. Frederick Douglass was born into slavery. He was taken from his mother as a baby, and separated from his grandparents when he was six. He suffered… Read More
To Dare Mighty Things

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A thrilling portrait of a larger-than-life president who left a lasting legacy. President Theodore Roosevelt is known as "the man with a plan," the "rough rider." His figure stands tall in American history; his legacy stretching him to larger-than-life proportions. But… Read More
Helen’s Big World

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This "magnificent account" (New York Times) of Helen Keller's life presents a moving portrait of one of the world’s great luminaries. When Helen was nineteen months old, an illness left her unable to see or speak. She struggled to make herself understood,… Read More
Jack’s Path of Courage

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A "beautifully illustrated and gracefully told" (School Library Journal) portrait of a beloved, courageous president. John F. Kennedy was a popular, charismatic president, beloved by many. But he didn't always believe he had the strength or courage for that office. As… Read More
John’s Secret Dreams

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A picture book biography of one of the most iconic musicians of all time.John Lennon's influence on music and culture is legendary. From a young age, he dreamed of fame and fortune. When he achieved it as one of the… Read More
Abe’s Honest Words

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This accessible and stunningly illustrated picture book biography includes quotes from Abraham Lincoln himself, for an epic portrait of one of the most influential American presidents. From the time he was a young boy roaming the forests of the remote Midwest, Abraham Lincoln knew in… Read More
Martin’s Big Words

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A Caldecott Honor Book, Coretta Scott King Honor Book, and New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Children’s Book ● This "stunning, reverent" (School Library Journal) picture book biography of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., brings his extraordinary life and profound message to young readers through… Read More

Doreen Rappaport

About the Author

Doreen Rappaport’s nonfiction and historical fiction books have been acclaimed for their meticulous research and varied literary styles. She is the recipient of the Children’s Book Guild of Washington, DC, lifetime achievement award for the writing of nonfiction. Her many award-winning biographies include the Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Honor Book Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., illustrated by Bryan Collier; Abe’s Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln, illustrated by Kadir Nelson; and Ruth Objects: The Life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, illustrated by Eric Velasquez. Doreen lives in upstate New York and invites you to visit her online at doreenrappaport.com.

Tonya Engel is an award-winning artist and children’s book illustrator. Her personal, autobiographical work can be found in public and private collections around the world. She has received several awards and honors for her illustrations, including the 2020 Septima Clark Book Award for Rise!: From Caged Bird to Poet of the People, Maya Angelou by Bethany Hegedus, and the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award Honor Book for Your Legacy: A Bold Reclaiming of Our Enslaved History by Schele Williams. She lives in Houston, Texas, and invites you to visit her online at tonyaengel.com.

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Beacon of Hope

by Doreen Rappaport, Illustrated by Tonya Engel

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Eleanor, Quiet No More

by Doreen Rappaport, Illustrated by Gary Kelley

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Ellen Takes Flight

by Doreen Rappaport, Illustrated by Oliver Dominguez

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Ruth Objects

by Doreen Rappaport, Illustrated by Eric Velasquez