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.
A hardworking cat, an ingénue dog, and a collection of familiar and unfamiliar Mother Goose rhymes combine in this charming Valentine picture book. Our romantic leads meet, court, propose, and wed, then honeymoon to London to visit the Queen. Careful readers will notice the little mouse (sometimes obvious, sometimes hiding) in every illustration.
The planet Mercury has highs around 800 °F and lows around -280 °F. Students will learn about Mercury's discovery, physical characteristics, and the environment that supports these extreme temperatures. Blastoff! Series
The United States accelerated the space race in 1958 by forming NASA. Eager readers will learn about the history of NASA and its many manned and unmanned missions. Blastoff! Series
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.
Pouches, pads, or plumes adorn animals for many reasons. Explanations for these incredible body parts are provided for the young reader.
Onomtopeia and alliterative text along with colorful close-up photos of many different pets brings this book to life.
Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system. It is known for its giant spinning storm called the Great Red Spot. Young students will learn all about Jupiter's discovery, storms, moons, and how this giant planet has been explored. Blastoff! Series
Mars is known as the red, rocky planet. It has many volcanoes, including the solar system's largest one. Eager readers will learn about the physical features of Mars and its place in the solar system. Blastoff! Series
The Hubble Telescope travels at 17,500 miles per hour to capture fascinating images of space. Young learners will read about the creation of the Hubble Telescope and the ways we use it to learn more about the universe. Blastoff! Series
One spider's search for a home of her own. Each spring hundreds of spiders hatch from their egg sacs and begin their struggle to survive. They must protect themselves not only from predators, but also from their very own siblings! Ginger Wadsworth and Patricia J. Wynne chronicle the real-life drama of one spider as she eats, grows, spins a dragline of silk, and soars up, up, and away to find a home of her own. This book is good for your brain because: Early Childhood Literacy, Insects and their Environments
Daddy takes Ben on a surprise trip to the pet store. Ben doesn't want a mouse, a snake, or even a cat. But when a certain puppy makes Ben laugh, a lasting friendship is formed. Three short chapters trace a day in the life of Ben and his new puppy, Tita. This book is good for your brain because: Early Reader, Chapter book, Responsibility, Friendship
Bears tumble in! Count teddy bears from one to twelve, name their colors, and even form three primary shapes--square, circle, and triangle. Then count down to zero as the bears trot away. Back matter includes a review of the counting and math skills presented. Perfect for use with bear counters and other classroom manipulatives. This book is good for your brain because: Numeration, Counting, Simple Addition, Subtraction, Shapes, Using Manipulatives
Earth is the only planet in the solar system known to support life. Children will explore our home's water, atmosphere, and the diverse land features that make Earth a beautiful place to live! Blastoff! Series
Paintball, a wild activity, is highlighted along with who enjoys playing it, rules that are followed, and safety equipment that must be worn.
Describes off-road racing. The reader learns about the history of the sport, characteristics of the vehicles, important events, and famous drivers.
How do we breathe and why do we need oxygen? Your lungs work hard to keep oxygen flowing through your blood. This book explains how the respiratory system functions to take in the air we need to live. Blastoff! Series
Monster truck rallies are described and explained in this book. Readers learn how the trucks are made, who makes them, and why people love this sport.
Brave and smart and big at heart. Kylie Bell may be the smallest one in her first-grade class, but when it comes to standing up to mean ol' bully-boy Rusty Jacks, her courage is monumental. Life isn't easy when you can't reach the water fountain, but Kylie Bell's big heart and good manners prove that sometimes it takes the most courage to do what's right. Frank Dormer's playful art extends the funny animal metaphors and appeals to both girls and boys. This book is good for your brain because: Building character, Problem solving, Bullying
The nervous system is a complex network of nerves that allows you to experience the world around you. Children will find out how nerves carry messages to the brain so that people can do things like jump and eat. Blastoff! Series
Everyone knows that sinking feeling in the pit of the stomach just before diving into a new situation. Sarah Jane Hartwell is scared and doesn't want to start over at a new school. She doesn't know anybody, and nobody knows her. It will be awful. She just knows it. With much prodding from Mr. Hartwell, Sarah Jane reluctantly pulls herself together and goes to school. She is quickly befriended by Mrs. Burton, who helps smooth her jittery transition. This charming and familiar story will delight readers with its surprise ending. Fun, energetic illustrations brighten page after page with the busy antics surrounding Sarah Jane. First Day Jitters is an enchanting story that is sure to be treasured by anyone who has every anticipated a first day of school.
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
