London, England's Big Ben is one of the biggest bells ever made. Its melodic sound has rung in the capital city of London for more than 150 years. Big Ben hangs in the 316-foot Palace of Westminster with the Great Clock. The clock's gears move the hands on the clock's four faces. It also makes the quarter bells and Big Ben chime. Together, it is one of England's most popular tourist sites. Yet, Big Ben was almost never built. Fire, carelessness, and attacks nearly kept it a dream in some people's minds. Discover how this beloved British landmark was nearly lost several times and how determination and hard work brought it to life.
Pull on your coat and mittens. Its time to explore the coldest place in the world. It is full of snow and ice, but empty of people. What animals can live where the it is so cold? Open these pages and find out but be sure to stay warm!
Journey back in time to 1503 in Florence, Italy, where ten year-old Bartolomeo del Giocondo introduces his master, Leonardo da Vinci. This Renaissance genius was a painter, sculptor, inventor, and, according to his young apprentice, sometimes a bit of a noodle. Little does Bartolomeo know that his family is going to be part of one of the greatest works of art ever created.
Matteo could not believe it when he was asked to come and meet the famous artist Goya. Because the young boy had learned how to speak with his hands, he could help the great artist communicate with others. Follow Matteo as he talks to Goya, learns about the man's art, and even becomes the focus of an unexpected portrait. And prepare to meet one of the most talented, haunted, and creative painters in history.
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.
Have you ever seen a bird with a beard? Would you like to meet a centipede as long as your foot? How about saying hello to a panda as it sleeps and eats the day away? Step into Asia. Here, youll see komodo dragons battle for the perfect mate and watch birds eat bones for lunch!
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.
Millions of fans know him from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, now get to know the young man behind the light saber, John Boyega, and how he came to journey to a galaxy far, far away.
Here is the tale of the famous Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh as told by his young assistant, Peter. Follow the pair from the peasant shacks of the Netherlands to the sunny fields of the South of France as the talented van Gogh paints some of the most famous works of art from the late 19th century.
Africa is the land of the biggest, fastest, and most amazing animals in the world. Come on safari and meet some of the animals who call this huge continent home. Which animal is the most dangerous? You might be surprised. Which one is the shyest? Open the cover and find out.
Drake was born with entertainment in his blood. His family loved music and he carried that love onto the stage. Today, Drake is a star on several levels. He is a famous face from his years on television, and a successful music artist. Even when a knee injury slowed him down, he got back up, got treatment, and got better, and returned to wow his fans one more time. Find out what led Drake to super stardom.
When Danny moved to his new home, he was thrilled to make a new friend, his neighbor Yehuda. Yehuda and his twin sister Ora share some of the ancient stories, laws, traditions, and teachings that enrich their lives. Come journey with Danny as he explores a new perspective, the Jewish faith. You'll meet Jews past and present. Will you find some sparks that inspire you?
The middle of the fourteenth century BCE was a strange time in ancient Egypt. The pharaoh had changed his name and religion and was inviting the wrath of the gods that had long watched over the land. The powerful priesthood felt threatened, the people feared the worst, and in the middle of everything was Pepi, a ten-year-old boy with a problem-he didn't want to go to school. Let Pepi explain his troubles to you as he takes you around his beloved city. Let him introduce you to his family, his friends, and their way of life, which thousands of years later might seem similar to your own.
Born of privilege and raised among the nation's political elite, Mary Todd was a highly intelligent and outspoken young woman with a love for hoop skirts and a disgust for slavery. Her passion for politics would set the stage for her to meet young Abraham Lincoln, who would one day become President of the United States, and she his driving force. On a fateful night in April, 1865, she would endure the unthinkable, and her life would be changed forever. Mary Todd Lincoln would join a nation in healing after the loss of its leader, and the effects of a brutal civil war. She would remain a First Lady to the end, and second to none.
From a shy and fearful child, Eleanor Roosevelt grew up to be not only First Lady of the United States, but one of the most influential women in U.S. history. Hers is a remarkable story of doing the thing you think you cannot do in order to work for change and to better the lives of others. Come learn about Eleanor, who challenges everyone - no matter his or her talents or gifts - to live a useful and fulfilling life.
