Captain James Cook is one of the most famous explorers of all time. His discoveries include parts of Australia, islands in the Pacific, and parts of the Hawaiian Islands. Cook sailed to distant places from Antarctica to New Zealand, making maps and collecting information as he traveled. Today, we remember Captain Cook for his major discoveries and his leadership of his crew. Learn the story of one of the most important explorers in history in Captain James Cook: British Explorer.
Robert F. Scott led two British Navy missions to explore Antarctica, each one lasting several years. On his second trip to the Antarctic, Scott and his team made it to the South Pole, but they found a group from Norway had beaten them to it. Though Scott and his team died in the cold on the way back from the South Pole, the British Navy officer and explorer is remembered today for his brave and curious spirit. Learn the story of one of Britain's most famous explorers in Robert F. Scott: British Explorer of the South Pole.
Gandhi's use of nonviolence to change his country inspired the world. His work to end 200 years of British rule in his home country of India changed the nation forever, but it also changed the way other people around the world fought for their freedom and human rights. Gandhi's ideas led great people from Martin Luther King, Jr. to the Dalai Lama to use nonviolence to work for change in their own countries. Today, Gandhi is remembered as one of the greatest leaders of all time. Learn about the story of one of the worlds most important spiritual and political leaders in Mohandas Gandhi: Spiritual Leader.
Known for his art, inventions, and ideas, Leonardo da Vinci is the definition of a Renaissance Man, someone able to succeed in many different areas. Da Vinci's Mona Lisa and The Last Supper are two of the most famous paintings in history. His sketches of inventions and the human body have stayed in the minds of people for hundreds of years. Da Vinci's work and ideas have lived on long after he died, inspiring creative people in the modern world to reach new heights. Learn the story of one of the most important artists of all time in Leonardo da Vinci: Renaissance Painter.
Driven by a love of God and a desire to help make life better for the poor and the sick, Mother Teresa worked for her entire life to change the world for the better. She founded a Catholic charity that works to help children and the poor in more than 130 countries. In 1979, Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her tireless work to help and care for others. Today, Mother Teresa is remembered for the change she brought to the lives of people around the world. Learn the story of one of the worlds most important religious and charity activists in Mother Teresa: Religious Humanitarian.
Vincent van Gogh is one of the most famous and influential painters who ever lived. His work and the dramatic story of his life have captured the minds of people from around the world for more than a century, inspiring artists and art fans alike. Few artists have had the kind of impact on their art that Vincent van Gogh has had on modern painting. Learn the story of one of the most important artists of all time in Vincent van Gogh: Modern Artist.
During his lifetime, Jesus Christ worked hard to teach the world about love and the meaning of life. More than 2,000 years later, his teachings and ideas still form the foundation of one of the worlds largest religions, helping and guiding hundreds of millions of people around the world. Jesus life was marked by his sacrifices for others, and it can still be an example to people everywhere, no matter their religious beliefs. Learn the story of one of history's most important religious teachers in Jesus Christ: Influential Spiritual Leader.
Native Americans loved to play games. From the United States to Mexico to Canada, tribes everywhere played games as part of their rituals, to cure diseases, to make crops grow, or sometimes, just for the pure fun of the sport. This book discusses the types of games played by various tribes in specific regions. It also explains how these games were played, and the significance-religious and social-of each contest.
The clothing worn by the members of different Native American tribes reflected their environments. Clothing, jewelry, and other decorative items were made from material found in the area around them-from sealskins and shells to buckskin and porcupine quills. This book discusses common clothing items of various Native American tribes as well as the cultural or religions significance of these items
While Native American religious beliefs vary from tribe to tribe, the one thing they have in common is a belief in a higher power. This power has many names: Manitou, Wakanda, Sila, or even just the Great Spirit. This book discusses the various beliefs held by tribes in each region of the Americas. It also describes some of the important rituals practiced in each religion.
The tools and weapons used by Native American tribes were not just functional. Often, these tools and weapons were created during a special ceremony or ritual, so there was a spiritual significance to them as well. Shamans or medicine men would bless such items in the hope that they would serve their owners well. This book discusses the primary tools and weapons made by tribes in specific regions as well as how these tools and weapons were created and used.
Native Americans have an incredibly rich store of knowledge when it comes to using herbs and plants to heal illness, treat injuries, and cure disease. In fact, some of their traditions have found a place in the modern medicines we use today. This book discusses the nature-based approach Native Americans took towards healing. It also examines important figures, such as shamans and medicine men, and explains some of the remedies and rituals that were conducted.
