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: Beginning with Thomas Edison’s childhood, when he set up his first laboratory in his basement as a 10-year-old, and following through his many jobs before he was able to support himself as an inventor, this is the true story of the man who brought the world the phonograph, motion pictures, and even the electric light bulb—revolutionary inventions that forever changed the way people live.“One of the most critically acclaimed, best-selling…

Synopsis: With a forward by Mrs. Laura Bush, and created in collaboration with the White House Historical Association, The White House tells the authoritative story of the building and its inhabitants. Through fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpses of the White House captured in more than 200 photographs, many of which were taken specifically for the book, and unprecendented personal interviews with the staff so that their faces and voices could be…

Synopsis: A woman writer gives the United States one of its most beloved songsColorful, lively, and carefully researched, here is a picture book about the trip west that a young Wellesley professor took, which resulted in an expression of hope for America's spiritual life that has stirred citizens of all ages ever since. In 1893, when she was thirty-four, Katharine Lee Bates was invited to teach summer school in Colorado Springs. Crossing the country, and…

Synopsis: Presenting documents from the Mayflower Compact to Hillary Rodham Clinton's speech at the UN Conference on Women, this is an elegant addition to more traditional histories for children. The words of politicians, activists, dreamers, and writers are accompanied by an introductory text, biographies, and an overview of the documents' impact on the nation.

Synopsis: Award-winning and critically acclaimed author Candace Fleming presents the edge-of-your-seat true story of the search for Tutankhamun's tomb, the Western public's belief that the dig was cursed, and the battle for ownership of the treasures within.Scholastic Focus is the premier home of thoroughly researched, beautifully written, and thoughtfully designed works of narrative nonfiction aimed at middle-grade and young adult readers. These books…

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: More than two thousand years ago, with his land under constant attack from nomads, the First Emperor of China came up with a simple solution: build a wall to keep out enemies. It was a wall that kept growing and growing. But its construction came at a huge cost: it is believed that more than a million Chinese died building it, earning the wall its nickname--the longest cemetery on earth. Through the story of the wall, Patricia Brennan Demuth is…

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: A collection of gripping true-life accounts of children struggling through and surviving the Holocaust. By her ninth birthday, Halina Litman understood what her Jewish faith meant to the German occupiers of her town: death. Would she be able to escape? Follow Halina's gripping story, along with other incredible, true-life accounts of children in the Holocaust.These survivors put up secret resistance, used false identities, and deceived the…

Synopsis: Tells the stories of 10 Jewish children who survived the Holocaust.

Synopsis: Get ready . . . you're a princess born into the Egyptian royal family. But it's not easy living in the palace.This interactive series will enthrall young and reluctant readers (Ages 8-12) by making them part of the story, inviting them to become the main character. Each book uses humorous illustrations to depict the sometimes dark and horrific side of life during important eras in history. From family betrayals to Roman generals, you will…

Synopsis: Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston recalls her childhood at a Japanese incarceration camp in this engrossing memoir that has become a staple of curriculum in schools and on campuses across the country. This special 50th-anniversary edition features a new cover, a foreword by New York Times bestselling and acclaimed author Traci Chee, and photographs of life at the camp by Toyo Miyatake. During World War II the incarceration camp called Manzanar was…

Synopsis: A young knight-in-training has so much to do-learn about arms and armor, assist a squire, attend a medieval banquet, tilt at the quintain-and prepare to be "dubbed!" This is a surefire, nonfiction subject for newly independent readers.

Synopsis: Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born in 1869 in British-occupied India. Though he studied law in London and spent his early adulthood in South Africa, he remained devoted to his homeland and spent the later part of his life working to make India an independent nation. Calling for non-violent civil disobedience, Gandhi led India to independence and inspired movements for civil rights around the world. Gandhi is recognized internationally as a…

Synopsis: From the palaces of Austria to the mirrored halls of Versailles, Marie Antoinette led a charmed life. She was born into royalty in 1755 and married the future king of France at age 15. By 21 she ascended to the throne and enjoyed a lavish lifestyle of masquerade balls, sky-high wigs, and extravagant food. But her taste for excess ruffled many feathers. The poor people of France blamed Marie Antoinette for their poverty. Her spending helped…

Synopsis: On August 15, 1969, a music festival called "Woodstock" transformed one small dairy farm in upstate New York into a gathering place for over 400,000 young music fans. Concert-goers, called "hippies," traveled from all over the country to see their favorite musicians perform. Famous artists like The Grateful Dead played day and night in a celebration of peace, love, and happiness. Although Woodstock lasted only three days, the spirit of the…

Synopsis: Follow along with two girls as they find themselves in the middle of a civil rights demonstration, and find out how the fight for equality changed the country forever.Joyce Jenkins has recently moved to a new town with her family, and she will soon be attending a segregated school for the first time. Meanwhile, Connie Underwood is trying to figure out what her twin brothers are planning in secret. Readers (Ages 7-9) will follow along with the…