The true story of the young immigrant who led the largest strike of women workers in U.S. history.
This picture book biography about Ukrainian immigrant Clara Lemlich tackles topics like activism and the U.S. garment industry. The art, by Caldecott Honor winner Melissa Sweet, beautifully incorporates stitching and fabric. A bibliography and an author's note on the garment industry are included.
When Clara arrived in America, she couldn't speak English. She didn't know that young women had to go to work, that they traded an education for long hours of labor, that she was expected to grow up fast.
But that didn't stop Clara. She went to night school, spent hours studying English, and helped support her family by sewing in a shirtwaist factory.
Clara never quit, and she never accepted that girls should be treated poorly and paid little. Fed up with the mistreatment of her fellow laborers, Clara led the largest walkout of women workers the country had seen.
From her short time in America, Clara learned that everyone deserved a fair chance. That you had to stand together and fight for what you wanted. And, most importantly, that you could do anything you put your mind to.
This picture book biography about the plight of immigrants in America in the early 1900s and the timeless fight for equality and justice should not be missed.

Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers' Strike of 1909

Markel, Michelle

History

Balzer + Bray

In the spirit of Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope and Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride comes an inspiring portrait of Hillary Rodham Clinton, the first female presidential nominee in United States history: a girl who fought to make a difference—and paved the way for women everywhere—from Michelle Markel and LeUyen Pham.
In the 1950s, it was a man’s world. Girls weren’t supposed to act smart, tough, or ambitious. Even though, deep inside, they may have felt that way. And then along came Hillary. Brave, brilliant, and unstoppable, she was out to change the world.
They said a woman couldn’t be a mother and a lawyer. Hillary was both. They said a woman shouldn’t be too strong or too smart. Hillary was fearlessly herself.
It didn’t matter what people said—she was born to lead.
With illustrations packed full of historical figures and details, this gorgeous and informative picture book biography is perfect for every budding leader. Includes a timeline, artist’s note, and bibliography.

Hillary Rodham Clinton: Some Girls Are Born to Lead

Children's Books

Biographies

A gorgeously illustrated picture book biography about the fascinating life of surrealist artist Leonora Carrington, from Michelle Markel and Amanda Hall, the acclaimed team behind The Fantastic Jungles of Henri Rousseau.
Ever since she was a little girl, Leonora Carrington loved to draw on walls, in books, on paper—and she loved the fantastic tales her grandmother told that took her to worlds that shimmered beyond this one, where legends became real.
Leonora’s parents wanted her to become a proper English lady, but there was only one thing she wanted, even if it was unsuitable: to be an artist. In London, she discovered a group of artists called surrealists, who were stunning the world with their mysterious creations. This was the kind of art she had to make. This was the kind of person she had to be.
From life in Paris creating art alongside Max Ernst, to Mexico where she met Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, Leonora’s life became intertwined with powerful events and people that shaped the twentieth century.
Out of This World is the powerful, stunningly told story of Leonora Carrington, a girl who made art out of her imagination and created some of the most enigmatic and startling works of the last eighty years.

Out of This World: The Surreal Art of Leonora Carrington

They are fashioned out of materials as varied as themselves ? wishbones, apples, clay, bread, ivory, palm leaves, and sealskin. They come from the tropics and the tundra, the desert and the mountains, from times of war and times of peace. What they wear tells us of their homes. Their faces are calm, fierce, beautiful, wistful, ugly, inscrutable. Dolls have been cherished throughout time by children all around the world ? children who have carried them, dressed them, and whispered secrets to them. With haunting photographs and a text that speaks poignantly of the time when children must leave their dolls behind, this book captures the uncanny and enduring comfort of dolls. Michelle Markel wrote this book out of a deep affection for dolls and for folk art. She was given the idea for her book by ?a little green and purple doll, an alebrije, in a glass case at a Mexican folk art exhibit.” She believes that dolls have the power to lead children into worlds not their own.

Cornhusk, Silk, and Wishbones : A Book of Dolls From Around the World

Arts, Music & Photography

Houghton, mifflin, harcourt

Henri Rousseau wanted to be an artist. But he had no formal training. Instead, he taught himself to paint. He painted until the jungles and animals and distant lands in his head came alive on the space of his canvases. Henri Rousseau endured the harsh critics of his day and created the brilliant paintings that now hang in museums around the world. Michelle Markel's vivid text, complemented by the vibrant illustrations of Amanda Hall, artfully introduces young readers to the beloved painter and encourages all readers to persevere despite all odds. Watch the trailer:

The Fantastic Jungles of Henri Rousseau (Incredible Lives for Young Readers (ILYR))

Arts & Photography

History & Criticism

Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

Marc knew he was different from other boys. He saw things they didn't see. A beautiful introduction to the life and work of Marc Chagall In the imagination of Marc Chagall, all of life was an inspiration for the beautiful and strange pictures he created. He painted people, farm animals, religious symbols, visions, and feelings in a way no other artist had attempted. With vivid prose and exuberant illustrations this book chronicles the life of Marc Chagall-born to a humble Jewish family in a Russian ghetto-who became one of the most celebrated artists of the twentieth century.

