History

Christopher Columbus by Stephen Krensky. A Step 3 reading on your own book, this is the story of three small ships and a huge, unknown sea. Travel with Christopher Columbus and his crew on their brave voyage of discovery. 48 pp. Learn More

With 21 Activities

By Ronald A. Reis

Taking a comprehensive, nuanced, and inclusive approach to Christopher Columbus, this illuminating biography with activities for young readers places him in the context of the explorations that came before, during, and after his lifetime. It portrays the “Admiral of the Ocean Seas” neither as hero nor heel, but as a flawed and complex man whose significance is undeniably monumental. Providing kids, parents, and teachers with a fuller picture of the seafaring life and the dangers and thrills of exploration, author Ronald Reis details all four of Columbus’s voyages to the New World, not just his first, and describes the year that Columbus spent stranded on the island of Jamaica without hope of rescue. A full chapter is devoted to painting a more complete and complex portrait of the indigenous peoples of the New World and another to the consequences of Columbus’s voyages—the exchange of diseases, ideas, crops, and populations between the New World and the Old. Engaging cross-curricular activities, such as taking nautical measurements, simulating a hurricane, making an ancient globe, and conducting silent trade, elucidate nautical concepts introduced and the times in which Columbus lived.

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Christopher Colombus First Voyage to America From the Log of the "Santa Maria". Follow Christopher Columbus on his journeys from the log of the Santa Maria. Includes daily accounts of the trip. Illustrated. Softcover 90 pages. Learn More

From the “most celebrated and best-loved British historian in America” (Wall Street Journal), an elegant, concise, and revealing portrait of Winston Churchill

In Churchill, eminent historian Paul Johnson offers a lively, succinct exploration of one of the most complex and fascinating personalities in history. Winston Churchill’s hold on contemporary readers has never slackened, and Johnson’s analysis casts new light on his extraordinary life and times. Johnson illuminates the various phases of Churchill’s career—from his adventures as a young cavalry officer in the service of the empire to his role as an elder statesman prophesying the advent of the Cold War—and shows how Churchill’s immense adaptability and innate pugnacity made him a formidable leader for the better part of a century. Johnson’s narration of Churchill’s many triumphs and setbacks, rich with anecdote and quotation, illustrates the man’s humor, resilience, courage, and eccentricity as no other biography before, and is sure to appeal to historians and general nonfiction readers alike.

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The superb design, magnifcent illustrations, and clearly presented information that distinguish all of David Macaulary's books is nowhere more evident than in this marvelous creation of the imaginary Roman city of Verbonia. Through his impressively detailed drawings and clear descriptive text, Macaulay shows how superbly the Romans build new and exciting, yet functional, cities for the people who were to inhabit them. Learn More

City of God By AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO Translated by Henry Bettenson

St Augustine, bishop of Hippo, was one of the central figures in the history of Christianity, and City of God is one of his greatest theological works. Written as an eloquent defence of the faith at a time when the Roman Empire was on the brink of collapse, it examines the ancient pagan religions of Rome, the arguments of the Greek philosophers and the revelations of the Bible. Pointing the way forward to a citizenship that transcends the best political experiences of the world and offers citizenship that will last for eternity, City of God is one of the most influential documents in the development of Christianity.

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Civil War 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: Caused of the Civil War; Leaders from the South; Civil War Battles; A Soldier's Life; Reconstruction; Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. 80 pages. Grades 4-8.

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Both sides had magnificent banners. When the pictures are colored, you will have the most colorful collection since the days of the blue and gray. From Bellerophon Books. Learn More

Here is Gen. Stonewall Jackson. The stories of great generals of both sides and of their famous battles, cornerstones of American History, should be known by every child. From Bellerophon Books. Learn More

Meticulously rendered toy soldier collection in paper form includes easy-to-assemble, free-standing Union and Confederate soldiers, cannons, tents, flags, more — all in full color. 16 color plates. From Dover. Learn More

Accurate representations of period apparel depict 21 Confederate uniforms, 24 Union uniforms, different ranks, states, units; historical figures include Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee, David G. Farragut, and others — shown in color on covers. Descriptive captions From Dover. Learn More

Her Life and World, with 21 Activities

By Simonetta Carr

An in-depth, hands-on study of ancient Egypt's most famous figure

This fascinating biography captures the excitement of Cleopatra's story and leads readers to draw their own conclusions. Photos, maps, charts, sidebars, and a time line enrich the book, while 21 hands-on, interdisciplinary activities allow kids to step back in time and try their hand at Egyptian art and poetry and to experience how Egyptians freshened their breath, transported heavy obelisks, and much more.

