Search Results: 10 books from 1 publisher. Learn more

Maria Von Trapp

Amy Tiehel (author)

Publisher: Purple Toad Publishing ISBN: 9781624692581

Here is the incredible true story of the woman inspired the beloved movie The Sound of Music. See how she became stepmother to the von Trapp children, and how the family escaped the Nazis and became a revered singing group.

Legends of the Leagues

Pete DiPrimio (author)

Publisher: Purple Toad Publishing ISBN: 9781624692826

Brace to meet some of the biggest baseball stars of the Negro Leagues. They were men and women of glory and achievement, of spectacular ability and heartbreaking obstacles. They rose above discrimination to pursue their dreams. Cool Papa Bell was once said to be so fast, he could outrun electricity. Another story had Josh Gibson hit a towering fly ball in Pittsburgh that didn't land until the next day-in Philadelphia! Pitcher Satchel Paige won with a blistering fastball when he was young, and then with experience and creativity when he was old. He played with charm and witty sayings: "Don't look back. Something might be gaining on you." Nobody messed with Oscar Charleston or fielded better than John "Pop" Lloyd.Women such as Peanut Johnson and Toni Stone also made big impressions. These are among the brightest stars of a league, gone but never forgotten.

Breaking the Barriers

Russell Roberts (author)

Publisher: Purple Toad Publishing ISBN: 9781624692840

Like America in the first half of the twentieth century, baseball was still segregated. Every road to the major leagues was blocked by unwritten agreements never to allow black athletes entry. It seemed like the better they played, the further they were pushed back. Until, that is, a plan was hatched by two men. One seized an opportunity to advance the game of baseball forever, and the other ran a path through bigotry like he ran the bases, with strength and grace. Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson would work together to break down the color barriers of baseball, and show the world that African-American athletes were as good and as worthy as anyone to put on a major league uniform. They were not alone. From Larry Doby to Monte Irvin, and the irrepressible Satchel Paige, baseball was gifted by the emergence of a wealth of talent and personality that would truly make it, at last, America's pastime.

A Whole New League

Wayne L. Wilson (author)

Publisher: Purple Toad Publishing ISBN: 9781624692789

Before and after the Civil War, the African American community held the same passion for baseball as the rest of the nation. But black players faced prejudice. They were banned from the major leagues. From this group emerged Andrew "Rube" Foster, one of the greatest pitchers and managers of the early twentieth century. The founder of the Negro National League, Foster was called the Father of Black Baseball. Thanks to his vision and efforts, black players were finally respected. The doors to Major League Baseball were opened to black players, and the world could enjoy such superstars as Jackie Robinson, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron.

Barnstorming

Mike DeMocker (author)

Publisher: Purple Toad Publishing ISBN: 9781624692802

Banned from professional baseball in the late 19th century, African-American players were forced to go on the road to make money playing the game they loved. Enduring poor fields and long journeys between games, teams brought their unique and entertaining brand of baseball to towns big and small. Even when they had trouble securing food and lodging because of the color of their skin, these players persevered, opening the door for the ultimate return of African-American athletes to big-league baseball.

Angelina Jolie

Kayleen Reusser (author)

Publisher: Purple Toad Publishing ISBN: 9781624691850

Angelina Jolie could have settled for becoming an Academy Award-winning actress. She could have been pleased enough portraying the villain-turned-heroine of Disney's smash film Maleficent. She could be quite happy being the mother of a large family she shares with her husband, actor Brad Pitt. But after a trip to Cambodia, Jolie was struck by the poverty she witnessed there, and decided to do something about it. For over a decade since, she has carried out dozens of field missions all around the globe. Jolie was named a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Goodwill Ambassador. She's funded schools, orphanages, and other centers dedicated to helping people in crisis. Discover how she encourages others to take action through web sites, newspaper ads, and charities, and see why this actor is even more magnificent than you might have imagined.

Malala

Kayleen Reusser (author)

Publisher: Purple Toad Publishing ISBN: 9781624691836

Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, a young woman from Pakistan, was denied the privilege of attending school, shot by terrorists, and forced to leave her country. Her near assassination convinced Malala that God had kept her alive for a reason. She would continue to fight for children's rights to education. With 66 million children worldwide not attending school, Malala travels the world, inspiring politicians and other people to help them. "We should not lose hope," she said. "One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world."

The Constitution: Defender of Freedom

Amie Jane Leavitt (author)

Publisher: Purple Toad Publishing ISBN: 9781624690068

After the Revolutionary War established the independent United States of America, a different kind of revolution took place. Between Shays' Rebellion and the final flourish of a quill pen on the Constitution, the country's greatest leaders faced a challenge that would either keep the states together or tear them apart. From the roads of Boston to Independence Hall in Philadelphia, delegates battled out the particulars of how the new country would be governed. In this inspiring story of leadership, discover how diplomacy and compromise created a document that would defend the nation's freedom at once and for the future.

The Amendments to the Constitution

Tamra Orr (author)

Publisher: Purple Toad Publishing ISBN: 9781624690709

Reading the 27 amendments built into America's constitution may not seem exciting at first. Look beyond the old-fashioned phrasing and the government terms, however, and you will find remarkable details. You will meet political leaders and representatives struggling to make the wisest choices, American citizens fighting for basic rights, and a country that is constantly adjusting to the changes it faces with every passing year. The story behind each amendment is important to understand-and fascinating to learn.

The Spanish Empire: The Inquisition

Tamra Orr (author)

Publisher: Purple Toad Publishing ISBN: 9781624690488

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.