Joseph G Hirschberg

Meet Joseph, a clever man who loves his cozy overcoat very much. Over time, his favorite coat gets old, worn out, and full of holes. But Joseph is not the kind of person to just throw something away. When his coat becomes too shabby to wear, he finds a brilliant way to transform it into a smart new jacket. And when that jacket gets too worn out, he turns it into something else entirely. Through clever cutouts on every page, you get to guess what Joseph will create next from his shrinking pieces of fabric. You will follow along with his cheerful journey and discover the wonderful lesson that you can always make something beautiful and useful, even when it seems like you have almost nothing left.

Jump in Discover the incredible true story of Joe Pierce, a young boy from 19th-century China who journeyed across the ocean to find a new life in America. Sold by his father to an American sea captain during a time of great poverty, Joe had to find his footing in a world that looked and sounded nothing like home. Why it pulls you in Joe’s journey is one of immense courage and determination. Follow him as he grows up with an American family, serves with distinction in the Union Army during the Civil War, and fights for his place as a citizen. It is a powerful look at identity and belonging during a time of deep prejudice. The heart of the story This moving biography shows how one person’s indomitable spirit can overcome the toughest challenges. Through Joe’s eyes, you will see a unique slice of American history and learn what it truly means to be worthy of your dreams and your country.

Before he became known as Sitting Bull, a Lakota boy was called Slow. The name stung, especially for a child who longed to prove himself brave and worthy like his father. But Slow’s careful way of watching, thinking, and waiting was not weakness. It was part of who he was becoming. This true story follows his boyhood as he learns courage, patience, and leadership within his Lakota community. Through moments of challenge and danger, you see how a quiet, deliberate child grows toward the name history remembers. Joseph Bruchac’s respectful picture-book biography offers young readers a powerful introduction to Sitting Bull, Native American history, and the idea that strength can take many forms.

Molly wakes up to a nightmare that will not end: her parents are gone, and a strange man she has never met claims to be her great-uncle. He brings her to his house, locks her in her room, and never seems to eat. The more Molly watches him, the more his behavior feels like something from one of her father’s old Mohawk stories. Her dreams keep pulling her toward the legend of Skeleton Man, a terrifying figure whose hunger has no end. Are the dreams only fear, or are they warning her? Fast-paced and eerie, this middle grade thriller blends mystery, suspense, and Native storytelling as Molly searches for the truth and fights to survive.

Uwohali has waited years to know his father. When Sequoyah finally returns to their Cherokee village, Uwohali hopes for closeness, answers, and a place in his father’s life. Instead, Sequoyah seems consumed by strange marks that others distrust. Some think the marks are foolish. Some fear they are dangerous. As Uwohali watches more closely, he begins to understand that his father is trying to do something extraordinary: create a written form for the Cherokee language. The discovery changes how Uwohali sees Sequoyah, his people, and the power of words. Rooted in history and told through a young person’s longing for family and belonging, Talking Leaves brings the story of Sequoyah and the Cherokee syllabary to life for middle grade and teen readers.

Curly is still young when he begins to show the courage and determination that will one day make him known as Crazy Horse. He can tame horses, face danger, and think of his people before himself. But bravery becomes more complicated when violence and loss threaten the Lakota community he loves. After a terrible conflict, Curly makes a daring choice: he goes alone to seek a vision, hoping to understand how he can help protect his people. His journey is both physical and spiritual, shaped by responsibility, tradition, and the future he cannot yet see. This powerful picture-book biography introduces young readers to the boyhood of Crazy Horse with respect, drama, and striking historical detail.

Turtle wakes from winter sleep ready to return to her pond, but Beaver has moved in and decided the whole place belongs to him. Turtle offers to share. Beaver refuses. Instead, he challenges her to a swimming race, certain his strong tail will make him the winner. Turtle may be small, but she is not helpless. With quick thinking and a calm mind, she finds a way to meet Beaver’s challenge on her own terms. Lively, funny, and easy to follow, this traditional Seneca story celebrates clever problem solving while gently showing why fairness and sharing matter.

