Life on the American frontier of the 1800s is the stuff of American myth and legend. It was here in the wide open spaces of the West that the rugged individualism of the American character was refined: in the strong but silent cowboy, the saloon girl with a heart of gold, and the sod busting pioneer. Faced with the incredible challenges of taming a wilderness, wresting the territory from the Native peoples, and dealing with the hardships of pioneer life, Americans were offered one of the richest opportunities in the history of human kind - the agricultural and mineral resources of a new land. The settling of this land is the story of America, a story of violence, wasted resources, and genocide, as well as heroism, freedom, and incredible opportunity. The Wild West of the 1800s remains for Americans a land of hopes and dreams.
From an isolated and inward-looking new nation clinging to the East Coast, America in the 1800s grew in size, strength, and military might. From the War of 1812 to the century-long campaigns of conquest against Native American peoples, territorial expansion through war with Mexico to the great national tragedy that was the Civil War, American soldiers and sailors forged a tradition of pride and heroism that is part of our national heritage. Sometimes misguided, sometimes truly inspired, nineteenth century America produced some of the greatest military leaders and witnessed some of the bloodiest battles in our history. Behind the scenes, and often neglected in our official histories, the life of America's citizen soldiers was a tough and brutal one. Patriotism, heroism, and human folly all combine in the story of the roots of Americas rise to the status of world military power.
In today's world, where we routinely zip down the highway at 70 miles per hour and we can fly coast-to-coast in a matter of hours, it is hard to imagine the revolution in transportation that took place in the 1800s. From a world where most people rarely traveled faster than their legs could carry them or much beyond their home towns, the 1800s witnessed an amazing and rapid development of technology, improvements in infrastructure, and a national will to conquer the vast distances of a growing country. Through the work of inventors, individual entrepreneurs, and municipalities, Americans found new opportunities for traveling conveniently from place to place within their communities, and a frontier nation was unified by rail, by road, and by a sense of national identity. This is the story of nineteenth century America on the move!
Medicine developed into a science in the 1800s, but it was a long evolution from folk remedies and superstition to a modern understanding of how the human body works and how disease is spread. Throughout much of the century, the life expectancy of the average American was decades shorter than it is now. A lack of understanding of simple hygiene contributed to the early death of many women after childbirth, and children routinely died of common childhood diseases like measles. An incorrectly treated broken arm could kill a healthy young man, and pain, disfigurement, and epidemic disease was the fate of many Americans. Traditional herbal remedies were sometimes the best treatments available, while patent medicines often contained toxic substances, and medical procedures were often painful, disgusting, and ultimately useless. The dedicated scientists and medical researchers of the 1800s made a tremendous contribution to the health and happiness of Americans.
Young Pythagoras can't seem to stay out of trouble. Every time he tries to help, people get angry. What's a curious kid to do? On a trip to Egypt, Pythagoras' curiosity helps him discover the secret of the right triangle. A clever introduction to the Pythagorean Theorem.
A Math Adventure! Julie Ellis and Phyllis Hornung Peacock team up once again to explore Pythagorean ratios in this humorous sequel to What's Your Angle, Pythagoras? Pythagoras and his cousins want to win a music contest, but first they must figure out how to play their instruments in tune, something that's never been done before. While trying to fix the problem, Pythagoras makes an important discovery--notes that sound pleasant together have a certain mathematical relationship. When Pythagoras applies this ratio to his cousins' pipes and lyres, the result is music to the ears. This book is good for your brain because: Mathematical problem solving, Ratios, Measuring, Musical Theory, History of Instruments
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence was a marvel of art, architecture, and engineering. But it lacked a finishing ornament, a crown--a dome! The city fathers had a solution: to invite the finest masters to compete for the chance to design a dome. The rumors of this contest reached the ears of Filippo Brunelleschi, better known in Florence as Pippo the Fool. As soon as he heard about the contest, Pippo knew it was the chance he had been waiting for. "If I can win the contest, I will finally lose that nickname once and for all!"
This book discusses the lives of samurai warriors through a story about two samurai who served Oda Nobunaga, a powerful samurai leader.
This book describes the life of medieval knights, including a short story of two young knights' experiences in a tournament and in battle.
In graphic-novel format, this book examines the history of piracy while providing a story that brings the danger and adventure of high seas to life.
A remarkable story of survival. The creators of A Mother's Journey and Little Lost Bat, Sandra Markle and Alan Marks team up again to chronicle the challenges faced by a mother koala: protecting herself and her joey from a raging bushfire, and finding food and a new home after their home range is destroyed. Based on a true story. Back matter includes facts about koalas, an author's note about Cinders, the real-life koala that survived two bushfires, and resources for learning more about koalas and their habitat.
Detailed descriptions about the World War I Memorial explore basic history about this war.
Learn detailed information about the World War II Memorial and basic history about this war.
Supersonic jets travel faster than the speed of sound. These jets are designed to maintain stability and function at very high temperatures. Kids will read about the technology, history, and future of supersonic jets.
Learn detailed information about the Korean War Memorial and basic history about this war.
Detailed descriptions and photos of the USS Arizona Memorial help the reader to understand and appreciate the sacrifices of our American soldiers.
Learn background information about Arlington Naitonal Cemetary and the sacrifices of American fallen soldiers.
The largest capital ships in the world, Nimitz aircraft carriers are filled with cutting-edge technology and several kinds of planes. Students will discover the history, technology, and missions of this backbone of the United States Navy.
Hunt the sea for sunken boats filled with treasure in this graphic high interest book.
In graphic-novel format, this book examines the history of the Chicago fire in 1871 while providing a story that brings to life one family's struggle to survive the devastation.
In graphic-novel format, this book chronicles the 1906 earthquake that destroyed the city of San Francisco while providing a story of one family's escape from the disaster.
In graphic-novel format, this book examines the history of Ellis Island while providing a story surrounding one family's immigration to America.
Be a part of history as you ride with Paul Revere through this graphic book.
In graphic-novel format, this book examines the history of the Galveston Hurricane in 1900 while providing a story that depicts the community's struggle to survive the storm and rebuild their homes afterward.
Football is a hard-hitting game. From games in the back yard to high school to the NFL, people love to play and watch football. Kids will learn the history, basic rules, and equipment of football, as well as how the game is played today. Blastoff! Series