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An Activity Guide to Life in the New World

By Laurie Wiin Carlson

Young adventurers can learn about the settling of America while enjoying activities like stitching a sampler, pitching horseshoes, making an almanac, churning butter, and more.

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The finest example of early Christian art of its kind and one of the most beautiful books of the early Middle Ages, The Book of Kells is an illuminated copy of the four gospels of the New Testament in Latin. For this striking coloring book, the artist has expertly rendered 28 full-page black-and-white reproductions of the book's elaborate artistic ornamentation. Included are eye-catching borders filled with abstract Celtic spirals and interlacements, celestial figures, images of saints, members of the Holy Family, as well Celtic crosses and other finely detailed floral, animal, human, and fantastic elements. A Dover publication.

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As is their custom, the d'Aulaires have thoroughly researched their subject in order to provide the most historically accurate account of the life of the man Samuel Eliot Morrison called "the greatest mariner that ever lived." In their pursuit, the d'Aulaires traveled to Spain, Portugal, and the Caribbean Islands to research original documents on the life of Columbus. Their text reflects many little- known facts not generally included in the typical biographies of Columbus. Readers will learn that it was the saga of Leif Erickson that was one of the inspirations for Columbus's voyage to the East. They will also learn that Columbus was such a skilled astronomer that he knew the exact date when the next eclipse of the moon was and used that knowledge to his advantage. They will also learn that though "Columbus was a great man, he was not a modest man. He wanted too much, and so he did not get enough" (54). This book is lavishly illustrated with the d'Aulaire's detailed lithographs in four colors. 54 pgs Learn More

Cowboys of the Old West Coloring Book includes terrific illustrations and several images of cowboy activities from different states. All ages. From Dover. Learn More

In The Cruise of the Arctic Star, O'Dell takes a voyage up the length of the California coast in his cedar-hulled offshore cruiser named Arctic Star. With his wife Elizabeth along as skilled navigator and cook, a friend Del as cohort and deckhand, and an unpredictable hired hand named Rodney Lambert, the crew journeys up the coast and experiences first hand the delights and drama of life at sea along this beautiful shoreline. Along the way, the author relates the colorful narratives of California's past through the stories of men and women like Cabrillo, Viscaino, Junipero Serra, Kate Sessions, Kit Carson, Jedediah Smith and many more. Drawing from journals of other notable visitors like Richard Henry Dana, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Sir Francis Drake, readers are given a window into life in California hundreds of years ago. 220 pages. Reading level - 4th through 8th grade. From Beautiful Feet Books. Softcover. O'Dell offers readers dramatic incidents seldom featured in text books on California history - like the worst peacetime disaster in the history of the United States Navy that occurred in the treacherous Jaws of the Devil near Point Conception. Readers will delight in the story of Jedediah Strong Smith's wrestling with a grizzly and the wilderness friend who stitched his ear and face back together - with no anesthesia, of course! Pirates have to play a part in a land so rich in coastline - and they do, with buried treasure on a Southern California isle known as Dead Man's Island. The stories of the discoverers, explorers and settlers of California have never been drawn so delightfully as they are under O'Dell's pen. With his love of his native state, his knowledge of the landscape, sea life, and historical past of this region, O'Dells work continues to stand as an important contribution to the rich literature of the Golden State. Learn More

Relive the excitement and bustle of life in an early New England seaport, where men unloaded barrels of whale oil from waiting boats, the smell of freshly caught clams cut through the salty air, and the bell of a distant lighthouse tolled a melancholy sound. Inspired by the famous seaport restoration of Mystic, Connecticut, this full-color replica re-creates scenes of bygone days, when fishing, whaling, and shipbuilding made seaports important centers of American life.

