In 1802, Jean-Francois Champollion was eleven years old. That year, he vowed to be the first person to read Egypt's ancient hieroglyphs. Champollion's dream was to sail up the Nile in Egypt and uncover the secrets of the past, and he dedicated the next twenty years to the challenge.James Rumford introduces the remarkable man who deciphered the ancient Egyptian script and fulfilled a lifelong dream ...

This classic is a powerful story of love, prejudice, and survival. Set during World War II, two survivors--a white boy and an old West Indian man--from a torpedoed American freighter have much to learn from each other when the Germans invade the small island of Curacao.

A Newbery Medalist offers a new pirate adventure set in San Diego, California, in 1846. Twelve-year-old Shipwreck, a cabin boy on the pirate ship "The Giant Rat of Sumatra," is so named because he survived a shipwreck. This is his story. Illustrations.

In 1607, three English ships sail up the James River in Virginia and establish the first permanent English colony. Nine-year-old Elizabeth "Lizzie" Barker keeps a journal for her brother, Caleb, who stayed in England because of his weak lungs. In her entries, Lizzie describes the abundant forests, trading with and learning from the Indians, and adventures with her new friends.

A beautiful message conveyed here: true freedom allows for the right to be a servant to others.

"I believe I can just see you on the streets of that bright city." Gran's gone now, but her words live on with Nicholas Dray, almost twelve, as he makes his way from the hot cotton fields to that Queen of Cities: San Francisco. Nick's on his own for the first time, with nowhere to turn. Then he meets jaunty, talkative Pat Patterson, owner of the most beautiful store-and the friendliest golden dog- ...

It's a race against time! Abigail and her friends can't believe it -- Babs Magee has finally convinced someone to quit, and that someone is Benjamin Franklin! Babs is making a terrible mess of history, and it's up to the third-grade time-travelers to put things right. But no matter how far back the kids go, Babs is always one step ahead of them. Will they be able to find Ben and stop Babs in tim ...

Fascinating approach to this legend combines poetry, free verse, historical factoids, and representational illustrations. Intriguing!

This memorable story full of moral struggles is fast-paced and has a sensational ending.

The Navajo tribe's forced march from their homeland to Fort Sumner by white soldiers and settlers is dramatically and courageously told by young Bright Morning.

At six years old, Ruby faced a crowd whose simmering anger would shrivel the most resolute soul. This book's spreads carefully accentuate Ruby with color just a shade brighter than everything else. And, her family's faith speaks just a little louder than the surrounding turmoil, eventually turning heads and softening hearts. A beautiful portrayal of courage, forgiveness, and trust in God for stren ...

Based on a true story, young Sadako faces the battle of her life when she is diagnosed with "atomic bomb disease" (leukemia). She turns to her native Japanese beliefs and makes one thousand paper cranes so the gods will grant her wish to be well.

Paul Revere didn't make his famous midnight ride alone. Meet a patriot unlike any other: Scheherazade, the mare who doesn't mind mentioning she was once the fastest and most admired horse in the King's army. But on arrival in America, Sherry is quickly let down by her British rider and recruited by Sam Adams to join the Sons of Liberty. Before long, she finds herself teamed with Raul Revere to pla ...

The sheer will to survive propels Matt through this historical adventure. As he races time to complete his dangerous mission while saving himself, his sister, and his friends, Matt finds himself caught up in the lives of those living this period of history. He witnesses the complexities of the American Revolution and with each decision he makes, his life and beliefs hang in the balance. This book ...

Patricia Reilly Giff creates a gentle and beautiful story of finding one’s way and place in the world. Two stories, one set during the early days of the America Revolution and the other set in the present, interweave and leave the reader aware and appreciative of the gifts of individuality each person possesses. A well-crafted, affecting reading experience!

The year is 1942, and Norway is under Nazi occupation. Twelve-year-old Marit has decided to take action, despite her grandfather's warnings. But will her plan work? Can she really complete her part of this secret code? And even if she can, would it make any difference to the Resistance?As this novel reveals what Norwegian people did to preserve their dignity and freedoms, it uncovers a startling s ...

During a trip to secure funding for the struggling revolution, Benjamin Franklin gets pulled into a scientific quandary involving a Dr. Mesmer, the human mind, and the first use of a "blind study" in scientific research. This unforgettable story is complemented by intriguing and intricate illustrations, creating a truly mesmerizing reading experience. Highly recommended!

Courage can require more than a brave act; it can call on on to overcome the past and its associated fears to act for the benefit of others. This story, set in Northeastern Pennsylvania's col country, explores themes of courage, family, friendship, and acceptance. A gentle yet powerful reading experience.