Leadership

Imagine Amelia Earhart flying Eleanor Roosevelt over Washington D.C. in an airplane! This fictional account of their historic “night flight” shows two maverick women defying the conventions of their day, and taking off! Their exciting journey — from the White House to the starry skies above the Capitol — is illustrated with stunning black-and-white drawings.

What happens when a bunch of cows get hold of a typewriter? They start making demands. “Click, clack, moo. Clickety, clack, moo.” Translation? “The barn is very cold at night. We’d like some electric blankets.” When Farmer Brown refuses to give them what they want, they go on strike and bring the hens and ducks along with them. A wonderful read-aloud with warm, watercolor illustrations, this early lesson in political organizing will have teachers and students howling — and mooing and quacking.

A Caldecott Honor Book, this classic story shows how even the unlikeliest character can turn into a leader. While the other mice collect and store food to prepare for winter, Frederick appears to be doing nothing but daydreaming. In fact, he’s preparing in his own way — by gathering warmth, colors, and words! When the food runs out, Frederick’s imaginative collection helps pull his friends through a difficult time.

Today, Lincoln is considered one of the greatest leaders in American history. Yet, as Russell Freedman writes in his Newbery Medal-winning history, during the Civil War, Lincoln “was the most unpopular president the nation had ever known.” Through quotes, photographs, and excerpts from speeches, students will learn about Lincoln’s boyhood, marriage, professional life, and presidency. And they’ll also discover what it takes to be a true leader.

In 1914, the English explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew of 27 sailors attempted to cross the Antarctic continent. Their expedition came to a terrifying halt when their ship, the Endurance, ended up trapped in the pack ice. What followed was a perilous series of adventures. Despite many setbacks, Shackleton courageously led every single crew member back to safety. A gripping narrative along with actual black-and-white photographs taken by an Endurance crew member bring this icy adventure to life.

Eleven famous leaders — including Pocahontas, Harriet Tubman, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Helen Keller, and Margaret Mead — are profiled in this picture biography. A women’s history time line and bibliography are included.

Despite the danger of capture and punishment, a brave young slave creates a quilt with a map stitched into it to guide herself and others to freedom.

Tacky’s companions are graceful and quiet. He isn’t. He is an odd bird. But when hunters come looking for pretty penguins, it is Tacky’s individuality that saves the day.