Leaders Like Us

LEADERS LIKE US: In this illustrated biography, elementary-aged readers will learn about the early life and greatest accomplishments of an important African American leader in music, Rosetta Tharpe. BIOGRAPHY READERS FOR CHILDREN: Rosetta could sing and play guitar like no one had ever heard before. From her church's stage to Carnegie Hall, she brought her incredible gift of music to the world. In this high-interest reader, you'll discover fascinating facts about this important historical figure. INCLUDES: This 24-page book for grades 1—4 includes a time line, questions for discussion, and an extension activity. BENEFITS: History is filled with inspiring leaders who made a difference in our world. Each book in this own voices illustrated series tells the story of an important leader in fields such as science, the arts, government, sports, and more, focusing on each leader's early life and greatest accomplishments. WHY ROURKE: Since 1980, we've been committed to bringing out the best non-fiction books to help you bring out the best in your young learners. Our carefully crafted topics encourage all students who are "learning to read" and "reading to learn"!

This nonfiction book presents the life story of Dalip Singh Saund. He was the first Asian American, Indian American, and Sikh American to be elected to Congress.

Introduce readers to the life of author and community outreach leader Pura Belpré, the first Puerto Rican librarian in New York City. Pura believed the library was for everyone. Using her skills in storytelling, she encouraged Hispanic children to visit the library by creating bilingual story hour. Her community outreach helped to make the Hispanic people in New York City feel included. Learn about how Pura impacted her community, resulting in the annual Pura Belpré Award, in this inspirational biography, part of the “Leaders Like Us” true story books based on real life book series.

As a child, Serena Auñón-Chancellor loved watching rockets launch into space. She dreamed of becoming an astronaut, but she also loved medicine and helping people. Could she be both a doctor and an astronaut? Learn about how Serena Auñón-Chancellor made her dreams come true in this biography-part of the “Leaders Like Us” children's book series. This nonfiction book introduces readers to Serena Auñón-Chancellor, a doctor and NASA astronaut who was the second Latina to go to space.

Introduce your child to one of the most influential African American dancers and choreographers in history with the children's book “Alvin Ailey”, part of the “Leaders Like Us” series. Who was Alvin Ailey? Children will love tuning in to this engaging biography that explores Alvin's cultural and groundbreaking contributions to dance, choreography, and Broadway theater.

Leader in Comics: In Leaders Like Us: Jackie Ormes, 1st-4th graders learn about the dedication, talent, and artistic abilities of Ormes who became the first syndicated female African-American cartoonist. Inspirational: With captivating illustrations that bring Ormes's story to life, readers learn about her fascinating life, how Jackie used her comics to challenge stereotypes about black people and culture, and her designs that took America by storm.

In this illustrated biography, elementary-aged readers will learn about the early life and greatest accomplishments of an important African American leader in civil rights, Bayard Rustin. BIOGRAPHY READERS FOR CHILDREN: Bayard knew how to help people work together for equality without violence, and played a role in one of the most important Civil Rights events in American history. In this high-interest reader, you'll discover fascinating facts about this important historical figure. INCLUDES: This 24-page book for grades 1—4 includes a time line, questions for discussion, and an extension activity. BENEFITS: History is filled with inspiring leaders who made a difference in our world. Each book in this own voices illustrated series tells the story of an important leader in fields such as science, the arts, government, sports, and more, focusing on each leader's early life and greatest accomplishments.

LEADERS LIKE US: In this illustrated biography, elementary-aged readers will learn about the early life and greatest accomplishments of an important African American leader in the United States government, Shirley Chisholm. BIOGRAPHY READERS FOR CHILDREN: Shirley knew that the world needed change, so she began to organize people and fight to make a difference. Working in the government could help her improve peoples' lives! In this high-interest reader, you'll discover fascinating facts about this important historical figure. INCLUDES: This 24-page book for grades 1—4 includes a timeline, questions for discussion, and an extension activity. BENEFITS: History is filled with inspiring leaders who made a difference in our world. Each book in this own voices illustrated series tells the story of an important leader in fields such as science, the arts, government, sports, and more, focusing on each leader's early life and greatest accomplishments.

