Educate. Entertain. Inspire.

Black History, All Year

Electronic Access to all Orca Books
Beautifully Illustrated Picture Books for Children
Related American History Topics Introduced in Context
Book Themes of Faith, Hope, & Love.

Memberships Only $24.95/year

Children Book Biographies

What are Orca Books?

This series of beautifully illustrated children’s books takes you through the lives of historically significant figures in American History. Each book in the series tells a single person’s story. The goal of each book is to highlight the achievements and accomplishments of these individuals and inspire future generations of children to dream big dreams. Faith is a centerpiece in several books. These books will educate, entertain and inspire.

Our Bundle of Inspiration and Strength
Includes the Following Books:

1- The Beloved Prize (Toni Morrison)

Toni Morrison was the first Black American woman to win a Nobel Prize in Literature. Learn about Toni’s inspirational journey of discovery from poverty to achievement. Follow her as she overcomes the challenges she faced growing up in the midwest during periods of severe hardship. From Howard University in Washington D.C. to Princeton University in New Jersey, Toni achieved despite her circumstances throughout her career.

This literary legend’s real-life story is perfect to expose students who love reading to one of the greats in American Literature.

Memberships Only $24.95/year

Our well-illustrated biography book on Morrison engages all ages alike. Check out a few pages:

2- Gibson Grace (Althea Gibson)

Althea Gibson was the first Black American woman to win Wimbledon, one of the top tournaments in all of tennis. Follow Althea’s inspirational journey as she overcomes the challenges faced by many Americans of her time. She was born into a poor family that left a life picking cotton in South Carolina with hopes for a better future in New York City. They arrived just in time to experience the worst years of the depression in the 1930’s. In spite of the difficult circumstances, with the love and support of her new community in Harlem, Althea found her purpose. She went from a thirteen year old girl who dropped out of school to the greatest tennis player in the world.

Althea’s story is an inspiration for girls who are passionate and strong but find it difficult to fit in. Her legendary real-life story is perfect to expose young girls and boys to an unsung history maker in American sports.

Memberships Only $24.95/year

Our well-illustrated biography book on Gibson is yet another story of self-determination. Check out a few pages:

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3- Where is Waldo? (Ralph Ellison)

Ralph Waldo Ellison was the first Black American to win the National Book Award, an award recognizing the best novel of the year. Learn about Ralph’s amazing journey as he overcomes boyhood tragedy to reach the top of his profession. Ralph shined shoes as a child to support his mother, but through hard work and determination, rose to change the American consciousness through literature.

This story of Ralph Ellison’s life is sure to inspire young and old alike. It is a perfect way to expose students of all backgrounds to an unsung history maker in American Literature.

Memberships Only $24.95/year

Check out a few pages from our well-illustrated biography book on Ellison:

4- General of State (Colin Powell)

Colin Powell was the first Black American to serve as the United States Secretary of State. Learn about Colin’s inspirational journey from soldier to diplomat. The son of immigrants, Colin was a hero who saved the lives of countrymen wounded in battle. His leadership was so respected by those around him, he became the youngest Joint Chiefs of Staff in the history of the US Military.

Colin’s real life story is perfect to teach little boys and girls the value of hard work and determination.

Memberships Only $24.95/year

Check out our well-illustrated biography book on Powell:

1- The Beloved Prize (Toni Morrison)

Pretty Brown Eyes

2- Gibson Grace (Althea Gibson)

Cotton Fields to Grass Courts

3- Where Is Waldo? (Ralph Ellison)

Is He Invisible?

4- General Of State (Colin Powell)

Leadership Personified

Loretto’s Rice: Lady of State

Stillman Music on the Main Quad

Condoleezza Rice was the first Black American woman to serve as United States Secretary of State. Learn about Condoleezza’s inspirational journey of discovery from humble beginnings in Birmingham, AL to the epicenter of political power in Washington, D.C. Follow her as she overcomes the challenges faced by women and girls who dare to dream big. From Stanford University to the Department of State, Dr. Rice shattered glass ceilings her entire career. Condoleezza’s real life story is perfect for the little girls who won’t let anything stop them from reaching their goals.

Felix Fast

Kingdom Speed

Kingdom Speed is a children’s book on the life and career of track and field legend Allyson Felix. Allyson is a little girl with big faith. Entertain and educate your children with her inspirational journey to Olympic gold. Allyson’s success and position at the top of her profession didn’t stop her from starting a beautiful family of her own. She overcomes a harrowing experience in childbirth and perseveres to compete in her fifth consecutive Olympics. Does her fairytale store end with one last Olympic gold medal? Boys and girls can look at Allyson’s life and know what’s possible when they have faith and dream big!