A Big Words Book | Hachette Book Group

Coretta’s Song

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A powerful biography of the dedicated activist, multitalented musician, and influential civil rights leader Coretta Scott King, with illustrations by Caldecott Honor winner Cozbi A. Cabrera. Young Coretta Scott was a gifted musician, mastering multiple instruments and breaking barriers to study music in… Read More
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
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
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
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
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
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 has written numerous award-winning books for children, including: Freedom Ship and The School Is Not White, both illustrated by Curtis James; Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., illustrated by Bryan Collier, a Caldecott Honor Book, Coretta Scott King Honor Book, Orbis Pictus Honor Book, and a Jane Addams Children’s Book Award winner; Abe’s Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln, illustrated by Kadir Nelson, CCBC Best Book of the Year, and an IRA Teacher’s Choice; Eleanor, Quiet No More, illustrated by Gary Kelly; and Jack’s Path of Courage, illustrated by Matt Tavares. She lives and writes in upstate New York, and she invites you to visit her online at doreenrappaport.com.

Matt Tavares is the illustrator of several books, including ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, Jack and the Beanstalk, written by E. Nesbit, Iron Hans: A Grimms’ Fairy Tale, retold by Stephen Mitchell, Lady Liberty: A Biography, and Jack’s Path of Courage, both written by Doreen Rappaport. His books have won several awards, including four Parents’ Choice Gold Awards, a Parents’ Choice Silver Honor, two Oppenheim Gold Seal Awards, and an International Reading Association Children’s Book Award. His illustrations have been exhibited at the Museum of American Illustration at the Society of Illustrators, and at the Brandywine River Museum. Matt lives in Maine with his wife and two daughters, and he invites you to visit him online at matttavares.com.

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Coretta’s Song

by Doreen Rappaport, Illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera

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