Mount Olympus may be the highest mountain in Greece, but at only 9,568 feet (2,917 meters) tall, it is downright puny compared to the world's tallest peaks. You can even hike to the top without any special climbing equipment. But do not let its size fool you. Mount Olympus looms larger than life in our world culture. For nearly three thousand years, it has been famous as the home of the Greek gods. Its beautiful peaks, now a world heritage preserve, have inspired everything Greek - from epic poetry to foods, and even the modern Greek government. Mount Olympus towers over the heart of Greece, yet lies just within reach. Come and explore the throne room of Zeus!
Mount Fuji is the centerpiece of Japan's topography and its highest peak. It rises up out of the earth like an upside-down ice cream cone with its point sticking high up into the sky. For centuries, the sheer size of Mount Fuji has encouraged adventure seekers to scale its peaks. Today, thousands make the trek to the mountain's summit each year during the summer season. Mount Fuji isn't a peaceful giant, though. It is an active volcano and could erupt at any time. Scientists keep an eye on the seismic (earthquake) activity around Mount Fuji to make sure the people who live and visit there are kept safe.
Welcome to K2, the Savage Mountain-one of the most dangerous mountains in the world. For more than a century, climbers have trekked thousands of miles just to climb to the top of K2. Some have brought extra oxygen, while others have sent hundreds of porters ahead of them to put out lead ropes. Some have reached the top and survived; others have given their lives in the attempt. In this book, you will meet these climbers, including the mother who made it all the way to the peak, but not the trip down, and the man whose strength and sheer determination saved his team from certain death. Find out about what it is like to climb K2 and the people who cannot wait to reach "The Top of the World."
An awakening, a rebirth called the Renaissance, changed Europe and the world from the 14th to the 16th century. The movement influenced all parts of society-art, science, architecture, literature, religion, politics, economics, and philosophy. Florence, Italy, the birthplace of the Renaissance, thrived in its dynamic climate. Like most of the poor, this movement did not affect Antonia. She still roamed the streets barefoot with other kids begging for bread. However, things changed when she became a servant in the palace of the Medici, the most powerful family in the region. Let's travel back to 15th-century Florence and visit Antonia who is anxious to tell about her life and Renaissance Italy.
Liu Chi is ten years old and lives in China. It is the year 1585, and the era of the Ming Dynasty, which was one of the most exciting times to live in China. Liu Chi has to go to school, do chores, and get along with his brothers and sisters just like kids do today. He lives in Peking, which is now called Bejiing. Come along with Liu as he leads you through the narrow streets of the city to see the sights. There is a grand procession headed by Emperor Wanli to watch and a visit to the sweets shop. You will also make a stop in a park to see a puppet show and climb a tree to peer over the wall around the mysterious Forbidden City. Join Liu Chi for a trip back in time.
Life in Spain was peaceful and simple for Rifka and her family, until Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand made a new decision for the country. Eager to bring the kingdoms closer, the royals felt everyone should share the same religion. Jews and Muslims were forced to convert-or leave. Explore Rifka's world as she, her brother, and her parents, decide to leave their homeland behind and head into the unknown. Along the way, you will meet the cloaked familiars, cruel men determined to get confessions no matter what they have to do, on the orders of the teenaged king and queen. Spain, in all its beauty, will never be the same after this, and Rifka's family will bring you along on the journey.
Come visit Ancient Egypt, the land of sand and soil! What was it like to be a kid in this long ago land? Did you go to school? What games would you play? What was family life like? Pharaohs, pyramids, hieroglyphs, mummies, and more wait to be discovered by you, so let's take a trip to Ancient Egypt!
Imagine living in the days of castles and knights, lords and ladies, minstrels and troubadours! Medieval life was full of the stuff of legends, but at the same time, the people of the Middle Ages often endured plagues, famine, war, and other hardships. Even during times of peace and prosperity, their days were long and their work was hard. Let's travel back in time to Medieval England where ten-year-old William will show us what daily life was like in a fourteenth-century English city. This Core Curriculum aligned, library bound book is by award winning author Ann Tatlock.