Long before she decided to run for president of the United States, Hillary Rodham Clinton was a young woman with goals and dreams. Follow along as she tries to decide between becoming a journalist or an astronaut. Find out how she first gets involved in politics - while still a teenager. Learn about her dedication to helping the women and children of the world, and how she entered the world of law with those goals in mind. Finally, see the changes that becoming Mrs. Bill Clinton brought - and how they helped her achieve some of her greatest goals. Meet Hillary Rodham Clinton, who became First Lady of the United States and then presidential hopeful for 2016.
Dolley Madison was considered the first First Lady of the United States. Even before her husband James Madison took office, Dolley was White House hostess for the widowed Thomas Jefferson. Known for her personality and style, she hosted dinners and gatherings in a White House that she decorated. She held the nation's first Inaugural Ball. She convinced her husband to start inviting members of Congress from both political parties to social events. During the War of 1812, when the British advanced to burn Washington, she stayed long enough to rescue a portrait of George Washington. When the British left, she helped convince the nation to rebuild its capital in Washington. Find out how this first First Lady defined the role for future women to follow.
Abigail Smith Adams championed education for boys and girls alike. The second daughter of a Massachusetts pastor, Abigail longed to go to school like the boys of the Colonial days. Recognizing his daughter's inquisitive mind, Abigail's father instructed her at home using books from his large personal library. Smart and with strong opinions, Abigail was the constant confidante of her husband, President John Adams. The mother of five, she lived in France and England, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. She was the first president's wife to live in the White House, and the first woman to be the wife of a U.S. president and the mother of another U.S. president. For the cause of liberty, Abigail and John were frequently apart. Through the more than 1,100 letters they exchanged, history has an insightful look at the extraordinary people who crafted the Great American Experiment - the United States of America.
From the moment he picked up a guitar, Ed Sheeran knew what he wanted to do with his life. He wanted to create music, and nothing was going to stop him. The determined redhead left home to find success - but even he could not have dreamed of how much he would find. Follow his career from those first hungry days in London spent sleeping on the commuter train to playing in front of sold-out crowds at Wembley Stadium. Learn how this young musician manages to entertain thousands with nothing more than a guitar, his voice, and his incredible talent.
In the year 1070 While William the Conqueror (the newly-crowned King of England) was out on a hunting excursion, he discovered the perfect spot for a new castle. It was a locale perched high on a cliff that provided a terrific vantage point in all directions. Construction began and after 16 years, the first phase of Windsor Castle is a delightful home for the royal family and is the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world. Want to travel through the ages along the Merry Halls of Windsor? Step inside, kids; this tour is about ready to embark!
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.
Mo'ne Davis did what most people thought couldn't be done. She dominated like no girl had done before, showing that girls could beat boys at their own Little League baseball game. At 13 years old, during a spectacular month in August 2014, Mo'ne became the most famous baseball player in the nation. She threw fastballs to rival the form of major league pitchers. She showed maturity and poise beyond her years. And perhaps the most amazing thing is, baseball is probably not her best sport. You might someday see her playing professional basketball. When it comes to Mo'ne Davis, all things are possible.
The seventh of eleven children, Edith Bolling grew up to become one of the most controversial women in American history. Early on, she became a successful businesswoman and the first female to own an automobile in Washington, D.C. It was love at first sight when widowed President Woodrow Wilson met Edith. Her husband's constant companion and confidante, Edit supported the President during World War I and accompanied him abroad and across the nation to campaign for world peace. Edith did not refer to herself as First Lady but as Mrs. Wilson. Ever at her husband's side, she screened all matters of state when a stroke left him bedridden. Her critics called her secret president, and first woman to run the government. Did Edith serve as President in an age when women were not even allowed to vote? The world may never know for certain.
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."
He was a man who fought like no other inside the ring, yet outside the ring he fought for peace. "The Louisville Lip" went on to become a three-time champion, beating some of boxing's greatest fighters, including Joe Frazier and George Foreman. He stunned the world when he beat Sonny Liston for the title. He stunned the world even more when he joined the Nation of Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali. He was stripped of his title and banned from boxing for refusing to join the military because of his religious beliefs, then returned to become one of the most famous athletes in history. Not even Parkinson's disease could stop him. A fighter, poet, civil rights leader, humanitarian, and more, Ali remains, in his own words, the king of the world.
