by Ann Bausum
Our Country's Presidents
Published 2005 by National Geographic Society
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A full update of the popular Our Country's Presidents offers the same fascinating and comprehensive profiles of the nation's first 42 Presidents, plus an all-new profile of George W. Bush and, if applicable, his successor. In this family reference volume filled with period paintings and vibrant photographs, meet the country's most powerful statesmen and share the highlights of their administrations. Find out why George Washington gave up his life as a Virginia planter to lead a nation, and why John Tyler was nicknamed "His Accidency." Walk with the Presidents through wars, depressions, civil rights movements, and the race for space. Follow the party politics of Democrats, Republicans, and Whigs. Tour the White House where Abigail Adams hung laundry in the unfinished East Room, where the Garfield sons held pillow fights, and where silk-gowned hostesses still entertain royalty. Even meet the latest White House resident, newly-elected (or re-elected) President ?! New thematic spreads, new pictures, up-to-date historical context, and up-to-the-minute Presidential achievements make this new volume even richer than the last. Our Country's Presidents includes in-depth profiles on each of the nation's 43 (or 44) Presidents. Introductory paragraphs list each President's major accomplishments right up front before launching into a more detailed account of his life and administration. Background historical information is provided as needed and all political terms are explained. Raised quotes from letters, speeches, and diaries help reveal the men who have led the United States and the world. Periodic thematic spreads designed specifically to educate and entertain kids provide additionalinformation on government, American politics, electoral process, First Ladies, kids in the White House, and more. Easy reference fact boxes include information on the Presidents' political parties, Vice Presidents, birth, inauguration and death dates, nicknames, and other fun facts. "Geographic scene" and "Selected landmarks" make the National Geographic connection. Sixteen all new pages allow room for the most recent events-from 2004 election results to a look at the war on terror. A foreword from the newly elected President of the United States sends a message to students straight from the Oval Office. An expanded introduction gives an excellent background on American democracy and the institution of the Presidency. Updated and expanded back matter offers students a full resource guide of places to visit, web sites, books, articles, and videos on the American Presidents. Several new thematic spreads add exciting information. "Presidents at War" traces the role of the Commander-in-Chief from the Revolutionary War to the war in Iraq. A spread on Vice Presidents takes a closer peek at the often-overlooked number two spot. "Presidential Landmarks" features a brand-new comprehensive map of Presidential sites to visit, from monuments to Presidential libraries to famous retreats of the First Families. The book is illustrated with spectacular photography and art of the Presidents' lives and times, including all the official portraits of the Presidents, additional official and personal photographic material, political cartoons, artifacts, plus numerous images from each historical era to give flavor of period. Historic spreads with photographic period montages place the Presidents in thecontext of their age. A handsome design and stunning reproduction of historic imagery makes the book a pleasure to look at, as well as to read. Our Country's Presidents is an authoritative volume on a topic of general interest as well as an essential resource for students who study American history.

by Chrisanne Beckner
100 African Americans Who Changed American History
Published 2005 by World Almanac Library
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Now, from the publishers of The World Almanac, comes an exciting, wide ranging look at Americans who have had the most profound impact on the shape of American history--including African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans. Each title in the People Who Changed American History series contains capsule biographics that mix the essential accomplishments of their subjects with fascinating, lesser known details. Arranged chronologically and covering all aspects of American history, these concise entries will appeal to readers who want a sweeping view of American history, as well as those who want to quickly get the key facts about an important figure. Each title also contains an index with cross references and a special section with a trivia quiz and suggested projects.

by Gillian Clements
The Picture History of Great Inventors
Published 2005 by Frances Lincoln
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An entertaining, up-to-the-minute visual history of technology, packed with incredible facts and hundreds of kid-friendly cartoon-style technical drawings. Nearly every fact in this book is illustrated, and the result is a unique reference with thousands of things to look at, and something new to find with each viewing. Full color.

by Katherine Cullen
Science, Technology, and Society: The People Behind the Science
Published 2005 by Facts on File
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by Time for Kids Magazine
Presidents of the United States
Published 2006 by HarperCollins Publishers
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With dramatic visuals and engaging text, this book brings each president and his legacy into clear focus. Every entry includes a portrait of the president, engravings, political cartoons, notable quotes, and much more.

by Holly George-Warren
Shake, Rattle & Roll: The Founders of Rock & Roll
Published 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company
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Rock around the clock with this fun and fact-filled introduction to the pioneers of rock and roll music, including Bill Haley and the Comets, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, and Elvis Presley. Full-color illustrations.

by Brad Herzog
The 20 Greatest Athletes of the 20th Century
Published 2002 by Rosen Publishing Group
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Here are the legendary athletes who captured our imaginations and changed the way people around the world view sports. Read the inspiring tales of Muhammad Ali, Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Jack Nicklaus, Jackie Robinson, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Jesse Owens, Babe Ruth, Joe Montana, and 12 others who became even more important than the games they played. These terrific 20 are the best of the best!

