Emily Arnold Mccully

Ever since she was a young girl, Mattie has looked at the world differently. Armed with a sketchbook full of ideas and her father's heavy toolbox, she can build almost anything her mind imagines. By the time she is twelve, she designs a brilliant safety device to protect factory workers from dangerous machinery. As she grows up, Mattie's inventive mind never stops working. She eventually creates a complex machine designed to fold the square-bottom paper bags that people still use every single day. But when a dishonest man tries to steal her brilliant idea in court, claiming a woman could never understand such mechanics, Mattie must fight to prove him wrong. Follow the inspiring journey of 'the Lady Edison' as she defends her hard work and claims her rightful place in history. This empowering true story celebrates creativity, resilience, and the brilliant mind of one of America's greatest inventors.

Lizzie Murphy loved baseball more than anything, and she was better at it than almost anyone else in town. But growing up in the early 1900s, everyone told her that the baseball diamond was no place for a girl. Lizzie refused to listen. Starting out as a batboy for her local team, she practiced tirelessly until she could pitch faster and catch harder than the boys. She talked her way onto the roster and quickly proved that she belonged on the field. By the time she was eighteen, Lizzie was determined to do the impossible and sign with a professional team to make a living playing the sport she adored. Discover the incredible true story of a trailblazing athlete who broke the rules and shattered expectations. Lizzie's unstoppable determination will inspire anyone who has ever been told they cannot achieve their dreams.

Mirette and the Great Bellini are taking Europe by storm! As a master wire-walking team, they travel from city to city, dazzling crowds with their breathtaking balance and daring routines. Up on the wire, Mirette feels as free as a bird soaring through the clouds. But the world on the ground is far more complicated. When they travel to perform in St. Petersburg, they discover a city simmering with unrest. After Bellini is suddenly thrown into prison, Mirette's world is turned upside down. To save her mentor and closest friend, she must attempt the most terrifying and dangerous performance of her entire life. Join these beloved acrobats for a thrilling sequel filled with suspense, loyalty, and heart. Discover how true bravery means stepping out onto the wire, even when everything is on the line.

It is the fall of 1880, and young Cordelia would much rather be out riding horses than sitting indoors listening to her neighbor talk about politics. Her neighbor just happens to be the legendary activist Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who has spent her entire life fighting for women's right to vote. When Election Day finally arrives, Mrs. Stanton shares a powerful and heartbreaking story from her own childhood. She explains how the struggles of her past gave her the fierce determination to demand equality. Inspired by her neighbor's unwavering spirit, Cordelia decides to accompany Mrs. Stanton straight to the polls. Together, they face a crowd of mocking men, standing tall in a bold attempt to cast a ballot. This moving historical tale brings a crucial moment in the fight for women's rights to life, showing how one person's courage can spark bravery in another.

Maisie Ferris and her family have always loved dreaming up big ideas, even if their neighbors in a small Illinois town think they are a little unusual. One day, a visiting journalist from England mentions that he has never heard of a snack called popcorn. Suddenly, Maisie and her father hatch a brilliantly wild plan. They decide to grow an enormous crop of popcorn, load it onto a ship, and introduce the crunchy, popping treat to the people of England. Against all odds, their daring business venture becomes a massive success across the ocean. Before she knows it, Maisie's wildest dreams are coming true, leading her all the way to a royal meeting with Queen Victoria herself! This delightful and adventurous story proves that with a bit of imagination and a lot of hard work, the most unusual ideas can take you anywhere.

Before he became one of the most famous animals in the world, Strongheart was a serious police dog. He was trained to sniff out criminals and march in perfect rhythm like a soldier, but he had absolutely no idea how to play or have fun. Everything changed when a Hollywood director named Larry Trimble spotted him. Larry believed this disciplined dog had the potential to be a brilliant leading actor on the silver screen. With patience and care, Larry taught Strongheart how to play with toys, relax, and act like a normal, happy dog. Soon, Strongheart was starring in silent movies and bringing theater audiences to tears. Step back in time to the golden age of cinema with this extraordinary biography of a real-life animal hero. It is a heartwarming tribute to the very first canine movie star and the man who believed in him.

The sky has finally cleared, and a beautiful blanket of fresh snow covers the ground! The mouse children are buzzing with excitement as they bundle up and head out to go sledding with Grandma and Grandpa. Everyone rushes to the top of the tallest, steepest hill. But when they look down the slippery slope, someone has to be brave enough to go first. Little Bitty, the smallest mouse of the bunch, feels a cold flutter of fear in her tummy. She is terrified of tumbling down the icy path. Gathering all her courage, she takes a deep breath and pushes off. With a sudden rush of cold air, Bitty discovers that zooming down a snowy hill is the most fun she has ever had! This joyful winter tale is the perfect story to celebrate facing your fears and discovering new thrills.

