Joan Stoltman

Young readers finally have an opportunity to hear the story of the man behind Kermit the Frog, Yoda, Big Bird, and many other timeless, world famous puppet sensations. The life of Jim Henson is the story of a singular, remarkable artist with a vision, drive, and passion to educate. Through captivating photography, quotes from the man himself, and focused, age-appropriate language, readers have the chance to learn this modern television success story and be motivated and inspired to explore their own artistic voice and vision.

Thomas Edison is considered by many to be one of the greatest inventors of all time. His creations changed the world, but there was more to his life than just his inventions. Readers of this engaging volume will learn all about the man behind the innovations. This fascinating biography introduces important subjects and encourages a further interest in history. Concise and accessible text paired with vibrant photographs will captivate audiences of many ages and levels.

Young activist Malala Yousafzai's courageous story has inspired many people around the world. As a teenager, she fought for the education rights of girls, survived an assassination attempt, and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. This captivating volume introduces young readers to Yousafzai's amazing journey and work. Vibrant photographs are paired with age-appropriate text, making for an accessible, high-interest book. This fascinating biography will engage readers of many ages and levels, and encourage them to learn more about the world.

Jane Goodall's work studying chimpanzees changed the way these animals are seen and understood by the world. With the help of this informative book, readers can catch a glimpse into the scientist's extraordinary life and career. The colorful design features photographs and closely correlated, age-appropriate text, ensuring an accurate understanding of the book's key concepts and ideas. Readers of this biography will not only learn about Goodall's incredible life, but about animals, nature, and other aspects of science as a whole.

Young activist Malala Yousafzai's courageous story has inspired many people around the world. As a teenager, she fought for the education rights of girls, survived an assassination attempt, and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. This captivating volume introduces young readers to Yousafzai's amazing journey and work. Vibrant photographs are paired with age-appropriate text, making for an accessible, high-interest book. This fascinating biography will engage readers of many ages and levels, and encourage them to learn more about the world.

Today, Dwayne Johnson, also known as The Rock, can be recognized for the many movies and TV shows he's appeared in, but not too long ago he was better known for his wrestling skills. In this captivating volume, readers follow along with the star's journey and see how he successfully transitioned from athlete to actor. This high-interest biography includes colorful photographs paired with age-appropriate text, and is sure to engage readers of all ages.

Jane Goodall's work studying chimpanzees changed the way these animals are seen and understood by the world. With the help of this informative book, readers can catch a glimpse into the scientist's extraordinary life and career. The colorful design features photographs and closely correlated, age-appropriate text, ensuring an accurate understanding of the book's key concepts and ideas. Readers of this biography will not only learn about Goodall's incredible life, but about animals, nature, and other aspects of science as a whole.

Readers will explore an essential topic through this book. In the United States, slavery was an important institution for many farmers, especially in the southern states. However, many people fought against slavery as a legal practice. One of the causes of the Civil War was slavery and, in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing slaves in the states that rebelled against the Union. Although slaves were officially free, many practices such as sharecropping were instituted in some southern states, effectively preventing former slaves from improving their lives. The abolition movement successfully freed slaves, but former slaves had a long way to go before they were truly free.

Readers will explore an essential topic through this book. In the United States, slavery was an important institution for many farmers, especially in the southern states. However, many people fought against slavery as a legal practice. One of the causes of the Civil War was slavery and, in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing slaves in the states that rebelled against the Union. Although slaves were officially free, many practices such as sharecropping were instituted in some southern states, effectively preventing former slaves from improving their lives. The abolition movement successfully freed slaves, but former slaves had a long way to go before they were truly free.

Frederick Douglass is a familiar name to many students, but the incredible impact he left on U.S. history is sometimes lost amid the other facts and faces in social studies textbooks. By focusing on his powerful story of slavery, freedom, and impassioned abolitionist beliefs, this engaging and educational text gives readers a deeper understanding of why the words he spoke and wrote still carry so much weight today. Fact-filled sidebars, detailed graphic organizers, and historical photographs complement the age-appropriate main text, which presents sensitive material in a thoughtful way.

If you ask people to name an amazing musical composer, chances are Beethoven's name will come up. Widely thought to be the greatest composer in history, Beethoven's work influenced music around the world. This exciting volume teaches readers the fascinating story behind his life, and includes colorful images and engaging text to capture and hold their attention. This high-interest biography is sure to encourage an interest in both music and history, making for an excellent addition to any library.

Malcolm X was a pioneering figure in the black pride movement, and his life story is sure to captivate young readers. Readers learn about his life and legacy, from his childhood to the aftermath of his assassination in 1965, through age-appropriate text and detailed historical photographs. Sidebars provide additional information about this legendary civil rights leader, and graphic organizers clarify essential concepts. Malcolm X lived a life of outspoken activism. As readers discover fascinating details about his life, they also discover the importance of standing up for their beliefs and being proud of who they are.

Most people probably don't expect to see too many odd inventions at a hospital or doctor's office. However, over the years there have been quite a few offbeat medical products. Readers of this book will learn how and why these creations were invented and why many of them didn't take off. Vibrant photographs aid in the understanding of these wacky inventions, while sidebars and fact boxes add even more factual and high-interest content that will appeal to readers of many abilities, especially those with creative and imaginative minds.

The night sky is a place of wonder for all young readers. Stars are of particular fascination, especially once they learn that the sun is a star. In this book, learners explore the gases and life cycle of a star. Incredible, colorful photographs straight from NASA's telescopes and probes will thrill the reader's eyes. Thought-provoking text answers the title's question with easy, accessible language, while igniting interest. This book is right at home in any collection.

Did you know that no one really knows how many men it took to build the Transcontinental Railroad? Or how many died while building it? This book fills young readers heads with fascinating tidbits, all the while teaching them about the people, places, and events that not only changed the size of our country, but also shaped its character forever. Each spread is packed with accessible text, vivid art that compliments the narrative, and captions that add even more information.

Did you know that part of San Francisco was built on top of ships from all over the world that were abandoned during the Gold Rush? Even the most reluctant readers will love discovering history through these strange, awesome, and unbelievable tidbits about the hundreds of thousands of people who left their lives behind and trekked out to California to strike it rich. Incredible early photographs and vivid illustrations bring each factoid into sharp focus, while captions add extra information to each page.

Who makes the laws for our country? Congress does. Readers learning about Congress in school will get a much-needed jolt of excitement thanks to this book. Filled with factoids about strange members of Congress, unbelievable laws, fascinating fights, and other events from the history of Congress, this book draws even the most reluctant readers into history. Each fact is accompanied by an image that allows for further visual comprehension and a caption that adds a splash more of learning and fun.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton was one of the most influential leaders of the women's rights movement of the 19th century. From her work for the women's rights convention of 1848 and friendship with Susan B. Anthony to her connection with the antislavery movement, her life story brings an important social movement and part of world history into detailed focus. Interesting photographs and quotes from her writing and speaking further enhance the reading experience for young readers.

The classic detective character is an easily recognizable part of storytelling in so many books, television programs, and movies today. Now, young readers get a chance to learn how detective work is done from the inside. By explaining field terminology and investigative techniques in clear, engaging language, readers will get a compelling overview of the world of detective work. Further inspiration to solve a mystery comes from fun, stimulating activities throughout the book, including a larger project at the end. This volume is sure to be in heavy demand in any collection.