Little Porcupine wants to be part of the Christmas play, but his sharp quills make the other animals nervous. They think there is no safe place for him onstage, and being left out hurts. Still, Little Porcupine keeps hoping he can help in his own way. This gentle holiday picture book follows a small woodland character who feels different but is not without purpose. Young readers can understand his disappointment, his patience, and the quiet courage it takes to keep believing you belong. With a warm Christmas setting and a school-play feel, the story celebrates kindness, inclusion, and the surprising ways someone’s unusual traits can become exactly what is needed.

At sixteen, Sacajawea has already lived through loss, capture, and separation from her Shoshone people. Then she is asked to join Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on a dangerous journey across lands unfamiliar to the expedition. As a young mother, translator, guide, and peacemaker, she becomes essential to the group’s survival. Told through alternating voices, including Sacajawea’s and William Clark’s, this historical novel gives readers a close view of the Lewis and Clark expedition and the young woman whose knowledge and courage shaped its course. The story includes hardship, discovery, and the complicated realities of a famous American journey. For readers ready for richer historical fiction, Sacajawea offers an engaging look at exploration, identity, and resilience.

Danny Bigtree misses the Mohawk reservation where he used to live. In Brooklyn, school feels lonely, and some kids tease him with hurtful stereotypes about being Native American. Danny is proud of who he is, but finding the words and courage to stand up for himself is not easy. At home, his family helps him remember the strength of Mohawk history and the value of speaking with dignity. Those stories give Danny a way to face school, classmates, and his own homesickness. Eagle Song is a short, thoughtful chapter book about moving, identity, bullying, and the everyday bravery it can take to be yourself.

Squanto’s story began long before the harvest feast many people remember. Captured in 1614 and taken across the ocean, he survived enslavement in Spain before finding his way back to his homeland. When English settlers arrived at Plymouth, Squanto used his knowledge, language skills, and experience to help two very different peoples communicate. This picture-book biography presents the First Thanksgiving through Squanto’s life, showing the hardship, courage, and complicated history behind a familiar event. Young readers meet him not simply as a helper to the Pilgrims, but as a person with his own journey, losses, and choices. Clear and respectful, Squanto’s Journey is a strong introduction to early American history for children.

Chester Nez was told his Navajo language and culture did not matter. At boarding school, he was pushed to leave his roots behind. Chester did not forget. Years later, during World War II, the very language he had been told to give up became part of a secret military code the enemy could not break. This picture-book biography follows Chester from childhood to his service as one of the original Navajo Code Talkers. It shows how language, memory, and identity became sources of strength at a time when the world was at war. Powerful and accessible, this true story introduces young readers to Native American history, World War II, and a hero whose courage began with holding on to who he was.

Cal Black knows how to ride the rails with his father and survive the hard years of the Great Depression. He thinks he understands his life, until Pop tells him a secret: their family is Creek, and Cal is being sent to a government boarding school for Native children in Oklahoma. At Challagi School, Cal meets boys who know histories, languages, and customs he has never been taught. The school is harsh, but the friendships he builds there help him begin to understand where he comes from and who he might become. Set in 1932, Two Roads is a moving middle grade historical novel about identity, family, friendship, and finding strength in community during a difficult chapter of American history.

In the summer of 1777, Samuel Russell hears frightening rumors of war near Saratoga. As a Quaker, he has been taught to choose peace, but others see that as cowardice. Not far away, Stands Straight, a young Abenaki scout, has his own fears about the Americans and what the war may bring to his people. When Stands Straight’s group enters the Quaker meetinghouse where Samuel worships, two boys on opposite sides of a dangerous conflict face a moment neither expects. Based on a true incident and told through alternating viewpoints, The Arrow Over the Door is a short, thoughtful historical novel about courage, peace, and seeing beyond fear.

Baron Braun has always felt connected to bears. As a member of the Mohawk Bear Clan, he knows stories about their strength, power, and mystery. One old legend, though, has always frightened him: the Bearwalker, a creature that is neither fully human nor fully animal. On a school camping trip in the Adirondacks, the story begins to feel terrifyingly real. Baron’s classmates are in danger, and being the smallest student in the group will not matter as much as courage, knowledge, and the strength he draws from his heritage. Bearwalker is a suspenseful middle grade horror adventure for readers who like survival stories, eerie folklore, and heroes who must face fear in the wilderness.

