This fascinating book describes the characteristics of a dictatorship, a political system in which an individual has absolute power to rule without the consent of citizens. Dictatorships throughout history are featured to show examples of how these individuals attained their positions, either by force or by inheritance, why laws and constitutions do not constrain a dictator's actions, and how every aspect of citizens' lives can be regulated under this system.
This intriguing book describes the characteristics of a monarchy, a political system in which political power (usually inherited) rests with a monarch-a king or queen. Today, only six nations around the world are termed absolute monarchies in which the monarch has complete power. Other nations that have monarchs as heads of state are called constitutional monarchies because the monarch's role is only ceremonial. Monarchies throughout history are featured to show examples of succession within a royal family, the extent of the monarch's governing power, and the monarch's ceremonial duties.
This interesting book describes the characteristics of a theocracy, a political system in which a deity, or god, is considered to be the supreme ruler of the state. Religion plays the central role in governing, and representatives who govern are considered to be divinely guided. Theocratic governments around the world are featured to show examples of the relationship between church and state, how representatives are selected, and how laws are determined and enforced.
Pivotal battles waged before, during, and after the War of 1812 are detailed in this fascinating book. Battles between the United States and the British and Canadians saw gains and losses of territory for both sides, all of which proved to be only temporary. For the Native Indians who fought on each side, the result was the loss of their land and autonomy. Famous battles highlighted include those at sea: the USS Constitution vs the Guerriere, the USS Lawrence in the Battle of Lake Erie, and the capture of the USS Chesapeake; and on landthe Battle of Tippecanoe before the war, the Battle of Queenston Heights, and the Battle of New Orleans which took place after the Treaty of Ghent had already been signed ending the war.
The War of 1812 resulted in a surging sense of nationalism for both the United States and Canada. This fascinating book looks at the achievements of the military leaders and other key figures involved in the conflict during this time of nation-building. Brief biographies give details of their lives and describe the actions of such long-remembered heroes of the war as American President James Madison, Commodore Oliver Perry, General Andrew Jackson, Lieutenant Colonel Charles de Salaberry, Major General Isaac Brock, Shawnee Chief Tecumseh, and Laura Secord.
Fought during a period of nation-building in North America, the War of 1812 helped cement America's sovereignty as a nation and Canada's sense of national pride at having successfuly repelled an invasion. This intriguing book helps readers understand the significance and long-term effects of the War of 1812 after the signing of the Treaty of Ghent ended hostilities in 1815. In the United States, these included the creation of heroes, the birth of a national anthemThe Star-Spangled Banner, and the reneging on treaties which destroyed Shawnee Chief Tecumseh's dream of an Indian confederacy; in Canada, it was prosperity through British war chests and a bonding of the provinces through a common foe.
In 1812, the Napoleonic Wars in far-off Europe began a chain of actions that would lead the United States into war against Britain and its colonies in Canada in the New World. This fascinating book reveals how U.S. president James Madison declared war on Britain for harming U.S. trade with Europe by naval blockade, for impressing U.S. citizens into the service of the British Royal Navy, for siding with Native Americans against the U.S., and for standing in the way of American expansion to the north into Canada.
City hall is a bustling place, filled with workers of all kinds. Readers will learn about the many jobs people do to keep our cities running smoothly.
Abigail Adams, the First Lady of the United States, takes Fiona and Finley back in time to her new home at the White House to share her story.
In State Capitol, emergent readers join a group of students as they enjoy a trip to the state capitol. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text engage young readers as they learn about how laws are made meet some of the people who help make them. A labeled diagram shows readers different rooms in the capitol, while a picture glossary reinforces new vocabulary. Children can learn more about what happens at the state capitol using our safe search engine that provides relevant, age-appropriate websites. State Capitol also features reading tips for teachers and parents, a table of contents, and an index.
What began as a day to celebrate the birthday of George Washington, the first president of the United States of America, has grown to include every other president to serve as leader of the country. Learn all about Presidents' Day, from its earliest beginnings to how Americans celebrate this occasion today. Children will love this easy-to-understand introduction of this important national holiday.
