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Nikki Shannon Smith

    This author crafts children's literature with a focus on historical events and educational themes. Her narratives often follow young protagonists as they navigate significant challenges and learn valuable life lessons. Through stories of adventure and personal growth, she inspires readers to embrace courage and justice. Her accessible and engaging style makes her work a favorite among young readers and their families.

    Girls Survive
    A Star Like Jesse Owens
    Sarah Journeys West: An Oregon Trail Survival Story
    Ann Fights for Freedom: An Underground Railroad Survival Story
    The Scientific Life of Azaleah Lane
    • The Scientific Life of Azaleah Lane

      • 112 pages
      • 4 hours of reading
      4.3(14)Add rating

      Third-grader Azaleah Lane has been chosen STEM lab monitor for the week, but on her first day Harry the lab guinea pig gets out of his cage and escapes, and Azaleah has to figure out a strategy to locate where in the room he is hiding and catch him; but she also has another problem--how to get Terrance to listen to Rose, Jamal, and herself and work with the group on their Rube Goldberg machine project.

      The Scientific Life of Azaleah Lane
    • In 1854 in Eastern Maryland twelve-year-old Ann is a slave, grateful that her family is still all together; but when their master, in need of money, decides to sell Ann and her younger brother, their parents decide to take the dangerous step of running away north to freedom--a journey filled with danger, especially since they are not sure how to find the first station on the Underground Railroad

      Ann Fights for Freedom: An Underground Railroad Survival Story
    • In 1851 twelve-year-old Sarah is a free Black, happy living with her parents, grandparents, and brother on their own farm in Iowa; but her father has been bitten by the gold bug and wants to take the trail west to California, and after some argument it is decided that the the grandparents will stay on the farm, but the rest of the family will go; the journey will be difficult and dangerous, but if they survive extreme weather, difficult terrain, illness, and the racism of others in the group there may be a better life waiting for them at the end of the trail. Includes nonfiction material on the Oregon Trail, a glossary, discussion questions, and writing prompts.

      Sarah Journeys West: An Oregon Trail Survival Story
    • A Star Like Jesse Owens

      • 72 pages
      • 3 hours of reading

      Matthew, a young African American with asthma who dreams of becoming an Olympic runner like his hero, Jesse Owens, accompanies his journalist father to the 1936 Olympics in Germany.

      A Star Like Jesse Owens
    • Girls Survive

      • 448 pages
      • 16 hours of reading

      Experience history's most fearsome events, from the bombing of Pearl Harbor to the sinking of Titanic, through the eyes of young heroines who are at the heart of the survival action. Part historical fiction, part adventure story, Girls Survive shows how girls fought for their survival during times of both tragedy and triumph, drawing readers in with strong characters and gripping action.

      Girls Survive