Children’s / Teenage general interest: History and the past

Book SynopsisDiscover the fascinating history behind the construction of Hoover Dam-and its lasting political and environmental effects on the Colorado River and the American west-in this propulsive nonfiction exploration of one of the country''s most recognizable and far-reaching landmarks.At the time of its completion in 1936, Hoover Dam was the biggest dam in the world and the largest feat of architecture and engineering in the country-a statement of national ambition and technical achievement. It turned the wild Colorado River into a tame and securely managed water source, transforming millions of acres of desert into farmland while also providing water and power to the fast-growing population of the Southwest. The concrete monolith quickly became a symbol of American ingenuity; however, its history is laden with contradiction. It provided work for thousands, but it was a dangerous project that exploited desperate workers during the Depression. It helped secure the settlement and economies of the Southwest, but at the expense of Indigenous peoples and the environment; and it created a dependency on the Colorado River''s water, which is under threat from overuse and climate change. Weaving together elements of engineering, geography, and political and socioeconomic history, and drawing heavily from unpublished oral histories taken from dam workers and their families, Simon Boughton''s thoughtful and propulsive debut-featuring historical photographs throughout-follows the construction and impact of Hoover Dam, and how its promise of abundance ultimately created a river in crisis today.

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Book SynopsisThis lyrical, poignant nonfiction picture book tells the fascinating story of the honeybee colonies that lived on the roof of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris and survived the devastating 2019 fire.High above the bustling streets and gardens of Paris is a little-known wonder: a cluster of beehives. They sit atop the roof of the Notre-Dame cathedral, lovingly tended to by a beekeeper named Sibyle. But when fire broke out in the catherdral in 2019, the bees almost didn’t make it. Firefighters battled heat and smoke, carefully spraying their hoses around the hives, pumping in water from fireboats on the Seine, and, miraculously, they survived.Meghan P. Browne and E. B. Goodale imbue the story of Notre-Dame’s bees and the fire that almost killed them with great hope. After the fire, there is rebuilding to be done, but with hard work and collaboration, perhaps the cathedral can be restored after all. From the rooftops of Paris to the intricacies of a beehive, here is a moving picture book about resilience in the face of disaster.

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Book SynopsisA beginner's look at some of the people and events in history that have shaped our world.

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Book SynopsisGruesome Truth About looks at all the gruesome, gory and grisly bits of history that no one ever tells you about.

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Book SynopsisA humorous but informative look at the life in Anglo-Saxon times.

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Book SynopsisCrowds cheering, trumpets sounding, and cannons firing! Follow along as George Washington journeys from Virginia to his inauguration in New York City. After the Revolutionary War, the newly formed U.S. Congress chose the first president. Every vote was for Washington. So began Washington's week-long trip from his home in Virginia to New York City, where he would be inaugurated. At every stop on George Washington's route, people were determined to celebrate their very first president. In Baltimore citizens rode along with Washington for seven miles, in Philadelphia people chanted Long live George Washington, and in Elizabethtown, NJ, Washington was met with a parade of boats so spectacular that he would later write in his diary: the decorations of the ships, the roar of cannon . . . filled my mind with sensations.David A. Adler deftly retells this joyous journey in information-packed prose, while John O'Brien masterfully illustrates our complex and beautif

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Book SynopsisWould you spy for your country? Discover the World War II spies who lived among the shadows and the ones who lived in the limelight--disguised in plain sight!Josephine Baker. Virginia Hall. Roy Hawthorne. These are but a few of the daring spies who risked it all to deliver and protect crucial intel for the Allied powers. From housing refugees and resistance members while extracting secrets from diplomats to developing a groundbreaking, war-changing code and keeping it top secret for over twenty years, the actions of these legendary World War II spies are unbelievable but true.This thoroughly researched collection of biographies profiles several courageous individuals who resisted the Axis Powers via espionage and heroism. Includes numerous photos and features such fascinating accounts like that of Moe Berg, a major-league baseball player and potential assassin; Noor Inayat Khan, a Sufi princess and wireless operator; and Juan Pujol Garcia, a storyteller and doubl

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Book SynopsisIn December of 1938, a chemist in a German laboratory made a shocking discovery: When placed next to radioactive material, a uranium atom split in two. That simple discovery launched a scientific race that spanned three continents. This is the story of the plotting, risk-taking, deceit, and genius that created the atomic bomb.