Many people know that Benjamin Franklin discovered electricity. In this captivating biography, readers learn the role he played in colonial America. Through easy-to-read text, fascinating facts, and engaging images, children will discover the amazing life Franklin had and learn how he made his way from being an apprentice at his brother's printshop to an international diplomat. Readers will be engaged and eager to learn about the impact he made on early America through his contribution to the First Continental Congress and the Declaration of Independence.
Describes how water is transported, treated and stored from its source into homes, schools, and offices.
Once upon a time a dog was looking for a home. Not just any home -- the perfect home, to be exact. So he decides to travel the world, visiting different countries and seeing how other dogs live. On his travels Dog meets a Newfoundland in Newfoundland, an English bulldog in England, a poodle in Paris, and many other different kinds of dogs. And he learns about what they do and how they live. But sadly, none of these places are what Dog has in mind. Can Dog find the perfect home? YES, HE CAN!! Savvy readers may have already guessed where Dog's perfect home is located but everyone, young and old, can't help but smile at the happy ending to his journey.
The books in the Community Connections Library help kids understand the world around them. What Do They Do? Judges, gives young readers an idea of the role that Judges play in keeping their community safe.
The books in the Community Connections Library help kids understand the world around them. What Do They Do? Police Officers, gives young readers an idea of the role that Police Officers play in their community.
Written by the son of a career officer, this book explores the branches of the Armed Services and speaks from the heart about the honor, privileges and sacrifices of military families everywhere. Children will discover why drill sergeants have to be so tough, what it means to be patriotic and why we need Special Forces such as the Navy SEALS, the Green Berets and the Army Rangers. H is for Honor also explains why the annual Army/Navy football game is more than just a game, how much letters from home mean to soldiers, how often military families have to move and what life on base is like. With an underlying message of courage and commitment that every child can relate to, the book will be especially meaningful to those whose parents, siblings or other relatives serve in the Armed Forces.
From the pageantry of the Musical Ride to the movie-good looks of the fictional Dudley Do-Right, the image of the handsome and stalwart Mountie has long been part of popular North American culture. But there's more to being a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police than wearing a red coat. It's an important career law enforcement and public service
Found by a young boy and placed into his pocket for safekeeping, Penny feels useless compared to the exciting Superball, the shiny Marble, the adventuresome Rock, and the colorful Bubblegum. But as she reminisces about her life and history, she realizes her worth, and it is reinforced by the young boy's need for her in an important decision.
We often sing the "Star Spangled Banner," but what do the words mean? Why did Franklin Delano Roosevelt stay in office longer than any other U.S. president? Following the style of an old-fashioned primer, The American Reader answers such questions as it gives children a modern, well-rounded view of what it means to be a good citizen. Captivating prose, poems, short stories, and games entertain as they teach about the diverse regions of our country, the history of the Pledge of Allegiance, the story of Clara Barton, and the official nicknames for each of our states. A story about Smokey Bear promotes an appreciation of nature and the need to protect it, and another explains how to be helpful and respectful to people with disabilities. The American Reader's lively variety and broad scope will give children of all ages much to learn, think about and enjoy for hours on end.
This book relays the factual details of the U.S. homefront during World War II. The narrative provides multiple accounts of the event, and readers learn details through the point of view of a female bomber plant worker, an African-American worker, and a Japanese-American business owner. The text offers opportunities to compare and contrast various perspectives in the text while gathering and analyzing information about a historical event.
This book relays the factual details of the creation of the U.S. Constitution. The narrative provides multiple accounts of the event, and readers learn details through the point of view of a serving girl at a Pennsylvania boardinghouse, a law clerk in the state of Virginia, and an apprentice printer. The text offers opportunities to compare and contrast various perspectives in the text while gathering and analyzing information about a historical event.
The United Nations is a very important international organization. Around the world this agency's staff and volunteers are working to provide children with access to medical treatment and education. Have you ever wondered how this important work gets done? How do organizations like UNICEF help? What kinds of problems do they have to solve? Read How Do They Help? UNICEF to learn more about many people who help in your community and around the world.
A thorough, illustrated biography discussing the childhood, career, family, and term of Woodrow Wilson, twenty-eighth president of the United States.
A thorough, illustrated biography discussing the childhood, career, family, and term of William Howard Taft, twenty-seventh president of the United States.
