With its up to the moment content and engaging style, this major reference book is an essential resource that helps children relate today's news to the events of the past. Focusing on the who, what, when, where, and how, DK's Children's Encyclopedia of American History is published in...  more

With its up to the moment content and engaging style, this major reference book is an essential resource that helps children relate today's news to the events of the past. Focusing on the who, what, when, where, and how, DK's Children's Encyclopedia of American History is published in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution to present a completely unique survey of the story of America. Featuring more than 1,000 stunning photographs, plus maps, charts, and profiles of famous Americans, this book has been painstakingly designed with a cutting edge visual style to pull in even the most reluctant readers. A Main Selection of Children's BookoftheMonth Club

What lay west of St. Louis? In the year 1804, nobody knew. Of course, there were guess and rumors and wild tales. The West was alive with terrible monsters! It was dotted with rock-salt mountains where nothing could grow! It was people with fierce Indians! President Thomas Jefferson would have...  more

What lay west of St. Louis? In the year 1804, nobody knew. Of course, there were guess and rumors and wild tales. The West was alive with terrible monsters! It was dotted with rock-salt mountains where nothing could grow! It was people with fierce Indians! President Thomas Jefferson would have none of these tales. He wanted true information about the West -- and there was only one way to get it. He would send men to explore "the interior parts of North America." To lead the expedition, the President cose his secretary, Meriwether Lewis. Captain William Clark was to share the responsibilities of the journey. This was to be a truly American Adventure, for many races and nationalities would be represented. There were Germans, Irishmen, Scots, Frenchmen, Northerners, Southerners, rich, poor..Besides the white men there was York, a blakc man, who provided physical strength equivalent to two of any of the other members of the group. And, eventually, Sacajawea, the Indian "Bird Woman," who repeatedly saved the expedition from life-threatening difficulties. Richard Neuberger here retells, in lively prose, the story of the expedition thatmost people though would shurely fail. How it succeeded, depsite every dnager, makes a spine-tingling tale for all Americans.

Poetry can be fun-especially when we can read it, hear it, and discover its many delights with the help of cartoon character Professor Driscoll, delightful illustrations, and the poetry read aloud on CD. This wide-ranging journey through the history and highlights of the world's poetry covers...  more

Poetry can be fun-especially when we can read it, hear it, and discover its many delights with the help of cartoon character Professor Driscoll, delightful illustrations, and the poetry read aloud on CD. This wide-ranging journey through the history and highlights of the world's poetry covers everything from epics and odes to nonsense verse and haikus, and is filled with examples of every style. The multimedia package encourages children to listen, read, and learn-and opens the door to a lifetime of appreciation of a rich literary tradition. It painlessly introduces kids (and parents, too) to the greatest poets in history, from Homer and Shakespeare to Robert Frost and Ogden Nash-and provides excellent examples of their work and commentary on what makes it so special. In short, this is a galloping tour through poetic history loaded with all of our most significant and beloved poems. In addition to charming illustrations on every lively page, A CHILD'S INTRODUCTION TO POETRY contains a full-length CD with wonderful renditions of the poems read by professional actors.

The boy isn't much to look at: thin, pale, and undersized for his age. Neighbors shake their heads over Jared Austin's odd ways. His father doesn't think he's good for anything much. Even his friend Jennet wonders what will become of him. But Jared isn't concerned; he has his...  more

The boy isn't much to look at: thin, pale, and undersized for his age. Neighbors shake their heads over Jared Austin's odd ways. His father doesn't think he's good for anything much. Even his friend Jennet wonders what will become of him. But Jared isn't concerned; he has his own ideas about what is really important. One day a journeyman painter visits their quiet New Hampshire farm, and his unexpected offer sets Jared aglow with excitement. He starts off on an adventure that takes him miles from home and into experiences that bring him to manhood and deepen his faith. But before he leaves, Jared promises Jennet that someday…someday…he will come back for her.

That Sunday night, when Sarah heard the rain pattering on the leaves high above her head, she knew that she must find some kind of shelter. It was dark in the forest and everything looked different. Peering around her, she saw something in the distance that looked like a cabin. Little Sarah...  more

That Sunday night, when Sarah heard the rain pattering on the leaves high above her head, she knew that she must find some kind of shelter. It was dark in the forest and everything looked different. Peering around her, she saw something in the distance that looked like a cabin. Little Sarah wanders away from her family's cabin into the New Hampshire forest, and settlers come from all across the countryside to help her. As the long days pass, the searchers grow desperate, but her father's trust in God holds firm. "The story is a piece of New Hampshire history," author Elizabeth Yates writes, "and the faith of Sarah's father--his words, 'Trust in the Lord'--has often steadied me."

