Books with author Amy McKenna

It takes a great deal of personal strength, charisma, and intelligence to lead others. Some leaders improve the lives of their fellow citizens while others rule with an iron fist, oblivious to the plight of others. This book covers the lives and agendas of our most memorable and powerful leadersthose who history has justifiably vilified and others who will be cherished for years to come.

The history of southern Africa is marked by both the convergence and divergence of diverse cultures. Clashes between European settlers and indigenous peoples throughout this section of the continent were common. At stake were rights to a wealth of natural resources and, as time went by, independence. This volume surveys the often volatile histories of each country in the region and introduces readers to the diversity of peoples that are an important element of each countrys past and future.

The abundance of natural resources endemic to central and eastern Africa has been critical in shaping the trajectory of the civilizations that have made the region their home. Like the rest of the continent, however, the areas riches also made them vulnerable to slave traders and colonizers who left a devastating legacy in their wake. This engrossing selection documents the history of a region that witnessed some of the worlds most brutal and destructive conflicts as well as the birth of several groups who continue to fight for justice and peace in the region.

From its ancient kingdoms to the independent post-colonial states that make up the region today, western Africa has transformed dramatically over the centuries. Economically lucrative for European slave traders and later for their colonial successors, the territories along Africas Atlantic coast were forced to overcome great adversity before achieving autonomy. This volume surveys the history of the many nations of western Africa where vestiges of its celebrated past are still visible in cities like Timbuktu and where its diverse peoples continue to navigate a path towards a more stable future.

After emerging from the long shadow cast by the Soviet Union, the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania and neighboring Poland transitioned from communism to market economies and instituted democratic reforms in a remarkably short time. Although each continues to contend with various economic and political issues, their successes have allowed them to become some of the few former Eastern bloc states to join the European Union. The journeys each country has madefrom antiquity to the presentand the remarkable peoples and cultures that make their populations are the subjects of this captivating volume.

The Ultimate Cars series introduces young readers to six classic sports cars. This exciting series details the history of these great cars and their makers. Readers will learn which car is fastest, which has won the most races, how the cars are designed and built, and the challenges designers face trying to make them go even faster. Full-color photos of each new model year illustrate the changing look of these popular cars.