An awakening, a rebirth called the Renaissance, changed Europe and the world from the 14th to the 16th century. The movement influenced all parts of society-art, science, architecture, literature, religion, politics, economics, and philosophy. Florence, Italy, the birthplace of the Renaissance, thrived in its dynamic climate. Like most of the poor, this movement did not affect Antonia. She still roamed the streets barefoot with other kids begging for bread. However, things changed when she became a servant in the palace of the Medici, the most powerful family in the region. Let's travel back to 15th-century Florence and visit Antonia who is anxious to tell about her life and Renaissance Italy.
Liu Chi is ten years old and lives in China. It is the year 1585, and the era of the Ming Dynasty, which was one of the most exciting times to live in China. Liu Chi has to go to school, do chores, and get along with his brothers and sisters just like kids do today. He lives in Peking, which is now called Bejiing. Come along with Liu as he leads you through the narrow streets of the city to see the sights. There is a grand procession headed by Emperor Wanli to watch and a visit to the sweets shop. You will also make a stop in a park to see a puppet show and climb a tree to peer over the wall around the mysterious Forbidden City. Join Liu Chi for a trip back in time.
Come visit Ancient Egypt, the land of sand and soil! What was it like to be a kid in this long ago land? Did you go to school? What games would you play? What was family life like? Pharaohs, pyramids, hieroglyphs, mummies, and more wait to be discovered by you, so let's take a trip to Ancient Egypt!
Twelve-year-old Astrid has come to Ghana with her family in 1979 so that her father can help oversee Ghanas first democratic election. Astrid and her brother, Gordo, were told it would be a great family adventure, but they soon find out that everything about Ghana is difficult; the heat, the food, the threat of disease, the soldiers on the roads, the schools. Gordo fits in more easily than Astrid, who is often left to look after her baby sister, Piper, as their mother begins to fall apart under the strain of living in Ghana. When the government is overthrown, Gordo comes down with malaria and a soldier threatens her family, Astrid is surprised to discover how protective she has become of her new home.
Life is hard for ten-year-old Safiyah in the Kibera slum outside Nairobi. Too poor to go to school, she makes a meager living for herself and her grandmother Cucu by selling things she finds at the garbage dump. After using scavenged paper to fix up the inside of the hut, Safiyah starts a mural on the outside. As word of the paper house spreads, Safiyah begins to take pride in her creation. When Cucu collapses after a fire, Safiyah stays at the hospital to help care for her grandmother. While Safiyah is away, her friend Pendo works on the mural, which upsets Safiyah. But when Pendo attracts media attention to the paper house, Safiyah and her grandmother are given a chance of a better life.
This introduction to Australia explores the geography and culture of this country.
A myth is a story that attempts to explain a natural phenomena - such as how the world was created. Myths often include supernatural characters who have extraordinary powers. How To Tell a Myth is an engaging title that introduces readers to myths from around the world and highlights the common elements that make up this genre. Step-by-step instructions help readers create their own myths.
This exciting title introduces readers to the folktale genre. Readers will learn that folktales are often passed down and retold from generation to generation. Readers will discover the similarities and differences between folktales from around the world. The title also includes guided writing activities to help readers write their own folktales.
A fable is a short story that teaches the reader a lesson. The characters in a fable are often animals that speak and act like humans. How To Tell a Fable is an engaging title that uses fables from around the world to help readers identify the conventions of this genre. Readers are guided through a series of writing tasks to learn how to incorporate these same conventions in their own writing.
A legend is a story about a hero, a people, or a natural phenomena. Popular legends include King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, Blackbeard, and Robin Hood. This exciting new title teaches readers about the common characteristics found in legends from around the world. Engaging writing activities guide readers as they use these characteristics to create their own legends.
This interesting title examines the mythology and folklore of India, and discusses its importance in Hinduism. The greatest myths of India, drawn from the sacred texts and traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, are presented. The Indian gods and goddesses portrayed in this colorful mythology are creators and protectors, but often they are also warriors and destroyers, particularly when fighting demons. Supported by beautiful Indian artworks and full-color photography, the text shows readers how these ancient tales helped Indians explain creation, birth, death, love, and the purpose of humans' earthly life. Topics include Vishnu, preserver of the universe, Shiva, the destroyer, and the Asuras, the demons or anitgods.