Look up into the night sky, and Sky Bear is watching. From high above the earth, the great bear sees rivers, mountains, animals, people, darkness, and light in ways that invite wonder. This collection brings together twelve Native American poems and stories of the land, drawing from different North American traditions. Each piece reflects a deep connection to the natural world and asks readers to notice the earth with care and respect. With a quiet, lyrical tone, The Earth Under Sky Bear’s Feet is a thoughtful picture book for children who enjoy poetry, nature, and stories that make the world feel wide, alive, and beautifully connected.

Malian is visiting her grandparents on a Wabanaki reservation when the COVID-19 pandemic shuts down travel. Suddenly, she cannot go home to Boston. She must stay, help protect her grandparents, and learn new ways to stay connected with her parents and school. Life during lockdown is full of worry, but it also gives Malian time to listen. Her grandparents share stories of family, community, survival, and the ways Indigenous people have cared for one another through earlier times of sickness and hardship. When a rez dog named Malsum appears at the door, he becomes part of that circle of protection too. Told in verse, Rez Dogs is a tender, powerful middle grade novel about family, memory, resilience, and community care.

Chris Nicola has a lot to carry for a sixth grader. At school, he is chosen to lead a project about Native names and sports teams, a topic that makes him think hard about respect and stereotypes. At home on the Penacook reservation, his community is divided over whether to build a casino on an island Chris loves. His father’s alcoholism adds another layer of pain and uncertainty, but Chris is not powerless. As he listens, learns, and speaks up, he begins to understand what leadership can look like for someone his age. The Heart of a Chief is a realistic middle grade novel about identity, family struggle, community conflict, and the courage to ask others for respect.

A small quarrel changes the world in this gentle Cherokee story. After the first man and first woman argue, the woman walks away, and the man follows with regret in his heart. The Sun sees their sadness and tries to help by placing beautiful gifts along the woman’s path. At last, bright red strawberries grow from the earth, sweet and shining. Their beauty invites the woman to pause and remember love, kindness, and the joy of sharing. Simple, graceful, and warmly told, The First Strawberries is a picture-book retelling about forgiveness, nature, and how a beloved fruit came to be.

Big Bear is sure he can do anything, even stop the sun from rising. Brown Squirrel is much smaller, but he is bold enough to challenge him. When morning comes and the sun rises anyway, Squirrel cannot resist teasing Bear. That teasing brings trouble. In this lively tale, bragging and mockery both have consequences, and Brown Squirrel learns a lesson that leaves a mark. Bright, energetic, and fun to read aloud, How Chipmunk Got His Stripes is a traditional-style animal story that helps children think about pride, kindness, and the words they choose.

Ned Begay is taught at boarding school that his Navajo language has no value. He refuses to let it go. When World War II reaches the Pacific, that language becomes the heart of a secret code the enemy cannot break. As a young Marine, Ned joins other Navajo code talkers who send vital messages through some of the war’s most dangerous battles. His story reveals not only the courage of military service, but also the strength of culture, memory, and language under pressure. Code Talker is a powerful historical novel for older middle grade and teen readers, honoring the Navajo Marines whose classified work helped change the course of World War II.

Saxso is fourteen when British rangers attack his Abenaki village in 1759. War between the French and British has reached his people, and the destruction is immediate and devastating. When Saxso realizes his mother and sisters have been taken captive, he cannot wait for others to save them. Alone in the rugged northern wilderness, Saxso follows the raiders, relying on courage, skill, and determination as danger closes in around him. His journey is a fight for family, survival, and the hope of returning home. The Winter People is a tense historical novel for older middle grade and teen readers, bringing a little-known episode of colonial North American history to life through an Abenaki perspective.

Ohkwa’ri knows he must tell the truth when he overhears older boys planning a raid on a neighboring village. By warning the Mohawk elders, he helps protect the peace, but he also makes powerful enemies among the boys who wanted the raid to happen. Now Grabber and his friends are waiting for a chance to hurt him, especially during Tekwaarathon, the fast, demanding game known today as lacrosse. Ohkwa’ri wants to follow the path of peace, but peace can take strength, strategy, and courage. Set in a Mohawk village in the late 1400s, Children of the Longhouse is an engaging middle grade historical novel about honesty, conflict, family, and community life.

