History

Sacagawea was only sixteen when she made one of the most remarkable journeys in American history, traveling 4500 miles by foot, canoe, and horse-all while carrying a baby on her back! Without her, the Lewis and Clark expedition might have failed. Through this engaging book, kids will understand the reasons that today, 200 years later, she is still remembered and immortalized on a new golden dollar coin. Ages 8-12. 112 pages. Paperback. Learn More

ABOUT WHO WAS QUEEN ELIZABETH? A teenager imprisoned in the dreaded Tower of London An admirer of William Shakespeare A beloved ruler known as “Good Queen Bess” Our bestselling series is fit for a queen! The life of Queen Elizabeth I was dramatic and dangerous: cast out of her father?s court at the age of three and imprisoned at nineteen, Elizabeth was crowned queen in 1558, when she was only twenty-five. A tough, intelligent woman who spoke five languages, Elizabeth ruled for over forty years and led England through one of its most prosperous periods in history. Over 80 illustrations bring ?Gloriana? and her court to life. Learn More

Every kid has heard of Harry Houdini, the famous magician who could escape from handcuffs, jail cells, and locked trunks. But do they know that the ever-ambitious and adventurous Houdini was also a famous movie star and the first pilot to fly a plane in Australia? This well-told biography is full of the details of Houdini’s life that kids will really want to know about and illustrated throughout with beautiful black-and-white line drawings. Paperback. 112 pages. Ages 8-12. Learn More

Ben Franklin was the scientist who, with the help of a kite, discovered that lightning is electricity. He was also a statesman, an inventor, a printer, and an author-a man of such amazingly varied talents that some people claimed he had magical powers! Full of all the details kids will want to know, the true story of Benjamin Franklin is by turns sad and funny, but always honest and awe-inspiring. Grades 3-5 Learn More

Why did one of the last Anglo-Saxon kings of England leave his throne when Sweyn Forkbeard and the Vikings invaded? In less than forty years, England changed hands forever. How did the life of the boy-king Ethelred alter English history? Parents and children alike will enjoy finding out.

This Who in the World biography gives even the youngest scholars the chance to build historical knowledge by discovering the true story of Ethelred and the colorful men and women who surrounded him during his reign. Correlates to Chapter 15 of The Story of the World, Volume 2.

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ABOUT WHERE WAS PATRICK HENRY ON THE 29TH OF MAY?

Newbery Honor author Jean Fritz makes Patrick Henry’s history come alive!

Patrick Henry wasn’t particularly well spoken. As a lawyer, he mumbled through some of his early cases. But when the issue was freedom, Patrick Henry was transformed into a natural orator. Jean Fritz makes history come alive as she chronicles the life of a man who moved a nation.

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ABOUT WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU’RE GOING, CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS?

Newbery Honor author Jean Fritz takes us on a historic tour of Christopher Colubus! ”In a simple, short biography of Columbus she has been extraordinarily successful in extracting the essence of the man.”—The Horn Book

Christopher Columbus thought he knew where he was going. He had planned to be the first to cross the ocean and reach the rich lands of the Indies. And when he returned to Spain, he insisted to everyone who would listen that he’d succeeded. But that wasn’t exactly true. Little did Columbus know that his mistake would come to be known as America!

“Fritz’s unconventional look at the great explorer who accidently discovered the New World reveals the navigator’s obstinate as well as his visionary side.”—School Library Journal

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ABOUT WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA, BEN FRANKLIN?

A fun historic tale by Newbery Honor-winning author, Jean Fritz! No matter how busy he was, Ben Franklin always found time to try out new ideas: a remote-control lock (so he could lock his door without getting out of bed), a rocking chair with a fan over it (to keep flies away), and a windmill (to turn his roast meat on its spit). Aside from being a mad of ideas, he was an ambassador to England, a printer, an almanac maker, a politician, and even a vegetarian (for a time, anyway).

“This biography is distinguished by its humanizing detail [and] amusing tone.” – School Library Journal

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ABOUT WHAT WAS THE GOLD RUSH?

Which of these facts are true?

Bedbug, Hangtown, and Murderer’s Gulch were mining camps

People poured into California to get rich quick

The largest nugget weighed 195 pounds In 1848, gold was discovered in California, attracting over 300,000 people from all over the world, some who struck it rich and many more who didn’t.

Hear the stories about the gold-seeking "forty-niners!"

With black-and white illustrations and sixteen pages of photos, a nugget from history is brought to life!