LEADERS LIKE US: In this illustrated biography, elementary-aged readers will learn about the early life and greatest accomplishments of an important African American leader in sports, Major Taylor. BIOGRAPHY READERS FOR CHILDREN: "Major" loved to ride his bike. He raced and did tricks, winning award after award. He became one of the best bicycle racers in the United States in just a few years. What happened to this amazing athlete? In this high-interest reader, you'll discover fascinating facts about this important historical figure. INCLUDES: This 24-page book for grades 1—4 includes a timeline, questions for discussion, and an extension activity. BENEFITS: History is filled with inspiring leaders who made a difference in our world. Each book in this own voices illustrated series tells the story of an important leader in fields such as science, the arts, government, sports, and more, focusing on each leader's early life and greatest accomplishments.

LEADERS LIKE US: In this illustrated biography, elementary-aged readers will learn about the early life and greatest accomplishments of an important African American leader in the field of genealogy, Henry Louis Gates Jr. BIOGRAPHY READERS FOR CHILDREN: As a child, Henry was curious about his family tree. He interviewed family members and discovered connections. When he grew up, he taught others to do the same! In this high-interest reader, you'll discover fascinating facts about this important historical figure. INCLUDES: This 24-page book for grades 1—4 includes a timeline, questions for discussion, and an extension activity. BENEFITS: History is filled with inspiring leaders who made a difference in our world. Each book in this own voices illustrated series tells the story of an important leader in fields such as science, the arts, government, sports, and more, focusing on each leader's early life and greatest accomplishments.

LEADERS LIKE US: In this illustrated biography, elementary-aged readers will learn about the early life and greatest accomplishments of an important African American leader in medicine, Rebecca Lee Crumpler. BIOGRAPHY READERS FOR CHILDREN: Ever since she was young, Rebecca wanted to help people feel better, even before people knew much about modern medicine. She became the first African American woman doctor in the United States. In this high-interest reader, you'll discover fascinating facts about this important historical figure. INCLUDES: This 24-page book for grades 1—4 includes a time line, questions for discussion, and an extension activity. BENEFITS: History is filled with inspiring leaders who made a difference in our world. Each book in this own voices illustrated series tells the story of an important leader in fields such as science, the arts, government, sports, and more, focusing on each leader's early life and greatest accomplishments. WHY ROURKE: Since 1980, we've been committed to bringing out the best non-fiction books to help you bring out the best in your young learners. Our carefully crafted topics encourage all students who are "learning to read" and "reading to learn"!

Born blind and poor, José Feliciano never gave up on his dream of becoming a musician. Using his talent for guitar playing and singing, José spread his message of peace. Learn how José's blends of different music genres and languages helped people unite in this inspirational biography-part of the “Leaders Like Us” true story books based on real life book series. This nonfiction book introduces readers to José Feliciano's life and how he brought different backgrounds together through his music.

The United Farm Workers union has an interesting past, and it's all thanks to Philip Vera Cruz. This biography tells the story an unsung hero and Filipino farm worker that led the historic Delano strike, grape boycott, and the formation of the United Farm Workers union-part of the “Leaders Like Us” series. Philip Vera Cruz came to the United States from the Philippines in search of an education. Instead, he had to work different jobs to survive. Learn about how he and other Filipino farm workers, the manongs, started the historic strike in Delano, California that led to a grape boycott and the birth of the infamous United Farm Workers union. Learn all about Philip's early life, struggles, and all of his accomplishments.

Oscar de la Renta loved art. He wanted to be a famous fashion designer, but it was a very competitive field where the most successful designers were French or Italian, unlike him. Learn about the fashion designer from the Dominican Republic who turned his dreams into a reality as you dive into Oscar de la Renta's biography-part of the “Leaders Like Us” children's book series. This nonfiction book introduces readers to Oscar de la Renta, a fashion designer from the Dominican Republic who built a fashion empire.

