A tragedy that unfolded in multiple acts, Hurricane Katrina devestated the city of New Orleans. Without judgement, the author presents the errors made by leaders at various levels and shows the effects of poor decision-making. The book also addresses several rumors that got reported by the press that ultimately provided to be untrue. An interesting exploration of how a major weather event can have ...

Rising through poverty, lack of confidence, and other challenges, Edson Arantes do Nascimento becomes arguably the greatest soccer player ever, known to fans as Pelé.

Remarkable is not a strong enough word to describe Ida. B. Wells. She used her skills to attack injustice wherever she saw it, seemingly without fear. Journalist, activist, mother, writer—Wells was a voice for the oppressed in every role she filled. A very interesting biography of an amazing individual. Includes connections to the recently opened Memorial for Peace and Justice where Ida B. Wells ...

Grit flowed through Nellie Bly's veins. Undeterred at every turn, she became a successful journalist (multiple times), a world traveler, and one of the most famous people of her era. An unforgettable character beautifully and engagingly presented in this can't-stop-reading biography.

Mysterious and intriguing, Nikola Tesla was endlessly curious and an amazing thinker, able to produce working items without models or trial-and-error. (He just pictured it all in his head first!) Provides an in-depth glimpse of an innovator who is still discussed, debated, and revered.

The man who specialized in the larger-than-life led an extraordinary life himself. Growing up in a community of extreme practical jokers, young Taylor learned the power of storytelling and used it to his advantage (and the wonder of others) as he grew up. Barnum was also incredibly resilient, coming back from bankruptcy, fires, and other defeats to make his fame—ad that of others—even wider. G ...

Contains fascinating details while retaining its accessibility for young readers. Simple graphics help explain timelines and concepts without distracting from the incredible story of human flight. An excellent biography!

The morning of August 24, AD 79, seemed like any other in the Roman city of Pompeii. So no one was prepared when the nearby volcano Mount Vesuvius suddenly erupted, spouting ash that buried the city and its inhabitants. The disaster left thousands dead, and Pompeii was no more than a memory for almost 1,700 years. In 1748, explorers rediscovered the port city with intact buildings and beautiful mo ...

Junko Tabei of Japan is an intrepid young woman who loves climbing mountains. As a college student in Tokyo, she joins a post-war club of climbers and hones her mountaineering skills. After time she creates to an all-girls group and befriends Rumie, another female climber. Every weekend she and Rumie pursue multiple peaks at creative angles. While climbing with Rumie, a very famous climber notices ...

Lucy's frisky little puppy, Finn, gets into one scrape after another as Lucy and her family travel westward to Oregon by wagon train in 1843.

This latest addition to Harness's acclaimed picture-biographies portrays the life of James Adams, the nation's second president. Full color. Maps.

This fascinating new book takes readers into the secret world behind the Revolutionary War in which they can follow the escapades of spies and intelligence agents of the time and learn about the methods used in wartime espionage. Illustrations. Maps.

A father's gift of a harmonica brings a young boy comfort and ensures his survival. Inspired by the life of a Holocaust survivor, this award-winning book is now in paperback. Full color.

While the 1783 Treaty of Paris offered freedom to our original thirteen colonies, the unity required for cooperation and influence was nonexistent. Creatively presenting the process of collaboration, debate, and compromise, this book draws parallels to student experience, reiterates concepts through simple, then extended summaries in the afterword and author notes. Well crafted.

The amazing true story of the young woman who immortalized Lincoln's face in stone. Vinnie Ream is a small girl with a giant gift for sculpture. She starts by playing in the Wisconsin clay, but when the Civil War breaks out, her family moves to Washington D.C., setting Vinnie on a whole new path: apprentice to a famous sculptor, depictor of Congressmen and politicians, eventual sculptor of the Lin ...

A compelling sequel to Good-bye Marianne.

Nine-year-old Mary Ellen Todd, filled with the pioneer spirit, treks cross country in 1852 with her family in search of a better life. The Todds survive Indians and swollen rivers, but what will happen when mother has a new baby and winter arrives? Jean Van Leeuwen has written highly acclaimed book for both children and young adults, including Dear Mom, You're Ruining My Life.

Eleven-year-old Willie Johnston is the youngest soldier to win the Congressional Medal of Honor. According to this outstanding fictionalized account, Willie got into the Union army Òby accident.Ó His courageous participation in McClellan's Seven Day Campaign on the Virginia Peninsula was no accident however, but the result of tremendous determination. His experiences are typical to those o ...