On June 19, 1865 – two years after the Emancipation Proclamation – Galveston, Texas became the last place in the country to learn the slaves were free. Today, Juneteenth is a joyful occasion with parades, speeches, music, and more! This engaging book teaches the fascinating origins and traditions of Juneteenth, honoring the freedom of African Americans.
Holi – the Hindu Festival of Colors – heralds the coming of spring. This vibrant title explores the ancient history and modern practices of this joyful holiday. Holi’s food, dance, music, and colors will captivate young readers.
Saint Patrick’s Day is the best day of the year to be Irish. The March 17th holiday celebrates Irish heritage and all its symbols—shamrocks, leprechauns, and more! Beginning readers will be seeing green in this origin story of Saint Patrick’s Day.
Considered the Holy Land for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Israel is a sacred place that holds a rich history. This small country is filled to the brim with diverse cultures and varied landscapes. Readers will discover all that Israel has to offer in this exciting title.
Germany is famous for many things. Cars, art, and classical music are a few, but there is another shining star among them. It’s the wurst! Germany is the home of hundreds of types of sausages. This title will fulfill young readers’ hunger for Germany as it explores the culture, landscape, and much more!
It is no wonder this island of green celebrates its nation on the greenest of all holidays, St. Patrick’s Day! Every March 17, the people of Ireland kick off a three-day celebration to honor their country and their patron saint. Ireland’s many celebrations, people, landscapes, and more are highlighted in this striking book.
This title for young readers describes the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr. Through peaceful protests and education, King’s leadership cleared the path for the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. Every third Monday of January, citizens of the United States recognize the leader’s mission of equality for all on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
For over a quarter century, Germany stood as a country divided. A huge concrete barrier known as the Berlin Wall physically divided the capital of Berlin. When the wall came down in 1989, Germany was reborn. Readers will learn what daily life is like today for the innovative and industrious people of Germany. Blastoff! Series
A celebration of new life. That is the point of Easter for Christians and non-Christians. So the holiday’s spring backdrop of budding trees and blooming flowers could not be more fitting. This book will help beginning readers crack the meaning behind the Easter bunny, dyed eggs, and more!
Lunch is the favorite time of day for many kids. So it might be hard for them to understand why Muslims would choose to skip this meal for a whole month. This look at Ramadan explains the basic Islamic beliefs behind daytime fasting.
Each year, thousands of animals thunder across Tanzania’s vast Serengeti Plain during their migration. Nearby, the tallest freestanding mountain in the world towers over the country. Discover what other wonders this East African nation holds in this fact-filled title for students.
For five days every fall, India shines especially bright. The occasion is Diwali, the country’s Festival of Lights. Clay lamps, fireworks and sparklers, and colorful rangoli sand art all add visual brilliance. The Diwali celebration will come alive in this early elementary read.
You could say the best is saved for last when it comes to Chinese New Year. The Lantern Festival stands as the holiday’s grand finale. Dragon and lion puppets dance by day. At night, glowing lanterns float on water and across sky. This introduction to China’s most famous celebration will mesmerize beginning readers.
Spinning the dreidel. This is what many Jewish children most look forward to during Haunukkah. A twirl of the four-sided dice-like top can earn a candy jackpot! Young readers will learn how to play this game and how it connects to the eight-day celebration of light.
On the grassy Pampas of Uruguay, gauchos carry on a history of the South American cowboy. But these rugged ranchers are just one part of the country’s rich culture. In this title, young learners can read about the people, animals, and daily life of this small yet proud nation.
Black, red, and green. These are the colors of Kwanzaa, the celebration of African-American culture. Black represents African heritage. And red and green stand for the hard times of the past and hope for the future. Beginning readers will learn some Swahili as they read about the seven days of Kwanzaa.
This introduction to Australia explores the geography and culture of this country.
The United Arab Emirates is a country of achievements. The world's largest skyscraper, busiest international airport, and most robust set of manmade islands make the UAE a popular travel and business destination. Beyond such feats, ethnic diversity abounds in the UAE, with citizens of Asian, Indian, Iranian, Arab, and Western descent. Learn why so many have come to call the United Arab Emirates home in this fascinating read for curious students.
Anchored between Costa Rica and Colombia, the small country of Panama flourishes with activity. Colorful festivals, a city rain forest full of animals, and the busy Panama Canal are big factors in Panama's healthy economy. Discover the history behind one of Latin America's most prosperous nations in this title for young readers.
Mouthwatering mangoes, Bengal tigers, and a world-renown cricket team all contribute to the national pride of Bangladeshis. Similar in size to the state of New York, this young country has more than 156 million citizens. It is one of the most densely populated areas in the world! In this title for students, learn more about how the people of Bangladesh live and work in a land swarming with activity.
Although notorious for its founder, Genghis Khan, the modern Mongolia has become a favorite spot for adventurous travelers. Snow-tipped mountains, river deltas that never freeze, the Gobi Desert, and nomadic peoples with large birds for pets are all part of the wondrous, high-country culture of Mongolia. Come along for the journey in this children’s book filled to the brim with adventure and knowledge.
Wealthy ancient Romans got their kicks at the arena, where convicted criminals, slaves, and prisoners of war were pitted against each other in physical combat. The contenders were called gladiators, and they fought until they found relief in victory, mercy, or death. Readers will be fascinated by the gladiators life in training and battle.
Maori warriors would unnerve the enemy with their dances called haka. The peruperu was a war haka performed before battle. In it, the warriors would wave their weapons and contort their faces to summon the god of war and warn the opposition of their fate. Find out how successful they were in this thrilling title of bravery, weapons, and war.
Mongol warriors were expert archers. They used this skill in battle, where opponents met a slew of arrows born of Mongol cunning and craft. Howling arrows whistled as they descended into enemy lines, sending assailants into a panic. In this book, kids will learn more about Mongol weapons, gear, and training.
The samurai were the warrior class of feudal Japan for hundreds of years. They led other soldiers to war on the battlefield, and their weapons and armor made them formidable opponents. Readers will learn the history of the samurai, their weapons and fighting styles, and what ultimately led to their decline.
