Get ready to sing for justice with Mahalia Jackson in this exciting middle grade nonfiction biography. Perfect for fans of the Who Was and Little Leaders series, the books in the VIP series tell the true--and amazing--stories of some of history's greatest trailblazers. Meet the VERY IMPORTANT PEOPLE who changed the world! Mahalia Jackson was known as the queen of gospel music. A close friend of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s, she was also a civil rights activist who sang at the March on Washington. And she traveled the world, too! Experience all the inspiring moments in Mahalia's big life in this thrilling biography, packed with two-color illustrations and fun facts, like who invented rock and roll! Short and engaging chapters are interspersed with special lists and other information made to order to engage kids, whether they're already biography fans or have to write a report for school. Extras include a timeline, a bibliography, and a hall of fame of other musicians and civil rights activists. The VIP series features stirring adventures and fun facts about some of history's greatest trailblazers--smart, tough, persevering innovators who will excite today's kids. Featuring underappreciated historical figures and groups, with a focus on leaders in science, activism, and the arts, the nonfiction biographies in the VIP series are fun and appealing. Just looking at the cover will make kids want to learn more about these VIPs, and once they dive in they will zoom through stories that read like adventures. Each book in the VIP series allows your middle grader to experience all the fascinating moments in some very important but lesser known lives. These biographies for kids age 9-12 include: VIP: Dr. Mae Jemison: Brave Rocketeer; VIP: Lewis Latimer: Engineering Wizard; VIP: Mahalia Jackson: Freedom's Voice; and VIP: Lydia Darragh: Unexpected Spy.

What do you know about the Civil War? What if you lived in a different time and place? What would you wear? What would you eat? How would your daily life be different? Scholastic's If You Lived... series answers all of kids' most important questions about events in American history. With a question and answer format, kid-friendly artwork, and engaging information, this series is the perfect partner for the classroom and for history-loving readers. What if you lived during the Civil War? Would you be allowed to be a soldier? How would you communicate? What is the true story of the battle between the states? Denise Lewis Patrick answers all these questions and more in this comprehensive guide to the Civil War. A great choice for Civil War units, and for teaching children about this important moment in American history.

Get to know John Lewis, social justice activist and politician, in this fascinating nonfiction Level 3 Ready-to-Read, part of a series of biographies about people "you should meet!" Meet John Lewis. When John Lewis was a teenager, he asked Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to help integrate a segregated school in his hometown. From then on, John Lewis never stopped organizing, from Freedom Rides, to the marches in Selma and Washington, and more. He believed in getting into "good trouble" for good causes, and became a Civil Rights activist and United States Representative. It's never too early to introduce readers to his concept of getting into "good trouble," and to get to know John Lewis. A special section at the back of the book includes extras like information about other activists around the world, tips for how readers can get into "good trouble" for causes they believe in, and more.