It is barely a hundred years after the Plymouth Colony was founded. Eli's family has left Germany and come to America to enjoy the religious freedom that is here. Having recently converted, they intend to join a small community of "plain" people--Mennonites--on the Skippack Creek, northwest of...  more

It is barely a hundred years after the Plymouth Colony was founded. Eli's family has left Germany and come to America to enjoy the religious freedom that is here. Having recently converted, they intend to join a small community of "plain" people--Mennonites--on the Skippack Creek, northwest of Philadelphia. Eli is excited about the move and all that it means. Except for one thing. School.

Newberry Award-winning author Marguerite Henry brings young Robert Fulton alive in this fascinating look at the foundational and character-forming experiences of the man generally credited with making steamboat transportation a commercial success in the United Stats and elsewhere around the world.

Finally, a Bible for kids ages 6-10 that’s not only easy to understand, but it’s readable too! The NIrV Discoverer’s Bible for Young Readers uses the full-text of the New International Reader’s Version® (NIrV—the NIV for kids!) written at a third grade reading...  more

Finally, a Bible for kids ages 6-10 that’s not only easy to understand, but it’s readable too! The NIrV Discoverer’s Bible for Young Readers uses the full-text of the New International Reader’s Version® (NIrV—the NIV for kids!) written at a third grade reading level, and it’s the perfect chance for beginning readers to embark on their first exploration of the Bible on their own. Special features include: · Large-Print—12-point type for easier reading· 30 full-color tip-in pages—featuring realistic, picture book style illustrations by Kathleen O’Malley· Dictionary to key Bible words for quick reference· Timelines—provides a visible timeline of events that occurred in the Old and New Testaments · Color maps—for easy visualization of key Bible places· Presentation pagesSpecifically designed to help young children and new readers discover the Bible for themselves, it’s the perfect stepping-stone to the NIV.

An intriguing historial mystery from up-and-coming author Bailey MacDonald!

When Thomas Jefferson was young, Virginia was still a colony of England. Jefferson thought that many English laws and taxes were unfair, so he studied hard to become a lawyer and help make better laws. Soon he and others came to believe that the colonies should become a new country, and...  more

When Thomas Jefferson was young, Virginia was still a colony of England. Jefferson thought that many English laws and taxes were unfair, so he studied hard to become a lawyer and help make better laws. Soon he and others came to believe that the colonies should become a new country, and Jefferson was chosen to write the Declaration of Independence. As the third president of the United States, he focused on exploring the country and making it grow. His fairness and love of learning made him one of the most beloved presidents of all time.

As America's first foreign missionary, Adoniram Judson thirsted to see the Good News brought to the shrouded land of Burma. His thirst would be quenched, but at an unimaginable price. Adoniram survived starvation, imprisonment, and torture both on land and at sea only to watch his family,...  more

As America's first foreign missionary, Adoniram Judson thirsted to see the Good News brought to the shrouded land of Burma. His thirst would be quenched, but at an unimaginable price. Adoniram survived starvation, imprisonment, and torture both on land and at sea only to watch his family, coworkers, and friends succumb to death.In spite of heartache and depression, Adoniram Judson translated the entire Bible into Burmese. To this day his work remains the only Burmese translation of the Bible available. Adoniram and his first wife Ann were the spark that spread the fire of the Gospel into Burma, and their evident love for the Burmese people is a compelling story of unswerving dedication and sacrifice.

Now that twelve-year-old Matt and his father have finished building a comfortable cabin for their family in the Maine wilderness, Matt's father must leave to bring the rest of the family to the new settlement. Until the day his father returns, Matt must try to survive on his own. Matt is...  more

Now that twelve-year-old Matt and his father have finished building a comfortable cabin for their family in the Maine wilderness, Matt's father must leave to bring the rest of the family to the new settlement. Until the day his father returns, Matt must try to survive on his own. Matt is brave, but he's not prepared for an attack by swarming bees, and he's astonished when he's rescued by an Indian chief and his grandson, Attean.  As the boys come to know each other, Attean learns to speak English, while Matt becomes a skilled hunter. Many months pass with no sign of Matt's family. Then Attean asks Matt to join the Beaver tribe and move north. Should Matt abandon his hopes of ever seeing his family again and go on to a new life? 

