E.B. Lewis

Have you ever felt so lonely you wished you could send a message to the stars? Willie Johnson did. Born in Texas in 1897, Willie loved to sing and play his homemade guitar. When he lost his sight as a young boy, his world went dark. Fortunately, music brought him back into the light. His powerful voice and wailing guitar helped him share his feelings. He played on street corners and eventually became a famous recording artist. His music was so moving that in 1977, his song was chosen to travel into space on the Voyager probe. It was sent to light up the universe and remind us all that we are never truly alone. This inspiring story shows you how one boy turned his struggles into a song that reaches across the galaxy.

Zuri Jackson is dreading the start of a brand new school year. The thought of hard math problems and strict teachers fills her with nervous butterflies. Luckily, she does not have to face the classroom alone because her best friend, Danitra Brown, is right by her side. Danitra is completely fearless, free-spirited, and always ready to make the whole class burst into laughter. Through a lively collection of rhyming poems, you get to experience the daily ups and downs of their school adventures. While Zuri worries about getting the right answers, Danitra shows her how to find the fun in every single lesson. Together, they navigate hallway mix-ups, cafeteria lunches, and the stress of homework. Read along to find out how a wonderful friend can transform a scary school year into a journey full of smiles, confidence, and unforgettable memories.

When a new girl named Maya arrives at school wearing worn clothes, Chloe and her friends decide to look the other way. Every time Maya approaches them with a smile and asks to play, they refuse to include her. Eventually, the quiet rejections take their toll, and Maya stops coming to school altogether. One afternoon, Chloe's teacher drops a stone into a bowl of water, showing the class how the ripples spread far and wide. She explains that every small act of kindness ripples out into the world in the exact same way. Suddenly, Chloe is struck by a deep sense of regret. She realizes too late the incredible opportunity she missed to be a good friend. This beautifully illustrated story reveals how our choices impact others and why even the smallest moment of kindness truly matters.

With the country deep in World War II, many men have gone to fight, leaving jobs empty. To help support her family, Ada Ruth's mother must make the difficult decision to travel to Chicago for work. Ada Ruth stays behind with her loving grandmother, but the house feels incredibly empty. As the cold winter snow begins to fall, the two of them stick to their daily routines, drawing comfort from each other. Even a stray kitten shows up at their door to keep them company, but nothing can truly fill the deep ache of missing Mama. Every single day, Ada Ruth waits and watches the road, hoping for a letter promising that her mother is coming on home soon. This timeless story beautifully captures the quiet strength of waiting and hoping for a loved one's return.