Thirteen-year-old Hannah Higgins is convinced her summer is ruined when she is forced to travel to Africa and work in a remote village in Kenya with her mom and uncle. Never having been to a developing country, she finds the food challenging and the community filthy. She has to live without electricity or running water. Then she is told she must attend school. Just when she thinks nothing could make this trip any worse, she learns people there are dying of hunger and preventable disease. Hannah becomes frustrated and wants to help, but when poverty threatens the lives of people she loves, all she wants to do is go home.
History recognizes the leadership and voice Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. brought to the civil rights movement in 1960s America. A 30-foot tall statue of Dr. King gazes into the future full of hope for all humanity. His words of peace are carved in the walls of the monument as a reminder to all Americans of the power of peaceful protest. Learn all about the first national memorial to an African American.
She was a gift of friendship and peace between France and the United States. “Liberty Enlightening the World” stands now as a symbol of America’s embrace of freedom and democracy. Find out why 4 million visitors each year come to see this majestic statue in New York’s harbor.
For millions of people, leaving home and coming to America meant giving up family and all things familiar. For more than sixty years, one site was the first place in America all new immigrants saw. Find out why Ellis Island holds such an important place in America’s history.
The story of Harriet Tubman and her role in leading slaves to freedom along the Underground Railroad is well-known. But did you know that during the Civil War Harriet would often dress in disguise to gain important information to share with the Union Army?
All the Big Trucks stay busy with important work. Bobbi just wants to help, but she is too small for the heavy lifting. With her self-esteem at a low point, will Bobbi discover the important role she plays every day?
It may be a parent's dream, but imagine life without the internet or world wide web. Would airlines be able to fly? Would our nation's security be at risk? What can be done to safeguard the internet?
It seems they're everywhere. But scientists believe bees are at risk of survival. What has put bees at risk and should we care? Imagine a world without these important pollinators and you'll see a world with fewer and fewer critical food sources.
Empires have been built from it, Wars have been fought for it. Imagine a world without oil. What alternatives do we have in a future with limited oil and other fossil fuels?
Look around. Plastic is everywhere. But some experts say today's plastic will be in our landfills for thousands of years to come. Imagine a world without plastic, in some communities, it's a new reality. Explore the good and the bad of plastic in our lives.
School’s not cool for Liam and Ling. But when they try to find others to play with, they learn that work has its own rewards. And following rules is cool after all.
Helen and Ethan have a big surprise planned for Roy. Will he learn that manners matter? Young readers will learn that being pushy and rude can lead to not-so-fun surprises!
Whether it’s raising money for a charity or cleaning up a park, getting involved in your community is a great way to help others and feel good about yourself.
Urban communities have many tall buildings while rural communities have smaller and fewer buildings. But all have some places in common. These provide goods or services that make communities liveable.
Heroes are all around us, people in the community who help others stay safe and be well, teach us, and protect our homes and businesses.
Bee just wants to get home. So why is Bear bothered by Bee when she can be a sweet friend? Children will learn that being a good friend comes with sweet rewards!
Dad says we have to move. He has a new job. Mom says I'll like my new room. Well, I'm not moving! Change isn't easy for young boys and girls. And when change means moving to a new school, a new house, and away from friends, well that can be downright complicated!
La Llorona (The Crying Woman) is a sad and haunting tale from Mexico. Parents have told the story for hundreds of years to misbehaving children and to guard against vanity. Some say the story is about Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés and a native Mexican woman who served as his translator. Her loss can be compared to the loss of native Mexican culture after the Spanish conquest.
Slavery in the United States became illegal in the 1860s. Before that, many slaves found their way north by following the Big Dipper, or the Drinking Gourd as they called it. Our story begins in 1880 with Old Ellie and Old Sam, two escaped slaves who share their brave story along the path to freedom called the Underground Railroad.
In the early 1800s, white settlers and missionaries were intent on bringing the English language to the illiterate Native Americans. Sequoyah was intrigued by these leaves of paper with strange marks that talked. Doing what no one had ever done before, Sequoyah set about creating a written Cherokee languagehelping preserve the tribe's history and culture even today.
Mom has a new friend who comes around a lot. Why do I have to like him? His name is Dan, just like the stinky kid at my school.It's not easy for a young boy or girl to handle a new friend in their parent's life. But when they all go on a road trip together, things begin to look a little better.
In 1845, Frederick Douglass's first autobiography became a bestseller. Many readers could not believe that such a brilliant writer was ever a slave. When Douglass wrote the book, slavery had not yet ended so he kept secret how he escaped from Maryland. By 1881, the Civil War had ended slavery and Douglass felt the time was right to reveal how he escaped. This play is adapted from Douglass's own words from The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass.
Most people take it for granted: riding a bike. In the late 1800s, the bicycle first came to the United States from Europe. This new "steel horse" was wildly popular. But for women, who either worked in factories or stayed at home, the bicycle liberated them like nothing ever has. One two-wheeled invention changed fashion, opened doors, and led to a movement in women's rights still felt today.
Klink and Klank spend a lot of time together. But Klank decides to try new things. Will the buddies continue to be friends? Or will they go separate ways? Concept: Accepting differences. Book features: Big Words and Big Questions; original illustrations.
It can feel good to earn money. But sharing what we earn with others can help many more people enjoy the benefits of hard work. With this introduction to financial literacy, you will learn how sharing time, goods, and money can help those in need.