Synopsis: A fun historic tale by Newbery Honor-winning author, Jean Fritz!No matter how busy he was, Ben Franklin always found time to try out new ideas: a remote-control lock (so he could lock his door without getting out of bed), a rocking chair with a fan over it (to keep flies away), and a windmill (to turn his roast meat on its spit). Aside from being a mad of ideas, he was an ambassador to England, a printer, an almanac maker, a politician, and even…

Synopsis: A biography examining the life of Benjamin Franklin and his leadership as a statesman, scientist, inventor, and printer. Written in graphic-novel format.

Synopsis: Tells the life story of President Thomas Jefferson, the individual who authored the Declaration of Independence. Written in graphic-novel format.

Synopsis: DK's Biography series for young readers features one of the best-known and most inspiring women of the 20th century -- Eleanor Roosevelt. A biography of the First Lady who, despite her shyness, followed her conscience and devoted her life to helping others and working for peace. Supports the Common Core State Standards.

Synopsis: Filled with archival photographs and amazing facts, this groundbreaking series introduces young readers to some of history's most interesting and influential characters. The series now features a refreshed design, taking the series' original look in a more modern direction. DK Biography: Thomas Edison tells the story of the famous inventor, from his childhood as an "addled" student, to his reign as the "Wizard of Menlo Park," where he developed…

Synopsis: From the critically acclaimed author of Float comes a new whirlwind adventure about a pair of kids who must break all the rules of time travel, perfect for fans of Gordon Korman and John David Anderson. Regan Fitz and Elliot Mason have been enemies since they started training to become Glitchers--people who travel through time to preserve important historical events. But everything changes when they find a letter from Regan's future self,…

Synopsis: "Grand adventure stories often begin where you least expect, Iris knows this because she's read them all. However, as a thirteen-year-old stuck in the tiny country town of Bugden, real adventure seems a distant dream. That doesn't bother Sam, Iris' best friend. For him, catching bugs and swimming in the lake is exciting enough. But when Iris and Sam stumble upon an unusually dry river on the outskirts of town, they're led to a discovery beyond…

Synopsis: In a unique mix of fact and fiction, this is the dramatic story of the Underground Railroad as seen through the eyes of two young girls--Eliza, a runaway slave, and Johanna, whose family gives her refuge. Kids will learn about life on a cotton plantation and about abolitionists who fought to have slavery made illegal. Activities include making a tin can lantern and locating the North Star, which guided many slaves to freedom. Beautifully…

Synopsis: The dramatic and unforgettable story of a girl and a family caught up in the turbulent days of the Depression from Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott Kind Award-winner Christopher Paul Curtis. "We are a family on a journey to a place called wonderful." This is the motto of Deza Malone's family, but the road is getting rocky.     Deza is the smartest girl in her class, singled out by teachers for a special path in life. But the Great Depression hit…

Synopsis: A touching memoir recounts the story of Hannah Goslar, a close friend of Anne Frank during her time in Amsterdam and one of the last people to see her alive after their detainment at a concentration camp. Reprint.

Synopsis: "This biography. . . tells the familiar, moving story of the determination of Louis Braille, who did more than anyone is history to bring blind people into the mainstream of life . . . Rigidly rendered b&w illustrations make the setting of the story real; useful diagrams of Braille's alphabet and the slate and stylus used to write are included . . . "--"Kirkus Reviews."

Synopsis: History comes alive - with ghosts! Anderson finds himself drawn to the old trunk full of military relics in the basement of his family's junkshop. His friends Greg and Julie warn him to stay away from it, but he can't help himself. This time Anderson finds a cool old grenade that has a strange message scratched into it. But an old grenade is dangerous . . . and so might be the ghost that appears with it: an intimidating soldier in army fatigues…

Synopsis: Though much of his early life remains a mystery, Blackbeard most likely began his life as Edward Teach in the sailing port of Bristol, England. He began his career as a hired British sailor during Queen Anne’s War. He eventually settled in the Bahamas under Captain Benjamin Hornigold who taught the young sailor to go "a-pirating." Soon enough, Blackbeard was commanding his own fleet and stealing ships around the Caribbean and up and down the…

Synopsis: Anne Frank lived a life filled with the enthusiasms and hopes shared by many young women coming into adulthood. But the times Anne lived in and wrote of in her diary made her simple life extraordinary. In over one hundred photographs, many which have never been published, this poignant memoir brings to life the harrowing story of one young Jewish woman's struggle to survive during a period of history which must never be forgotten."All libraries…

Synopsis: Named Temujin at birth by his nomadic family in early Mongolia, the great Genghis Khan used his skill and cunning to create the Mongol Empire and conquer almost the entire continent of Asia. As ruler of the largest empire in human history, he was as respected as he was feared. Learn more about the man and the legend in Who Was Genghis Khan?

Synopsis: Sun-hee and her older brother, Tae-yul, live in Korea with their parents. Because Korea is under Japanese occupation, the children study Japanese and speak it at school. Their own language, their flag, the folktales Uncle tells them--even their names--are all part of the Korean culture that is now forbidden. When World War II comes to Korea, Sun-hee is surprised that the Japanese expect their Korean subjects to fight on their side. But the…

Synopsis: Lyrical, breathtaking, splendid—words used to describe Allen Say’s Grandfather’s Journey when it was first published. At once deeply personal yet expressing universally held emotions, this tale of one man’s love for two countries and his constant desire to be in both places captured readers’ attention and hearts. Winner of the 1994 Caldecott Medal, it remains as historically relevant and emotionally engaging as ever.

Synopsis: Who's that walking along the Ohio? It's Johnny Appleseed! He walks across the land, planting trees wherever he goes. So, everyone, clap your hands for Johnny Appleseed!