Complete step-by-step instructions and exploded diagrams explain how to cut, fold, and assemble 11 three-dimensional buildings accurately rendered on heavy card stock. They include a Lighthouse, Captain's House, Cooper's Shop, Ship Chandlery, Fish Shack, Lifesaving Station, Tavern, Shipsmith's Shop, Clam House, Sparmaker's Shop, and Outhouse. You'll also find a full array of boats, a wagon, a pier, and shop signs — everything you need to build this authentic model of a nineteenth-century seaport. Informative captions relate the function of each building and a brief Introduction supplies fascinating historical background.

Dover Original.

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Cut & Assemble the White House by Dover Publications. Build a magnificent replica of the most famous house in the United States. Follow these complete, simple instructions and clear diagrams to create an expertly designed, beautifully crafted, authentically detailed model of the White House. On a 1-to-10 scale of difficulty in which 10 represents the hardest level, this easy but elaborate model rates as a 2. it's printed in full-color on heavy cardstock at N scale. Appropriate for ages 10 and up, this model appeals to hobbyists of all ages and makes a great family activity. The complete model measures 9 3/4" by 8 1/2"d by 4 1/2"h.

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Hours of action await young commanders with this authentic collection of nearly 100 free-standing, easy-to-assemble, two-sided paper soldiers. Step-by-step instructions make assembling the soldiers and their accoutrements easy. These sturdy World War II-era GIs are depicted in a variety of action poses, including wielding bazookas, firing mortars and machine guns, clearing mines, and digging trenches. Plenty of accessories include a tank, field gun, flag, and pup tents.

Hobbyists of all ages will enjoy rallying the troops and taking command of these durable soldiers, who promise to survive countless lively engagements.

Dover Original.

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D'Aulaire's Book of Greek Myths.

While Rome illuminates the formation of governments and societies, Greece illuminates the human condition. Introduce your students to the kinds of characters they will surely meet in life through the entertaining and exaggerated stories of the Greek gods. You will want to read it to your family first and then let your children read the stories again and again. The beautiful artwork is a wonderful teaching tool that allows you to ask questions about each detail. Greek myths are timeless and universal stories that serve as archetypes for the human character and the search for the divine.

Here are the gods, goddesses, and legendary figures of ancient Greece. In a relaxed and humorous tone, these splendid artists bring to life the myths that have inspired great Euopean literature and art through the ages, creating a book readers or all ages will cherish. This is an ideal beginning book for your child’s classical education journey, regardless of age!

Superbly written and illustrated, this classic introduces timeless tales that have enchanted people for thousands of years. Because they are everywhere in Western art and literature, Greek myths are the essential background for a classical education. You can hardly read Shakespeare without them!

Each of the 30 lessons in the Student Guide presents important facts to know, vocabulary, comprehension questions, and a picture review and activities section. It also points out the many references to Greek mythology in the modern world.

Softcover . Teacher guide (Item #4559) and Student Book (Item #4514) published by Memoria Press are available separately.

Grades 3-8

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Useful as mental warm-ups at the start of a class, time fillers at class's end, or transitions in the middle, 180 quick questions (arranged chronologically from the first hominids to the 9/11 terrorist attacks) test knowledge, challenge research skills, or demand critical thinking.

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The man most responsible for settling Kentucky, frontiersman Daniel Boone (1734–1820) spent most of his life in the wild, exploring unmapped spaces. This collection of 30 captioned, realistic drawings depicts, among other scenes, the famous American pioneer captured by Shawnees (1769), blazing a trail known as the "Wilderness Road" (1775), leading settlers to Kentucky (1779), serving in the Virginia Assembly (1791), traveling with his extended family to Spanish-held Missouri (1799), and volunteering to serve in the War of 1812. Dover Original. Learn More

Days of the Knights Lev 4 Rdr Learn More