Okwaho only wants revenge. After marauders from a neighboring tribal nation kidnap his best friend during a hunting trip, the twelve-year-old boy barely escapes back to his village. His people live in constant fear of deadly raids. The Five Nations of the Iroquois have been locked in a bitter war for so long that no one can even remember what it feels like to live in peace. The anger burning inside Okwaho makes him want to fight back and perpetuate the endless cycle of violence. Before Okwaho can retaliate, a strange visitor appears in the woods. Dressed in white buckskin, the calm and soothing figure brings an unexpected message. The Peacemaker shares ancient stories and wisdom, promising that even the most warlike leaders can be convinced to set down their weapons. Instead of choosing the path of revenge, Okwaho finds himself listening to this mysterious figure. He begins to believe that true strength might lie in unity rather than bloodshed. Based on the real historical events surrounding the creation of the Iroquois Confederacy, this gripping story explores the deep roots of nonviolence and the immense courage it takes to break a cycle of conflict. You will follow Okwaho as he witnesses a legendary effort to unite fractured nations and build a lasting treaty.

Sixteen year old Benji is running for his life from the fundamentalist cult that raised him. This same sect unleashed Armageddon, decimated the global population, and infected Benji with a terrifying bioweapon. Desperate to find a safe haven where the cult cannot use him to wipe out the rest of humanity, Benji is suddenly cornered by mutated monsters born from the world's destruction. Just in time, he is rescued by a fierce group of queer teenagers from the local LGBTQ center. Their leader is Nick, a gorgeous and deadly marksman who knows exactly what is hiding inside Benji. The bioweapon is mutating Benji into a lethal monster, but Nick offers him a deal. Benji can have shelter and a new family with this ragtag group, as long as he learns to control his monstrous power and uses it to defend their home. Eager to finally belong somewhere, Benji accepts the terms. But he soon discovers that his mysterious new leader has a hidden agenda and dangerous secrets of his own. You will be completely gripped by this furious, unapologetic story of survival and embracing your inner monster.

In the grim and fog-drenched streets of 1883 London, the Veil between the living and the dead has thinned. Violet-eyed mediums are forced to commune with spirits under the strict control of the Royal Speaker Society. Sixteen-year-old Silas Bell, an autistic trans boy, would rather rip out his own violet eyes than be forced into the role of an obedient Speaker wife. When Silas attempts to escape an arranged marriage, he is diagnosed with Veil sickness, a mysterious illness said to drive violet-eyed women mad. As punishment, he is shipped away to Braxton's Finishing School and Sanitorium, a brutal institution designed to break rebellious spirits. But Braxton is hiding dark and bloody secrets. Soon, the desperate ghosts of missing students begin appearing to Silas, begging him for help. Armed with his unique abilities and a fierce determination to survive, Silas decides to tear into the school's gruesome mysteries and expose its horrors to the world. He will bring down the violent society that trapped him, as long as the sanitorium does not break him first.

Across the Spider-Verse, every hero has a world to protect, a choice to make, and a story all their own. In this fast-moving collection, you’ll meet Spider-Heroes from different corners of the multiverse, including familiar favorites like Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy alongside heroes such as Spider-Punk, Spider-UK, and Web-Weaver. Each short story brings its own mix of danger, humor, identity, and web-slinging action, from neighborhood threats to mysteries that stretch far beyond one universe. Written by a team of acclaimed authors, Stories from the Spider-Verse is a lively middle grade anthology for readers who love superheroes, bold adventures, and the idea that anyone, anywhere, might be the hero their world needs.