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Book SynopsisA beautiful picture-book adaptation of Thomas Harding''s Costa-shortlisted biography for adults, exquisitely illustrated by Britta Teckentrup.On the outskirts of Berlin, a wooden cottage stands on the shore of a lake. Over the course of a century, this little house played host to a loving Jewish family, a renowned Nazi composer, wartime refugees and a Stasi informant; in that time, a world war came and went, and the Berlin Wall was built a stone''s throw from the cottage''s back door. Thomas Harding first shared this remarkable story in his Costa-shortlisted biography The House by the Lake now he has rendered it into a deeply moving picture-book for young readers. With words that read like a haunting fairy-tale, and magnificent artwork by Britta Teckentrup, this is the astonishing true story of the house by the lake.PRAISE FOR THE ORIGINAL BIOGRAPHY OF THE HOUSE BY THE LAKE: A Radio 4 Book of the WeekNamed a Best Book Trade ReviewThe tome, published on Thursday by Walker Books, introduces themes of prejudice, belonging, identity and family, and features evocative illustrations by award-winning illustrator Britta Teckentrup. * The Jewish Telegraph *Britta Teckentrup’s delicate, ethereal images enhance an atmospheric and ultimately uplifting tale that serves as an allegory for Germany’s troubled journey to its present-day state of stability. * The Financial Times *It made me feel hooked and the stunning illustrations brought it to life. It is set in Berlin, Germany. This fantastic book is truly great for people eager to learn about World War 2 and the Berlin Wall. I definitely would recommend this book because I think that other children will like it too!Feedback from Mrs Haynes, Class 3 Teacher at Milecastle Primary School, Newcastle-upon-Tyne:The book this afternoon is absolutely wonderful! The illustrations are beautiful and it fits perfectly with my lessons as this term we are focussing on illustrators and how pictures can help to tell a story.We read it together as a class and every child wrote a book review. They all gave it 5 stars and from a teacher’s perspective I can say that it led to so many brilliant discussions about Germany and WW2. * Books Up North *Featured in a travel story about the Alexander Haus in The Telegraph. * The Telegraph *Featured in an interview with Thomas Harding in The i. * The i *

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Book SynopsisJoin two best friends as history is made in 1585.