300 years ago the Blackfeet tribe wandered the northern planes in search of the buffalo they needed for meat and hides. The braves hunted on foot, which made stalking and killing the large animals very dangerous. The women and children followed, using backpacks and dogs to carry their...  more

300 years ago the Blackfeet tribe wandered the northern planes in search of the buffalo they needed for meat and hides. The braves hunted on foot, which made stalking and killing the large animals very dangerous. The women and children followed, using backpacks and dogs to carry their belongings. Young Om-kas-toe longs for the day when he can take his place as a brave. He doesn't have to wait long for adventure, however. While serving as lookouts he and his twin sister discover a strange animal that has never before been seen by the Blackfeet tribe. The animal is a horse; the tribe calls it an elkdog. Life in the tribe is never the same after the first elkdog is discovered and captured. For many years the story of the twins and the first elkdog is told around Blackfeet fires.

When her grandfather is injured, 10-year-old Ellen Toliver replaces him on a top-secret patriotic mission. Disguised as a boy, she manages to smuggle a message to General George Washington.  

Orphaned Kit Tyler knows, as she gazes for the first time at the cold, bleak shores of Connecticut Colony, that her new home will never be like the shimmering Caribbean island she left behind. In her relatives' stern Puritan community, she feels like a tropical bird that has flown to the wrong...  more

Orphaned Kit Tyler knows, as she gazes for the first time at the cold, bleak shores of Connecticut Colony, that her new home will never be like the shimmering Caribbean island she left behind. In her relatives' stern Puritan community, she feels like a tropical bird that has flown to the wrong part of the world, a bird that is now caged and lonely. The only place where Kit feels completely free is in the meadows, where she enjoys the company of the old Quaker woman known as the Witch of Blackbird Pond, and on occasion, her young sailor friend Nat. But when Kit's friendship with the "witch" is discovered, Kit is faced with suspicion, fear, and anger. She herself is accused of witchcraft! A Newbery Medal Book

Amanda Freebold doesn't know what to do. Her father left three years ago for the new colony of Jamestown, America -- thousands of miles away. All Amanda has to remember him by is a little brass lion's head he gave his family to guard them while he is gone. Now her mother has just died,...  more

Amanda Freebold doesn't know what to do. Her father left three years ago for the new colony of Jamestown, America -- thousands of miles away. All Amanda has to remember him by is a little brass lion's head he gave his family to guard them while he is gone. Now her mother has just died, leaving Amanda to take care of her younger brother and sister. As head of the family, Amanda finally decides to take her brother and sister to America to find Father. The ocean crossing is long and hard, and the children don't know whom to trust. But with the lion's head to guard them, Amanda knows that somehow everything will work out fine. Notable 1981 Children's Trade Books in Social Studies (NCSS/CBC) Children's Books of 1981 (Library of Congress)

This book will help you pray for more than 36 Native American peoples. It will also help you understand why many Native Americans find the Christian Gospel so hard to accept. Your view of American history will never be the same. Read it and -while you pray- weep.

A 14-year-old Indian boy joins Cabeza de Vaca's 16th-century expedition through the Southwest.

Readers today are still fascinated by "Nat," an eighteenth-century nautical wonder and mathematical wizard. Nathaniel Bowditch grew up in a sailor"s world -- Salem in the early days, when tall-masted ships from foreign ports crowded the wharves. But Nat didn"t promise to have...  more

Readers today are still fascinated by "Nat," an eighteenth-century nautical wonder and mathematical wizard. Nathaniel Bowditch grew up in a sailor"s world -- Salem in the early days, when tall-masted ships from foreign ports crowded the wharves. But Nat didn"t promise to have the makings of a sailor; he was too physically small. Nat may have been slight of build, but no one guessed that he had the persistence and determination to master sea navigation in the days when men sailed only by "log, lead, and lookout." Nat"s long hours of study and observation, collected in his famous work, The American Practical Navigator (also known as the "Sailors" Bible"), stunned the sailing community and made him a New England hero.

