It was the War of 1812, and the Battle of Baltimore raged! The Americans’ valiant defense inspired Francis Scott Key to write a poem – and the Star-Spangled Banner was born. Readers will discover the origins of our national anthem in this engaging book.
The Founding Fathers dreamed of a nation that protected the rights of its people. Today, the Constitution and Bill of Rights still promise freedom for all. In this book, beginning readers will learn the basics of the Constitution and its role in the formation of our government.
At over 300 feet tall, the Statue of Liberty is a towering symbol of hope. The statue’s torch has lit the way to freedom for generations of Americans. This book examines the history and power of one of the United States’ most enduring monuments.
Did you know the Pledge of Allegiance began as a children’s magazine poem in 1892? Since then it has been recited in schools, courts, and more. This title introduces students to history and meaning of the Pledge.
In 1777, the United States flag had just 13 stars and stripes. How Old Glory has grown since then! Today, the flag flies over schools, libraries, government buildings, and more. Young readers will learn the flag’s symbolism and origins in this patriotic title.
With its 3,000-year-old beginnings, Passover is one of the world’s most ancient holidays. From the Exodus story to modern matzah bread hunts, this title showcases Passover’s long history and present-day traditions. Young readers will get an in-depth look at this celebration of freedom!
In the United States, Labor Day honors American workers. What started as a small labor union festival in 1882 has become a national holiday. Every first Monday in September, many schools and businesses close, and parades pop up across the country! This informative title explains the history and many transformations of Labor Day.
On June 19, 1865 – two years after the Emancipation Proclamation – Galveston, Texas became the last place in the country to learn the slaves were free. Today, Juneteenth is a joyful occasion with parades, speeches, music, and more! This engaging book teaches the fascinating origins and traditions of Juneteenth, honoring the freedom of African Americans.
The word Croatoan carved onto a post and the letters “CRO” scratched onto a tree. What do these two clues reveal about Roanoke’s missing English colonists? Interested students can sort through possible answers in this read that begins as a history lesson and ends as an unsolved mystery.
Most people in Pripyat never expected the day to come when they’d have to flee for their lives. The Soviet Union boasted about the safety of the nuclear city. But in 1986, one of the town’s nuclear reactors exploded and released deadly radiation. This title explains the Chernobyl accident for curious readers.
The wild reputation of Bodie was unmatched in the Old West. The California gold-mining town attracted a rough crowd. Bodie had gamblers, drinkers, gunslingers, and robbers all after riches. This high-interest children’s title includes a wealth of information about the gold rush that once made Bodie a “get rich” destination.
The city in the clouds, Machu Picchu, has an air of mystery surrounding it. Historians know the site belonged to the Inca Empire, but they do not know much else. In this book, reluctant readers will explore possible reasons why Machu Picchu was first built and, in time, abandoned.
Craco’s historical happenings hint at a curse. The town faced a plague, then war, then earthquakes and landslides. In the end, the natural disasters dealt the final blow, causing Craco to physically collapse. In this book, young readers will discover a medieval town that eventually lost its uphill battle for survival.
Hashima, Japan’s sea walls give it the appearance of a ship lost at sea. This look is the reason for the Battleship Island nickname. In this title, reluctant readers will also see Battleship Island as a time capsule. Pieces from the past will point to the deserted island’s coal-mining boom time.
Every saga has a beginning. This marketing tagline for Star Wars: Episode I— The Phantom Menace could also be the tagline for this biography of the Stars Wars brand. Young readers will travel back to a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…
A groundhog named Phil is possibly the most sought-after meteorologist on February 2nd. Many people wait for his forecast to know how long winter might last. If he sees his shadow, the season will likely drag on for six more weeks. This title introduces beginning readers to an unusual weather-prediction tradition.
For kids, Halloween is all about the fun of pretending to be someone or something else. Many dress up like a funny character, scary creature, or famous person. Then they parade themselves door-to-door to fill bags of candy. This book gathers the basic facts about Halloween for young readers to enjoy!
Day of the Dead sounds like it should have a morbid, depressing tone. But the Latin American holiday is really focused on love and remembrance. Yes, people gather in cemeteries, but for dancing and decorating graves! This book shows kids a holiday that honors the lives of lost loved ones.
Independence Day, or the Fourth of July, is a national holiday that celebrates the land of the free and the home of the brave. It marks the 1776 signing of America’s Declaration of Independence. This children’s title on the occasion explodes with red, white, and blue patriotism on each page!
This holiday is a salute to the men and women who have served in the United States military, both in times of war and times of peace. It is a day to express thanks for their willingness to wear the uniform. Through this book, kids will deepen their respect for and understanding of the armed forces.
The name of this Mexican holiday gives away the date it is always celebrated. Cinco de Mayo means “fifth of May” in Spanish. This title gives young readers a history lesson about the Battle of Puebla, the fight the holiday honors, while also showing off festive Cinco de Mayo gatherings.
Valentine’s Day is often thought of as a day of cards and candy. But this holiday has an ancient history! Readers of this heart-filled title will follow the holiday’s history through the centuries to learn about the day’s beginnings, traditions, and more.
As the oldest operating football team, the Cardinals have been around for a long time! The football franchise has city-hopped from Chicago to St. Louis, and finally, to Phoenix. No matter their hometown, the team has always sported "Cardinal red" uniforms and lasting determination. Understand how history has unfolded for the Arizona Cardinals in this book for young readers.
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.