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Westward Movement from the "Spotlight on America" series by Teacher Created Resources. This series encourages students to take an in-depth view of the people and events of specific eras of American history. Nonfiction reading comprehension is emphasized along with research, writing, critical thinking, working with maps, and more. Topics include: Mountain Men; Trials West, On the Oregon Trail; Pioneer Life; Striking It Rich; Cowboy Life; Native Americans; 96 pages. Grades 5 and up.

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Focusing on the Lewis and Clark exploration, the expansion of the United States, and the California Gold Rush, Westward Expansion and Migration will show students how settlers packed up their families and made the long journey across the country to settle in new territories. Perfect to supplement your history curriculum, independent study, or at-home tutorials, this 128-page social studies resource book explores history, geography, and social studies with activities that involve critical thinking, writing, and technology.

By Carson Dellosa/Mark Twain Media

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For lovers of western lore and coloring book fans of all ages — 36 carefully researched and excellently rendered images of a keelboat approaching a thriving river town, fur traders being attacked by Indians, the dramatic rescue of the Donner party, a Mormon handcart company heading West, stagecoach robbers at work and more. Captions. Dover Original. 48 pages. Grades 5 and up. Learn More

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This study guide by Beautiful Feet is designed to cover the U.S. historical period know as the Western Expansion during the late 18th century through mid-19th century. Intended for 4th-7th graders, it comprises a sequel to the Early American History studies, however, neither of which are a prerequisite. Designed as a read-aloud program, with lesson plans, comprehension questions, historical helps, relevant websites, and answer keys the student will journey from the Appalachians to the Far West reading noted authors such as James Daugherty, Edwin Tunis, and Genevieve Foster. This study is can be completed in a semester doing three lessons per week. For those interested in including California History in this study, a companion Study Guide (sold separately) has been designed to integrate easily into this study if desired. Because the history of California was a significant part of the westward movement, the courses naturally work well together and the literature selections in the study will provide greater breath and content without unnecessary duplication. Two recommendations that would greatly enhance the Westward Migration study from the California tract are: Cruise of the Arctic Star by Scott O'Dell and Jessie Benton Fremont: California Pioneer by Marguerite Higgins

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On a blustery afternoon in 1902, Jimmy and Clara Blair observe a strange kite in the North Carolina sky over Kitty Hawk Peninsula. They soon meet the kite's flyers, a pair of bicycle mechanics from Ohio named Orville and Wilbur Wright, and assist the inventors in realizing their dream of human flight.

The We Were There series brings history to life for young readers with engaging, action-packed entertainment. These illustrated tales combine fictional and real-life characters in settings of landmark events from the past. All of the books are reviewed for accuracy and approved by expert historical consultants.

Reprint of the Grosset & Dunlop, New York, 1960 edition.

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Travel back to the 1860s to witness the dramatic track-laying contest between the Union and Central Pacific Railroads. Join Irish immigrants Sheamus and Nora Cullen and their children, Mike and Feena, as the family travels westward by freight car and riverboat to begin a new life on the American frontier.

The We Were There series brings history to life for young readers with engaging, action-packed entertainment. These illustrated tales combine fictional and real-life characters in settings of landmark events from the past. All of the books are reviewed for accuracy and approved by expert historical consultants.

Reprint of the Grosset & Dunlap, New York, 1960 edition.

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New England is ripe for revolution in the fall of 1773, and young Jeremy and Deliverance Winthrop are eager to play their part. The brother-and-sister duo join the conspiracy against the red-coated British "lobsterbacks," carrying messages from Sam Adams, Paul Revere, and other patriots to set the stage for the famous event in Boston Harbor.

The We Were There series brings history to life for young readers with engaging, action-packed entertainment. These illustrated tales combine fictional and real-life characters in settings of landmark events from the past. All of the books are reviewed for accuracy and approved by expert historical consultants.

Reprint of the Grosset & Dunlap, New York, 1956 edition.

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In the summer of 1863, a sleepy little Pennsylvania town explodes with action as Confederate and Union troops converge for a decisive Civil War battle. Jonathan Blayne and his sister Mary take part in the three-day conflict with a dramatic series of adventures that feature appearances by Lee, Lincoln, and other historical figures.

The We Were There series brings history to life for young readers with engaging, action-packed entertainment. These illustrated tales combine fictional and real-life characters in settings of landmark events from the past. All of the books are reviewed for accuracy and approved by expert historical consultants.