Three civilizations that produced architectural marvels, feats of civil engineering unmatched even today, mathematical and astronomical breakthroughs that modern scientists have only recently been able to match. Who were the Incans, Aztecs, and Mayans? And what motivated them to live as they...  more

Three civilizations that produced architectural marvels, feats of civil engineering unmatched even today, mathematical and astronomical breakthroughs that modern scientists have only recently been able to match. Who were the Incans, Aztecs, and Mayans? And what motivated them to live as they did? John Holzmann examines their physical, social and spiritual cultures from a biblical perspective.

Barred from his family home- stead by his mean-spirited uncle, eighteen-year-old Chris weathers a Minnesota winter in a small cabin with his grandfather. Poverty and the tempting stories of a wandering Easterner convince Chris to harvest the trees on his grandfather’s land and float the...  more

Barred from his family home- stead by his mean-spirited uncle, eighteen-year-old Chris weathers a Minnesota winter in a small cabin with his grandfather. Poverty and the tempting stories of a wandering Easterner convince Chris to harvest the trees on his grandfather’s land and float the logs down the spring floodwaters of the Mississippi to the lumber mills in Saint Louis. Filled with stories of raft hands and river pilots, this fast-paced novel has all the momentum of the great Mississippi.

For Ann Hamilton, life out west was anything but adventurous. In fact, she had never been lonelier. She longed for the ease and comfort of the days with friends back in Gettysburg -- until a stranger rode into Hamilton Hill and changed her life forever.

George Washington grew up in the English colony of Virginia. He was tall and strong, fair in judgement, and respected by his friends as a good leader. As he grew older, George saw how England took advantage of the American colonies—and he didn't like it. When the colonies declared their...  more

George Washington grew up in the English colony of Virginia. He was tall and strong, fair in judgement, and respected by his friends as a good leader. As he grew older, George saw how England took advantage of the American colonies—and he didn't like it. When the colonies declared their independence, George was chosen to lead their army as its general. And when the colonies won their freedom, George was elected to lead the new nation as its first president.

Left orphaned and alone in a strange country, thirteen-year-old Marguerite Ledoux has no choice but to become a servant girl. She promises her services to the Sargent family for six long years in return for food and shelter. But life as a "bound-out girl" is full of more hardship than...  more

Left orphaned and alone in a strange country, thirteen-year-old Marguerite Ledoux has no choice but to become a servant girl. She promises her services to the Sargent family for six long years in return for food and shelter. But life as a "bound-out girl" is full of more hardship than Maggie ever could have imagined. Living with the family in an isolated part of northern Maine, Maggie struggles through the harsh, hungry winter of 1743, the constant threat of Indian attacks, and worst of all, the loneliness she suffers knowing that her own family is lost forever. Will the Sargent's house ever feel like home?

Squanto tells everyone he meets, "I'm going on the great ship across the sea." "I wish you would not go," his mother says. "It is just for a little while," says Squanto. "I will come back." But before Squanto can return, many, many years go...  more

Squanto tells everyone he meets, "I'm going on the great ship across the sea." "I wish you would not go," his mother says. "It is just for a little while," says Squanto. "I will come back." But before Squanto can return, many, many years go by--years full of adventure. And when Squanto does come back, his family is gone. His village has disappeared. New people have come--the Pilgrims.

Joel Goss knows that Little Bub is a special colt, even though he's a runt. And when school teacher Justin Morgan asks Joel to break the colt in, Joel is thrilled! Soon word about Little Bub has spread throughout the entire Northeast -- this spirited colt can pull heavier loads than a pair...  more

Joel Goss knows that Little Bub is a special colt, even though he's a runt. And when school teacher Justin Morgan asks Joel to break the colt in, Joel is thrilled! Soon word about Little Bub has spread throughout the entire Northeast -- this spirited colt can pull heavier loads than a pair of oxen. And run faster than thoroughbreds! This is the story of the little runt who became the father of a world-famous breed of American horses -- the Morgan.

"Did Mama sing every day?" Caleb asks his sister Anna. "Every-single-day," she answers. "Papa sang, too." Their mother died the day after Caleb was born. Their house on the prairie is quiet now, and Papa doesn't sing anymore. Then Papa puts an ad in the...  more

"Did Mama sing every day?" Caleb asks his sister Anna. "Every-single-day," she answers. "Papa sang, too." Their mother died the day after Caleb was born. Their house on the prairie is quiet now, and Papa doesn't sing anymore. Then Papa puts an ad in the paper, asking for a wife, and he receives a letter from one Sarah Elisabeth Wheaton, of Maine. Papa, Anna, and Caleb write back. Caleb asks if she sings. Sarah decides to come for a month. She writes Papa: I will come by train. I will wear a yellow bonnet. I am plain and tall, and Tell them I sing. Anna and Caleb wait and wonder. Will Sarah be nice? Will she like them? Will she stay?

