Books with author John Church Hamilton

Join award-winning science writer John Hamilton as he traces humanity’s race to the moon and the exploration of the final frontier.The Space Race tells the story of the dawn of rocketry to the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. Every manned American spaceflight is included, from Project Mercury to Gemini to Apollo. Also covered are vital details about important Soviet spaceflights, as well as America’s space shuttle, the International Space Station, and planned future missions.Why did Neil Armstrong almost crash the Eagle lunar lander before becoming the first person to walk on the moon? Who was the first person to vomit in space? Who peed in his spacesuit while still on the launchpad? These questions and many more are answered in these inspiring—and sometimes humorous— stories of triumph, tragedy, and determination.The Space Race is based on the bestselling hardcover series, now expanded and combined into a single-volume ebook for the first time. “… readers will find themselves immersed in the excitement.”—American Library Association Booklist. Perfect for school reports, but also a thrilling book for anyone interested in space, young or old. In this 33,000-word history of the space race, you’ll discover:• Early rocketry, from Chinese fireworks to the terrifying German V-2 missiles of WWII.• The Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union.• The origins of NASA.• The original Mercury 7 astronauts.• The cosmonauts who went where no one had gone before.• The spacecraft that brought us to the moon.• Concise biographies of the pioneering men and women who first explored the heavens.• Glossary and Timeline.• 75 historical images from NASA’s archives.• And much, much more!The Space Race is thoroughly researched, easy to read, and filled with adventure. Boldly seek out your copy today!

Have you ever wanted to know more about Western legend Wild Bill Hickok? Discover the true story of the gunslinger known as the “Prince of Pistoleers.”Wild Bill Hickok was a man of many skills: pioneer of the Great Plains, Civil War scout and spy, lawman, gambler, stagecoach driver, showman. He was a crack shot with nerves of steel. When he drew his weapon, it was with one aim: to kill. Wild Bill is brought to life in this easy-to-read title by award-winning Western author John Hamilton. Wild Bill Hickok is part of the bestselling Heroes and Villains of the Wild West hardcover series, now available for the first time as an ebook! Perfect for school reports, but also a gripping tale for anyone captivated by the Wild West, young or old.In this concise (6,500 words) biography, you’ll discover:• James Butler Hickok’s childhood and early career.• The origin of Wild Bill’s nickname.• His exploits during the Civil War.• The details of his most famous—and infamous—gunfights.• His death-defying career as a U.S. marshal and Kansas cowtown lawman.• His tragic final days in Deadwood.• The truth behind the “dead man’s hand.”• 14 historical photos• And much, much more!Wild Bill Hickok is an easy read, thoroughly researched, and a straight-shooting account of the man behind the legend. Lasso a copy and start your Wild West adventure today!

The year is 1924. The place: Isle Royale, a remote island on Lake Superior. Clarence MacDougal, keeper of Wolf Point Lighthouse, stands ready to guide sailors through treacherous waters.One storm-tossed night, French-Canadian bootleggers arrive. The gang’s leader is Sean LeBeck, former lover of Collene MacDougal—the lightkeeper’s wife. LeBeck is determined to rescue Collene from her dreary life and rekindle their old passion, even if it means taking her off the island by force.The lightkeeper’s son, Ian, escapes during the storm, only to stumble upon a hidden cove, home of the last remaining members of the Coast Guard cutter "Chippewa." A dark secret forced the crew to banish themselves. Given one last chance at redemption, the ancient mariners set out on stormy Lake Superior in a desperate attempt to save the day.Isle Royale is approximately 72,000 words.

This title introduces readers to the job of rodeo clown. A short history of the profession is included, and readers will learn about the two types of rodeo clowns, traditional and bullfighter. Job duties such as entertaining the crowd, distracting bulls, and performing comedy sketches are examined. Equipment needed to do the job right is discussed, as are the education and training needed to become a rodeo clown. Xtreme facts provide additional information on this exciting job. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. A&D Xtreme is an imprint of Abdo Publishing Company, a division of ABDO.

Originally published in hardcover and a Finalist at the 17th Annual Minnesota Book Awards, now available for the first time as an ebook! Perfect for school reports, but a gripping tale for everyone, young or old. Featuring 187 illustrations; 4 maps; Travel tips; Glossary; Index; Foreword by Ron Laycock, past-president of the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation. Lewis & Clark: Adventures West tells the greatest true-life adventure story in American history. In 1804, the Corps of Discovery set out to explore the unknown lands of Louisiana Territory and beyond. For more than two years they struggled against untamed rivers and clawed their way through rugged wilderness, all the while surviving raging storms, grizzly bears, starvation, and sickness.They also witnessed the beauty of the American landscape: endless plains, snow-capped mountains, and hundreds of newly discovered plants and animals. They crossed paths with dozens of Native American tribes, with cultures both rich and fascinating.Led by two extraordinary commanders, they would be the first American citizens to gaze upon the vastness of the Great Plains; first to cross the Continental Divide; first to struggle over the Rocky Mountains until they reached rivers that ran westward. Pushing on, they would be the first Americans to reach the Pacific Ocean overland from the east. Lewis & Clark: Adventures West brings to life the Corps of Discovery's epic journey. Excerpts from Lewis & Clark's journals add depth to the book's riveting narrative. Richly illustrated with rare historical photos, maps, paintings, journal sketches, and breathtaking photography, it's an exciting tale for anyone--young or old--with a thirst for adventure."Well researched and beautifully illustrated." -- Ron Laycock, Past-President, Lewis & Clark Trail Heritage Foundation"The narratives are well written. Clear and lively, they make seamless and effective use of primary-source material. The journals of both Lewis and Clark are interpolated frequently, always adding depth and illumination to the text. Illustrations are equally judiciously chosen and well placed. The use of Clark's maps is particularly inspired and serves to create respect for both the cartographer himself and for the task set out for the Corps of Discovery... an excellent stepping stone to in-depth adult titles such as Stephen E. Ambrose's Undaunted Courage." -- School Library Journal"The text offers a concise outline of the expedition, and it is nicely illustrated by a mix of paintings and new and vintage photographs. For his research, Hamilton traveled the length of the trail and took virtually all of the contemporary photos." -- We Proceeded On, the official publication of the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation"[Hamilton] filled the book with pictures to make the journey come alive for his young readers. The book is filled with photos of historical sites, Lewis and Clark re-enactors, vast landscapes, and wildlife. He also makes use of historical portraits and maps throughout the work." -- Michele Linck, Sioux City Journal

