The 2005 Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award

Summary: Walt Whitman, renowned poet and unexpected Civil War nurse, finds himself amidst the chaos of a divided nation. As he tends to soldiers from both sides, he discovers a deeper calling: to capture their stories and the essence of America through his writing. With each encounter, Whitman is inspired to give a voice to the voiceless, transcending the boundaries of war and race. This powerful journey reveals the heart of a man who seeks to unite a fractured country with the power of words. Will his pen heal the wounds of a nation?

Summary: Join spider scientist Sam Marshall as he ventures into the lush rainforest of French Guiana, seeking the secrets of tarantulas. With yellow blood and silk of steel, these creatures defy imagination. Discover their world as Sam knocks on burrows and uncovers their hidden lives. Then, step into America's largest spider lab, where hundreds of tarantulas await their moment to astonish researchers. What marvels will Sam uncover in this web of wonder?

Summary: In the 1820s, Sequoyah, an ordinary Cherokee man, embarks on a groundbreaking quest to develop a writing system for his people. Despite knowing no English and facing ridicule, he perseveres, crafting a script that astonishes the Cherokee Nation and the world. This tale of determination and innovation celebrates the power of literacy and the resilience of a culture striving to preserve its identity. Will Sequoyah's vision unite his people and change their future forever?