Gordy and his family live in Detroit, Michigan, the heart of the United States automobile industry. Every night after coming home from work at one of the plants, Gordy's father teaches him how to box. Their hero is the famous American boxer Joe Louis, who grew up in Detroit. But the Great Depression has come down hard on the economy. Detroit's auto industry is affected and thousands of people lose their jobs, including Gordy's father. When his mother takes on work with a Jewish tailor, Gordy becomes friends with Ira, the tailor's son, bonding over their shared interest in boxing and Joe Louis. As the boys' friendship grows, Gordy feels protective of Ira, wanting to help the new boy fit in. At the same time, America is gearing up for the rematch between Joe Louis and the German boxer, Max Schmeling. For many Americans this fight is about good versus evil (US against Nazi Germany). Against the backdrop of the 1938 Fight of the Century, a young boy learns what it means to make a stand for a friend.
When she was seven years old, Geraldine (Jerrie) Mock took her first airplane ride. She decided then and there to be a pilot. Growing up, she was inspired by radio broadcasts detailing the travels of aviatrix Amelia Earhart. Joan Merriam was 15 when she took her first plane ride in 1952. She got her pilot's license before she could even drive a car. And like Jerrie, Joan too was inspired by Earhart and wanted to circle the globe, following Earhart's exact route. Years later, when both women begin to plan their dream flights, they are completely unaware of each other, and coincidentally pick the same time to depart. But when the media gets word of their plans, the stage is set for the race of a lifetime. This picture book retells the extraordinary story of the 1964 air race between Americans Geraldine Mock and Joan Merriam Smith, the first two women to fly around the world.
2020 New York State Reading Association Charlotte Award Master List In 1961, President John F. Kennedy issued a challenge to the nation: land astronauts on the moon by the end of the decade. The Apollo program was designed by NASA to meet that challenge, and on July 16, 1969, Apollo 11 lifted off from Kennedy Space Center carrying astronauts Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Edwin Aldrin. Apollo 11's prime mission objective: "Perform a manned lunar landing and return." Four days after take-off, the Lunar Module "Eagle," carrying Armstrong and Aldrin, separated from the Command Module "Columbia," and descended to the moon. Armstrong reported back to Houston's Command Center, "The Eagle has landed." America and the world watched in wonder and awe as a new chapter in space exploration opened. Through verse and informational text, author Rhonda Gowler Greene celebrates Apollo 11's historic moon landing.
Escaping persecution for being Jewish, the Baline family fled Russia and arrived by ship in New York City harbor in September 1893. Little Israel Isidore Baline is only five years old. After arriving at Ellis Island, the first stop for all immigrants, Israel and his family are ready to begin a new life in America. His family settles in the Lower East Side and soon Israel (now nicknamed Izzy) starts school. And while he learns English, he is not a very good student. According to his teachers he daydreams and sings in class. But while these may not be traits that are helpful in the classroom, these are wonderful tools for a budding singer and composer. And by the time that Izzy (now known as Irving) is a young man, he is well on his way to becoming one of the most well-known composers in America. This vivid picture-book biography examines the life of Irving Berlin, the distinguished artist whose songs, including "God Bless America," continue to be popular today.
Explores the Midwest region, including the rolling plains and farmland, big climate changes, and hot dish.
Highlights fascinating facts about U.S. presidents, from the president who was afraid to touch light switches to the president that banned broccoli. Learn about the president's dog who was so popular that he needed his own secretary, the president who befriended a burglar, the president who had his staff hide from him, and more! Additional features include a table of contents, a phonetic glossary, an index, and sources for further research.
Our expert author picks the best players in the 20-plus year history of the WNBA. Find out what made the players stars and how they helped build the league into what it has become. Additional features to enhance the text include a table of contents, a phonetic glossary, an index, an introduction to the author, and sources for further research.
Every year, the WNBA crowns a champion. In this book, meet all of them! Find out which teams have won the most championships, who the top players were on the teams, and what made them into champions. Additional features to enhance the text include a table of contents, a phonetic glossary, an index, an introduction to the author, and sources for further research.
