The year is 1909 and Joseph has just immigrated to the United States from Russia. He thinks that life in New York City will be wonderful, but he has not bargained for the challenges of learning English and of resisting the pressures to skip school, steal and fight to earn a place among the boys in his neighbourhood. Just Call Me Joe presents a full picture of life in New York City for the working poor. Anna, Joe's older sister, struggles to cope with the terrible factory conditions of the time. Aunt Sophie must take in boarders to make ends meet. And Joseph must both accept change and remain true to himself in a new city with new challenges.
In the late 1850s in and around Carson City, struggles between the Indians and the local whites are growing. During the struggles, Joselyn, a young orphan, meets Sarah Winnemucca, a Paiute girl who becomes her friend and gives her some valuable advice. When Joselyn takes that advice and escapes from the Carson City Home for Unfortunate Children, she has no idea that her boy's disguise and her love for and expertise with horses will lead her straight to the Pony Express. Joselyn becomes Jo and turns to a life that demands all her inner strength and resources. Then the meanest man on the route learns her secret and uses it to extract a promise that kept or broken could mean death.
Jesse's project about his immigrant ancestors is due tomorrow and he hasn't started. In a last-ditch effort to find some information about his great-great grandfather, Yossi, Jesse rummages through the mess in the attic until he finds a little battered travel case, full of pictures, and something else - a Star of David. At first it looks plain and unimportant, but as he holds it in his hand, the star begins to glow. Jesse is in for the surprise, and adventure, of his life as he finds himself becoming the star's first owner, his own great-great grandfather. Now a boy in Russia in the 1880s, Yossi lives in a little village, watched over by thieving soldiers who hate the Jewish community and often raid their crops before they can be stored for the winter. The whole village prays for the opportunity to slip away from their Russian keepers and escape to Canada, a land where they can be free. And nobody, even his parents, think Yossi is old enough to be of any help. But Yossi is out to prove them all wrong. If his plan works, he will set the whole village free. And he must do it alone. An adventure story for young readers, Jesse's Star is also a compelling history of one family's struggle to be free in the new world.
In the sequel to Discovering Emily, Emily Carr is determined to become an artist. But her parents have died, and she and her siblings are ruled by the iron-willed eldest, Dede. Dede is more concerned with decorum than with ridiculous dreams and is not averse to punishing Emily severely. In the face of such resistance, and in the conservative climate of nineteenth-century Victoria, Emily must find a way to make her dream come true.
Young Emily Carr has no interest in learning to be a lady. She loves animals and the outdoors, and she is beginning to discover that what she loves most of all is drawing and painting. Will she find a way to develop her talent in the straitlaced world of nineteenth-century Victoria, British Columbia?
Ellie and her little brother Max find themselves moving from their grandmother's comfortable home in England to Upper Canada. Their mother is dead, Father wants to start over again, and in 1835 there are many opportunities for settlers in British North America. Despite the strangeness of this vast new world, Ellie is sure things will turn out all right, as long as the family stays together. But once they are in Upper Canada, Father leaves Ellie and Max with strangers on an isolated homestead, while he goes on ahead to find land and build a cabin. Although the mother and father are kind to her, Ellie makes an enemy of their daughter Mary, who is insulted by the newcomer's distant manners, fine clothes and talk of her London home. Ellie's loneliness and discomfort, however, gradually turns into a growing fear. Where is Father? Why hasn't he come back to them? A gripping story for young readers that explored the world of early settlers.
Belle, an 11-year-old Metis girl, and Sarah both want the coveted job of church bell ringer. An embroidery contest is held to award the position, and Sarah cheats. Before Belle can expose her, the two are caught up in the advancing forces of General Middleton and his troops as they surround Batoche in the 1885 Riel Rebellion. The church bell disappeared that day and remains missing to this day.
This book looks at the geography, history, resources, culture, and people of Brazil. Reading Essentials in Social Studies.
This book looks at the history and responsibilities of the executive branch of the United States government which includes the president, vice-president, cabinet, and other agencies and councils. Reading Essentials in Social Studies.
This book discusses the Vietnam War, its effects on America, and how the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was conceived. Reading Essentials in Social Studies.
This book looks at the geography, history, resources, culture, and people of Australia. Reading Essentials in Social Studies.
This book takes a look at the microscopic organisms, including mold and bacteria, discusses the causes of allergies, and looks at the invention of the microscope. Reading Essentials in Science.
The periodic table designed by Dmitri Mendeleev provides a wealth of information about the elements that make up our world. This book presents a study of the development and purpose of the periodic table of elements, explaining why this method of organization is needed and how scientist utilize the information. Reading Essentials in Science.
This book describes the history, design, and construction of the World Trade Center, as well as the terrorist attack that destroyed it on September 11, 2001.
The Underground Railroad was a system of people who helped slaves escape. People in the Underground Railroad provided food, clothing, transportation, and safe places for fugitive or runaway slaves to stay.
This book provides facts about Castillo de San Marcos National Monument at St. Augustine, Florida, and discusses its history and construction.
Although other cities have historical sites, Boston has organized a special way to see its famous places. In Boston, you can see most of the famous sites by walking a special path called the Freedom Trail.
The west coast welcomed thousands of immigrants from Asia who carried with them hopes and dreams of a bright future. Many stayed on the island for weeks or months before moving into California. Why did they have to stay so long? What made them want to come to the United States? Immigrants coming to Angel Island had to have patience as they underwent humiliation and questioning. Learn about the history of Angel Island and the immigrants that passed through by examining photographs, maps, and informational sidebars.
This book explains the construction and significance of Fort Sumter, a national monument and symbol of the Civil War.
A series for the young architect, designer or archeologist who wants to unearth the wonderful cities and dwellings of the past and learn how ancient builders worked.
In medieval times, knights could dominate any battlefield. Armed with swords, shields, spears, and lances, they rode their horses into battle and struck fear into their enemies. Readers will discover the tactics, weapons, and tools of knight warfare and why knights remain some of historys greatest warriors.
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.
Avast, me hearty, or yell be walkin the plank! or so wed like to think. Pirates had a host of punishments for their unlucky captives, but walking the plank is likely just a myth. Learn what high-sea hijinks brought pirates a deadly reputation unless ye be too lily livered!
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.
