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When Irving’s home is burned, his family is forced to flee to America. The trip across the ocean isn’t easy—but when Irving glimpses the Statue of Liberty, the whole boat sings her a grateful song. In New York City, Irving begins a new life. More songs begin to fill his head. Songs that sound like the clank of a railcar, shouts of laughter, the hum of a city full of life.

Come along with Irving as his creative spirit grows into something much bigger than himself. Melodies might be enough to lift his family out of poverty. One might even go on to inspire an entire country—an anthem of gratitude and hope for the land that became his new home.

Following songwriter Irving Berlin’s remarkable life, this story underscores the power of hope, hard work, and limitless creativity. Though his songs were celebrated and performed by countless talented musicians, Irving is best known for his ode to his new home, “God Bless America.” Written by Nancy Churnin and illustrated by James Rey Sanchez, Irving Berlin is published by Creston Books, LLC.


When Irving must flee his home in Russia, he starts a new life in America. What comes next begins with a song.

Irving Berlin: The Immigrant Boy Who Made America Sing

Familius Presents

Women Who Changed the World

Celebrate Black History

Everyone's Reading

Martha Washington grew up on a farm. Dolley Madison helped her mom run a boarding house. Eleanor Roosevelt became an orphan when she was nine years old. But like so many women before them, they didn’t let their circumstances determine who they’d be. They read, and they wrote. They taught, and they listened. And they left a mark on the world that we still see today in our parks, schools, and workplaces.

From Washington to Obama, come learn from eleven courageous women who did their best to make change for the better. Will you change the world in your own way? And when you do, will your name be listed next to theirs? The whole world is waiting to find out.

Courageous First Ladies Who Changed the World is an introduction to some incredible women who used their time in the White House to help others. Written by Heidi Poelman and illustrated by Giovana Medeiros, the book explores themes of selflessness, perseverance, humility, and the importance of learning. Published by Familius.

Can anyone change the world? These presidential women thought so—and they’ve got the life stories to prove it.

Courageous First Ladies Who Changed The World

Animals

Seasonal - Spring

On the Farm

Mindfulness

Be Caring and Kind

Nature

All Seasons

Jadav lives on an island in the middle of a river. When floodwaters begin destroying the island’s trees, Jadav starts planting bamboo. The shoots grow into a thicket—but Jadav fears it’s not enough. He collects supplies and seeds from neighboring villages. He tends the plants each day. And slowly, acre by acre, animal by animal, the thicket grows into something remarkable.

Follow the true-life story of Jadav, the boy who grew a forest. His 1,300-acre sanctuary—that’s over 900 football fields of forest—stands as an important reminder of a powerful truth: A single person can make an incredible difference.

The Boy Who Grew a Forest traces the story of Jadav Payeng, a Mishing tribesman whose life demonstrates the importance of personal responsibility, patience, care, and hard work. Winner of numerous awards, the book was written by Sophia Ghotz, illustrated by Kayla Harren, and is published by Sleeping Bear Press.

The trees are disappearing from Jadav’s island. What does he decide to do about it? Plant a forest, of course.

The Boy Who Grew a Forest

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage

Bilingual Books

Early Childhood

Beyond the clouds is a faraway place—a place called outer space. There you’ll learn all kinds of wild things about our solar system. There’s Mercury, which is probably a lot smaller than you think. And Venus, who shimmers so hot and bright. Rusty Mars has a big red mountain you can see from afar, and Jupiter has 78 different moons to keep it company.

Come ride along with Ellen Ochoa—a real-life inspiration, and the first Latina astronaut—as she goes for a spin around our sun, moon, and planets. With all the incredible details she’s learned about our corner of the galaxy, you might be surprised to hear which planet is her favorite.

The Solar System with Ellen is a fun-filled introduction to our solar system, told in both English and Spanish. The story shares interesting facts about our planetary neighbors, while celebrating Ellen Ochoa, the first Latina woman to travel into space. A Lil' Libros Bilingual Biography, The Solar System with Ellen is written by Patty Rodriguez and Ariana Stein, illustrated by Citlali Reyes, and published by Lil’ Libros.

