Truth be told: real stories are the inspiration for several recent books for kids and young adults.

Champions on the Bench: The Cannon Street YMCA All-Stars By Carole Boston Weatherford Illustrations by Leonard Jenkins Dial Books for Young Readers, January 2007 $16.99, ISBN 0-803-72987-2 Ages 5 and up

The teammates of the Cannon Street YMCA Little League, in South Carolina, are excited about playing in the state tournament. Suddenly, the tournament becomes a whites-only tournament and Cleveland and his teammates' hopes are diminished. Although the story takes a heartwarming turn in the end, its topic of segregation and racism during the 1950s is always disheartening. Jenkins's color-rich illustrations reflect the mood of the young narrator.

Wind Flyers By Angela Johnson, illustrated by Loren Long Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers January 2007, $16.99, ISBN 0-689-84879-7 Ages 5-9

Retelling a story about the Tuskegee Airmen is always welcome. In this uplifting book, the author tells of a young boy's uncle who became an Airman with the 332nd Fighter Group. The full-page illustrations are airy and brightly colored, and they complement the quick and uncomplicated story, which reminds readers that dreams can be fulfilled.

Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria By Kyra E. Hicks Illustrated by Lee Edward Fodi Brown Books Publishing Group January 2007, $16.95, ISBN 1-933-28559-7 Ages 7-11

This true pre-Civil War story begins with young Martha Ann, at age 12, whose freedom is bought by her father, who then moves his family to Liberia. Throughout her life, Martha Ann is determined to get an education and to visit Queen Victoria for she believes the Queen "is a true friend to our people." The pastel drawings are delightful; and readers will be intrigued by the events of the story and wonder if Martha Ann will ever take her trip.

The Other Mozart: The Life of the Famous Chevalier de Saint-George By Hugh Brewster Illustrated by Eric Velasquez Abrams Books for Young Readers February 2007, $18.95, ISBN 0-810-95720-5 Ages 8-14

Here is the little-known biography of Joseph Bologne, the son of slave and a wealthy French nobleman, who moved from Guadeloupe to Paris, where he was educated as a young aristocrat. Christened the Chevalier de Saint-George, Joseph became a champion swordsman, an accomplished composer and violinist.

The Other Mozart is a great introduction to the life of Saint-George, and it also gives historical facts about France during the 18th century. Velasquez's drawings are dramatically featured alongside archival paintings.

Ain't Nobody a Stranger to Me By Ann Grifalconi, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney Jump at the Sun/Hyperion Books for Children April 2007, $16.99, ISBN0-786-81857-0 Ages 5-9

A grandfather tells his granddaughter the story of his escape from slavery, being helped by a Quaker on the Underground Railroad and finally settling in North.

The story of the man's determination is described as "loosely based on the story of a former slave." Pinkney, once again, provides affectionate illustrations to a moving story.

God, Can You Hear Me? By Justine Simmons Paintings by Robert Papp Amistad/HarperCollins, February 2007 $16.99, ISBN 0-061-15397-6 Ages 5-10

Justine Simmons, the wife of ordained minister Joseph Simmons (Rev. Run), invites children to share their questions with God--about everything from being the child of a single parent to race and body image--and offers responses that are often oversimplified but comforting never the less.