Life in a bustling Parisian boardinghouse is always busy, but everything changes for young Mirette when a mysterious, quiet stranger rents a room. One afternoon, she catches him performing an impossible trick, calmly walking on air across the courtyard. Amazed, she begs him to teach her his incredible balancing skills. Mirette soon discovers that this sad-faced man is actually the Great Bellini, a world-famous wire-walker who has been frozen by a sudden, terrible fear. As Mirette practices tirelessly on the wire, she realizes that learning to balance is only half the battle. Now, it is up to this brave, determined little girl to help her master find his courage once again. Soar above the rooftops of nineteenth-century Paris in this breathtaking story of friendship, trust, and the power of facing your deepest fears.

The world's most famous high-wire walkers are heading to America! Mirette and the Great Bellini have accepted a thrilling invitation to perform their daring act right over the roaring waters of Niagara Falls. But the moment they arrive in New York, they discover a shocking surprise. A rival showman is trying to steal their spotlight with a dangerous trick. To save their performance, Mirette and Bellini must rely on their incredible balance and bravery. Thankfully, they have a new friend on their side. A young immigrant boy named Jakob has uncovered the imposter's secret, giving the legendary duo exactly what they need to succeed. Join Mirette and Bellini on an unforgettable journey across the ocean and into the sky. With teamwork, courage, and a little bit of help from a friend, they are ready to show the world what true skill looks like. Step right up for a soaring adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Mingyi is facing a terrible problem. She is being forced to marry a man she despises, and she needs a way to defend her own future. Desperate for help, she turns to a legendary figure known as the Beautiful Warrior. Master Wu Mei is a brilliant martial artist who understands that true strength comes from within. She takes Mingyi under her wing, teaching her the ancient philosophy and focused techniques of kung fu. Through patience and intense practice, Mingyi transforms from a frightened girl into a confident fighter. This powerful legend brings martial arts history to life. Discover how focus, determination, and the guidance of a wise teacher can help you overcome impossible odds and fight for your own freedom.

Meet Jim, a foal who is about to prove that animals are far smarter than anyone ever imagined. In the late 1800s, a veterinarian named Bill Key realizes that his new horse is truly extraordinary. Using only patience and kindness, Doc teaches Jim to spell words, recognize primary colors, and even give back exact change from a cash register. Before long, Jim and Doc are traveling across the country, dazzling audiences with the horse's incredible abilities. But not everyone believes what they see. When skeptics accuse the duo of faking the act, Doc knows he must stand up for his remarkable friend and show everyone the truth. Based on fascinating real events, this touching biography highlights the incredible bond between a man and his animal companion. It is a brilliant reminder that with a little gentleness, unbelievable things are possible.

Oney Judge has a terrifying choice to make. As a young enslaved woman working for President George Washington and his wife, Martha, Oney is forced to leave her home at Mount Vernon and travel to the nation's new capital. While living in Philadelphia, she meets free Black citizens for the very first time and begins to understand what life outside of bondage could look like. When she learns that she is going to be given away to a stranger, Oney realizes she must take her fate into her own hands. Risking everything she has ever known, she plans a daring escape to secure her own liberty. This true historical account follows one young woman's incredible journey to claim her own life. It is a powerful story of survival, bravery, and the unyielding desire to be free.

It is a beautiful, cloudless day, and the perfect weather for a family outing. A joyful family of mice packs into their old red truck, bringing along their biggest hamper, a baseball bat, and a banjo for an afternoon by the lake. Everyone is having a wonderful time running through the green fields and playing by the water. But suddenly, they realize a terrible mistake has been made. One of the smallest mice is missing! The celebration comes to a halt as the whole family frantically searches the countryside to find her. This heartwarming tale beautifully captures the frightening moment of getting separated from your parents, followed by the immense relief of being reunited. It is a gentle, comforting story about looking out for one another and the enduring love of family.

Ten-year-old Rebecca Putney works long, exhausting hours in a roaring cotton mill just to help her family survive. The air is thick with dust, the machines are dangerously loud, and the days stretch on forever. Despite the harsh conditions, Rebecca does her best to be a good bobbin girl and earn her wages. But when the mill owners announce that they are cutting everyone's pay, the workers decide they have had enough. Rebecca's older friend Judith urges the girls to stand together and protest the unfair rules. With troublemakers getting fired on the spot, Rebecca is terrified of losing her job. She must decide whether to keep her head down or bravely raise her voice for what is right. This inspiring historical tale shines a light on a young girl finding her courage during a pivotal moment in American history.