Who scored the most points? Who played the most games? Which players have carved their names into the WNBA record books? Find out who has piled up the points and see the records that need breaking! Additional features to enhance the text include a table of contents, a phonetic glossary, an index, an introduction to the author, and sources for further research.
From hiking in Big Bend National Park to learning the history of the Alamo, there's lots to see and do in Texas! Additional features include maps on each spread, state symbols, famous people, fact bubbles, and informative captions that highlight some of the things that make Texas special. A table of contents, sources for further research, a phonetic glossary, and an index support readers and extend learning.
Today, Americans embrace one another's differences. But it was not always this way. In the past, people had to struggle against slavery and unfair leaders. Americans believe in equality and responsibility. These are our civic values. It is important that we uphold these beliefs. Colorful images, supporting text, a glossary, table of contents, and index all work together to help readers better understand the content and be fully engaged from cover to cover.
It is important for us to remember the events of the past. One way to preserve our history is by building landmarks. Visiting these places and learning about them helps us appreciate our past and guides our future. Colorful images, supporting text, a glossary, table of contents, and index all work together to help readers better understand the content and be fully engaged from cover to cover.
As Americans, we have much to be thankful for. Many brave men and women serve in the armed forces. They uphold our values and protect our borders. On Veterans Day, we take time to thank these people. Colorful images, supporting text, a glossary, table of contents, and index all work together to help readers better understand the content and be fully engaged from cover to cover.
In many ways Washington, DC is the heart of our nation. There are many important buildings and monuments. The White House, the Supreme Court, and the Lincoln Memorial are just a few of the sights to see. People like to visit our nation's capital because it is a window to our past. Colorful images, supporting text, a glossary, table of contents, and index all work together to help readers better understand the content and be fully engaged from cover to cover.
Readers will learn the history behind the Declaration of Independence and what makes it such an important document in American history. This engaging title features colorful images, informative text, and interesting facts. Featuring a table of contents, glossary, and index, this book has all the tools readers will need to learn about American independence!
School has always been an important part of children's lives! In this engaging nonfiction title that includes a glossary and index, early readers are encouraged to use the detailed images and simple text to observe and discuss the similarities and differences between school in the past and school in the present.
What makes Abigail Adams such an amazing American? Young readers will find out in this intriguing biographical book that uses supportive text, a glossary, index, and table of contents in conjunction with colorful images to engage and encourage children to find someone that they are inspired by.
Readers will learn about Paul Revere in this interesting biographical book. The vivid images and supportive text work in conjunction with the helpful glossary, table of contents, and index to give readers tools they need to learn all they can about this amazing American. Readers will be encouraged to learn about a person they think is amazing.
In this inspiring nonfiction book, readers will discover stories about immigrants that came to America from China, Poland, Peru, and the Dominican Republic. The alluring images and supportive text work in conjunction with the helpful glossary, index, and table of contents to engage readers and to enhance their understanding of the content.
America is a country that is filled with many immigrants. In this fascinating book, readers will learn some of the many reasons immigrants choose to become American citizens. The glossary, index, and table of contents help readers better understand the content as they make their way through this inspiring book.
In this charming nonfiction book, beginning readers will learn about the ways families have stayed the same--and changed--over time. With its vivid and charismatic images of families throughout time, helpful text, and a table of contents, glossary, and index, children will be excited to learn about families from the past and will be inspired to compare them to families today.
This nonfiction title allows early readers to explore life at home from both the past and the present. The clear, engaging photos and simple text help children observe the differences and similarities in this engaging book that features a glossary and index for further understanding.
The Statue of Liberty stands tall as a symbol of freedom. Early readers are introduced to the Statue of Liberty through a brief history told through simple text, stunning images, and a helpful glossary and index.
The American flag is a symbol for freedom and unity. In this engaging nonfiction title, young readers learn a brief history of the American flag and are encouraged to learn and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
In this nonfiction title, readers are introduced to the ideas of freedom and celebrations as they learn about the history of and the way that Americans continue to celebrate the Fourth of July. Early readers will love the bright colors and images and the clear, informational text as they move through from cover to cover.