Sixteen-year-old Miles Abernathy is a proud West Virginian who is ready to change his corrupt town. On the same night he comes out as a trans boy to his parents, Miles sneaks off to a party carrying explosive evidence. He holds photographs proving that the county sheriff was responsible for the so-called accident that injured his dad and crushed a local grassroots movement. This evidence could finally end a century-old blood feud in Twist Creek, a battle that began when Miles's great-great-grandfather incited a miners' rebellion. But before Miles can expose the truth, the sheriff's son and his friends track him through the woods and beat him nearly to death. Waking up in the hospital, Miles is threatened into silence by the sheriff himself, while the ghost of a soot-covered miner hovers at his bedside. When Miles accidentally kills one of the boys who attacked him, he realizes he is not the only one in Twist Creek desperate to escape the sheriff's cruel grip. To free their families from a generational cycle of violence, the town is ready to put everything on the line. Now, Miles must decide just how far he is willing to go to fight for a better world.

Assata has a dream as bright as Wakanda itself: she wants to become one of the Dora Milaje, the brave warriors who protect her home. But Assata begins to believe that her disability means the dream is not really for her. Then her courage and kindness bring her close to some of Wakanda’s most powerful figures, including Shuri, Okoye, and M’Baku. Each meeting helps her see that strength can look different from what she expected. Warm, inspiring, and full of superhero spirit, The Courage to Dream is an illustrated story about believing in yourself, honoring your own light, and finding the bravery to reach for what matters most.

The world can feel overwhelming when the biggest problems are handed to the next generation. Climate change, gun violence, housing, health care, immigration, transphobia, disinformation, and injustice are not small issues. But this book starts from a powerful idea: understanding the problem is one step toward changing it. Frederick Joseph and Porsche Joseph guide teen readers through sixteen urgent social and political topics with a mix of clear explanation, personal reflection, and interviews with activists, writers, public figures, and changemakers. Rather than offering easy answers, they show how systems develop, why they affect real people, and where action can begin. Better Than We Found It is a thoughtful, energizing nonfiction guide for teens who want to think critically, ask sharper questions, and take part in building a more just future.

Frederick Joseph writes like the honest friend many readers need: direct, thoughtful, and unwilling to pretend that uncomfortable moments do not matter. Drawing from his own experiences as a Black student in mostly white spaces, Joseph examines racism in everyday comments, school interactions, pop culture assumptions, and larger systems of power. He explains why certain words and behaviors cause harm, how ideas like white privilege and microaggressions shape real lives, and why learning to recognize racism is part of becoming actively antiracist. With conversations featuring artists and activists, plus backmatter that explains key terms and historical context, The Black Friend is a candid young adult nonfiction book for teens ready to listen closely, reflect honestly, and have better conversations about race.

When a torn ACL ends his basketball dreams, Ossie Brown must rebuild his identity at Braxton Academy, a privileged, mostly white school. A Black teacher invites him into a competitive writing program, where he discovers powerful stories by marginalized authors and forms friendships that see beyond his athletic past. When an anti‑woke video threatens the program and his new friends’ safety, Ossie must find his voice and stand up for free expression. The novel tackles racism, class, homophobia, and book banning while celebrating the transformative power of literature.

All Elliot wants is a normal, quiet day at school. All Uchenna wants is a heart-pounding adventure. Guess whose wish comes true? When Professor Fauna whisks the kids—and their trusty chupacabra companion, Jersey—off to the towering fir trees of the Pacific Northwest, they find themselves in the middle of a massive rescue mission. A famously elusive creature is in serious trouble in the Muckleshoot territory of Washington. Film crews have suddenly descended to expose Bigfoot to the world, and the greedy Schmoke logging company is bringing in some awfully large machinery to tear down the forest. Now, the Unicorn Rescue Society must step up to protect the legendary Sasquatch. Can Elliot and Uchenna outsmart a cable news team, escape the roaring blades of the Schmokes' chain saws, and discover the truth about the big, hairy creatures running through the woods? Join the society for a fast-paced, funny, and thrilling adventure where mythical creatures are real—and they need your help!

Long before she became a leading voice for civil rights or spoke to the nation through her famous My Day newsletter, Eleanor Roosevelt was a young girl figuring out how to be brave. Growing up surrounded by powerful and famous relatives, she had to find her own way to stand out, find her voice, and lead. This engaging look at her early life takes you right into her world, showing how the quiet niece of a president learned to take the reins, face her fears, and even jump a horse. You will see how the everyday skills she built as a child gave her the courage to champion women's rights and shape history on her own terms. It is an inspiring journey that proves even the most powerful and influential leaders start out as kids trying to learn something new and overcome their own doubts.