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Book SynopsisHow the history of American voting rights have shaped the way we vote today, the perfect primer for future votersnow in paperback!An updated edition of Tommy Jenkin's Drawing the Vote aimed at educating young readers. ?Originally published in the lead-up to the 2020 US presidential election, Drawing the Vote: A Graphic Novel History for Future Voters looks at the history of voting rights in the United States and how it has affected the way we vote today. Author and educator Tommy Jenkins was inspired by his students to trace this history from the earliest steps toward democracy during the American Revolution, to the upheaval caused by the Civil War, the fight for women's suffrage, the civil rights movement, the election of an African American president, and beyond. Along the way, Jenkins identifies events and trends that led to the unprecedented results of the 2016 presidential election that left many Americans wondering, How did this happen? At a time when many citizens are experienciTrade ReviewJenkins’s rousing work will inspire students to educate themselves on the issues—and, when the time comes, to vote early and often. * School Library Journal - STARRED review *“This is a great year to brush up voting rights, especially the laws surrounding distance voting, and this book is a great start.” * GeekMom *“Written with a progressive tone, this work’s clear factual nature makes it a worthy read for anyone across the political spectrum…” * Library Journal *“A panoptic history of the vote that breaks down everything from gerrymandering to Americans for Prosperity's dark influence, Drawing the Vote is a great pick for both adults and young Americans who want to understand what it means to be a voter.” * Shelf Awareness *The exposition and Lacker’s simple but energetic illustrations combine to pack valuable information on each page, while making even complex issues (such as the racism of white suffragists who fought for the 19th Amendment) easy to follow. Suited best to younger readers new to the topic, Jenkins’s work lays out the high-stakes history clearly and succinctly. * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisYour Legacy is a proud, empowering picture book introduction to African American history that celebrates and honors enslaved ancestors from author Schele Williams and illustrator Tonya Engel.Your story begins in Africa. Your African ancestors defied the odds and survived 400 years of slavery in America and passed down an extraordinary legacy to you. Beginning in Africa before 1619, Your Legacy presents an unprecedentedly accessible, empowering, and proud introduction to African American history for children. While your ancestors’ freedom was taken from them, their spirit was not; this book celebrates their accomplishments, acknowledges their sacrifices, and defines how they are remembered—and how their stories should be taught.“We are grateful to Schele and her dedication to making our beautiful history accessible to our children! Your Legacy is an educational and celebratorTrade Review"A lovingly written, beautifully illustrated and stunningly timely book.” * Jacqueline Woodson, National Book Award-winning author of Brown Girl Dreaming, MacArthur Fellow *We are grateful to Schele and her dedication to making our beautiful history accessible to our children! Your Legacy is an educational and celebratory piece we’ve enjoyed sharing with our family. We are extremely excited for this story to be shared with other families as we continue to celebrate our rich history in this world. * Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union Wade, New York Times bestselling authors *Your Legacy is a beautiful and powerful book that empowers children to reclaim and celebrate their ancestral history with pride. Schele Williams writes with a unique and important lens which will directly impact, inspire, and build confidence in Black youth. * Elena Favilli, co-author of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls ***STARRED REVIEW** "This thoughtful, sensitive, and beautiful volume, families can begin a difficult conversation in a nurturing way. This is a must for every Black child growing up in the Americas and will help other races and ages too. . . A truly powerful perspective shift." * Kirkus Reviews ***STARRED REVIEW** "Bright, brilliant, page-filling illustrations perfectly capture the joyous tone. . . Not focused on recrimination or placing blame, this book is a celebration of perseverance and dignity that deserves a wide audience." * Booklist ***STARRED REVIEW** "The African ancestors’ resilience is awe-inspiring, and this book does an outstanding job of telling their story and honoring them. Each page spread is a piece of artwork worthy of a museum. The blend of colors and media draws readers in to appreciate every detail." * School Library Journal ***STARRED REVIEW** "A strikingly worthy introduction of 400 years of Black history to young readers, including the roots of American slavery, effectively conveying that slavery is far from the extent of Black history and influence." * Publishers Weekly *An inspirational story that instills hope and encourages today’s African American children to consider what they will give to their own descendants. * The Horn Book Magazine *

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThe book is written in an easy-to-digest manner. . .it is an excellent introduction to the history of the Seminole. A worthy celebration of a life too little known. * Kirkus Reviews *Well laid-out and engaging, this biography shows the significant impact John Horse had on the rights, recognition, freedom, and protection of Black Seminoles, who were considered slaves by Americans and Seminoles. * School Library Journal *Pre-Civil-War-era paintings, engravings, and photos show the major players and give a sense of the time period and culture, while maps help readers follow the events of the narrative. * HornBook Magazine *

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Book SynopsisTrade Review**STARRED REVIEW** "Taylor has skillfully adapted her acclaimed 2020 adult title for teens into a smooth, readable volume that provides context for the rise of Black travel guides and the societal changes that Green and his wife, Alma, responded to. . .Meticulous research and lively anecdotes combine to provide a powerful volume of social history." * Kirkus Reviews ***STARRED REVIEW** "Enhancing the impeccable writing is an attractive design with Green Book covers, images of the guide's sites, and other period photographs. . .An impressive insight into Black history that still resonates today." * Booklist ***STARRED REVIEW** "Exceptionally supported with photographs, maps, newspaper articles, and other artifacts, this is a priceless addition for researchers and readers seeking to understand not just the complexities and insidiousness of centuries of systemic racism in America, but the drive and determination required to fight white supremacy." * School Library Journal *A potent discussion starter regarding the current state of the 'open road' for Black travelers. * The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books *