In this captivating book, readers are introduced to the mythology that reflects the religious beliefs and social practices of the Scandinavian people and the fearsome Vikings. Readers learn about the great Norse gods and the Nine Worlds. They will also discover how the physical geography of Scandinavia influenced their mythology. Topics include Ragnark, the prophecy of battles ending in death for many heroes, Beowulf, a legendary king, and Fenrir, the wolf.
This interesting books describes the mythology of Mesoamerica, which encompasses the general region of Central America. A mixture of myths from many cultures, including the Aztecs and the Mayans, these stories about the creation of the world and the afterlife helped these ancient cultures explain what was happening in their world. Topics featured include Quetzalcoatl, the Aztec creator god, Huitzilopochtli, the supreme god of Tenochtitlanthe capital city of the Aztec empire, and Maya hieroglyphic writing.
Explore the rich worldview of Native North American tribes through their myths and legends. Tales originating from various tribes functioned in a number of important ways: they explained the story of creation, described the relationship of humans to the rest of the universe, and preserved the sacred history of the tribe. In addition, myths and storytelling helped Native Americans pass on knowledge related to hunting, fishing, farming, healing the sick, and dealing with conflict or disaster. This book also places their mythology in historical context, for example, connecting earth myths with the Native Americans' real-life, tragic struggle to preserve their lands. Topics include the Great Mystery, animal guides, and the four directions.
The Paralympics are a series of sporting events for elite athletes with different physical abilities. This book examines the five Paralympic winter sports - alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, biathlon, ice sledge hockey, and wheelchair curling - and the athletes who compete in them. Prepare to be inspired by their courage, skill, and dedication to their sport.
Ten beautifully illustrated stories tell classic tales from different cultures of powerful gods and goddesses in mythology clashing with each other and with humans. Myths include: Pandora opening the box that releases the evils of humanity, and King Midas whose touch turned everything to gold, from Greek mythology; Ganesha, the god with the elephant head, from Indian mythology; Thor's Hammer, from Norse mythology; mighty Glooscap and the baby Wasis from Native American mythology; and the god Horus taking back the throne of Egypt, from Egyptian mythology. Feature boxes add additional details to help readers better understand concepts in the story as well as the time period in which the story was written.
Ten wonderfully illustrated stories tell folktales and legends from different cultures about ghosts and spirits, and their interaction with the human world. Feature boxes add additional details to help readers better understand concepts in the story as well as the time period in which the story was written.
This informative title introduces readers to four of the states that make up the Southwest region of the United States: Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. The Southwest has many people of Hispanic descent as well as Native-American people from nations such as the Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, and Apache. Readers will discover how the climate, population distribution, history, and culture of this region make it distinct.
This book introduces readers to Roman mythology, presents legendary characters and stories, and shows how Roman myths have influenced our culture. Readers are engaged with historical content while sharpening their skills at analyzing images and identifying evidence.
This book introduces readers to Egyptian mythology, presents legendary characters and stories, and shows how Egyptian myths have influenced our culture. Readers are engaged with historical content while sharpening their skills at analyzing images and identifying evidence.
This book introduces readers to Celtic mythology, presents legendary characters and stories, and shows how Celtic myths have influenced our culture. Readers are engaged with historical content while sharpening their skills at analyzing images and identifying evidence.
This book introduces readers to Greek mythology, presents legendary characters and stories, and shows how Greek myths have influenced our culture. Readers are engaged with historical content while sharpening their skills at analyzing images and identifying evidence.
This book introduces readers to Norse mythology, presents legendary characters and stories, and shows how Norse myths have influenced our culture. Readers are engaged with historical content while sharpening their skills at analyzing images and identifying evidence.
This book introduces readers to Chinese mythology, presents legendary characters and stories, and shows how Chinese myths have influenced our culture. Readers are engaged with historical content while sharpening their skills at analyzing images and identifying evidence.
It's always important to appreciate how much we all have in common. But sometimes it's just as important to appreciate the ways in which we are different. A change of attitude is often needed when it comes to accepting diversity. These two reader's theater-style plays look at the personal consequences of rumors and bigotry.
