Author Profile
Jonah Winter
22 Books
Jonah Winter is an acclaimed author of numerous children's picture books, specializing in engaging biographies of historical and cultural figures. His notable works include celebrated titles like "Frida," "Dizzy," and "Lillian's Right to Vote." Through his writing, Winter brings important historical moments and diverse personalities to life for young readers.
In the city of Bobville, conformity is the only rule. Every resident is named Bob. They wear identical clothes, eat the exact same meals, and share the same hobbies. Above all, they agree that anyone not named Bob is entirely unwelcome. But the routine shatters when one resident makes a shocking decision: he wants to be called Bruce. The Bobs immediately build a giant wall to keep Bruce and his new ideas out of their perfectly uniform town. Bruce soon discovers that the world outside the wall is vibrant, diverse, and far more beautiful than the gray streets of Bobville. This story explores the importance of standing out, embracing differences, and tearing down the barriers that keep people apart. You will see how one brave choice can change everything.
6-8 Years
22 Pages
N/A
/5
Mary Jones is furious. Well into her sixties, this brave Irish immigrant looks around and sees children working long, exhausting hours in dangerous factories instead of going to school. Deciding that enough is enough, she organizes a powerful movement to fight for child labor laws, earning herself the title of the most dangerous woman in America. You will march alongside Mother Jones and one hundred brave boys and girls in the historic Childrens Crusade of 1903. Together, they leave Philadelphia and walk all the way to the front door of President Theodore Roosevelts home in New York. Told in a passionate first-person voice, this true story captures the fire and determination of a feminist icon who refused to back down. You will discover how one persons loud voice and relentless spirit helped protect the childhoods and futures of kids across the country, changing American history forever.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
21 Pages
N/A
/5
By:
Jonah Winter
Dizzy Gillespie plays the trumpet like he was born with it in his hands. Growing up in a small town with a hard life, Dizzy uses his immense talent as a ticket to New York City and the hottest jazz bands around. But Dizzy refuses to stand perfectly straight and play by the traditional rules. He acts like a clown, hits high notes, drops to low notes, and invents sounds nobody has ever heard before. Before long, his wild and rule-breaking style gives birth to an entirely new kind of music called Bebop. You will follow Dizzys incredible journey as he turns his unique personality into a musical revolution. This true story shows how breaking the rules and staying true to yourself can help you find your own personal rhythm and change the world of music forever.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
56 Pages
N/A
/5
Mickey Mantle can sprint from home plate to first base in under three seconds. He can crush a baseball 540 feet into the stands, hitting the longest home run in major league history. As the greatest switch hitter to ever step onto the diamond, he seems unstoppable. But behind the incredible stats and roaring crowds is a player battling through constant pain, enduring broken bones, and suffering from endless muscle strains. You will trace the astonishing journey of a poor country boy from Oklahoma who fought through physical agony to become a legendary New York Yankee. This powerful biography reveals the grit and sheer determination required to achieve athletic greatness. You will discover how Mickey pushed his body to the absolute limit to secure his place as one of the most beloved baseball players of all time.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
41 Pages
N/A
/5
Hidden away in the remote desert of New Mexico, a former boys school transforms into the most highly classified facility on earth. Here, the worlds greatest scientists are gathered in absolute secrecy to work on an invention simply called the Gadget. Surrounded by tight security and sworn to strict silence, they work tirelessly on a device so dangerous that even speaking its true name is forbidden. You will step inside this shadowy, isolated town to witness the intense preparation and moral weight behind the creation of the atomic bomb. As the scientists finally transport their mysterious creation deep into the desert for its first test, the tension rises. This dramatic and thought-provoking story explores a monumental moment in history, capturing the brilliant minds involved and the devastating power of a secret that changed the entire world forever.