Buckle up and ride along with Ellen—the world’s first Latina astronaut—as she goes for a spin around our solar system.

The Solar System with — El Sistema Solar con Ellen

Food and Cooking

When Filbert P. Horsefeathers walks into George Crum's restaurant, he tells the waitress, “I have a hankering for a heaping helping of potatoes.” Talented cook that he is, George prepares a serving of his most scrumptious, succulent, and sublime potato wedges—only to have Filbert send them back. “Too thick,” he says. “Too bland.” So, George makes thinner, saltier wedges. 

But this picky customer isn’t satisfied with the new dish. He sends them back again. Feeling a bit mischievous, George decides to make the thinnest, most overcooked, most salty potatoes of his entire cooking career. What happens next surprises everyone—and leaves the whole world clamoring for more.

Though a work of fiction, Mr. Crum’s Potato Predicament is based on a real George Crum (of mixed Native American and African American descent), who is said to have created the first potato chip in response to a demanding customer. The playful writing is filled with vocabulary words, along with themes of persistence, creativity, and using cleverness to handle challenging social situations. Written by Anne Renaud, illustrated by Felicita Sala, and published by Kids Can Press.

The pickiest customer of Crum’s career might lead him to a breakthrough: The invention of the potato chip!

Mr. Crum's Potato Predicament

Ritchie was only five years old when his father handed him a guitar. He practiced, he played, and his talent grew. He taught himself the trumpet and the drums. By the time he was in junior high school, he’d bring his guitar to school to play for friends on the bleachers. By sixteen, he became the singer and guitarist for a band called The Silhouettes.

Though Ritchie didn’t record many albums, the songs he wrote are still loved by many—songs like "Donna" and "La Bamba." Beyond the music, his life proved something important: That no matter where you’re from or how old you are, anyone can achieve their dreams.

A Lil' Libros Bilingual Biography, The Life of Ritchie celebrates the story of Ritchie Valens, the original Mexican-American rock star. Told in both English and Spanish, the story touches on diversity, aspirations, and the legacy we leave behind. The Life of Ritchie is written by Patty Rodriguez and Ariana Stein, illustrated by Citlali Reyes, and published by Lil’ Libros.

The first Mexican-American rockstar, Ritchie began his journey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame when he was only five.

The Life of — La Vida de Ritchie

Free Access

Read Along With Vooks

Vooks at a Glance

Vooks Originals

Ronnie Lott has always been tough. As a kid, when he fell down, he felt something inside him start to rumble. That something was a voice called Grit. On the court or off the field, no matter where he went or what he played, Grit was there. When he tumbled, Grit said, “Get back up!” When he fumbled, Grit said, “Let’s try again!”

When Grit helps Ronnie become a professional football player, he’ll have a shot at achieving his dreams. But just how far can Grit take him? Join Ronnie as he pushes his limits and answers the question: Is Grit living in all of us? If so, how can we learn to hear its voice?

Ronnie and his Grit is based on the true-life story of NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott. A tribute to the power of courage, respect, self-restraint, and unflinching resolve, Ronnie and his Grit is a 2021 Vooks Original. Written by Ronnie Lott and Leslie Harter and illustrated by Jonathan Sundy.


Ronnie has an inner voice named Grit, and it pushes him to achieve his dreams. But just how far can Grit take him?

Ronnie and His Grit

Meet Pelé, the greatest soccer player in history. Born in Brazil, Pelé was just a kid when his dad taught him to play soccer. They didn’t have much money—their ball was a sock stuffed with newspaper, tied up with string. Yet even as a boy, people were amazed by Pelé’s talent. By fifteen, he joined his first professional team. At sixteen, he was invited to play for Brazil’s national team.