The gate is open and the flock is out. A busy city neighborhood turns upside down when a group of backyard chickens decides to go on a grand tour of the town. Instead of scratching in the dirt, these adventurous birds are dodging shoppers, zooming down the sidewalk, and bringing delightful chaos everywhere they go. You will follow along with their mischievous antics as they surprise the local townsfolk and animals. The bouncy rhymes make it fun to read aloud, keeping you guessing where the runaway flock will pop up next. Along with the hilarious story, you can also learn fascinating facts about what it takes to keep urban chickens of your own. It is a wildly funny chase that proves farm animals can have just as much fun in the city.

Grab your ticket and climb aboard for a wild ride through the stunning mountains and forests of Alaska. Five shiny train cars are rolling down the tracks, and they are picking up some very unusual passengers along the way. You will meet a prickly porcupine, a massive grizzly bear, a curious caribou, and other amazing animals native to the state as they all squeeze into the cars. The journey gets even more exciting when the heavy, packed train has to chug its way up a steep, towering mountain. The rumbling, rhyming text makes you feel like you are right there on the tracks with the animal crew. You can also explore the helpful glossary at the back to learn all about the different parts of a train and see the actual map of the famous Alaska route.

Long before he was known around the globe as the King of Pop, Michael Jackson was a young boy growing up in Gary, Indiana. Born in 1958, he was definitely not your average kid. By the time he was just eight years old, he had already become a massive superstar, singing and dancing alongside his brothers in the wildly popular group, The Jackson 5. This engaging biography traces Michael's meteoric rise from a child prodigy to one of the most famous solo musicians in history. You will learn about his pitch perfect voice, his unmatched dedication to his craft, and the groundbreaking footwork that gave the world the iconic Moonwalk. Even dancing legends like Fred Astaire watched him in awe. However, the spotlight was not always easy. The story provides a fair, sensitive look at both his unparalleled creative genius and the deep personal struggles he faced throughout his life in the public eye. Step behind the stage curtain and discover the complex, fascinating reality of a true musical legend whose influence still echoes in pop culture today.

Jump in Not all heroes wear capes or fly through the sky. Some heroes teach martial arts, talk to ghosts, invent amazing gadgets, or play soccer. They are your sisters, your neighbors, and your friends. They come in every shape and size, but they all share one important mission. They step up and make the world a better place when it counts. Why it pulls you in You will explore thirteen amazing stories written by some of the best voices in children's books today. Each tale introduces a new character facing their own unique challenges. You will see how small acts of bravery and everyday kindness can completely save the day. You do not need superpowers to make a huge difference in your community. What you will discover You will meet characters from all walks of life who find the courage to stand up for what is right. As you read about these everyday champions, you might just realize something powerful. The next great hero could be sitting right beside you. Or maybe, the real hero is already inside of you.

Harvey Cheyne has always had everything handed to him. As the spoiled son of a millionaire, he is used to a life of luxury and getting his way. But when he accidentally falls overboard from a luxurious ocean liner, his privileged world vanishes in an instant. Rescued by a tough, no-nonsense crew of a Portuguese fishing schooner, Harvey is thrust into an entirely alien environment. Instead of returning him to his wealthy family, the crew puts him to work for the summer. Stripped of his wealth and status, Harvey must learn the harsh, demanding realities of life at sea. Amidst the magical but dangerous ocean backdrop, he discovers the value of hard work, discipline, and true camaraderie. This gripping maritime story explores the transformation of a sheltered boy into a resilient young man. Join Harvey as he navigates stormy waters, superstitious sailors, and the ultimate test of his character in a journey that will change him forever.

Grandmothers make the world a more magical, adventurous, and fun place to live! This touching story is a beautiful love letter written straight to a grandma, celebrating all the silly and sweet moments you share together. From secret handshakes and baking treats to listening to your wildest stories, your grandmother knows exactly how to make you feel special. The warm words and vibrant pictures capture the incredible joy of spending time with the family member who always lets you have an extra cookie. You will recognize your own favorite memories as you read this loving tribute that perfectly explains why your grandma is truly one of a kind.