Do you know how the Teddy bear got its name? It all began when President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt went on a bear‑hunting trip in Mississippi. His friends wanted the very best guide for the president, so they chose Holt Collier. Holt had been born into slavery and had grown up to become the most skilled bear hunter in the South. He promised he would find a bear for the president—even if he had to “lasso one and tie it to a tree.”

Have you ever stopped to really look at a spider’s web? If it’s only meant to catch flies, why does it shimmer with such delicate, beautiful patterns? Have you ever wondered what makes thunder rumble, why the ocean tastes salty, or how tigers came to wear their bold stripes? This collection gathers delightful “why” stories from many cultures and time periods—tales that imagine how animals, plants, and natural wonders came to look or behave the way they do.

Uncover the true stories of history's most notorious outlaws in this exciting collection of pirate tales by expert treasure hunter W.C. Jameson. Move beyond the movies to explore the real-life adventures, sunken ships, and buried gold of swashbucklers like Blackbeard and Calico Jack.

Experience the legendary American folktale of John Henry, a powerful steel-driving man who became a symbol of courage and strength.

Discover the transformative power of Kindness Tales: World Folktales to Talk About, a captivating collection of over 40 folktales from global oral traditions. Award-winning author Margaret Read MacDonald curates these stories to show how simple acts of sharing and caring can make the world a gentler, safer place.

A spellbinding gathering of eerie and enchanting tales, this collection brings together ghostly encounters and supernatural wonders from cultures around the world. Master storytellers—Mariella Bertelli, Alice Kane, Cathy Miyata, Stanley Sparkles, and many others—share stories that shimmer with mystery and imagination.

Ghosts of the Pacific Northwest can be just as mischievous as any others—shattering glass, waking people in the middle of the night, and sending families fleeing from their homes—but, truth be told, most of them are a pretty cheerful crew. In Ellensburg, Washington, one ghost even tags along on his granddaughter’s dates to make sure there’s no funny business.

This collection of supernatural tales stands apart from most ghost-story anthologies: every narrative comes directly from the folk traditions of the American South. While many of the stories were gathered over the past twenty‑five years, their settings stretch from the days of the Revolutionary War to modern times. Most have never appeared in print before, preserved instead through generations of oral storytelling.

Latin America is a place shaped by many influences—Indigenous traditions, Spanish and European cultures, and the heritage of Africa. For more than thirty years, Pleasant DeSpain has traveled through this vibrant region, exploring its landscapes, meeting its people, and collecting its stories. In this collection, he shares his carefully crafted retellings of folktales, myths, and legends from countries across Latin America, including Guatemala, Haiti, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Venezuela, Uruguay, and Chile.

These ancient stories follow clever characters as they use their wits and courage to solve problems and overcome big challenges. It is a great book for young readers who want to learn about different cultures while finding inspiration in timeless tales of kindness and bravery.

Oprah Winfrey is known all around the world as a talk‑show host, actress, producer, and helper of many people. But her life didn’t start out easy. When she was young, she faced a lot of hard times. Instead of giving up, she used those challenges to grow stronger and kinder. Today, people admire Oprah because she shows what courage, kindness, and determination can do. She became one of the most successful African American leaders of the twentieth century, and many people call her one of the most influential women in the world.

Asha and Baz are spending the day at their community garden when their teacher presents a new challenge: use a compass rose and a map to track down pieces of a secret message hidden among the plants. But following the map’s directions turns out to be trickier than they expected. Feeling stuck, the friends look to the past for help—and suddenly find themselves transported to 1978, face‑to‑face with mathematician Gladys West.

Famous storyteller Donald Davis shares eight funny and touching stories about his mother growing up in North Carolina.

Renowned storyteller Donald Davis shares a humorous collection of nostalgic anecdotes about growing up in rural Appalachia during the holidays.

Follow eleven-year-old Matt as he navigates the perils of sixth grade and a mysterious hometown myth in this heartwarming, illustrated middle school comedy.

Grab your skis, lace up your skates, and get ready to dive into the exciting history of the Winter Olympic Games—an international celebration of cold‑weather sports watched by millions around the globe.

Princess Shuri of Wakanda—brilliant inventor, royal heir, and sister to the Black Panther—embarks on a daring mission in this original middle‑grade adventure by author Nic Stone.