North America

Before he became the president, Barack Obama was a little boy called Barry. Amid a happy childhood, he also yearned for a better understanding of Black history and culture, and a better sense of his own identity as a Black American. Spurred by conversations around race, injustice, and inequality, he became a community organizer, practiced civil rights law, and was elected to the US Senate. “Yes we can!” became a rallying cry for his message of hope and change throughout the 2008 presidential election—which resulted in Barack Obama becoming the first Black president of the United States.

Durante años, los eruditos han estudiado a individuos o acontecimientos concretos de la Revolución americana. Se han centrado en revolucionarios como Alexander Hamilton o en acontecimientos como la batalla de Lexington y Concord. Pero la Revolución americana fue algo más que unas pocas personas y batallas. Estaba llena de ideas que cambiaron el mundo. Es hora de retroceder en la historia y aprender sobre la Revolución americana. En este nuevo y cautivador libro, descubrirá qué hizo tan especial a la Revolución americana y cómo sigue influyendo en nosotros hoy en día.

Before James Baldwin was a celebrated novelist, essayist, playwright, poet, and activist, he was a boy who fell in love with stories. Words opened up new worlds for young Jimmy, who read and wrote at every opportunity. He ultimately realized his dreams of becoming an author and giving voice to his community, and in doing so he showed the world the fullness of Black American life. This book biography of an American icon is a poetic introduction to James Baldwin and celebration of the power of language.

In 1925, when Tennessee lawmakers banned the teaching of evolution in public schools, teacher John Scopes challenged the law--and set off a gripping circus of a legal battle. Two masterminds faced off in a blistering courtroom debate over creationism and natural selection, each armed with the books they believed belonged in classrooms.

When much of the US was segregated, Black athletes were not allowed to play alongside white athletes. Black athletes started their own sports leagues, including the Black Fives. Learn about basketball's beginnings and the stars of the Black Fives Era, including Charles "Tarzan" Cooper and Ora Washington. Then discover how the National Basketball Association became integrated, what led to the creation of the Women's National Basketball Association, and how the Black Fives had a lasting impact.