9-12 Years
40 Pages
N/A
/5
Growing up in the housing projects of the Bronx, Sonia Sotomayor learned early on that she had to work harder than anyone else to achieve her dreams. Surrounded by a loving Puerto Rican family, she pushed herself through severe childhood illness and demanding schoolwork with an unstoppable drive. You will follow her incredible path from a dedicated student to a sharp, brilliant lawyer who refused to be intimidated by anyone. Her deep commitment to fairness and equality eventually led her to the highest court in the land. This inspiring story charts her historic journey to becoming the first Latina Supreme Court Justice in United States history. You will see how her strong community roots, fierce intelligence, and dedication to justice helped her break barriers and shape the laws that govern the nation.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
40 Pages
N/A
/5
Moving a piano is hard work, but moving five legless pianos thirty-nine times is a complete disaster. Ludwig van Beethoven is a musical genius, but he is also a terrible tenant. He forgets to pay rent, makes an incredible amount of noise composing brilliant symphonies on the floor, and constantly annoys his neighbors. Because of this, he is always on the move across Vienna. You will follow the chaotic and hilarious trail of the great composer as he hauls his heavy instruments using pulleys, slides, and very tired movers from the theater district, to the dangerous part of town, to a scenic river view, and up into a cramped attic. This funny and fascinating story shows that while creating masterpieces is messy and loud, true musical genius cannot be kept quietly in one place.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
74 Pages
N/A
/5
On the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, a young boy with no money dreams of nothing but playing baseball. Roberto Clemente practices tirelessly, throwing and hitting until his incredible skills finally take him all the way to the Major Leagues in America. Playing right field for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Roberto faces fierce opponents on the diamond and the ugly reality of racism off the field. But with his lightning-fast feet, impossible catches, and undeniable talent, he earns the legendary nickname The Great One. You will witness his rise to baseball royalty, leading his team to two World Series and securing three thousand hits. Beyond the stadium, you will discover his deeply generous heart and his ultimate dedication to helping others, cementing his legacy not just as a Hall of Famer, but as a true hero.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
40 Pages
N/A
/5
The town of Islip has a massive, incredibly smelly problem. They have produced over three thousand tons of garbage, and they have absolutely nowhere to put it. Their brilliant solution is to load the towering mountain of trash onto a giant barge and send it away. You will follow this stinky ship on an unbelievable one-hundred-and-sixty-two-day journey down the coast, into the Gulf of Mexico, and all the way to Belize in a desperate search for a willing landfill. But everywhere the barge goes, the answer is always a firm no. This hilarious and entirely true story highlights the massive consequences of creating too much trash. You will laugh out loud as you watch the town scramble to deal with their own mess, learning a valuable lesson about environmental awareness and the crucial importance of recycling.
6-8 Years
41 Pages
N/A
/5
By:
Jonah Winter
Discover the inspiring true story of the forty-fourth President of the United States. Before he lived in the White House, Barack Obama was a boy searching for where he belonged. Born in Hawaii, he lived in different parts of the world, from the sandy beaches of his hometown to the busy streets of Indonesia. Along the way, he learned important lessons about hope, hard work, and the power of bringing people together.
Follow Barack on his incredible journey as he grows up, goes to school, works to help his community, and eventually decides to run for the highest office in the land. This engaging biography shows how a kid with a big heart and big dreams grew up to make history. It is a perfect introduction to a fascinating life, encouraging young readers to believe that they can change the world too.
6-8 Years
N/A
/5
Elvis Presley is a quiet boy growing up on the wrong side of the railroad tracks in the Deep South. He is lonely, shy, and full of longing, but everything changes when he picks up his first guitar in grade school. You will follow the exciting, bumpy road of his life, from eating his very first cheeseburger to stepping onto a stage as a nervous teenager. When the music starts, he shakes, he rattles, and he rolls, transforming into the King of Rock and Roll. Through fun, bite-sized chapters, this story captures the raw talent and explosive energy that made Elvis a musical legend. You will see how a timid blond boy grew up to completely change the world of music with his unforgettable voice and signature dance moves.
6-8 Years
42 Pages
N/A
/5
Sandy Koufax is one of the most mysterious and dominant pitchers to ever stand on a baseball mound. But his path to greatness is far from easy. You will discover the immense physical challenges and severe pain he battled just to stay in the game. Despite the agonizing injuries to his pitching arm, Sandy throws heat with perfect precision, dominating hitters and leading his team to spectacular victories. This engaging biography takes you inside his quiet intensity, showing how he handled the intense pressure of the major leagues while staying true to his own values and faith. You will learn about his spectacular records, his shocking early retirement, and why he remains an absolute legend in baseball history. Step up to the plate and meet the man whose incredible fastball left batters completely stunned.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
N/A
/5
Growing up in Baltimore, Thurgood Marshall is the loudest talker, the funniest joke teller, and the absolute best arguer in the neighborhood. He was practically born to be a lawyer. You will follow his electric journey from being the star of his high school debate team to becoming a brilliant law student who refuses to accept the unfair treatment of Black Americans. As a top lawyer for the NAACP, Thurgood turns his sharp mind into a powerful weapon against discriminatory laws. Earning the nickname Mr. Civil Rights, he takes his fight all the way to the Supreme Court, winning cases that change history and desegregating schools across the nation. This high-energy story captures the intensity and brilliance of the man who shattered barriers to become the first Black United States Supreme Court Justice.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
42 Pages
N/A
/5
Jump in
Once there was a tiny, honest fact who simply could not tell a lie. He was a small truth in a world that didn't want to hear him. When the Authorities decide that the fact is too inconvenient, they lock him away in a dark place with all the other facts they want to hide.
Why it pulls you in
Without facts, the world starts to get very dark and confusing. But facts are stubborn things! With the help of some brave fact-finders, the truth plots a daring escape to bring light back to everyone. It is a fast-paced, clever story about why honesty matters more than anything else.
Keep it with you
This modern-day parable reminds you that a fact is a fact, no matter how much people try to ignore it. It is a funny and important story that will help you value the truth and give you the courage to stand up for what is real.