The Native Americans fought with other tribes for a variety of reasons. Depending on the area in which they lived, a tribe could fight for territory, possessions, or simply as a matter of pride or to right a perceived wrong. This book discusses some of the best known Native American rivalries, the reasons behind them, and the impact the arrival of Europeans during the 16th through the 19th centuries had on these rivalries.
Maybe you've eaten fresh soybeans, but you probably eat a lot more soybeans than you think. Soybeans are found in a lot of foods. They're made into soy milk and tofu and vegetable oil. They're hidden in meat. Find out more about soybeans - how they're grown and how they're made into foods you eat every day. Discover the story of your food - where it was grown, who grows it, and how it gets to your plate.
Rice is one of the most important foods in the world. In countries around the globe, lots and lots of people eat rice every single day. Find out where farmers grow rice, how its grown, and how it arrives at the grocery store. Discover the story of your food - where it was grown, who grows it, and how it gets to your plate.
Do you like corn on the cob? What about popcorn? How about tortilla chips, cornbread, and cornflakes? You've probably eaten these foods made from corn, but you might be surprised to discover you eat a lot more corn than you think. Corn is also hidden in many other kinds of food, even in things like meat and applesauce. Corn feeds the world in lots of ways. Discover the story of your food - where it was grown, who grows it, and how it gets to your plate.
People all over the world eat eggs, mostly from chickens. Learn about the history of eating eggs and how we get our eggs today. Follow eggs as they make their way from chickens . . . to packing machines . . . to the grocery store . . . and finally to you! Discover the story of your food - where it was grown, who grows it, and how it gets to your plate.
Wheat is a plant that most of us eat every day. The flour used to bake bread, cookies, and cakes is made out of wheat. Pasta and pizza crust are made from wheat flour too. We eat wheat in cereals and in snacks. Discover how all this wheat is grown, and how it gets from the field to the factory . . . and then to your kitchen. Discover the story of your food - where it was grown, who grows it, and how it gets to your plate.
Many people eat meat every day. From steak to hamburgers, from turkey dinners to hotdogs at the baseball game, meat is a part of most peoples daily lives. Learn about the animals we eat, the places that produce meat, and the people who make it all happen. Discover the story of your food - where it was grown, who grows it, and how it gets to your plate.
The hunting practices of Native Americans differed throughout North and South America. Some hunted with bows and arrows, others with spears and clubs, and still others with snares and traps. This book discusses the ways in which Native Americans hunted in different regions, the weapons they used, and the types of animals that were hunted. It also describes the rituals the tribes performed before hunting, and explains how they used not only the meat, but also the bones, hide, and sinews of the animals they killed.
To an outsider, Native American family life may seem simple. In reality, the societies within Native American tribes are incredibly rich and complex. Nor is family life the same from tribe to tribe. Some tribes are organized into clans; others trace their lineage according to matrilineal lines. This book discusses some of the familial arrangements of various tribes, including the reasons for such arrangements as well as the roles individuals played in their respective societies.
When Europeans arrived in the Americas during the 16th and 17th centuries, they found that some Native American tribes had created alliances, or confederacies. These agreements allowed the member tribes of the confederacy to control trade and keep the peace in their region. This book explains how these Native American confederacies were formed, discusses some famous examples like the Iroquois Confederacy, and explains how Native American groups continue to work together for the good of all tribes in the present day.
Prior to becoming a "melting pot" of many languages, the continents of North and South America were already home to a variety of Native American tribes, each with its own language. What's more, subsets of tribes often had their own dialects, sometimes making communication between two people nearly impossible, even if they lived near each other. This book discusses the major Native American languages used by tribes in various regions and how some of their words have been incorporated into the English language today.
Contrary to popular belief, Native Americans did not always have horses to assist them in their daily lives. For thousands of years they carried items themselves or even used dogs. The arrival of the horse in the Americas during the 16th century dramatically changed the lifestyles of many Native American tribes. This was particularly true of the people living on the Great Plains. This book discusses the introduction of the horse to the Native Americans by the Spanish and explains the impact this had on various Native American tribes.
The diet of Native American tribes reflected the areas in which they lived. For some tribes, like those of the Pacific Northwest, salmon was a staple part of the diet; for the people of the Great Plains, the buffalo was hunted for food. This book discusses the foods common to various tribes as well as the cultural significance certain foods had for specific tribes.
