Author Profile
Judith St. George
10 Books
Judith St. George was an American children’s nonfiction author best known for lively biographies and history books for young readers. Her works include biographies of figures such as Betsy Ross, Sacagawea, Crazy Horse, Helen Keller, and Franklin Roosevelt, as well as broader history titles like Panama Canal: Gateway to the World. She also wrote the popular So You Want to Be... picture-book series, including So You Want to Be President?, which won the Caldecott Medal for David Small’s illustrations.
Abraham Lincoln did not start out as a famous leader. Long before he became the sixteenth president of the United States, he was a poor boy growing up in the rugged wilderness of Kentucky and Indiana. He lost his mother at a young age and had almost no formal schooling, making his future look quite bleak.
Everything changed when his father remarried. Sally Bush Johnston arrived at their log cabin with a library of books and an unshakeable belief in young Abe. Her endless encouragement became the spark that set him on a new path. This inspiring true story reveals how one person's faith can help you rise to surprising heights and change the course of history forever.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
48 Pages
Do you have what it takes to change the world? Discover the incredible true stories behind some of the most fascinating creations in history. You will meet famous historical figures like Thomas Edison and Benjamin Franklin, but you will also learn about the lesser known geniuses who gave us everyday marvels like Velcro and the technology behind satellite communications. Whether you are a quiet daydreamer or a daring risk taker, this witty and spirited look at history shows that anyone with a clever idea and plenty of determination can create something amazing. Packed with brilliant facts and brought to life with incredibly engaging illustrations, this journey through the history of innovation will inspire your own creativity. You might just close these pages ready to sketch out the next great invention yourself.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
56 Pages
Have you ever wondered what it takes to run a whole country? Step inside the most famous house in America and discover the wild, funny, and surprisingly human facts about the men who have held the highest office in the land. From George Washington to modern leaders, you will find out that presidents come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities. Some had pet alligators, while others could not stop making terrible jokes. Through hilarious portraits and incredibly fun facts, you will see the quirks, triumphs, and everyday habits of these powerful leaders. This brilliantly illustrated, award-winning history book brings the past to life in a way that is guaranteed to make you laugh and think. You will quickly learn that there is no single right way to be a leader, and maybe, just maybe, you have what it takes to take the job yourself.
6-8 Years
52 Pages
Imagine trying to transport a towering, long-necked giraffe across land and sea long before airplanes or trucks were invented. Zarafa is a beautiful and gentle giraffe who has just been offered as a magnificent gift from the ruler of Egypt to the king of France.
Her journey is nothing short of incredible. Zarafa sails up the Nile River, crosses the treacherous sea on a sailing ship, and then literally walks the final five hundred miles straight into Paris. Along the way, she becomes a beloved celebrity, greeted by cheering crowds who have never seen such a wondrous creature. This delightful true story brings to life a remarkable historical adventure that will capture your imagination from beginning to end.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
40 Pages
What exactly does it take to become a world-class explorer? For thousands of years, daring individuals have pushed past the edges of the known map to discover incredible secrets hidden in jungles, oceans, and caves.
You have probably heard of famous travelers like Christopher Columbus, but what about Mary Kingsley, who fearlessly studied remote tribes in Africa? Or Cowboy Jim White, who accidentally stumbled upon the breathtaking Carlsbad Caverns? From brave astronauts launching into space to mountain climbers scaling icy peaks, this witty and wonderfully illustrated book celebrates the curious adventurers who paved the way. Dive into these true tales and discover how you might just have the heart of an explorer yourself.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
53 Pages
As a young boy, George Washington thought his future was already decided. He planned to live a quiet, comfortable life as a Virginia gentleman, just like his older brother. But an unexpected opportunity to work as a surveyor's assistant in the rugged wilderness changed everything.
The journey was extremely difficult and often dangerous, pushing young George to his physical limits. Despite his exhaustion, he discovered a deep inner grit and a love for the outdoors. This pivotal trek proved to be the major turning point of his life, transforming him into the tough, courageous leader who would eventually guide an army to victory and become the first president of the United States.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
48 Pages
It is the week before Halloween, and someone is ruining all the fun. Across the neighborhood, perfectly carved jack-o'-lanterns are being smashed to pieces in the middle of the night, leaving a massive, orange mess everywhere.
Mary Grace is determined to save her favorite holiday, but she knows she cannot solve this spooky mystery on her own. With the help of her clever imaginary friend, Nellie, the two set up a plan to catch the destructive culprit red-handed. Grab your flashlight and join Mary Grace as she goes on a tricky neighborhood stakeout to stop the mysterious pumpkin smasher before Halloween night is ruined for good.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
46 Pages
Growing up on a large, beautiful estate, young Franklin Roosevelt enjoyed the finest things life had to offer. Between sailing on the water, riding fast horses, and attending elegant foxhunts, his path seemed completely set. He was supposed to simply become a wealthy gentleman like his beloved papa.
However, Franklin soon realized that the world was much larger than his family's grand property. Inspired by a famous uncle and a wise mentor, he began to question the rules of high society. Why couldn't a wealthy gentleman roll up his sleeves and dive into the messy world of politics? This vibrant picture book uncovers the exact moments that inspired a privileged young boy to change his destiny and eventually become one of America's most honored presidents.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
48 Pages
Everyone knows the Declaration of Independence is the beating heart of the United States. But did you know this highly respected piece of parchment has survived a wild, action-packed adventure of its own?
Since Thomas Jefferson first put his quill to paper in 1776, this single document has been rolled up, secretly hidden away, and carted across the country. It has bravely traveled by galloping horseback, bouncing mail truck, rattling railroad car, and even a heavy military tank. It escaped two entire British invasions and somehow survived centuries of unpredictable events. This wonderfully illustrated and incredibly witty book reveals the true, little-known story of the invincible document that fought just as hard for its own survival as the nation did for its freedom.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
27 Pages
Before he was known as the rugged colonel of the Spanish-American War or the energetic twenty-sixth president of the United States, Teddy Roosevelt was just a young boy nicknamed Teedie. He had a brilliant mind and even started his very own nature museum in his attic, but his body was terribly weak.
Struggling constantly with severe asthma, young Teedie was frequently bedridden and ill. Instead of giving up, he made a fierce promise to himself to overcome his physical weakness. Through sheer willpower and grueling exercise, he built his strength from the ground up. This beautiful and inspiring story proves that the greatest historical accomplishments often begin by winning the toughest battles inside your own home.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
46 Pages