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Book Synopsis Discover Ancient Egypt and write about it! Find out about life in ancient Egypt, from Egyptian fashion and culture, to ancient gods and important Pharaohs. Read about hieroglyphs and the Rosetta Stone and discover Tutankhamun''s famous tomb. Ideal for readers aged 9+, the Writing History series combines written evidence from the past with engaging writing activities to explore the fascinating worlds of ancient civilisations. Children can learn exciting facts and be inspired to write their own historical documents including diary entries, recipes, letters, speeches and much more!Table of Contents 1: Who were the ancient Egyptians? 2: Ancient Egyptians at home 3: WRITING HISTORY: A scribe’s letter 4: Pharaohs and wars 5: WRITING HISTORY: Interview with a pharaoh 6: Gods and beliefs 7: WRITING HISTORY: Day in the life 8: Death and the afterlife 9: WRITING HISTORY: Newspaper report 10: Glossary and Further Information 11: Index

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Book SynopsisFind out what vaccines are, how they were invented and how they are developed todayTrade Review'There are plenty of bite-sized nuggets to capture the attention and the plentiful images will provoke many questions from curious readers ... A valuable and interesting introduction to a very relevant topic.' -- Elizabeth Lockwood, Head of Biology, The King's School, Canterbury * English Association *Table of Contents 1: Have you been vaccinated? 1: Germs and the immune system 1: Preventing infections 1: Smallpox: from variolation to vaccine 1: How do vaccines work? 1: How do you vaccinate the world? 1: Who discovered other important vaccines? 1: How do people create a new vaccine? 1: Anti-vaxxers and vaccine hesitancy 1: Covid-19 vaccines: a case study 1: What’s the future for vaccinations? 1: Glossary 1: Index

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Book SynopsisDiscover the fascinating world of the Aztecs through 99 questions and answersWhy were the Aztecs mad for maize? What were chinampas? And did the Aztecs really make towers of skulls?! Find out the answers to all these questions and many, many more in this high-interest romp through the world of the Aztec Empire.99 Questions About... makes historical civilisations come alive with interest, humour and occasional weirdness. The core information is excellent support for curriculum topics, while the dip-in structure and light amounts of text will entice even reluctant readers who enjoy the light-hearted Horrible Histories approach to learning. The high-interest approach is complimented by a striking, two-colour design, featuring simple but eye-catching graphics.Fun reading for children aged 8 and up.Books in the series:Ancient EgyptiansAncient GreeksAztecsBeninMayaRomansShang DynastySong Dynasty

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Book SynopsisUncover History and find out about ancient Greece, its people and the story of ancient Greek myths with this fun, humorous guide.Who were the ancient Greeks? Read about their daily lives, what jobs they did, what they ate and wore, and why Athens was so important for them? Discover the answers to questions such as 'what happened at a Greek theatre', 'why did they fight wars?' and 'what was a city-state?'.Using fun, humorous illustrations, this book tells of the Olympic games that began in 776 BCE, and ancient Greeks' amazing stories, such as the Trojan War and the Wooden Horse and The Odyssey about a Greek soldier. Ideally suited for readers age 8+ Read the other titles in the series: Ancient Egypt, the Maya, the Vikings, the Stone, Bronze and Iron Age, and the ShangTrade ReviewThis colourful book ... is one of a series dealing with Ancient Egypt, The Maya, The Vikings, The Shang Dynasty and the Stone, Bronze and Iron Age. It follows the usual arrangement: a series of double-page spreads, each dealing with an aspect of classical Greek civilisation (e.g. Athens, mythology, domestic and daily life, warfare). Unusually it includes a welcome section on the legacy of ancient Greece. There is a sensible, age-appropriate glossary and index. The text is an easy read with profuse illustrations to engage the young reader ... -- Bob Bass * English Association *Table of Contents 1: Who were the ancient Greeks?; 2: What was a city-state?; 3: Why was Athens important? ; 4: What are the Greek myths? ; 5: What was daily life like? ; 6: What did the ancient Greeks eat and drink?; 7: How did the ancient Greeks dress? ; 8: What happened at a Greek theatre? ; 9: When were the first Olympic Games? ; 10: Who were the Greek philosophers? ; 11: Why did the ancient Greeks fight wars? ; 12: What is the legacy of ancient Greece? ; 13: What to do next ; 14: Glossary; 15: Find out more ; 16: Index;