This title explores the development and use of the UH-60 Black Hawk. Readers will follow the history of this front-line utility helicopter, and learn about its military and performance specifications. Features such as its radios, radar warning receiver, and infrared countermeasures system are detailed. Readers will learn about its weapon systems including pintle mounts, machine guns, and miniguns. Readers will discover the aircraft's operational use in in a variety of missions, including air assault, air cavalry, and aeromedical evacuations. The Black Hawk's two General Electric T700-GE-701 turboshaft engines are covered, as are the achievements and future of this important aircraft. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. A&D Xtreme is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

Discover the true story of Jesse James, the outlaw who terrorized the heartland, but whose legend grew to make him an American Robin Hood.Jesse James was a villain to most people, a hero to others. He was a Missouri farmer, a ruthless Confederate guerrilla fighter, a loving husband and father, and a robber of banks, trains, and stagecoaches. He led a gang of desperadoes on a 16-year crime spree that sprawled over at least eight states. Jesse James is brought to life in this easy-to-read title by award-winning Western author John Hamilton. Jesse James is part of the bestselling Heroes and Villains of the Wild West hardcover series, now available for the first time as an ebook! Perfect for school reports, but a gripping tale for anyone captivated by the Wild West.In this concise (7,000 words) biography, you’ll discover:• Jesse James’s childhood and family history.• How Jesse came to hate the Union North and became a Confederate guerilla.• His exploits during the Civil War.• Why he became an outlaw after the war.• The details of his most famous—and infamous—robberies.• His death-defying escapes from the law.• A detailed account of the doomed Northfield, Minnesota, bank raid.• His tragic final days in St. Joseph, Missouri.• 13 historical and reenactment photos, plus map. • And much more!Jesse James is an easy read, thoroughly researched, and a straight-shooting account of the man behind the legend. Lasso a copy and start your Wild West adventure today!

Simple text and "out-of-this-world" photography introduce readers to NASA's Cassini-Huygens space probe, and its mission to explore the gas giant Saturn. Important details include the probe's construction, its launch, the landing of the Huygens probe on Saturn's moon Titan, and Cassini's continuing mission to unlock the secrets of Saturn's rings and other unique features. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. A&D Xtreme is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

Join award-winning science writer John Hamilton as he investigates Mars, describing its hold on humankind’s imagination and exploring the latest scientific efforts to unveil its many mysteries.Mission: Mars tells the story of the Red Planet, from ancient folklore to modern orbiters and rovers surveying its dusty surface. Every mission is covered, from the Mariner orbiters to the Viking landers, from the Curiosity rover to future Mars colonies. Vital information about the planet includes its geology, atmosphere, gravity, and orbit. Also covered are geographical wonders such as Valles Marineris (the Grand Canyon of Mars) and Olympus Mons (the largest volcano in the solar system), as well as major craters, icy poles, and Mars’s two moons, Phobos and Deimos.Why is Mars named for the Roman god of war? Did people really think Earth was being invaded by Martians during Orson Welles’ War of the Worlds radio broadcast of 1938? What is the truth behind the mysterious “Face of Cydonia” on the surface of Mars? These questions and more are answered in these inspiring—and sometimes humorous—stories of myth, science, and exploration.Mission: Mars is based on the bestselling hardcover series, now updated, expanded, and combined into a single-volume ebook for the first time. As American Library Association Booklist said about John Hamilton’s The Space Race (the previous book in the Destination Outer Space series) “… readers will find themselves immersed in the excitement.” Perfect for school reports, but also a thrilling book for anyone interested in space, young or old.In this 30,000-word exploration of Mars, you’ll discover:• The impact of Mars on modern culture, including H.G. Wells’ classic The War of the Worlds, Ray Bradbury’s masterpiece The Martian Chronicles, and modern works such as Andy Weir’s The Martian.• The promise—and challenge—of terraforming Mars.• The fleet of orbiters sending jaw-dropping images of the Red Planet’s surface.• More than 100 breathtaking images from NASA’s archives.• Diagrams and detailed maps.• The search for water and microbial life.• NASA’s Orion and Space Launch System, which may one day take humans to Mars.• Glossary and Timeline.• Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards.• And much, much more!Mission: Mars is thoroughly researched and easy to read. Own your own copy to discover the allure, tragedies, and triumphs of the mysterious Red Planet!