Floy Hutchings is not interested in acting like a proper young lady. Known to everyone as Squirrel, she loves running wild through the breathtaking wilderness of the Yosemite Valley. When a quiet, thoughtful carpenter named John Muir arrives at her father's hotel looking for work, Floy is immediately curious about him. Unlike the other adults, John talks to the blooming flowers, carefully listens to the falling snow, and builds himself a small cabin right over a rushing stream. Floy decides to become his shadow, following him through the towering trees and rocky trails. As they explore the magnificent landscape together, John helps Floy see the natural world in an entirely new way. This beautifully illustrated story celebrates a unique friendship and the boundless wonder of the great outdoors.

Step into a New England village and watch it transform before your eyes. From its earliest days before the town even had a name, through generations of growth, change, and renewal, this story captures the heartbeat of a community over two hundred years. You will see forests become farms, dirt paths become paved roads, and quiet days turn into bustling town celebrations. As the town approaches its bicentennial birthday, you will discover how the people, buildings, and landscape evolve together. The beautiful artwork and lyrical storytelling show how even when places change, the spirit of a community remains. It is a wonderful journey through time that celebrates history, nature, and the places we call home.

Rattling windows with the fierce roar of a late-winter storm, the month of March crashes into town. This wild weather is just like a messy, muddy, and wet lion. The blustering beast brings cold wind and slushy snow, shaking the bare trees and keeping everyone bundled up indoors. But as the days slowly pass, the angry lion begins to soften. With one massive, booming sneeze, the fierce lion steps aside to make way for a gentle, springtime lamb. Green fields suddenly burst with vibrant blossoms, and the harsh winter chill melts into warm, sunny afternoons. This joyful, rhythmic story perfectly captures the unpredictable magic of changing seasons. Lively words and beautiful watercolor paintings bring the classic weather proverb to life, showing exactly how a roaring winter storm gradually transforms into a peaceful, blooming spring.

During the dark days of World War II, Jacques and his parents are living in Nazi-occupied France, hiding in plain sight by pretending to be Catholic. But when the first night of Passover arrives, Jacques and his father must embark on a dangerous mission. Slipping past Nazi soldiers and journeying deep into the mountains, they gather with other hidden Jewish people to celebrate a humble, secret Seder. Based on the true experiences of resistance fighters and those in hiding, this intense and deeply respectful story illuminates the immense perils of the time. Discover a triumphant tale of resilient people who bravely kept their faith alive against all odds.

Ari, Boo, and Col have a very important job to finish. The rain clouds are gathering, and these three busy leprechauns must hurry to bury their heavy pot of gold at the end of the rainbow before it fades away. They know they need to stay focused, but there is one big problem. Along the way, they spot a cow, a hen, and a grumpy old man. Try as they might to keep walking, the clever little fellows simply cannot resist stopping to play a few playful tricks. After all, besides hiding treasure, causing a bit of trouble is exactly what leprechauns are meant to do! Packed with silly antics and magical charm, this lively adventure is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. Follow along as these mischievous friends try to balance their magical duties with their love for a good prank.

During the Revolutionary War, the people of colonial Boston are struggling. To make matters worse, greedy Merchant Thomas is overcharging for badly needed sugar—and now he has locked up all the coffee to charge even more for that, too! Young Sarah Homans and the women of Boston decide they have had enough. Banding together, they hatch a plan to teach Merchant Thomas a lesson he will never forget. Based on a true event shared in a letter from Abigail Adams to her husband John, this exciting historical tale proves that even the youngest citizens can stand up for what is right.

Tommy and Annika have decided they have had enough of their ordinary lives, so they are running away from home. Naturally, their best friend Pippi Longstocking is not about to let them go on a grand adventure all by themselves. The strongest, most unpredictable girl in the world tags along to keep an eye on things, bringing her signature brand of chaos and fun to the journey. With Pippi in charge, running away turns into a wild, hilarious escapade filled with unexpected surprises. Join the trio as they discover that life on the road is never boring when Pippi is around to lead the way.

It is a crisp, bright morning, and everyone in the mouse family is rushing out the door. Little Bitty watches her older brothers and sisters hurry off, and her curiosity finally gets the best of her. She decides to secretly follow them to find out exactly what happens inside a classroom. Once she arrives, Bitty discovers a bustling world of math lessons, quiet reading, and delicious snacks. She tries her best to join in on the daily routines, but she soon realizes that being the youngest student comes with its own set of challenges. This gentle adventure perfectly captures the mix of excitement and nervousness that comes with exploring a new place. It is a warm, reassuring look at learning and the comforting feeling of returning home.