Tonya Engel – illustratör

This addition to the acclaimed Big Words biography series celebrates Barack Obama: a tireless organizer, a brilliant orator, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, and the first Black president of the United States of America.Before he became the president, Barack Obama was a little boy called Barry. Amid a happy childhood in Hawaii and Indonesia, he also yearned for a better understanding of Black history and culture, and a better sense of his own identity as a Black American. Spurred by conversations around race, injustice, and inequality, he became a community organizer, practiced civil rights law, and was elected to the US Senate. "Yes we can!" became a rallying cry for his message of hope and change throughout the 2008 presidential election-which resulted in Barack Obama becoming the first Black president of the United States.This addition to the highly acclaimed Big Words series celebrates one of the most inspiring American leaders of our time. With evocative illustrations by award-winning artist Tonya Engel, Doreen Rappaport's richly detailed narrative employs rousing quotes from Obama himself and encourages young readers to investigate who they are and who they might one day become.Don't miss these other titles in the Big Words series!Ellen Takes Flight: The Life of Astronaut Ellen OchoaRuth Objects: The Life of Ruth Bader GinsburgHelen's Big World: The Life of Helen KellerAbe's Honest Words: The Life of Abraham LincolnMartin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

From NYT bestselling author Tracey Baptiste comes a singular picture book that is both a biography about Claudette Colvin, the teen whose activism launched the Montgomery bus boycott, and a celebration of collective action.When fifteen-year-old Claudette Colvin boarded a segregated bus on March 2, 1955, she had no idea she was about to make history. At school she was learning about abolitionists like Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth, which helped inspire her decision to refuse to give up her seat to a white woman, which led to her arrest, which began a crucial chain of events: Rosa Park's sit-in nine months later, the organization of the Montgomery bus boycott by activists like Professor Jo Ann Robinson and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the Supreme Court decision that Alabama's bus segregation was unconstitutional—a major triumph for the civil rights movement. Because of Claudette's brave stand against injustice, history was transformed. Now it's time for young readers to learn about this living legend, her pivotal role in the civil rights movement, and the power of one person reaching out to another in the fight for change.

A proud, empowering introduction to African American history that celebrates and honors enslaved ancestorsYour story begins in Africa. Your African ancestors defied the odds and survived 400 years of slavery in America and passed down an extraordinary legacy to you. Beginning in Africa before 1619, Your Legacy presents an unprecedentedly accessible, empowering, and proud introduction to African American history for children. While your ancestors’ freedom was taken from them, their spirit was not; this book celebrates their accomplishments, acknowledges their sacrifices, and defines how they are remembered—and how their stories should be taught.

Start your child’s journey with words that inspire confidence and connection.From the moment little ones begin to speak, every word shapes how they see themselves and the world. Your Legacy Begins is a beautifully illustrated keepsake that introduces empowering first words—like “love,” “kind,” and “brave”—to nurture self‑esteem and emotional growth from day one.Perfect for baby showers, birthdays, and everyday reading, this book blends vibrant art with affirmations that spark curiosity and compassion.Whether you’re building a bedtime ritual or sharing a treasured gift, these pages help families plant seeds of positivity that last a lifetime.This uplifting board book is adapted from author Schele Williams and illustrator Tonya Engel’s award-winning picture book Your Legacy: A Bold Reclaiming of Our Enslaved History that celebrates African American children’s heritage and the legacy of their ancestors.Now reimagined for a younger audience, this board book speaks directly to children, introducing empowering vocabulary while inspiring little ones to walk tall and do great things.With a joyous feel and vibrant art, Your Legacy Begins: First Words to Empower reminds little ones that their ancestors passed down the best of themselves—gifts like determination, courage, dignity, and love. That is your legacy!

A unique perspective about the Great Migration, that affected more than six million Black American families who migrated to escape Jim Crow laws and racial violenceClickety-clack! Don’t look back!Jane and her parents sit in the segregated train car, bound from Birmingham, Alabama, to Chicago, Illinois, where her father has a new job. When their journey begins, she and her parents must sit at the back of the railroad car while the white passengers sit at the front. But as the train crosses the Mason-Dixon line, the conductor calls out that passengers are now allowed to change seats—and for the first time, Jane sees Black and white passengers sitting side by side.Based on the author’s family history, The Northbound Train presents a unique perspective about the Great Migration—when over six million Black Americans migrated north to escape segregation—while also offering a child’s view of what it’s like to leave your home behind in search of a better life.Includes recommendations for additional reading and an author’s note about the Great Migration.

A young girl undertakes an impossible trip to the moon, makes friends with the stars, and brings back something priceless in this gentle and lyrically told picture book about family, history, and memory.Grana used to tell the best stories, and Mabel used to long to soar through the heavens. Nowadays, Grana mostly lies in bed and Mabel stays close to home. But one day, Grana asks, “If we can touch the moon, then what is impossible?” So Mabel decides to do just that, embarking on a journey through the stars where The Seven Sistahs, The Big Dipper, and other constellations help her on her quest and teach her about African mythology and African American history. With the support of her new companions, Mabel reaches for her biggest dream yet: to make her sick grandma well again.

A girl loves her beautiful, natural afro-textured hair and celebrates it in creative and inventive ways kids of all stripes will love.

Here is the little-known story of Florence Beatrice “Bea” Price, who faced many obstacles, including systemic racism and sexism, as she pushed forward to become one of the greatest Black classical musicians.

Meet Alice Dunnigan, a pioneering Black journalist, who spoke truth to power—and earned the respect of President Harry S. Truman. An inspiring nonfiction picture book for kids ages 7–10 from award-winning author and illustrator Peggy Thomas and Tonya Engel.Alice Dunnigan knew all about injustice—she was the daughter of poor Black sharecroppers in Kentucky. But Alice also knew the key to fighting injustice was to speak out.At 13 years old, she wrote to a Black newspaper asking for a job—and got it! It was only the beginning. After many years of hard work as a teacher, a cleaner, a typist, and a journalist, Alice became the first Black woman in the Capitol Press Corp. But one person was still beyond her grasp, a person who needed to be held accountable: President Truman. Would he keep his promise to support civil rights for Black Americans? By scrimping and saving for a ticket on the president’s cross-country train tour, Alice was able to meet the president and win him over to her cause: justice.Alice Dunnigan used her words as a moving force, writing America toward justice, a journey beautifully captured by author Peggy Thomas and illustrator Tonya Engel.