Biographies

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Women Who Changed the World

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Celebrate Black History

Vooks A to Z

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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

Be Brave

Elementary

Read Along With Vooks

Nature

All Seasons

Kid at Heart

Wangari, grew up in Kenya, surrounded by beautiful trees. Years later, after returning home from college, she is shocked to see entire forests cut down. The land is barren and the people in the villages are suffering. She knows that if trees could return, then the land and people would flourish once again. Starting small, Wangari plants nine seedlings in her own backyard. Soon, women from her village, and beyond, are joining in! The movement grows. Despite being mocked, and even thrown in jail, Wangari’s determination and vision inspire change across Africa and even the world. 

Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa, is a message of strength, determination and responsibility for the environment around us. The empowering true story of Wangari Maathai, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, is sure to inspire future generations. Through Wangari’s example we learn that one person can truly make a difference and impact the world. 

Wangari's Trees of Peace is written and illustrated by Jeanette Winter and published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.


Through Wangari’s example we learn that one person can truly make a difference and impact the world.

Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa

Vooks at a Glance

Vooks Originals

How We Work

Little Samantha had a BIG dream: to be an Olympian! She loved gymnastics, the way the athletes moved on the floor, the vault, the uneven bars and the balance beam. With the support of her parents, Samantha worked hard and dreamed BIG! To be an Olympian Samantha would have to be the very best, or so she thought. When adversity struck again and again, Samantha had to learn the true meaning of being an Olympian and being her best self.

Based on the life and story of Olympian Samantha Peszek, Little Girl Big Dream inspires children to dream BIG, work hard, love themselves and to support and encourage others. Little Girl Big Dream is written by Leslie Harter, Illustrated by Hayley Moore and published by Vooks.

Samantha had a BIG dream! Being an Olympian meant she had to be the very best, or so she thought...

Little Girl Big Dream: The Story of Olympian Samantha Peszek

S.T.E.A.M.

Be Creative

Camp Vooks

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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

New Books

Can one girl's curiosity change the world? It did a few hundred years ago, when Maria Sibylla Merian advanced science by drawing super-detailed pictures of insects and plants. And it did almost a thousand years ago, when Hildegard of Bingen figured out that water must be cleaned before people can drink it. And it did again with Jane Cooke Wright, and again with Linda Buck, and again with Barbara McClintock, and again, and again, and again. 

What scientific question do you have? And what’s your best guess—your hypothesis—for what you think might be the answer? Your curiosity might lead you somewhere incredible. Who knows? It might even change the world.

Introducing the basics of biology with topics like cells, DNA, genes, research, experiments, and more, Women in Biology is the first book in the “Science Wide Open” series. The story answers complex ideas in a way that’s both accurate and approachable, challenging readers to begin their own journey of discovery and wonder. Written by Mary Wissinger, illustrated by Danielle Pioli, created and edited by John Coveyou, and published by Science, Naturally!

Can one girl's curiosity change the world? It’s not really a question of if—it’s a question of how.

Women In Biology

From a young age Laura Wheeler Waring loved art. Growing up, she didn’t see any artists who looked like her, or even any paintings of people who looked like her. Using her family members as models, Laura painted and painted, filling the walls of her room like the walls of a gallery. Using her paints, she was fascinated by all the rich colors that combined to create the beautiful shades of brown she saw in her family members. While studying art in Paris, she was inspired by famous painters who captured the people around them. She decided she too wanted to paint who she knew best, people with beautiful brown skin that she never saw in paintings as a child. Today, Laura’s artwork hangs in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington DC. Now everyone can admire the beautiful shades of brown she captured.

A wonderful true story of creativity and being true to one’s self, Beautiful Shades of Brown is both inspirational and educational. Beautiful Shades of Brown is written by Nancy Churnin, illustrated by Felicia Marshall, and published by Creston Books.


Laura Wheeler Waring discovered an entire rainbow within the beautiful shades of brown she painted.

Beautiful Shades of Brown

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

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

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

Be Caring and Kind

From Abraham Lincoln to Rosa Parks, Courageous People Who Changed the World is a perfect introduction to historical figures who stood up to make a difference in the world. The heroic true stories are told through simple text and engaging illustrations, sure to become an instant favorite for young audiences. Featured are William Wilberforce, Harriet Tubman, Abraham Lincoln, Susan B. Anthony, Mahatma Gandhi, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., and Malala Yousafzai. Each story will inspire courage, determination, and a belief that anyone can change the world.

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

The perfect introduction to historical figures who stood up to make a difference in the world.

Courageous People Who Changed the World

"Courageous people are all around, but not all are household names throughout the world. In this inspiring and informative historical title, get acquainted with courageous people from the state of Washington, in the United States of America. Meet Chief Seattle, for whom a city was named after; Catherine Montgomery, who helped create a trail from Mexico to Canada; and many others."

With beautiful illustrations and fun and engaging stories, Courageous People From Washington Who Changed the World is sure to entertain and inspire! Courageous People From Washington Who Changed the World is written by Heidi Poelman, illustrated by Kyle Kershner, and published by Familius.


Get acquainted with courageous people from the state of Washington, in the United States of America.

Courageous People From Washington Who Changed The World

5 Minutes or Less

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” Nazari has many fantastic ideas for her future. Could she be an astronaut? A farmer? Maybe a scientist? A dentist? An engineer? Or maybe, she can be all of them! Nazari has the courage and confidence to dream big, not putting any limits on what is possible! 

Party Nazari’s Fantastic Future is written by Nate Carter and illustrated by Sam Niemann.


Nazari has many fantastic ideas for her future, and the courage and confidence to dream big!


Party Nazari's Fantastic Future!

Biographies featuring scientists, first ladies, Olympians, and Nobel Peace Prize winners, as well as stories featuring little girls who dream big.