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Book SynopsisUncover History and find out about Viking times with this fun and humorous guide.Who were the Vikings? Read about where they came from, the lands they invaded and settled in and their daily lives. Find out about their trading, longships and intricate craftwork. Find out the answer to questions such as 'were the Vikings good at fighting?', 'what was it like on board a Viking boat?' and 'who were the Viking gods?'Using fun, humorous illustrations, this book tells the story of Viking people, leaders and gods and offers an insight into the daily life of ordinary Vikings. Ideally suited for readers age 8+.Read the other titles in the series: Ancient Greece, Ancient Egypt, the Maya, the Stone, Bronze and Iron Age, and the Shang DynastyTable of Contents 1: Who were the Vikings; 2: Why did the Vikings travel so much?; 3: Who were the Viking leaders?; 4: Why were the Vikings good at fighting?; 5: What were Viking farms like?; 6: What were Viking towns like?; 7: What was it like on board a Viking boat?; 8: What did the Vikings eat and drink?; 9: What did Vikings do for fun?; 10: Who were the Viking gods?; 11: What art did the Vikings make?; 12: What happened to the Vikings?; 13: What to do next; 14: Glossary; 15: Find out more; 16: Index;

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Book SynopsisWith a foreword by Hillary Clinton, this fascinating and highly accessible compendium spotlights the careers of fifty of the most influential American women in politics, inspiring young readers to make a difference.Meet some of the most influential leaders in America, including Jeannette Rankin, who, in 1916, became the first woman elected to Congress; Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected to Congress; Sandra Day O''Connor, the first woman to sit on the Supreme Court; and Bella Abzug, who famously declared, This woman's place is in the House . . . the House of Representatives! This engaging and wide-ranging collection of biographies highlights the actions, struggles, and accomplishments of more than fifty of the most influential leaders in American political history leaders who have stood up, blazed trails, and led the way."The women profiled here were once girls who not only dreamed big but went big ... I hope the young readers of this book do the same!" - Former Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano"Inspiring more young women to be politically active makes this book important to our future!" - U.S. Senator Tim Kaine"The fifty women in this book are groundbreaking role models for our kids." - U.S. Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton

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Book SynopsisThe Far East comes alive in this activity book centered on Marco Polo’s journey to China from Venice along the 13th-century Silk Road. Kids will join Marco as he travels by caravan through vast deserts and over steep mountain ranges, stopping in exotic cities and humble villages, until at last he arrives at the palace of the Kublai Khan. Woven throughout the tale are 21 activities that highlight the diverse cultures Marco encountered along the way. Activities include making a mythical map, creating a mosaic, fun with Feng Shui, making paper, and putting on a wayang-kulit (shadow-puppet play). Just for fun, kids will learn a few words of Turkish, Persian, Mongol, Hindi, and Chinese. A complete resource section with magnificent museums and their Web sites invites kids to embark on their own expedition of discovery.Trade Review"The book offers suspenseful stories, as Polo and his men face shipwrecks, bandits and other dangers." -- The Dallas Morning News"If your childrenwhether in elementary, middle or high schoolare studying Asia this year, have I got a resource for them--and for you (and teachers too)! Marco Polo for Kids covers China thoroughly but also Polo's travels through places like Afghanistan, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and India. It has fantastic activities, wonderful graphic elements, and interesting tidbits on folklore, language, religion, animals, geography, and art." Washington Post"In her historical activity book, Marco Polo for Kids , Herbert chronicles the famous explorer's travels. Projects feature the various cultures that he experienced. Archival artwork and prints add to the handsome volume." Publishers Weekly"An all-encompassing guide that's full of fascinating sidebars about subjects from the discovery of Mohenjodaro to the secrets of the Qin Emperor's tomb. Not only a study of Polo, this book is a great study guide for young readers who will surely enjoy the 21 related activities in this comprehensive book." Copley News Service"Part history, part biography, part activity book, this guide to all things Marco Polo is graced with lively writing and imaginative projects." San Diego Union-Tribune"The text is lively and sophisticated, but easy to understand. There are lots of pictures and tidbits of information to capture young imaginations." Star-Ledger

