Leaders Like Us Series

Learn about Bayard Rustin’s fascinating life and how he played a role in one of the most important Civil Rights events in American history in the book Bayard Rustin—part of the Leaders Like Us African American childrens books series. Discover what led to Rustin becoming one of Martin Luther King Jr.’s advisers, as well as some of the initiatives he took part in to end racial injustice and discrimination during the civil rights movement. Storybook Features: This children’s book includes reading/teaching tips, discussion questions, a timeline, and extension activity to develop reading comprehension skills. 24 pages with vibrant illustrations Lexile 650L About Rourke We proudly publish respectful and relevant non-fiction and fiction titles that represent our diverse readers, and are designed to support reading on a level that has no limits!

Learn about Rebecca Lee Crumpler’s fascinating life, the first African American woman to become a doctor in the United States, in the kids book Rebecca Lee Crumpler, part of the Leaders Like Us African American childrens books series. Learn about Crumpler’s early life and greatest accomplishments as an important African American leader in medicine. Storybook Features: This children’s book includes reading/teaching tips, discussion questions, a timeline, and extension activity to develop reading comprehension skills. 24 pages with vibrant illustrations Lexile 690L About Rourke We proudly publish respectful and relevant non-fiction and fiction titles that represent our diverse readers, and are designed to support reading on a level that has no limits!

Learn about the amazing accomplishments of literary critic, filmmaker, historian, and professor Henry Louis Gates Jr., that pioneered theories of African American literature using genealogy in the book Henry Louis Gates Jr.—part of the Leaders Like Us African American childrens books series. Discover the early life of Gates and how he became one of the most powerful academic voices in America. Storybook Features: This children’s book includes reading/teaching tips, discussion questions, a timeline, and extension activity to develop reading comprehension skills. 24 pages with vibrant illustrations Lexile 720L About Rourke We proudly publish respectful and relevant non-fiction and fiction titles that represent our diverse readers, and are designed to support reading on a level that has no limits!

Learn about the fascinating accomplishments of African American athlete Major Taylor and how he paved the way for other professional cyclists in the book Major Taylor—part of the Leaders Like Us African American childrens books series. Discover what led to Major Taylor becoming one of the best professional bicycle racers in the world. Storybook Features: This children’s book includes reading/teaching tips, discussion questions, a timeline, and extension activity to develop reading comprehension skills. 24 pages with vibrant illustrations Lexile 740L About Rourke We proudly publish respectful and relevant non-fiction and fiction titles that represent our diverse readers, and are designed to support reading on a level that has no limits!

Book Features: • Ages 6-10, Grades 1-4 • 24 pages, 7 ½ inches x 10 inches • Simple, easy-to-read pages with full-color illustrations • Includes a time line and extension activity • Reading/teaching tips and discussion questions included Leader in Comics: In Leaders Like Us: Jackie Ormes, 1st—4th graders learn about the dedication, talent, and artistic abilities of Ormes who became the first syndicated female African American cartoonist. Inspirational: With captivating illustrations that bring Ormes’s story to life, readers learn about her fascinating life, how Jackie used her comics to challenge stereotypes about black people and culture, and her designs that took America by storm. Build Reading Skills: This engaging 24-page biography will help your child improve comprehension and build confidence with guided pre- and post-reading questions, a time line of events, and a fun extension activity. Leveled Books: Part of the Leaders Like Us series, early-elementary reading level and full-color illustrations support comprehension of the story of this amazing artist and activist. Why Rourke Educational Media: Since 1980, Rourke Publishing Company has specialized in publishing engaging and diverse non-fiction and fiction books for children in a wide range of subjects that support reading success on a level that has no limits.

