Revealing stories from America's past

Calkins Creek Books introduces children to the many people, places, and events that shaped our country's history. Our picture books, chapter books, and novels—nonfiction and historical fiction for ages eight and up—combine original and extensive research with creative, energetic writing. History is key at Calkins Creek-front and center. Our authors transport their readers back in time to recognizable places with living and breathing people.

Latest news, reviews, and honors:

White Ox, The

"From the vivid cover art…to the last double-page spread…the art is the star of this book. Hailstone's serviceable narrative describes the real-life journey of ten-year-old Emily Swain Squires (her great-great grandmother), who traveled ahead of her family from England to Salt Lake City around 1863. … Children will be swept up by the lovely art and the tale of Emily's remarkable journey." —Kirkus Reviews

"[T]he tale has heft as well as heart, and the telling makes it real through details of the journey... Dramatic and often beautiful, the double-page paintings also bring the characters and settings to life." —Booklist

Comfort

"The continuation of this determined protagonist's story is even richer than the first installment. ... While readers of Blue will be instantly drawn into this sequel, Comfort stands alone, and newcomers will find much to appreciate in Ann Fay's attempts to come to terms with the confusion around her. Hostetter's beautiful story about rebuilding, with absorbing back matter about post-traumatic stress disorder and disability rights, is exceptional historical fiction." —School Library Journal

Voyages

"Imagine finding an old journal in the attic, a journal with pages worn and brown with age and written by Abraham Lincoln. That's the feeling readers will have when they pick up this handsome volume that tells the story of young Abraham Lincoln's voyages up and down the Mississippi, his pride at earning money by his own ‘honest labor’ and his horror at witnessing slaves being taken to auction in New Orleans. … [T]he art is striking…" —Kirkus Reviews

"The nostalgic design, featuring a distressed sepia-toned appearance and the author’s own illustrations, further adds to the book’s appeal." —Booklist