The 2007 Jane Addams Children's Book Award

Summary: Twelve-year-old Christmas John faces his fears as he rows Molly across the treacherous river from Kentucky to Ohio, seeking freedom. Guided by Granny Judith's wisdom, each journey is fraught with danger and hope. Will they find the freedom they yearn for just across the river, or will the perilous waters claim their dreams? Discover the heart-pounding adventure and the courage it takes to defy the odds in 'Night Boat to Freedom.'

Summary: In 1910 Vermont, 12-year-old Grace struggles with her left-handedness in a right-handed world, working in a mill to support her family. Secretly, she and her friend Arthur reach out to the Child Labor Board, sparking a visit from reformer Lewis Hine. His photographs of Grace ignite a transformation, altering her view of herself and her family's destiny. Will their brave act bring change or further hardship?

Summary: In a world divided by race and history, a hidden path across the Bok Chitto River becomes a lifeline. A young Choctaw girl and an enslaved boy forge an unlikely alliance, challenging the boundaries of their worlds. As they navigate danger and hope, their journey reveals the power of unity and courage. Will their bond be enough to defy the forces that seek to keep them apart? Discover a tale where tradition meets bravery, and the past whispers through the trees, urging them forward.

Summary: In 1950s Alabama, ordinary citizens like Rosa Parks and Claudette Colvin ignite a pivotal boycott against segregation. As Martin Luther King Jr. rises to lead, the community unites in a courageous stand for justice. Through eyewitness accounts and powerful images, this narrative reveals the unsung heroes and collective efforts that fueled a historic fight for civil rights. How did these brave actions shape the future, and what can they teach us about the power of unity and protest today? Dive into a story of resilience and change that continues to inspire.