Dreamer from the Village: The Story of Marc Chagall

Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

Kate slowly becomes friends with her new caregiver, Rosa, who tells Kate about life in Guatemala and about Juana, her own daughter, who lives with Rosa's mother back in Guatemala.

Gracias, Rosa

Literature & Fiction

Concept Books

This rollicking and fascinating picture book biography chronicles the life of the first pioneer of children's books—John Newbery himself. While most children's books in the 18th century contained lessons and rules, John Newbery imagined them overflowing with entertaining stories, science, and games. He believed that every book should be made for the reader's enjoyment. Newbery—for whom the prestigious Newbery Medal is named—became a celebrated author and publisher, changing the world of children's books forever. This book about his life and legacy is as full of energy and delight as any young reader could wish.

Balderdash!: John Newbery and the Boisterous Birth of Children's Books (Nonfiction Books for Kids, Early Elementary History Books)

Chronicle Books+

Meet Randolph Caldecott,&nbsp;the artist who revolutionized picture book illustration&nbsp;and&nbsp;for whom the prestigious Caldecott medal is named! From acclaimed picture book creators Michelle Markel and Barbara McClintock comes a lively, humorous, and energetically informative biography that celebrates the spirit of storytelling in art. Quick! If you don't move fast,&nbsp;you'll miss him--there he goes--Randolph Caldecott, future famous illustrator. His sketchbook is full of hurly-burly: wild weather, frisky animals, and people so sprightly they can barely hold onto the pages.&nbsp;But in the 1850s, there were no children's books like that. Not yet. Many books are published, but their pictures look stiff, full of pretty poses and cluttered scenery. No one has imagined how much fun an illustrated book could&nbsp;be because the future hero of children's book illustration is still just a lad.&nbsp;Join Michelle Markel and Barbara McClintock for a riotous adventure through the seminal history of children's books--their art, their joy, and the man who changed them for good. [Tomfoolery noun: silliness, shenanigans, buffoonery, skylarking, or pranks] FASCINATING TRUE STORY: This picture book biography introduces readers to the man who redefined children's books, transforming the reading experience of people all around the world! Anyone who loves history, biographies, or books for children will find themselves charmed by this lively look at the life of Randolph Caldecott. WHIMSICAL AND ENGAGING: Full of verve and fun,&nbsp;humor&nbsp;and dynamic vocabulary, this book is history with pure delight, sure to engage even the most reluctant readers! FUN AND INSPIRING GIFT BOOK: With compelling visual storytelling and an inspiring role model for aspiring writers, illustrators, and creatives, this picture book makes a great gift for any giving occasion. PERFECT FOR MOCK CALDECOTTS: Teachers and librarians who introduce the Caldecott Medal and its voting process to kids will find this invaluable as an introduction to looking at, thinking about, and celebrating art. Perfect for: <ul> <li>Anyone who loves or wants to learn more about kids' books and children's book illustration</li> <li>Librarians, educators, and parents of kids who love history and nonfiction</li> <li>Aspiring picture book writers and illustrators of any age</li> <li>Fans of true stories, biographies, and fascinating facts</li> <li>Special occasion or thank you gift for teachers and librarians</li> </ul>

Tomfoolery!: Randolph Caldecott and the Rambunctious Coming-of-Age of Children's Books

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Markel, Michelle. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Markel, Michelle

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Markel, Michelle. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers' Strike of 1909

Hillary Rodham Clinton: Some Girls Are Born to Lead

Out of This World: The Surreal Art of Leonora Carrington

Cornhusk, Silk, and Wishbones : A Book of Dolls From Around the World

The Fantastic Jungles of Henri Rousseau (Incredible Lives for Young Readers (ILYR))

The Fantastic Jungles of Henri Rousseau (Incredible Lives for Young Readers (ILYR))

Dreamer from the Village: The Story of Marc Chagall

Gracias, Rosa

Balderdash!: John Newbery and the Boisterous Birth of Children's Books (Nonfiction Books for Kids, Early Elementary History Books)

Tomfoolery!: Randolph Caldecott and the Rambunctious Coming-of-Age of Children's Books