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Book SynopsisTwenty-six amazing women; twenty-six amazing stories. From writers to scientists, sports figures to politicians, this diverse collection highlights women who changed the world. Celebrating twenty-six unique voices, visions, and victories, Amelia to Zora, introduces children to the scope of both the struggles and the achievements of women historically and globally. Beautiful and intricate collages bring these women’s stories and message to life in this collection that will bring young readers inspiration in each turn of the page.

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Book Synopsis2016 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People ListLambda Literary Award Finalist On the Rainbow Book List Who transformed George Washington’s demoralized troops at Valley Forge into a fighting force that defeated an empire? Who cracked Germany’s Enigma code and shortened World War II? Who successfully lobbied the US Congress to outlaw child labor? And who organized the 1963 March on Washington? Ls, Gs, Bs, and Ts, that’s who. Given today’s news, it would be easy to get the impression that the campaign for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) equality is a recent development, but it is only the final act in a struggle that started more than a century ago. The history is told through personal stories and firsthand accounts of the movement’s key events, like the 1950s “Lavender Scare,” the Stonewall Inn uprising, and the AIDS crisis. Kids will learn about civil rights mavericks, like Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld, founder of the first gay rights organization; Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, who turned the Daughters of Bilitis from a lesbian social club into a powerhouse for LGBT freedom; Christine Jorgensen, the nation’s first famous transgender; and Harvey Milk, the first out candidate to win a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Also chronicled are the historic contributions of famous LGBT individuals, from General von Steuben and Alan Turing to Jane Addams and Bayard Rustin, among others. This up-to-date history includes the landmark Supreme Court decision making marriage equality the law of the land. Twenty-one activities enliven the history and demonstrate the spirited ways the LGBT community has pushed for positive social change. Kids can: write a free verse poem like Walt Whitman; learn “The Madison” line dance; remember a loved one with a quilt panel; perform a monologue from The Laramie Project; make up a song parody; and much more.Trade Review"This is an important book that puts the present day gains of the LGBT movement into perspective for today's youth. Interesting, informative, and full of wonderful archival photographs, I applaud Jerome Pohlen for this significant contribution to LGBT literature for young readers. This is a wonderful book." Lesléa Newman, author, Heather Has Two Mommies and October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard"this is an important resource that belongs in every collection." Booklist"lively and engaging prose informative and appealingly told." Kirkus Reviews"This vital and inclusive history fleshes out the LGBTQ education readers have long been denied, bringing it to light and giving it the attention it deserves A necessary purchase for collections that serve middle grade and teenage patrons." School Library Journal"[E]veryone could use this kind of education." POZ"My hope is that this book finds its way into the hands of as many children as possible in the coming years, and adults should take a look too!" Hotspots Magazine"A fantastic resource that should be on the shelves of every school and public library." Teen Librarian Toolbox"[T]his is groundbreaking." Liberty Press"[L]ively and engaging prose informative and appealingly told." Kirkus Reviews"[T]his is an important resource that belongs in every collection." Booklist

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Book SynopsisThe Great Depression and California drought hasnât made life isnât easy for Joseph McCoy. When racial tensions threaten to force an all-black Civilian Conservation Corps camp to leave town, Joseph thinks his secret project could help save the camp.

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Book SynopsisThis book describes the powers and actions of the god Apollo. Short paragraphs of easy-to-read text are paired with plenty of colorful photos to make reading engaging and accessible. The book also includes a table of contents, fun facts, sidebars, comprehension questions, a glossary, an index, and a list of resources for further reading.

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