In the years to come, Pelé would score over 1,000 goals and win three world championships for his home country. And what does his story teach us? That it doesn’t matter where your journey begins. With skill, hard work, and a dream, anything is possible.

Told in English and Spanish, The Life of Pelé follows the true-life story of renowned soccer star Pelé, who is widely considered the greatest player of all time. A tribute to overcoming the odds, The Life of Pelé is a Lil' Libros Bilingual Biography. Written by Patty Rodriguez and Ariana Stein, illustrated by Citlali Reyes, and published by Lil’ Libros.

Pelé is the greatest soccer player in history. Where does his story begin? With newspapers, a sock, and a bit of string.

The Life of — La Vida de Pelé

S.T.E.A.M.

Brightly Storytime Presents

While other girls played with dolls, Joan preferred the company of reptiles. She carried her favorite lizard with her everywhere–she even brought a crocodile to school!

When Joan grew older, she became the Curator of Reptiles at the British Museum. She went on to design the Reptile House at the London Zoo, including a home for the rumored-to-be-vicious komodo dragons. There, just like when she was a little girl, Joan hosted children’s tea parties–with her komodo dragon as the guest of honor.

With a lively text and vibrant illustrations, scientist and writer Patricia Valdez and illustrator Felicita Sala bring to life Joan Procter’s inspiring story of passion and determination.

The inspiring true story of a pioneering female scientist who loves reptiles, read by Ms. Linda.

Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor

New Books

In the great city of New Orleans, Cornelius keeps the streets sparkling clean. When his truck rolls up to each home, Cornelius sashays to the curb. He flings bags over his head, behind his back, between his legs—and they land in the hopper in a perfect pyramid. Just like the garbage can lids he whirls on his fingers, Cornelius spins and twirls. And everyone dances along.

But then the storm comes. The city fills with water. People, parks, and playgrounds wash away. Can Cornelius alone tackle the mountains of ruins, stacked as high as the steeple of St. Louis Cathedral? Or will it take millions of people like him to put the great city back together?

Marvelous Cornelius is an ode to a real man who embodied the true spirit of New Orleans—full of energy, vibrance, and gusto. The story highlights themes of perseverance and the power of the human spirit. Written by Phil Bildner, illustrated by John Parra, and published by Chronicle Books.

In the great city of New Orleans, Cornelius keeps the streets sparkling clean. But then the great storm rolls in.

Marvelous Cornelius

Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage

"The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time." -Thomas Edison

From the curiosity of Leonardo da Vinci to the dedication of Marie Curie, Inventors Who Changed the World is a young child's first introduction to the brilliant people who taught us the meaning of perseverance and innovation. Simple text and adorable illustrations tell the contributions of nine renowned inventors from around the world: Cai Lun, Leonardo da Vinci, Marie Curie, Thomas Edison, Orville and Wilbur Wright, Grace Hopper, Johannes Gutenberg, and Louis Pasteur. Inspire your own little inventor with the words of these inventive heroes who changed the world.

Inventors Who Changed the World is written by Heidi Poelman, illustrated by Kyle Kershner and published by Familius.

These heroes imagined and invented a better world. What kind of hero will you be?

Inventors Who Changed The World

An incredible true story of determination, hard work and big dreams, Sweet Dreams, Sarah tells the inspirational story of Sarah E. Goode—entrepreneur, inventor and among the first African-American women to be awarded a US patent. Sarah grew up a slave and dreamed of so much more. After the abolition of slavery, Sarah moved to Chicago to build a life for herself and her family. She built furniture and opened a shop to serve her local community. Sarah listened to her customers, and soon realized they needed something brand new: a piece of furniture that was innovative and space saving. Through grit and determination Sarah achieved things she previously had only dreamed of—sweet dreams that became a reality.

Sweet Dreams, Sarah is written by Vivian Kirkfield, illustrated by Chris Ewald and published by Creston Books. 


The true story of Sarah E Goode, who was among the first African-American women awarded a US patent.

Sweet Dreams, Sarah

This selection of books details the lives of courageous historical figures.