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 ...

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.

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.

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.

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.

A celebration of our nation's melting pot, this beautifully illustrated origin story of the Statue of Liberty honors a poet who has advocated for the voiceless. "Give me your tired, your poor Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free . . . " In 1883, Emma Lazarus, deeply moved by an influx of immigrants from eastern Europe, wrote a sonnet that gave a voice to the Statue of Liberty. Originally ...

When the United States enters World War II, Molly is attending Beechwood Elementary. But her thoughts are with Ted Walker, her neighbor, who is serving aboard a cruiser in the South Atlantic. Three years later, the war is still going on and Molly is in the fourth grade. Ted is still at sea, as a naval officer of the USS Albacore, a submarine in the Pacific Ocean. Orchard Road feels like the safest ...

Love and patience enable the young protagonist to reevaluate and accept the past, deal effectively with the present and hope for the future. Unique free verse presentation.

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 ...

This book should win an award for its marriage of creative design, storytelling, and journalism. The first of a planned trilogy, this "docu-novel" capitalizes on Wiles' ability to evoke empathy for her characters while expertly weaving together a time-period collage of images and headlines that set a marked tone and mood for the storyline. Political events impact family and community, and striking ...

It's 1962, and it seems everyone is living in fear. Eleven-year-old Franny Chapman lives with her family in Washington, D.C., during the days surrounding the Cuban Missile Crisis. Amidst the pervasive threat of nuclear war, Franny must face the tension between herself and her younger brother, figure out where she fits in with her family, and look beyond outward appearances.

Little Charlie is but a 12-year-old sharecropper’s son. When his father dies, Charlie is bribed to join a cruel slave catcher on a mission to Dee-troit for two runaways. The journey is bitter, and the Cap’n he accompanies is evil, lying to everyone along the way. Charlie desperately needs the money but does not trust the Cap’n. On his journey Charlie learns of the brutal punishments for slav ...

Eleven-year-old Danny Crane is alone on his favorite beach in Hawaii when the world is torn apart and World War II officially hits the United States. Does he have what it takes to find his way home in the midst of the bombs, the smoke, and the destruction of the day that will live in infamy?

The fast-paced story captures the desperation some families experienced when the Berlin Wall was erected. As the protagonist and her brother face critical decisions, readers will explore their own thinking and possible choices given the story's extraordinary circumstances. The result is a reading-based thrill ride.

As he does in Chasing Lincoln's Killer, Swanson captures the drama, tension, and suspense of the devastating assassination and the determined pursuit of the murderer. This is history that reads like a thriller. Highly recommended, especially for young adult readers.

A riveting retelling of the events surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Combining gripping , fast-moving narrative and photographs, Swanson brings history to life. A mesmerizing reading experience!

With stunning illustrations, unique fonts, and surprising extra features on every page, this book is a delightful introduction to the creativity and determination of Tony Sarg. Detailing his quest to create, and all the ways he made choices and adjustments as he worked to conquer new projects, this book inspires readers of all ages to think critically and find the confidence to solve problems of a ...

Set in 17th-century Korea, this story is of a young girl who yearns to see what lies beyond the walls of her family's home and enlarge her world. Illustrations.