Rachel Ruiz
Picture Books

When Penny Met POTUS
Grades Pre-K - 3
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Penny's mom works in a big white house for a boss named POTUS. POTUS? Just who or -- what -- is a POTUS? When Penny goes to
work with her mom one day, she sneaks out of her office on a mission to find out! When Penny finally finds POTUS, she -- and readers - are
in for a big surprise!

When Rosa Parks Went Fishing
​Grades 2 - 3
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No discussion of the Civil Rights Movement is complete without the story of Rosa Parks. But what was this activist like as a child? Readers young and old(er) will be inspired by the experiences that shaped one of the most important civil rights leaders in history.

When Hillary Rodham Clinton Played Ice Hockey
Grades 2 - 3
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Hillary Rodham Clinton has always dreamt big, and achieved big,
but she didn't become one of the most significant woman in U.S. history overnight. She was a little kid, organizing neighborhood carnivals and playing backyard ice hockey. This book follows the ups and downs young Hillary faced, and will encourage young readers to pursue their own big dreams.
Early ChapteR Books


The Runaway Robot (Superhero Harry)
Grades K - 3
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For Harry’s latest invention, he’s building a super robot. But when Harry brings his robot to school, things don’t go as planned. because the robot seems to have a mind of his own! Can Harry regain control of his invention before it causes chaos all over Parker Elementary? This book includes a glossary, discussion questions, and writing prompts.

The Recess Bully (Superhero Harry)
Grades K - 3
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Harry used to love recess, but when a new kid starts picking on Harry and his friends, nobody likes recess anymore! Harry decides to use one of his super inventions to teach the bully a lesson. But will it work or will it backfire? This book includes a glossary, discussion questions, and writing prompts.

The Wild Field Trip (Superhero Harry)
Grades K - 3
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Harry and his classmates are enjoying a super fun day at the zoo. But when Harry accidentally unlatches a gate that lets the monkeys free, it's mass chaos! Harry tries to use one of his super inventions to get the monkeys back into their habitat, but in the end, Harry will have to use his super smarts to save the day! This book includes a glossary, discussion questions, and writing prompts.
Graphic novel

Great Lives: Martin Luther King Jr.​
Grades 3-6
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Have you ever wondered how Martin Luther King Jr.'s early experiences and beliefs shaped him to become the leader of the American civil rights movement? This is the story of King retold as a graphic novel. Readers will learn about the pivotal moments of King's life, from his childhood in Atlanta to his leading role in the civil rights movement.
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Penny's Story

The idea for When Penny Met POTUS came to Rachel after working as a campaign staffer for President Obama's re-election effort in Chicago in 2012.
Her then 3-year-old had a lot of questions about the word POTUS, and Rachel assumed other kids probably did too!
When Penny Met POTUS was published in 2016, and hit #1 on Amazon's Hot New Releases in Children's Books.
Praise for Penny & POTUS
"A furry blue monster stuffed into a business suit, complete with a Secret Service team." -- Publisher's Weekly
"As a sweet, simple mini explainer of a very specific bit of jargon, it works." -- Kirkus Reviews
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"That Penny’s surprise isn’t about the president being a woman is a sly and winning detail." -- Booklist