Illus. with photographs from the Dust Bowl era. This true story took place at the emergency farm-labor camp immortalized in Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath. Ostracized as "dumb Okies," the children of Dust Bowl migrant laborers went without school--until Superintendent Leo Hart and 50 Okie kids built their own school in a nearby field.

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.

This short biography highlights the gentle character of Princess Di. It lays a foundation of her youth and servant’s spirit and how she carried that into her adult life and duties as a Princess. The biographers keep this story to the facts and appropriate for all ages.

If a life is spent focused on what is "deserved" but not given, what temptations will arise? A study in more than his most famous decision, this book gives readers a view of Arnold that, in part, explains how he turned traitor.

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 ...

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 ...

With remarkable and fascinating detail, this fast-paced book reveals the unfolding of D-Day. Related background is clearly explained, enabling readers to understand and appreciate the significance of this historic event.

This is a perfect blend of historical retelling and technical detail that shows the airship's place in the evolution of flight. The story-like text presents airships within the context of world events, helping readers understand the influence one had on the other, and how these influences may have contributed to the Hindenburg's demise. Compelling and instructive reading.

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 ...

Provides a fascinating account of the background and unfolding of a major spark of the American Revolution. Far from what many imagine the protest was like, the actual details are far more nuanced and interesting.

Marco Polo was seventeen when he set out for China . . . and forty-one when he came back! More than seven hundred years ago, Marco Polo traveled from the medieval city of Venice to the fabled kingdom of the great Kublai Khan, seeing new sights and riches that no Westerner had ever before witnessed. But did Marco Polo experience the things he wrote about . . . or was it all made-up? Young readers a ...

Profiling the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean in 1932, this age-appropriate biography explores Earhart's early years as an aviation pioneer and her mysterious disappearance in 1937. Illustrations.

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!

"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- ...

Sojourner Truth traveled the country in the latter half of the 19th century as one of the most powerful voices speaking out against slavery. Through her own story, Sojourner helped people understand the hideous truth about slavery. An ALA Notable Children's Book. Illustrations.

The Great Depression hits close to home for 11-year-old Margo Bandini when the sheriff starts eviction procedures against her family. Her father has two weeks to pay the bank or they must leave their home forever. Margo is determined to find a way to help Papa save their home, in this debut novel based on the author's own experiences.

As in years past, Lily will spend the summer in Rockaway, in her family's house by the Atlantic Ocean. But this summer of 1944, World War II has changed everyone's life. Lily's best friend, Margaret, has moved to a wartime factory town and Lily's father is going overseas to the war. There's no one Lily's age in Rockaway until Albert comes, a refugee from Hungary with a secret sewn into his coat. A ...

From the author of the Newbery Honor Book "Lily's Crossing" comes this story of a city girl and a country boy, brought together in 1941 through their love of the Brooklyn Dodgers in a winning novel about the transforming power of friendship. Now available in paperback.