Learn about the fascinating accomplishments of Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman to be elected into United States Congress, in the book Shirley Chisholm—part of the Leaders Like Us African American childrens books series. Dive into Chisholm’s past and early life, what inspired her to work in government, and how she became an important African American leader in politics. Storybook Features: This children’s book includes reading/teaching tips, discussion questions, a timeline, and extension activity to develop reading comprehension skills. 24 pages with vibrant illustrations Lexile 640L About Rourke We proudly publish respectful and relevant non-fiction and fiction titles that represent our diverse readers, and are designed to support reading on a level that has no limits!

Children learn about one of the most influential African American leaders in history with the biography of activist Georgia Gilmore. Georgia Gilmore is not only remembered for her gift for cooking, but also for her selflessness during the Montgomery Bus Boycott. By donating all of her profits from the food she sold, she helped fund one of the most important movements in Civil Rights history. Storybook Features: This children’s book features a glossary with new vocabulary, text-dependent questions, and an extension activity to develop reading comprehension skills. 24 pages of vibrant illustrations Lexile 290L About Rourke We proudly publish respectful and relevant non-fiction and fiction titles that represent our diverse readers, and are designed to support reading on a level that has no limits!

Learn about the fascinating accomplishments of the famous African American musician Sister Rosetta Tharpe and how she paved the way for others in the music industry in the book Sister Rosetta Tharpe—part of the Leaders Like Us African American childrens books series. Take a peek into Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s early life and how she went from singing gospel choir at church to playing music halls and paving the way for rock ‘n roll music. Storybook Features: This children’s book includes reading/teaching tips, discussion questions, a timeline, and extension activity to develop reading comprehension skills. 24 pages with vibrant illustrations Lexile 640L About Rourke We proudly publish respectful and relevant non-fiction and fiction titles that represent our diverse readers, and are designed to support reading on a level that has no limits!

Learn about Charlotta Bass’ fascinating life, who was the first woman and African American to run for vice president of the United States, in the kids book Charlotta Bass, part of the Leaders Like Us African American childrens books series. Discover what led Charlotta to becoming an important African American leader in journalism and politics while fighting for justice and equality. Storybook Features: This children’s book includes reading/teaching tips, discussion questions, a timeline, and extension activity to develop reading comprehension skills. 24 pages with vibrant illustrations Lexile 730L About Rourke We proudly publish respectful and relevant non-fiction and fiction titles that represent our diverse readers, and are designed to support reading on a level that has no limits!

Book Features: • Ages 6-10, Grades 1-4 • 24 pages, 7 ½ inches x 10 inches • Simple, easy-to-read pages with full-color pictures • Includes a time line and extension activity • Reading/teaching tips and discussion questions included A NASCAR Leader: In Leaders Like Us: Wendell Scott, 1st—4th graders learn about the dedication, passion, and talent of Scott, one of the first African American NASCAR drivers and first African American to win a race in the Grand National Series. Inspirational: With captivating illustrations that bring Scott's story to life, young readers learn about his fascinating life, what led Wendell to becoming an important African American leader in race car driving, and his accomplishments. Build Reading Skills: This engaging 24-page biography will help your child improve comprehension and build confidence with guided pre- and post-reading questions, a time line of the subject's life, and a fun extension activity. Leveled Books: Part of the Leaders Like Us series, the early-elementary reading level and full-color illustrations support comprehension of the story of this amazing race car driver. Why Rourke Educational Media: Since 1980, Rourke Publishing Company has specialized in publishing engaging and diverse non-fiction and fiction books for children in a wide range of subjects that support reading success on a level that has no limits.

