The compelling true story behind the building of the White House, a powerful part of history rarely taught. From Coretta Scott King Award winners Charles R. Smith Jr. and Floyd Cooper.
The home of the United States president was built by many hands, including those of slaves, who undertook this amazing achievement long before there were machines to do those same jobs. 
Stirring and emotional, Floyd Cooper's stunning illustrations bring to life the faces of those who endured hard, brutal work when the profit of their labor was paid to the master, not the slave. The fact that many were able to purchase their freedom after earning money from learning a trade speaks to the strength of those individuals. They created this iconic emblem of America, brick by brick.
Includes an insightful author's note and a list of selected resources.

Brick by Brick

Smith, Jr. Charles R

History

Amistad Books for Young Readers

Meet the most impressive of the gods and goddesses of Olympus--and even a few monsters--and see them revealed for what they really were: ancient superheroes with the power to shift shape, move mountains, and change fate. In this innovative introduction to Greek mythology, energetic poems and dynamic, comics-style illustrations create a seamless blend of the ancient and contemporary that depicts the gods in all their glory.Book Details:Format: PaperbackPublication Date: 7/15/2009Pages: 48Reading Level: Age 8 and Up

The Mighty 12: Superheroes of Greek Myth

Children's Books

Classics

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Poet and photographer Charles Smith, Jr. has created a poignant, stunning photographic picture book that celebrates the many faces that make up America. "I am America/I am proud/I am diverse/soft-spoken/and loud." The powerful poem in this one-of-a-kind book is enhanced by the accompanying photographs that represent children of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds. The playful images and touching poetry work together to tell the story of America. Children and parents alike will be moved by each unforgettable face and each strikingly beautiful line of verse. Photographer Charles Smith, Jr. brings his unique artistic style to this patriotic and poignant portrayal of America's children.

I Am America (Rise and Shine)

Literature & Fiction

Cartwheel

Meet Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, and other baseball heroes in this unique radio broadcast reenactment of a legendary All-Star Game, marking a pivotal time in sports history. 1934, Chicago. Come step back in time to witness the best of the best Negro League players take each other on in one of the most fascinating All-Star ballgames in American history. Using a unique radio broadcast transcript, Coretta Scott King Award Winner Charles R. Smith, Jr. has recreated this momentous event with a lively play-by-play retelling of the second annual Negro League East-West Game. Meet legendary players like Satchel Paige, Turkey Stearness, and Cool Pappa Bell, hang in the stands with the fans, and experience this exhilarating untold, true story—with a lyrical twist. Stars in the Shadows is a must-have for any baseball aficionado or anyone interested in forgotten history. Beautifully packaged and with incredible black-and-white illustrations by Frank Morrison, this is a rare and extraordinary book.

Stars in the Shadows: The Negro League All-Star Game of 1934

Biographies

Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Cheer on twelve professional women basketball players with a collection of vivid poems by Charles R. Smith Jr. set against vibrant photographs of the players in action. Seven-foot-two-inch Margo Dydek blocks shots like a "Fly Swatter." Ticha Penicheiro feeds the ball to her teammates like a "Chef . . . mixing / and tossing / and chopping / and whipping." And then there’s "Fire Starter" Chamique Holdsclaw, rapidly racking up points and "blazing a trail with moves that scorch." These are just three of the twelve women profiled by Charles R. Smith Jr. in a remarkable group of poems honoring the unique talents and determination of some of the best female players in professional basketball. With its arresting visual layout, action photographs on craft paper, and kinetic lyrics illustrating each player’s style, HOOP QUEENS will grab the attention of any kid who loves basketball - and score a slam-dunk with teachers of poetry. The book’s special cover treatment includes a cloth spine and cover stamping, giving a textured feel.

Hoop Queens

Candlewick

Cheer on twelve top basketball pros with a dynamic collection of verse by Charles R. Smith Jr., set against vibrant photos of the players in action. Tim Duncan cashes in double-digit points by banking it off the backboard. Kevin Garnett makes his new-and-improved moves in 3-D. As for the "Super Human Atomic Quake" Shaquille O’Neal, just open the foldout and see what it might take to fill his gargantuan shoes (shown actual size). With pumping, energetic, rap-inspired wordplay, Charles R. Smith Jr. profiles the distinctive playing styles of twelve of the best players in basketball. A striking cover treatment, arresting design, and eye-catching action photos make HOOP KINGS a guaranteed magnet for kids who love basketball—and a valuable find for teachers who love language.

Hoop Kings

With their fast-paced narration and dynamic, dramatic photos, these stories are guaranteed to pump up confidence no matter what your sport of choice. Brian can’t get a hit at bat until Coach reminds him to turn off his brain and get into the zone. Gillian loses her nerve on the high beam after hearing the crunch of another gymnast’s fall, until the girls cheer her on, and she handsprings away from the sound in her head. From saving a disastrous football season to sharing the glory on the girls’ soccer field, from a solo punch in karate to thrilling teamwork on the basketball court, these riveting stories and inspirational quotes capture a striving for personal best — and the exhilaration of mastering your fears.

Winning Words: Sports Stories and Photographs

Picture books at a great price with extra-durable boards and rounded card-stock pages - super strudy but with a grown-up feel. Perfect for emerging readers! Hey! Let's PLAY! It's me . . . your BASEBALL. Whaddya say? When a restless baseball pleads with a young boy to take him out to play, the concept of "fly ball" takes on a whole new meaning! An out-of-this world tale of a boy and his boisterous baseball is sure to have little ones hankering to get into the game.

Let's Play Baseball!: Super Sturdy Picture Books

Sports & Outdoors

An out-of-this-world story about a boy and his amazing basketball that will have little listeners begging to play, too. We could bounce to the park, Dribble to a funky beat. Spin with me. Dance with me on concrete! When a bored basketball pleads with a little boy to take it out to play, is there any limit to the feats they can perform?

Let's Play Basketball!: Super Sturdy Picture Books

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

Books by Smith, Jr. Charles R

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

Brick by Brick

Brick by Brick

The Mighty 12: Superheroes of Greek Myth

I Am America (Rise and Shine)

Stars in the Shadows: The Negro League All-Star Game of 1934

Hoop Queens

Hoop Kings

Winning Words: Sports Stories and Photographs

Let's Play Baseball!: Super Sturdy Picture Books

Let's Play Basketball!: Super Sturdy Picture Books