Nonfiction
Rachel Carson’s Wonder-Filled World
Publishing March 11, 2025, this STEM/STEAM picture book highlights how scientist & writer Rachel Carson became the mother of the modern environmental movement.
Josephine and Her Dishwashing Machine
Celebrate the inventor of the dishwasher in this STEM/STEAM biography about Josephine Cochrane, the brains behind one of the world's most-used kitchen appliances.
Blips on a Screen
How did video gaming start? What came before Xbox? This STEM/STEAM story introduces inventor Ralph Baer, who used his skills and persistence to make life a little more fun.
Nellie Vs. Elizabeth
One of Smithsonian Magazine’s 'Ten Best Children's Books of 2022,' daredevil journalists Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland race against the clock — and each other — as they circle the globe.
A Lady Has the Floor
Long before Kamala Harris or Hillary Clinton there was Belva Lockwood, the trailblazing lawyer and first woman ever on the ballot for President of the United States.
Graphic Novels
The Great Chicago Fire
In this “History Comics” graphic novel, a deadly blaze engulfs Chicago for two terrifying days. A brother, a sister, and a helpless puppy must race through the city to stay one step ahead of the devilish inferno.
WW II: Fight on the Home Front
During the war years of 1941 to 1945, men, women, and children at home did whatever they could to support the troops and defeat the Nazis, stepping into new and exciting roles in cities and towns all across America.
Middle-Grade Novels
Cape
Hidden Figures meets Wonder Woman in this action-packed, comic-inspired adventure about a brilliant puzzler who discovers she’s part of a World War II superhero team called the Infinity Trinity!
Mask
The Infinity Trinity is ready for its next adventure in this historical fantasy series that blends traditional narrative with graphic novel elements, and features real-life spies and code-cracking experts.
Boots
With the help of the WASPs, the trio must use their powers and code-cracking smarts in a challenge that takes them from Chicago to Sweetwater, Texas, to a final thrilling showdown in Paris.
The Detective’s Assistant
Set just before the Civil War and based on the the nation's first female detective, the Pinkerton operative Kate Warne, this historical mystery features a daring young sleuth, nail-biting danger, and a plot to assassinate Abraham Lincoln. Winner of the Golden Kite Award for best middle-grade!
Cupcake Cousins: Book 1 in the Series
Confident in their kitchen skills, Delia and Willow bake their way out of every jam, to disastrous but hilarious results.
Cupcake Cousins: Summer Showers
There’s a new cousin on the way! Delia and Willow are back in the kitchen with more laugh-out-loud adventures.
Cupcake Cousins: Winter Wonders
It’s the holidays, and the cousins have so much to celebrate. But will a blizzard wreck their well-laid plans?
Honors & Awards
2025 Illinois Bluestem Award nominee
South Carolina 2024-2025 Children's Book Award nominee
National Science Teaching Association-Children’s Book Council 2024 Best STEM Book
Winner of the Colonial Dames of America 2024 Young Readers Award
2024 Bank Street College "Best Books of the Year"
Science Friday's "Best Science Books for Kids"
2024 Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List (Grades K-5) Texas Library Assoc.
2024 Illinois Reads selection
National Science Teaching Association-Children’s Book Council 2023 Best STEM Book
2023 Bank Street College of Education "Best Books of the Year"
2023 Texas Topaz Nonfiction Reading List
2023 Bank Street College "Best Books of the Year"
2023 Illinois Bluestem Award Nominee
Smithsonian Magazine 'Ten Best Children's Books of 2022'
Junior Library Guild Spring 2022 Selection
Colby Sharp's Favorite Books of 2022
2021 North Carolina Children's Book Award nominee
2021 Excellence in Graphic Literature Award Finalist
A Junior Library Guild gold standard selection
2020 Oklahoma Book Award winner, young adult
Rhode Island Book Award 2020 Nominee
Illinois READS 2020 selection
California Young Reader Medal nominee 2019-2020
Society of Midland Authors 2019 Honoree
2019 Bank Street College "Best Books of the Year"
Amelia Bloomer Project 2019 List
2019 Parents' Choice Foundation Recommended Award
Junior Library Guild Spring 2018 Selection
A Mighty Girl Best Books of 2018 Selection
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best 2018
2016 SCBWI Golden Kite Award for best middle grade
2016 Illinois READS selection
Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award Nominee
Bank Street College’s 2016 Best Books
Amelia Bloomer Project 2016 List
Winner of a 2015 Nerdy Book Award from the Nerdy Book Club
Booklist Editor's Choice pick for 2015
A Chicago Public Library "Best of the Best 2015" book
2014 Chicago Public Library Best of the Best selection