Book Features: • Ages 6-10, Grades 1-4 • 24 pages, 7 ½ inches x 10 inches • Simple, easy-to-read pages with full-color pictures • Includes a time line and extension activity • Reading/teaching tips and discussion questions included Leader in Science: In Leaders Like Us: Leland Melvin, 1st—4th graders learn about the dedication, talent, and impact of Melvin who went from being a professional football player to an influential NASA astronaut. Inspirational: With captivating illustrations that bring Melvin's story to life, young readers learn about his fascinating life and what led him to trade in his football helmet for a space suit, going on to fly two important missions into space. Build Reading Skills: This engaging 24-page biography will help your child improve comprehension and build confidence with guided pre- and post-reading questions, a time line of events, and a fun extension activity. Leveled Books: Part of the Leaders Like Us series, early-elementary reading level and full-color illustrations support comprehension of the story of this amazing pro athlete and astronaut. Why Rourke Educational Media: Since 1980, Rourke Publishing Company has specialized in publishing engaging and diverse non-fiction and fiction books for children in a wide range of subjects that support reading success on a level that has no limits.

Introduce readers to the life of political activist Yuri Kochiyama, a Japanese American who was incarcerated during World War II and went on to be a leader in many of the liberation struggles of her time. Yuri and her family were imprisoned during World War II for being Japanese American. It gave Yuri her passion to fight against injustice for the rest of her life. Learn about the causes Yuri stood up for and the legacy she left in this inspirational biography, part of the Leaders Like Us true story books based on real life book series. Storybook For Children in Grades 1-4 Features: Post-reading questions Extension activity Time line About Rourke Educational Media: We proudly publish respectful and relevant nonfiction and fiction titles that represent our diverse readers, and are designed to support reading on a level that has no limits!

Have you ever wanted to change the world so people can live better lives? This biography tells the story of philosopher and activist Grace Lee Boggs who did just that, part of the Leaders Like Us series. Grace Lee Boggs was a Chinese American woman who went from earning a PhD in philosophy to becoming an activist in the black power movement in Detroit. She used ideas about revolution to inspire people to create a new world and imagine a new way of living. Learn all about Grace’s early life and all of her accomplishments. Fun Storybook Features: This children’s book features a timeline, post-reading questions, and an interactive activity to develop reading comprehension skills. 24 pages of vibrant illustrations About Rourke Educational Media: We proudly publish respectful and relevant nonfiction and fiction titles that represent our diverse readers, and are designed to support reading on a level that has no limits!

Introduce your child to one of the most influential American astronauts and STEM field leaders in history with the children’s book Sally Ride, part of the Leaders Like Us series. Who was Sally Ride? Children will shoot for the stars with this engaging biography that explores Sally’s scientific accomplishments, her career at NASA, and her contributions to the STEM field. Fun Storybook Features: This children’s book features a timeline, post-reading questions, and an interactive activity to develop reading comprehension skills. 24 pages of vibrant illustrations About Rourke Educational Media: We proudly publish respectful and relevant nonfiction and fiction titles that represent our diverse readers, and are designed to support reading on a level that has no limits!

Introduce your child to one of the most influential African American dancers and choreographers in history with the children’s book Alvin Ailey, part of the Leaders Like Us series. Who was Alvin Ailey? Children will love tuning in to this engaging biography that explores Alvin’s cultural and groundbreaking contributions to dance, choreography, and Broadway theater. Fun Storybook Features: This children’s book features a timeline, post-reading questions, and an interactive activity to develop reading comprehension skills. 24 pages of vibrant illustrations: About Rourke Educational Media: We proudly publish respectful and relevant nonfiction and fiction titles that represent our diverse readers, and are designed to support reading on a level that has no limits!

Introduce your child to one of the most influential civil rights and gender equality activists in American history with the children’s book Pauli Murray, part of the Leaders Like Us series. Who was Pauli Murray? Children will love learning about this activist who fought for different rights and became the first African American woman to be ordained as an Episcopal priest. Fun Storybook Features: This children’s book features a timeline, post-reading questions, and an interactive activity to develop reading comprehension skills. 24 pages of vibrant illustrations: About Rourke Educational Media: We proudly publish respectful and relevant nonfiction and fiction titles that represent our diverse readers, and are designed to support reading on a level that has no limits!

