Books with author Don Wulffson

Discover the extraordinary stories behind everyday things! Did you know that the ice cream sundae was invented because of a law forbidding the sale of ice cream on Sundays? Or that the first motorcycle was really just a tricycle with a motor? Would you believe that Mickey Mouse started out as a rabbit? Arranged in alphabetical order with anecdotal, fun-to-read text, this fascinating book is packed with the stories behind these and over 100 more inventions. "[An] entertaining volume of trivia." --Kirkus Reviews

Sixteen-year-old Erik Brandt barely knows what Germany is fighting for when he is drafted into Hitler's army in 1944. Sent to the killing fields of the Eastern Front, he is surrounded by unimaginable sights, more horrific than he ever thought possible. It's kill or be killed, and it seems clear that Erik's days are numbered. Until, covered in blood and seriously injured, he conceives of another way to survive. Filled with gritty and visceral detail, Soldier X will change the way every reader thinks about the reality of war.

Sixteen-year-old Erik Brandt barely knows what Germany is fighting for when he is drafted into Hitler's army in 1944. Sent to the killing fields of the Eastern Front, he is surrounded by unimaginable sights, more horrific than he ever thought possible. It's kill or be killed, and it seems clear that Erik's days are numbered. Until, covered in blood and seriously injured, he conceives of another way to survive. Filled with gritty and visceral detail, "Soldier X" will change the way every reader thinks about the reality of war.

A fresh, intriguing look at the stories behind great toy inventions."Originally, Play-Doh only came in white. There's a good reason for this. You see, Play-Doh didn't start out as a toy. It started out as a product for cleaning wallpaper."Have you ever wondered who invented Lego, Mr. Potato Head, or toy trains? Here are the fascinating stories behind these toy inventions and many others. Learn why the see-saw was popular with the Romans, how the Slinky was used during the Vietnam War, and the reason Raggedy Ann has a red heart on her chest that says "I love you." From dolls and checkers to pinball and the modern video game, there's a wide selection here for boys and girls alike.With humor and wit, this intriguing book serves up slices of cultural history that will inspire young readers to start thinking up their own toy inventions.

Did you know that the ice cream sundae was invented because of a law forbidding the sale of ice cream on Sundays? Or that the first motorcycle was really just a tricycle with a motor? Would you believe that Mickey Mouse started out as a rabbit? Arranged in alphabetical order with anecdotal, fun-to-read text, this fascinating book is packed with the stories behind these and over 100 more inventions. "[An] entertaining volume of trivia." - Kirkus Reviews

Since the death of his mother, Baoliu has grown apart from his father and bitterly resents his father's new wife. One night an intruder breaks into the family's home and Baoliu's stepmother is murdered. Baoliu is accused of the crime, convicted, and sentenced to be beheaded-a common practice in twelfth-century China. At the last minute a business arrangement, a kadi, is made-and another man is paid to die in Baoliu's place. As Baoliu witnesses the execution of his innocent substitute, he vows to clear his name and restore the family's honor. Critically acclaimed author Don Wulffson follows Baoliu, an outcast of society, willing to do anything and everything, as he struggles to prove his innocence.

Since the death of his mother, Baoliu has grown apart from his family and is bitterly resentful of his father's new wife, who wears his mother's clothing and even her jewelry. One night, Baoliu's stepmother is attacked and murdered. The most obvious suspect, Baoliu is tried for the crime, convicted, and sentenced to death by beheading. With no one on his side, how will Baoliu prove his innocence? How will he avoid his violent and horrid fate? Who, if anybody, will help him? And if the murderer wasn't Baoliu, then who was it? Filled with unexpected plot twists, The Golden Rat is a totally engrossing, enormously entertaining murder mystery that also poses thought provoking questions about how we are judged for our mistakes―large and small―by our families and the societies in which we live.