Introduce your child to one of the most decorated Olympic gymnasts in history with the children's book “Gabby Douglas”, part of the “Leaders Like Us” series. Who is Gabby Douglas? Children will flip for this engaging biography that explores Gabby's early life, her career as an Olympic gymnast, and all of her accomplishments.

Leader in Science: In Leaders Like Us: Leland Melvin, 1st-4th graders learn about the dedication, talent, and impact of Melvin who went from being a professional football player to an influential NASA astronaut. Inspirational: With captivating illustrations that bring Melvin's story to life, young readers learn about his fascinating life and what led him to trade in his football helmet for a space suit, going on to fly two important missions into space.

A NASCAR Leader: In Leaders Like Us: Wendell Scott, 1st-4th graders learn about the dedication, passion, and talent of Scott, one of the first African-American NASCAR drivers and first African-American to win a race in the Grand National Series. Inspirational: With captivating illustrations that bring Scott's story to life, young readers learn about his fascinating life, what led Wendell to becoming an important African-American leader in racecar driving, and his accomplishments.

Leader in Journalism: In Leaders Like Us: Charlotta Bass, kids learn about the dedication, passion, and integrity of Bass, who fought for justice and equality, becoming the first woman and African American to run for vice president of the America. Inspirational: With captivating illustrations that bring Bass's story to life, young readers learn about her fascinating life and what led her to becoming an important African-American leader in journalism and politics.

Introduce your child to one of the most influential American astronauts and STEM field leaders in history with the children's book “Sally Ride”, part of the “Leaders Like Us” series. Who was Sally Ride? Children will shoot for the stars with this engaging biography that explores Sally's scientific accomplishments, her career at NASA, and her contributions to the STEM field.

Introduce your child to one of the most influential LGBTQ activists and advocates in history with the children's book “Sylvia Rivera”, part of the “Leaders Like Us” series. Who was Sylvia Rivera? Children will love learning about one of the most influential leaders and advocates for LGBTQ rights in this engaging biography.

Introduce your child to one of the most influential civil rights and gender equality activists in American history with the children's book Pauli Murray, part of the Leaders Like Us series. Who was Pauli Murray? Children will love learning about this activist who fought for different rights and became the first African American woman to be ordained as an Episcopal priest. Fun Storybook Features: • This children's book features a timeline, post-reading questions, and an interactive activity to develop reading comprehension skills. • 24 pages of vibrant illustrations: About Rourke Educational Media: We proudly publish respectful and relevant nonfiction and fiction titles that represent our diverse readers and are designed to support reading on a level that has no limits!

Have you ever wanted to change the world so people can live better lives? This biography tells the story of philosopher and activist Grace Lee Boggs who did just that, part of the “Leaders Like Us” series. Grace Lee Boggs was a Chinese American woman who went from earning a PhD in philosophy to becoming an activist in the black power movement in Detroit. She used ideas about revolution to inspire people to create a new world and imagine a new way of living. Learn all about Grace's early life and all of her accomplishments.

This nonfiction book introduces readers to the life of political activist Yuri Kochiyama, a Japanese American who was incarcerated during World War II. Yuri went on to be a leader in many of the liberation struggles of her time.

A Black woman had never been a justice for the United States Supreme Court until April 7, 2022 when Ketanji Brown Jackson made history. This nonfiction biography is the story of her path to becoming a trailblazing justice, part of the “Leaders Like Us” series. Ketanji Brown Jackson has brought an important new perspective to the highest court, a lifetime appointment only held by two other African Americans before her. Learn all about Ketanji's early life, her hard work, and all of her accomplishments.

Alternate transportation was provided to walkers, during the Montgomery Bus Boycott to ensure its success. No one imagined the cost of such an undertaking. Georgia Gilmore unselfishly came to the rescue. This nonfiction biography is the story of how one woman used her gift of cooking to help fund the Montgomery Bus Boycott.