Introduce your child to one of the most decorated Olympic gymnasts in history with the children’s book Gabby Douglas, part of the Leaders Like Us series. Who is Gabby Douglas? Children will flip for this engaging biography that explores Gabby’s early life, her career as an Olympic gymnast, and all of her accomplishments. Fun Storybook Features: This children’s book features a timeline, post-reading questions, and an interactive activity to develop reading comprehension skills. 24 pages of vibrant illustrations About Rourke Educational Media: We proudly publish respectful and relevant nonfiction and fiction titles that represent our diverse readers, and are designed to support reading on a level that has no limits!

The United Farm Workers union has an interesting past, and it’s all thanks to Philip Vera Cruz. This biography tells the story an unsung hero and Filipino farm worker that led the historic Delano strike, grape boycott, and the formation of the United Farm Workers union—part of the Leaders Like Us series. Philip Vera Cruz came to the United States from the Philippines in search of an education. Instead, he had to work different jobs to survive. Learn about how he and other Filipino farm workers, the manongs, started the historic strike in Delano, California that led to a grape boycott and the birth of the United Farm Workers union. Learn all about Philip’s early life, struggles, and all of his accomplishments. Fun Storybook Features: This children’s book features a timeline, post-reading questions, and an interactive activity to develop reading comprehension skills. 24 pages of vibrant illustrations About Rourke Educational Media: We proudly publish respectful and relevant nonfiction and fiction titles that represent our diverse readers, and are designed to support reading on a level that has no limits!

Introduce your child to one of the most influential LGBTQ activists and advocates in history with the children’s book Sylvia Rivera, part of the Leaders Like Us series. Who was Sylvia Rivera? Children will love learning about one of the most influential leaders and advocates for LGBTQ rights in this engaging biography. Fun Storybook Features: This children’s book features a timeline, post-reading questions, and an interactive activity to develop reading comprehension skills. 24 pages of vibrant illustrations: About Rourke Educational Media: We proudly publish respectful and relevant nonfiction and fiction titles that represent our diverse readers, and are designed to support reading on a level that has no limits!

A Black woman had never been a justice for the United States Supreme Court until April 7, 2022 when Ketanji Brown Jackson made history. This nonfiction biography is the story of her path to becoming a trailblazing justice, part of the Leaders Like Us series. Ketanji Brown Jackson has brought an important new perspective to the highest court—a lifetime appointment only held by two other African Americans before her. Learn all about Ketanji’s early life, her hard work, and all of her accomplishments. Fun Storybook Features: This children’s book features a timeline, post-reading questions, and an interactive activity to develop reading comprehension skills. 24 pages of vibrant illustrations About Rourke Educational Media: We proudly publish respectful and relevant nonfiction and fiction titles that represent our diverse readers, and are designed to support reading on a level that has no limits!

Oscar de la Renta loved art. He wanted to be a famous fashion designer, but it was a very competitive field where the most successful designers were French or Italian, unlike him. Learn about the fashion designer from the Dominican Republic who turned his dreams into a reality as you dive into Oscar de la Renta’s biography—part of the Leaders Like Us children’s book series. This nonfiction book introduces readers to Oscar de la Renta, a fashion designer from the Dominican Republic who built a fashion empire. Storybook Features: After-reading questions Extension activity Time line About Rourke Educational Media: We proudly publish respectful and relevant nonfiction and fiction titles that represent our diverse readers, and are designed to support reading on a level that has no limits!

Born blind and poor, José Feliciano never gave up on his dream of becoming a musician. Using his talent for guitar playing and singing, José spread his message of peace. Learn how José’s blends of different music genres and languages helped people unite in this inspirational biography—part of the Leaders Like Us true story books based on real life book series. This nonfiction book introduces readers to José Feliciano’s life and how he brought different backgrounds together through his music. Storybook Features: Post-reading questions Extension activity Time line About Rourke Educational Media: We proudly publish respectful and relevant nonfiction and fiction titles that represent our diverse readers, and are designed to support reading on a level that has no limits!

