Emily Arnold McCully Knihy

Jane discovers a ship and an adventure in her bathtub.

The story centers on Sam, a small child eager to join the big kids in play but initially dismissed due to his size. When the big kids find themselves in need, it's Sam who steps up to save the day, proving that being small doesn't mean being insignificant. This relatable tale resonates with young readers facing exclusion, while the watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations capture the emotional nuances of the narrative. It’s part of the I Like to Read® series, suitable for guided reading at Level E.

Recounts the life of the renowned sixteenth-century Irish woman pirate.

The story revolves around Pete, who refuses to eat his mom's green slop for lunch, causing frustration among his family. As his siblings abandon him to play, Pete's mom feels sad about the situation. Just as she prepares to make him a sandwich, Pete surprises everyone by trying the slop and discovering that he actually likes it. Through this experience, he learns the valuable lesson of keeping an open mind and the importance of trying new things, transforming a mealtime struggle into a moment of growth.

Shares the life of mathematician Ada Byron Lovelace, including her difficult personal life, her collaboration with Charles Babbage, and why her work was so important.

With her sketchbook labeled My Inventions and her father’s toolbox, Mattie could make almost anything – toys, sleds, and a foot warmer. When she was just twelve years old, Mattie designed a metal guard to prevent shuttles from shooting off textile looms and injuring workers. As an adult, Mattie invented the machine that makes the square-bottom paper bags we still use today. However, in court, a man claimed the invention was his, stating that she “could not possibly understand the mechanical complexities.” Marvelous Mattie proved him wrong, and over the course of her life earned the title of “the Lady Edison.”   With charming pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations, this introduction to one of the most prolific female inventors will leave readers inspired.   Marvelous Mattie is a 2007 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

Mirette learns tightrope walking from Monsieur Bellini, a guest in her mother's boarding house, not knowing that he is a celebrated tightrope artist who has withdrawn from performing because of fear

With courage and confidence, Caroline Herschel (1750-1848) becomes the first woman professional scientist and one of the greatest astronomers who ever lived. Born the youngest daughter of a poor family in Hanover, Germany, Caroline was scarred from smallpox, stunted from typhus, and used by her parents as a scullery maid. But when her favorite brother, William, left for England, he took her with him. The siblings shared a passion for stars, and together they built the greatest telescope of their age, working tirelessly on star charts. Using their telescope, Caroline discovered fourteen nebulae and two galaxies, was the first woman to discover a comet, and became the first woman officially employed as a scientist--by no less than the King of England. The information from the Herschels' star catalogs is still used by space agencies today. The book includes excerpts from Caroline Herschel's autobiography. A 2018 NSTA-CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students K-12.

One very hot day, Min, a budding engineer, builds a machine that draws water from a well and into a swimming pool.

Meet Min--a girl with the brain power to make a machine and outwit a bully too! This Level F book is perfect for first-grade readers. A tree fell. “Oh no!” said Ann “We can’t have the show here.” Ann and Bess don't want Min in their show. But when a tree falls on their outdoor stage, only Min can figure out how to move the tree. She gathers some logs, a chain, a rope, a pulley, and a hook and builds a crane. The show can go on--with Min in it, of course! This is the third book to feature Min, the girl engineer in 3, 2, 1, Go! and Min Makes a Machine. Level F books, for early first graders, feature longer, more varied sentences than Level E. Level F books encourage kids to decode new multi-syllable words in addition to recognizing sight words. Stories are more complex, and illustrations provide support and additional detail. When Level F is mastered, follow up with Level G. The award-winning I Like to Read® series focuses on guided reading levels A through G, based upon Fountas and Pinnell standards. Acclaimed author-illustrators--including winners of Caldecott, Theodor Seuss Geisel, and Coretta Scott King honors--create original, high quality illustrations that support comprehension of simple text and are fun for kids to read with parents, teachers, or on their own!