6-8 Years
41 Pages
N/A
/5
Willie Mays plays baseball with a style and grace that leaves fans completely breathless. Many consider the Say Hey Kid to be the absolute greatest player to ever step onto the field. You will follow Willies incredible journey from playing ball as a young boy in Alabama to dazzling crowds in the Negro Leagues and eventually starring for the Giants in the major leagues. Whether he is crushing one of his six hundred and sixty home runs or making impossible, over-the-shoulder catches in center field, Willie brings pure joy and electricity to the sport. Packed with fascinating facts and legendary moments, this story brings the magic of his career right to the page. You will discover exactly why his unbelievable talent and infectious spirit make him a true baseball icon.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
41 Pages
N/A
/5
Step into the vibrant and colorful world of famous Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. Long before her art hung in museums around the globe, Frida was a young girl who found comfort and expression through drawing and painting. This beautiful story takes you through her childhood, showing how her early experiences, struggles, and surroundings shaped the incredible artist she would become. You will see how she turned pain and hardship into breathtaking masterpieces that captured her unique spirit. Blending poetic language with dreamlike scenes, this book offers a beautiful look at how creativity can be a powerful tool for healing and self-expression. You will discover the magic behind her famous self-portraits and the fierce, independent personality that made her an unforgettable icon in the art world.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965
Lillian is one hundred years old, and today is voting day. As she makes the long, steep climb up the hill to her local polling place, her journey becomes a powerful walk through her own family history. With every step, she remembers the incredible struggles her ancestors faced to secure the right to vote. She recalls her great-grandfather casting his first ballot after the passage of the Fifteenth Amendment, her parents attempting to register in a deeply divided country, and her own brave march from Selma to Montgomery. This deeply moving story shows the heavy price paid for civil rights and the fierce determination required to make your voice heard. You will walk alongside Lillian and witness the historical milestones that paved the way for equality, reminding us all why the right to vote is a precious and hard-won privilege.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
41 Pages
N/A
/5
Deep underground, massive machines draw dark oil from the earth. The oil travels through long pipelines and is pumped into a massive ship meant to carry it across the sea. But disaster strikes when the ship collides with a reef, ripping open and spilling its toxic cargo into the ocean. The thick, dark spill spreads for miles, covering the water, the rocky shores, and the innocent wildlife caught in its path. This solemn and powerful story looks at the true events of the Exxon Valdez oil spill and the lingering damage it caused to the environment. You will see the direct consequences of human actions on nature and understand the fragile balance of our oceans. It is a striking reminder of our responsibility to protect the planet and the animals that call it home.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
40 Pages
N/A
/5
Growing up in Brooklyn during the 1930s, Ruth Bader Ginsburg faced a world that constantly told her no. Even her own father believed a womans place was strictly in the home. But Ruth refused to accept injustice. She attended college where men heavily outnumbered women, found her passion for the law, and became a brilliant attorney. Despite facing severe discrimination for being Jewish, a woman, and a working mother, she never backed down from a fight for equality. Presented as a compelling court case, this story lays out the evidence of the unfairness Ruth faced and how she defeated it at every turn. You will follow her remarkable rise from a determined student to a history-making Supreme Court Justice. Her journey proves that with fierce perseverance and a sharp mind, you can overcome incredible obstacles and become a legendary symbol of justice.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
48 Pages
N/A
/5
James Madison Hemings lives at Monticello, the grand estate of Thomas Jefferson. But James's life is vastly different from the famous founding father he calls his own. While Jefferson lives in a luxurious mansion and dotes on his white grandchildren, James and his siblings live in a single, cramped room. They are Jefferson's children with the enslaved Sally Hemings, yet they are treated as property, listed in the farm books right alongside the livestock. Told through James's own powerful and emotional perspective, this story uncovers the deep contradictions and painful truths of a celebrated American leader. You will explore the heavy realities of slavery and the complex dynamics of the Hemings family. This honest look at history challenges you to see the founding of the nation through the eyes of those who were denied the very freedom America promised.
9-12 Years
41 Pages
N/A
/5
Long before he painted towering murals that told the history of his people, Diego Rivera was a young boy in Mexico who saw the world in vibrant colors. Even as a child, Diego loved to draw, sketching on the walls and capturing the bustling life around him. His family encouraged his incredible talent, setting him on a path to become one of the most famous artists of his time. This engaging story explores his early years, showing how the sights, sounds, and struggles of his homeland inspired his massive, breathtaking works of art. You will learn how Diego used his paintbrushes to give a voice to ordinary working people and celebrate Mexican culture on a grand scale. It is a beautiful introduction to a legendary painter who turned blank walls into powerful stories.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
N/A
/5
Dancer, singer--who's that, who? Why, that's MISS Josephine Baker, to you!
Josephine Baker treats her entire life like a dazzling stage performance. Growing up poor in a deeply segregated America, she refuses to let unfair rules dictate her future. Armed with unstoppable energy, wild costumes, and a fiercely independent attitude, Josephine dances her way out of poverty and straight into the spotlight. She moves to Paris, breaks through massive racial barriers, and becomes a legendary entertainer with an infectious rhythm and a pet leopard by her side. You will be captivated by her journey from a struggling youth to a glamorous, world-famous superstar. This story celebrates a woman with a heart of gold and a pillar of steel, wrapped up in sparkling sequins and feathers. Her bold spirit will inspire you to dance to your own beat and never accept the word no.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
40 Pages
N/A
/5