"There are no bears on Hemlock Mountain, No bears, no bears at all ..." Or so young Jonathan is told by the grown-ups as he sets out alone over Hemlock Mountain. But as Jonathan discovers on that cold winter night, grown-ups don't always know ... And there are bears on...  more

"There are no bears on Hemlock Mountain, No bears, no bears at all ..." Or so young Jonathan is told by the grown-ups as he sets out alone over Hemlock Mountain. But as Jonathan discovers on that cold winter night, grown-ups don't always know ... And there are bears on Hemlock Mountain!

In 1707, young Sarah Noble and her father traveled through the wilderness to build a new home for their family. "Keep up your courage, Sarah Noble," her mother had said, but Sarah found that it was not always easy to feel brave inside. The dark woods were full of animals and Indians,...  more

In 1707, young Sarah Noble and her father traveled through the wilderness to build a new home for their family. "Keep up your courage, Sarah Noble," her mother had said, but Sarah found that it was not always easy to feel brave inside. The dark woods were full of animals and Indians, too, and Sarah was only eight! The true story of Sarah's journey is inspiring. And as she cares for her father and befriends her Indian neighbors, she learns that to be afraid and to be brave is the greatest courage of all.

A fictionalized account of the life of Pocahontas woven about the few facts known from historical records.

Johnny Tremain, winner of the 1943 Newbery Medal, is one of the finest historical novels ever written for children. As compelling today as it was fifty years ago, to read this riveting novel is to live through the defining events leading up to the American Revolutionary War seen through the eyes...  more

Johnny Tremain, winner of the 1943 Newbery Medal, is one of the finest historical novels ever written for children. As compelling today as it was fifty years ago, to read this riveting novel is to live through the defining events leading up to the American Revolutionary War seen through the eyes of a boy who turns in his smithing tools to take up a rifle and fight for the liberty of America. Fourteen-year old Johnny Tremain, an apprentice silversmith with a bright future ahead of him, injures his hand in a tragic accident, forcing him to look for other work. In his new job as a horse-boy, riding for the patriotic newspaper, the Boston Observer, and as a messenger for the Sons of Liberty, he encounters John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and Dr. Joseph Warren. Soon Johnny is involved in the pivotal events shaping the American Revolution from the Boston Tea Party to the first shots fired at Lexington. 

A fictional journal that tells the story of one of the young "ships boys" who sailed with Christopher Columbus. Historical facts about the historic journey are presented alongside fictional material. Illustrated with line drawings and maps.

Describes some of the well-known as well as the lesser-known details of Paul Revere's life and exciting ride.

Someone is planning to kill George Washington, and young Phoebe Fraunces is trying to save his life. Phoebe gets a job as George Washington's housekeeper, but her real job is to work as a spy. She listens and watches very carefully, and she meets her father every day to tell him what she has...  more

Someone is planning to kill George Washington, and young Phoebe Fraunces is trying to save his life. Phoebe gets a job as George Washington's housekeeper, but her real job is to work as a spy. She listens and watches very carefully, and she meets her father every day to tell him what she has learned. One day Phoebe's father tells her that Washington is planning to leave town in a few days, and the person plotting against him will act before then. Phoebe is very frightened, but she is determined to figure out who is after Washington before it's too late. . . .  

An illustrated introduction to North American Indian tribes and their customs.

In a lively question and answer format, readers are taken behind the locked doors of the Philadelphia State House during the dramatic Constitutional Convention.

In 1756, New York State was still a British colony, and the French and the Indians were constant threats to Edward and his family. When his father was called away to watch for a raid from the north, only Edward was left to protect Mama and little Trudy. His father had shown him how to use the...  more

In 1756, New York State was still a British colony, and the French and the Indians were constant threats to Edward and his family. When his father was called away to watch for a raid from the north, only Edward was left to protect Mama and little Trudy. His father had shown him how to use the huge matchlock gun, an old Spanish gun that was twice as long as he was, but would Edward be able to handle it if trouble actually came? This classic, first published in 1941, has an updated, kid-friendly format that includes the original black-and-white illustrations.

A Pilgrim family's struggle to survive in their harsh new homeland culminates in a Thanksgiving feast.