Synopsis: Provides a history and words to all four verses of the song called "The Star-Spangled Banner," which became the national anthem of the United States in 1931.

Synopsis: Mount Vesuvius is ready to erupt, threatening to destroy the city of Pompeii and everyone who lives there. Will new friends Thalia and Felix be able to escape, or are they destined to be buried under rock and ash? Thalia is excited to visit the bustling city of Pompeii, while Felix longs to leave it. As Thalia prepares to perform with her traveling troupe of actors, Felix is searching for a life of adventure away from his strict, politician…

Synopsis: While the rest of her classmates were making pastries in cooking classes, Mary Nohl was making art--anything she fancied out of anything she could find. Inspiration struck Mary even when she wasn't looking for it. Mary used common objects to make uncommon art. And one day, her garden was a gallery. Mary Nohl passed away in 2001 at the age of eighty-seven. Her famous garden gallery is located in the front yard of her Fox Point, Wisconsin, home…

Synopsis: Learn about the inspiring life of Helen Keller in this early reader biography.When Helen Keller was a baby, she became sick and lost her ability to see and hear. Although many people doubted her ability to persevere, Helen did not let any obstacle stop her from achieving many things in her amazing life.This book covers some of the well-known and inspiring milestones of Keller’s life—it’s a great supplement for book reports on this iconic…

Synopsis: Ten-year-old Justin hates that his sisters and his mama are always fussing at him. They make him feel stupid because he can't clean his room or cook. But why should he? He'd rather be outside playing. After all, cooking and cleaning is just “women's work.” That's why Justin is glad when his grandfather invites him back to his ranch for the summer. Justin is sure he can get away from all the women and do some actual “men's work,” such as cleaning…

Synopsis: For anyone who has ever dreamed of hearing a horse’s story . . .Independence, Missouri, 1846Koda is a bay quarter horse with a white blaze. He loves to explore the countryside and run free with his human friend Jasmine nearby. But after Koda sets out with Jasmine’s family on a long and dusty wagon train journey on the Oregon Trail, he finds out what is truly important to him. Here is Koda’s story . . . in his own words.With moving and…

Synopsis: Drawing from their own journals, this story offers a first-hand account of what life was like when the New World was new, as they went forth on their great expedition to the west. Simultaneous.

Synopsis: Vermont, 1850sBell’s Star is a brown Morgan colt with a white star and two white stockings. He was bred for hard work, yet he longs to run free with his human friend, Katie, on his back. But when Star helps rescue a runaway slave girl, his ideas about freedom may change forever. Here is Star’s story . . . in his own words. With exciting and knowledgeable text and lovely black-and-white art throughout—both by real horse owners—Horse Diaries are…

Synopsis: Will Cody and his family are true pioneers, leaving behind Iowa and everything familiar to venture into the newly established Kansas Territory. Join Buffalo Bill on his first journey as he and his Ma, Pa, and sisters board a covered wagon and blaze a new trail.

Synopsis: Newbery Medal-winning author Beverly Cleary brings her classic warm humor to this funny, sweet story of a girl with big dreams. Can imaginative Emily make her biggest dream come true? Spunky Emily Bartlett lives in an old farmhouse in Pitchfork, Oregon at a time when automobiles are brand-new inventions and libraries are a luxury few small towns can afford. Her runaway imagination leads her to bleach a horse, hold a very scary sleepover, and…

Synopsis: In Their Own Words: Thomas Edison tells the exciting story of Edison's life using his laboratory notes, business records, and personal recollections. "I find out what the world needs. Then I go ahead and try to invent it." With these words, Thomas Edison explains how he developed ideas and turned them into useful inventions. Although he is most famous for inventing the lightbulb, Edison is credited with hundreds of inventions. The young boy…

Synopsis: This unique biography of Betsy Ross tells the exciting story of her life using real letters, speeches, and accounts from her family. "The flag was soon finished, and Betsy returned it, the first 'Star Spangled Banner' that ever floated up on the breeze..." With these words, William Canby told how his grandmother Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag. While no one has proven his words to be true, Betsy's fame as American's first flag-maker…

Synopsis: Glashka can understand whale song--but with that mysterious power comes great responsibility. When she discovers thousands of whales trapped in a rapidly freezing inlet, she knows it is up to her to gather the people of her town to help them. Based on an actual event, this inspiring story follows Glashka and her people as they come to understand the importance of all life. Full-color illustrations.

Synopsis: Moment of TruthWhen Rosa Parks was growing up in Montgomery, Alabama, she hated the unfair rules that black people had to live by -- like drinking out of special water fountains and riding in the back of the bus. Years later, Rosa Parks changed the lives of African American in Montgomery -- and all across America -- with one courageous act. On a December evening in 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger. She was…

Synopsis: Up, up, and away! When Tom Tate hears that Wilbur and Orville Wright are building a flying machine, he can't wait to try it. Tom's dad thinks it's dangerous. Some people think the Wrights are crazy. Can Tom help the brothers get their dream off the ground?