by Wade Hudson
Scientists, Healers, and Inventors: An Introduction for Young Readers
Published 2002 by Just Us Books
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by Bonnie Juettner
100 Native Americans Who Changed American History
Published 2005 by World Almanac Library
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Now, from the publishers of The World Almanac, comes an exciting, wide ranging look at Americans who have had the most profound impact on the shape of American history--including African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans. Each title in the People Who Changed American History series contains capsule biographics that mix the essential accomplishments of their subjects with fascinating, lesser known details. Arranged chronologically and covering all aspects of American history, these concise entries will appeal to readers who want a sweeping view of American history, as well as those who want to quickly get the key facts about an important figure. Each title also contains an index with cross references and a special section with a trivia quiz and suggested projects.

by Kathleen Krull
Lives of the Artists: Masterpieces, Messes (and What the Neighbors Thought
Published 1995 by Harcourt Children's Books
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In this entertaining, informative collection, readers discover the idiosyncrasies-sometimes humorous, sometimes tragic-of twenty famous artists, including Michelangelo, Cassatt, van Gogh, Kahlo, and Warhol. "Fresh, spirited, and unconventional."--"Kirkus Reviews

by Kathleen Krull
Lives of the Athletes: Thrills, Spills (and What the Neighbors Thought)
Published 1997 by Harcourt Children's Books
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Most people can reel off a string of stats about their favorite sports hero, but few fans know the person behind the trophies and medals. This book reveals little-known personal facts about Sonja Henie, Bruce Lee, Jackie Robinson, and many other champions of sport. Color illus.

by Kathleen Krull
Lives of the Musicians: Good Times, Bad Times (and What the Neighbors Thought)
Published 1993 by Harcourt Children's Books
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Here are the life stories of such diverse figures as Vivaldi, Mozart, Scott Joplin, Nadia Boulanger, and Woody Guthrie. Readers will learn of both their musical natures and the personal, humorous characteristics that make their lives so fascinating. "Living, breathing anecdotes--the stuff of which the best biography is made."--"Publishers Weekly

by Kathleen Krull
Lives of the Writers: Comedies, Tragedies (and What the Neighbors Thought)
Published 1994 by Harcourt Children's Books
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Here are inside views of twenty writers--people of all shapes, sizes, temperaments, and lifestyles, from various countries and historical periods. Included are William Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, Mark Twain, Zora Neale Hurston, Isaac Bashevis Singer, and many others. "There's enough substance here for a quick report or to enliven a longer one. Let's hope this team continues through all the arts. An irresistible package."--"School Library Journal

by John Paul II
Invention and Technology
Published 1991 by Atheneum Books
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by Ladies Home Journal
100 Most Important Women of the 20th Century
Published 1998 by Meredith Books
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by Marc McCutcheon
The Kid Who Named Pluto: And the Stories of Other Extraordinary Young People in Science
Published 2004 by Chronicle Books
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Which of the following were discovered or invented by kids?

a) Television

b) Pterodactyl fossils

c) Braille

Answer: All of the above!

These important contributions to science and many others were the result of the efforts of curious and smart kids who often started with only a simple idea or sketch. This fascinating book tells the stories of nine such kids, all of who made lasting impacts in science. Included are some well-known innovators, such as Louis Braille and physicist Robert Goddard, as well as lesser-known people like Philo Farnsworth, the teen inventor of television, and Mary Anning, the great paleontologist credited with finding dozens of spectacular fossils from the Jurassic period as a young girl. Each chapter is a testament to what young people can achieve through curiosity, imagination and persistence.

Awards and honors for "The Kid Who Named Pluto":

2004 Parents' Choice Recommended Award

2004 Voice of Youth Advocate's Nonfiction Honor List

by Sharron L. McElmeel
100 Most Popular Children's Authors: Biographical Sketches and Bibliographies
Published 1999 by Libraries Unlimited
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This affordable biographical work and ready-reference spotlights 100 beloved children's book authors with each entry including such features as engaging biographical sketches, photos, selective bibliographies, and lists of related information sources. Included are long-time luminaries as well as many new emerging writers. Grades 3-8. INCLUDES: Beverly Cleary, Marguerite Henry, Jack London, R. L. Stine, and Laura Ingalls Wilder.

by Sherri Peel Taylor
Influential First Ladies
Published 2000 by Lucent Books
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by Ken Rappoport
Profiles in Sports Courage
Published 2006 by Peachtree Publishers
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by Pat Rediger
Great African Americans in Music
Published 1995 by Crabtree Publishing Company
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The Outstanding African Americans Series are twelve exciting books that offer fascinating up-to-date biographical accounts of notable African American men and women and their contributions to our culture. Each book features seven intriguing, in depth profiles plus six additional shorter profiles. Numerous intimate full-color photos help add a personal dimension to the fascinating information.

Profiles Feature:

-- early years growing up

-- skills developed along the way

-- obstacles overcome

-- personality profile and special interests

-- record of accomplishments

For many young African Americans, singing in church was their first introduction to music. Great African Americans in Music shares the inspiring lives of many African American singers, musicians, and composers from gospel and soul to rhythm and blues and rap music.

Major profiles in this book include:

-- Ray Charles

-- Nat King Cole

-- Ella Fitzgerald

-- Aretha Franklin

-- Hammer

-- Sarah Vaughn

-- Stevie Wonder

-- plus six additional shorter profiles

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