Reprint of the Grosset & Dunlap, New York, 1955 edition.

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We The People Your Constitution in Action by Pamela Manx. Encourages students to think of the Constitution as part of their own lives and their futures as they become the voters and leaders of tomorrow. This easy-to-use resource also links the Constitution to historical events, making it easy to incorporate the material into the study of American history. Includes answer key. Grades 5-9. 91 pages.

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Portraying the sterling character of this admired hero, Marrin paints a complete picture of this complex man. Divided between his dislike of slavery and his loyalty to his beloved Virginia, Lee rose from an impoverished and tragic childhood to become one of the greatest military minds America has ever known even while being lauded for his kind, generous leadership. Marrin writes of Lee while including the stories of the ordinary soldiers, the Johnny Rebs and Billy Yanks. The victories, defeats, successes and failures of each side are portrayed in vivid and personal detail. Used in the Literature Approach to U.S. and World History, from the Civil War to Vietnam study guide. 201 pgs Learn More

Meet Harald Bluetooth and his wife, Tove of Venden, as well as his parents, Gorm the Sleepy and Thyra Danebod, plus Ragnar Lothbrok, descendant of Odin, and Kraka, his shieldmaiden bride. These six dolls of legendary Viking kings and queens come with colorful wardrobes as well as interesting "Did You Know . . . ?" sidebars on each character.

Dover Original.

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Victory in the Pacific covers events from the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor through the battles of Midway, Guadalcanal, the Solomon Islands, Savo Island, the Doolittle raid on Tokyo, Corregidor Island, Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima , and Okinawa. In each case, readers see the battles through the eyes of the men who were there, landing on the beaches, running raids in PT boats, dodging kamikaze bombers, and flying missions over Japan. In an easily accessible style, Marrin relates not only the important details of these conquests but also explains the military strategies of both the Allied forces and the Japanese. Readers get an overarching view of the war that helps to bring understanding especially as American forces drew increasingly closer to Japan and the Japanese grew ever more determined to fight to the bitter end. Marrin helps readers to understand the Japanese mindset that made surrender impossible and ultimately led to the decision to drop the atomic bomb in the interests of saving millions of lives. For the young adult reader, or even an adult unfamiliar with this period of WWII history, this book provides a sobering but inspiring look and the men and women , the nations and ideologies, that battled over half a century ago in the Pacific theater. Illustrated with diagrams, maps and photographs. 212 pgs Learn More

Their Lives and Ideas, 21 Activities

By Carol Sabbeth

Vincent van Gogh’s admiration for and departure from Impressionism and his relationships with the other enthusiastic, like-minded artists who ultimately formed the Post-Impressionist movement are explained and explored in this collection of art activities for kids. Debunking the persistent stereotype of the mad pauper who cut off his ear, van Gogh is revealed as the serious boy who loved nature and reading and spoke four languages; the young man who took great satisfaction in the study of art, his successful career as a gallery salesman, and the “brotherhood of artists” he helped to create; and the increasingly troubled and ill man who cared deeply for family and friends and tried in vain to recover. Through a series of fun and creative projects, such as a Starry Night Peep Box, a Pointillist Sailboat, and a Japanese Fold-out Album, kids will be exposed to such art as van Gogh’s vibrant landscapes, Paul Signac’s Mediterranean Sea images in dazzling dots, and Paul Gauguin’s tropical landscapes in unnatural colors. Aspiring young artists and history buffs will learn whether or not these famous painters always got along, how they helped each other in the process, and what made Post-Impressionist art unlike anything ever painted.

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Takes readers back in time to illustrate the exciting happenings of daily life. Discover what life was really like in this action-packed adventure through history. Visit a castle during the Crusades, meet a ferocious band of Viking raiders, explore Rome when the Roman empire was at its height and take a trip down the Nile at a time when pharaohs ruled Egypt. Informative and amusing, this fully illustrated book contains four updated Usborne classics: Knights & Castles, Viking Raiders, Rome & Romans, Pharaohs & Pyramids. 32 pages. Ages 8+ Learn More

This information book provides a simple introduction to the world of the ancient Maya. It describes their bustling cities and tall temples, their religious beliefs, the customs of their kings and nobles, and their passion for cacao.

Series: Beginners

How many eyes do spiders have? What do fire fighters wear? What kind of truck can transport the space shuttle? Find the answers to these questions and lots more in these exciting books for children who are learning to read on their own.

Age 8 years and up

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