James Ransome

Every single morning, the plantation bell dictates the lives of the enslaved workers. When the bell rings, Daddy gathers wood, Mama cooks, and Ben joins the others for another grueling day of work under the sweltering sun. The routine feels unbreakable, until one extraordinary morning when the bell rings and Ben is nowhere to be found. Ben has run away. Left behind, his family experiences a heart-wrenching mix of fear and sadness, but also a profound, enduring hope. They wonder if maybe, just maybe, Ben has made it North to freedom. This powerful and moving story honors the courage of those who sought freedom and serves as a vital reminder of the strength of hope and family bonds during the darkest of times.

A little girl in South Carolina finds a simple piece of rope under a tree one summer. She has no idea that this ordinary rope will become a lasting part of her family history. For three generations, this very same rope is passed down from one hands to the next. You will see it used for joyful jump rope games, then later to tie suitcases tightly to a car for a huge move north to New York City during the Great Migration. Decades later, it even makes an appearance at a family reunion where that first little girl is now a grandmother. Follow the journey of one family adapting to big changes, holding tightly to their past while warmly embracing the future.

When the sun sets and the farm goes completely quiet, a young enslaved girl knows it is finally time to run. Leaving everything behind, she leads her loved ones out into the dense, dark woods. The moon shines brightly overhead as they begin their dangerous journey toward freedom. Navigating strictly by the stars, the group heads north through the shadows. The path is difficult and terrifying, but they know they cannot turn back. Then, in the distance, the girl spots something hanging outside a house. It is a quilt featuring a striking, deep blue center square. She knows this specific pattern is a secret signal from friends on the Underground Railroad, meaning the people inside are safe and willing to help. With tremendous courage, she steps forward to lead her family closer to a completely new life.

Travel back in time to the bustling streets of New York City in 1930. Times are tough, but a magnificent vision is taking shape right before your eyes. Join a young boy and his father as they watch a building rise from the ground, as straight and simple as a pencil, growing taller every single day. Look up high into the clouds where fearless workers are hoisting massive steel beams and stacking millions of bricks. You will witness the daring sky boys eat their lunches at dizzying heights above the city as they construct the Empire State Building in record time. When the ribbon is finally cut, you can imagine the rush of zooming to the very top of the world. This award-winning historical tale brings the incredible construction of an American landmark to life with stunning detail and soaring adventure.