Throughout history, people have recorded ideas and important events in their lives and communities. Methods of writing have changed greatly over the years. Today, computers make a writer's job much easier and enable people to write and publish more material than ever before.
Long ago, it often took weeks for postal workers to deliver mail to people who lived far away. Today, mail is transported quickly by trucks and airplanes, and it usually reaches its destination in a few days. Postal workers deliver mail directly to homes, businesses, and mailboxes.
Actors have entertained audiences for thousands of years. In the past, plays were performed both to entertain and to teach. Today, plays involve the use of lighting, sound systems, and elaborate sets and often have large casts that include many actors.
Librarians lend and take care of books. Many years ago, the job of a librarian was simpler because librarians only took care of a few books and libraries were small. Most libraries today contain many books, magazines, computers, and other media equipment. Librarians today help people find information and show them new ways to find it.
Farmers are important because they grow the food that people eat. Modern equipment enables farmers to grow more food for an ever-increasing world population.
Fishers have provided food for thousands of years. Long ago, fishers had to fish close to land and used simple fishing tools such as knives, hoes, and spears. With the use of modern boats and fishing equipment, today's fishers fish far out in the ocean and catch a large variety of fish for market.
For over two hundred years, individuals have protected and served their communities as lawmen. Today, people who help enforce the law are called police officers because both men and women can serve in the police force.
Many years ago, doctors trained nurses to help them treat people. Today, nurses go to school to learn about medicine and about how to help people when they are sick. Nurses perform many of the same duties as doctors.
The first teachers in the United States were students who did well in school and were hired to teach other students. Today, teachers must have college degrees to teach. Schools today are larger than those in the past and often have several separate classes at the same grade level.
Firefighters are community heroes and their job is to help wherever there is trouble. Firefighters must be well trained, wear protective uniforms, and ride on trucks that are equipped to fight fires. Firefighters and the equipment they use today have changed significantly over the years.
Confucius was a philosopher who devoted his life to relieving the suffering he saw. His philosophy stressed the natural order of a moral, just, society. After his death, his followers shared his teachings, influencing future generations.
Socrates was an ancient Greek philosopher who helped shape Greek beliefs. Socrates believed his purpose in life was to gain wisdom and find the truth by asking questions. Socrates made many people over his methods of teaching. He was arrested and sentenced to death. But, many of Socrates's ideas and beliefs can still be found today.
Siddhartha Gautama was born to the king of a tribe in Northern India. An astrologer told his father that Gautama would either become a king or he would leave his riches behind to save humanity. His father sheltered him from all of the poverty in the streets. When Gautama finally left his palace he saw the suffering of people and wanted to change the world. He started the religion called Buddhism.
Abigail lived during times which were much more difficult for women than today. Despite this fact, Abigail Adams traveled, believed in women's rights, and experienced the American Revolution. A devoted wife, mother, and American patriot, Abigail influenced history by helping her husband, John, make important decisions.
From the Vikings to Henry Hudson, the great explorers sailed across uncharted waters during the Age of Discovery in search of many things, including adventure and wealth. Their exploration not only changed maps of the world but also paved the way for the settlement of the New World.
Christopher Columbus set out on August 3, 1492, to find the East by sailing west. Over the course of a few years, he convinced the king and queen of Spain to pay for his trip, promising them fame and riches in return. Columbus discovered more than he bargained for—he had found a new continent.
The colonies were the birthplace of the United States and they were made up of people that came from various backgrounds seeking religious freedom, wealth, and success. Daily life for the colonists was different depending on the region in which they lived, yet they established a united nation built on freedom and the pursuit of happiness.
Phillis Wheatley was the first black person in America to have a book published, opening the door for other black writers and female authors. She was kidnapped and brought to the colonies as a child and served as a slave to a family in Boston. Phillis learned to read and write at a young age.
The American Indian culture consisted of specific customs and traditions that regulated everything from who would lead the tribes to who would marry within the tribes. They kept precise, detailed accounts of their tribal histories because they foresaw the importance of passing down their histories.
In this appealing biography, the life of Pocahontas is detailed through colorful images, interesting facts, and easy to read text. Readers will be enthralled as they learn about the Indian princess, her father, Chief Powhatan, her rescue of Captain John Smith, and her marriage to John Rolfe. A glossary and table of contents are provided to aid readers to easily map their way through the book and further understand the content.
The Declaration of Independence changed America forever. Readers will learn about the events that led up to the Declaration including unfair taxation from King George III and the Boston Tea Party. The vivid images, engaging sidebars, and supportive text explain what roles John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson played in the creation of the document and what they meant by including "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness". To help readers better understand the vocabulary and content, an accommodating table of contents and glossary are provided.
This inviting biography explores the life of Thomas Jefferson. Readers will discover the impact he made on early America as he took roles as governor, vice president, and President of the United States. The detailed images, fascinating facts, and easy-to-read text reveal that Jefferson played a major part in many early American events such as the Second Continental Congress, the Committees of Correspondence, and the Declaration of Independence. The accessible glossary and table of contents assist in further understanding of the content and vocabulary.
The American Revolution changed the lives of many people forever. This fascinating nonfiction book explores some of the most important events leading up to and during the war, including why colonists were upset with Great Britain, the Intolerable Acts, and the Boston Tea Party. Through detailed images, engaging sidebars, and supportive text, readers will learn about people like George Washington, Paul Revere, the Sons of Liberty, and what they did to make the American Revolution so revolutionary! The helpful glossary and table of contents aids in further understanding of the vocabulary and content.
This nonfiction book invites readers to learn about the very first United States Congress and government. Readers will learn about colonists' frustrations with the British and what caused them to create the First and Second Contintental Congress, Committees of Correspondence, and the Declaration of Independence. With plenty of colorful images, easy to read text, and engaging sidebars, readers will be fascinated from cover to cover as they are introduced to the three branches of US government--executive, legislative, and judicial. A glossary and table of contents are provided for assistance for better understanding the content.
Congress passed the Indian Removal Act in 1830 with the intent of moving five large tribes to Indian Territory. The tribes could either move to the reservations or assimilate. As settlers kept moving west, more and more tribes were encountered, and all ultimately found themselves going to reservations. This new way of life was a vast change for the Indians.