Dalip Singh Saund was born to a Sikh family in a small village in India. He went on to become a scholar, public speaker, author, farmer, judge, and the first Asian American elected to the United States Congress. Learn about Dalip's fascinating, barrier-breaking journey in this inspirational biography—part of the Leaders Like Us true story books based on real life book series. Learn how Dalip overcame anti-Sikh and Indian prejudice to become the very first Asian American to be elected to Congress in this exciting nonfiction book. Storybook For Children in Grades 1-4 Features: Post-reading questions Extension activity Time line About Rourke Educational Media: We proudly publish respectful and relevant nonfiction and fiction titles that represent our diverse readers, and are designed to support reading on a level that has no limits!

As a child, Serena Auñón-Chancellor loved watching rockets launch into space. She dreamed of becoming an astronaut, but she also loved medicine and helping people. Could she be both a doctor and an astronaut? Learn about how Serena Auñón-Chancellor made her dreams come true in this biography—part of the Leaders Like Us children’s book series. This nonfiction book introduces readers to Serena Auñón-Chancellor, a doctor and NASA astronaut who was the second Latina to go to space. Storybook Features: After-reading questions Extension activity Time line About Rourke Educational Media: We proudly publish respectful and relevant nonfiction and fiction titles that represent our diverse readers, and are designed to support reading on a level that has no limits!

Introduce readers to the life of author and community outreach leader Pura Belpré, the first Puerto Rican librarian in New York City. Pura believed the library was for everyone. Using her skills in storytelling, she encouraged Hispanic children to visit the library by creating bilingual story hour. Her community outreach helped to make the Hispanic people in New York City feel included. Learn about how Pura impacted her community, resulting in the annual Pura Belpré Award, in this inspirational biography, part of the Leaders Like Us true story books based on real life book series. Storybook For Children in Grades 1-4 Features: Post-reading questions Extension activity Time line About Rourke Educational Media: We proudly publish respectful and relevant nonfiction and fiction titles that represent our diverse readers, and are designed to support reading on a level that has no limits!

Children learn about one of the most influential African American leaders in history with the biography of media titan Cathy Hughes. By founding Radio One-Urban One, Cathy Hughes became one of the most powerful African American media figures in history. Creating a source of accurate news and entertainment for African Americans, Cathy Hughes changed the media landscape for years to come. Storybook Features: This children’s book features a glossary with new vocabulary, text-dependent questions, and an extension activity to develop reading comprehension skills. 24 pages of vibrant illustrations Lexile 290L About Rourke We proudly publish respectful and relevant non-fiction and fiction titles that represent our diverse readers, and are designed to support reading on a level that has no limits!

Children learn about one of the most influential African American leaders in history with the biography of Frederick O’Neal. Not only was Frederick O’Neal a leader and pioneer, but he was also a talented actor and entertainer! Follow along to learn more about Frederick’s life and the contributions he made to the stage. Storybook Features: This children’s book features a glossary with new vocabulary, text-dependent questions, and an extension activity to develop reading comprehension skills. 24 pages of vibrant illustrations Lexile 290L About Rourke We proudly publish respectful and relevant non-fiction and fiction titles that represent our diverse readers, and are designed to support reading on a level that has no limits!

Children learn about one of the most influential African American leaders in history with the biography of businessman O.W. Gurley. O.W. Gurley quickly became one of the most influential African American businessmen in history. Using his funds to help develop the Greenwood neighborhood of Tulsa, Oklahoma, he turned 40-acres of land into the popular “Black Wall Street”. Storybook Features: This children’s book features a glossary with new vocabulary, text-dependent questions, and an extension activity to develop reading comprehension skills. 24 pages of vibrant illustrations Lexile 290L About Rourke We proudly publish respectful and relevant non-fiction and fiction titles that represent our diverse readers, and are designed to support reading on a level that has no limits!