Books with author Laurie Calkhoven

Everyone knows that soldiers entered battlefields on horseback, but did you know that some warriors rode elephants into combat? You may have heard of bomb-sniffing dogs, but what about bomb-sniffing honeybees?In MILITARY ANIMALS, you will learn all about these incredible animals that have aided the military in the air, on land, and by sea. Discover how dolphins, bears, pigs, penguins, and even glowworms became heroes in times of war. When technology couldn't help, these amazing animals could! MILITARY ANIMALS showcases these true, hard-to-believe heroic animal stories, accompanied by awesome, action-packed photos.Each book even comes with a collectible paw-print dog tag necklace!

Meet Stubby: a stray pup who was taken in by a group of American soldiers-in-training and soon found himself whisked off to the frontlines of World War I as the official mascot of the 102nd Infantry Regiment! Stubby served bravely by his soldiers' sides for 18 months and became a hero when he saved his regiment from a surprise gas attack, and again when he singlehandedly caught an enemy German soldier in No Man's Land.Join Stubby on his incredible journey from puppy to soldier to high-ranking sergeant as he narrates his story of heroism. This "dog's-eye view" takes readers into the heart of the action of WWI and will leave you cheering for Stubby and his human companions as they overcome countless obstacles and prove time and again why a dog really is man's best friend.

“First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen”—and first in the minds of schoolchildren, who learn about George Washington as soon as they begin studying American history. From Washington’s Virginia childhood, through his days as a soldier and general, to his inauguration as the first President of the brand-new United States, and into retirement, this biography captures the full breadth and achievements of his life. It covers both the personal and the private, reveals his views on everything from governmental power to the abolition of slavery, and separates fascinating truth from well-worn legend—including that infamous, but false, tale about chopping down the cherry tree.

Meet Judy: an English Pointer and member of her Majesty's Royal Navy who served bravely alongside her crew during World War II. When her ship was sunk by the enemy, Judy became the only canine prisoner of war of the Japanese. Join Judy on her incredible journey from puppy to soldier to POW as she narrates her story of survival and heroism. This "dog's-eye view" takes readers into the heart of the naval action of WWII and will leave you cheering for Judy and her human companions as they overcome countless obstacles and prove time and again why a dog really is man's best friend.

Twelve-year-old Daniel cheered when American colonists dumped English tea into Boston Harbor to protest taxes. But King George sends soldiers to punish the rebellious colonists, and friends turn on one another to protect themselves. Daniel works in the family tavern and spies on Redcoat officers after his father leaves to fight with the Patriots. He soon learns how to slip vital information across British lines to his father and General Washington. He must face his fear and put his life in danger. But, to a Patriot, liberty is well worth any risk.

The second exciting book in the series about boys swept up in the historical fight for freedom Twelve-year-old Will wants to be a drummer in the Union army, but he's stuck far from the fighting in his sleepy hometown of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Then the Union and Confederate armies meet in Gettysburg, and Will and his family are caught up in the ferocious fighting. From delivering important messages and helping captured slaves escape Confederate soldiers to even saving a young soldier's life, Will takes readers on a journey through one of the Civil War's most significant battles. And when the fighting is finally over, Will witnesses President Lincoln deliver his famous Gettysburg Address, and he knows firsthand the truth behind his words.

Meet Stubby: a stray pup who was taken in by a group of American soldiers-in-training and soon found himself whisked off to the frontlines of World War I as the official mascot of the 102nd Infantry Regiment! Stubby served bravely by his soldiers' sides for 18 months and became a hero when he saved his regiment from a surprise gas attack, and again when he singlehandedly caught an enemy German soldier in No Man's Land.Join Stubby on his incredible journey from puppy to soldier to high-ranking sergeant as he narrates his story of heroism. This "dog's-eye view" takes readers into the heart of the action of WWI and will leave you cheering for Stubby and his human companions as they overcome countless obstacles and prove time and again why a dog really is man's best friend.

Pirouette across the stage and get to know Misty Copeland—the first African-American woman to become a principal ballerina with the American Ballet Theater—in this fascinating, nonfiction Level 3 Ready-to-Read, part of a new series of biographies about people “you should meet.”Misty Copeland had always dreamed of becoming a dancer, but she had many obstacles to overcome before she could reach her dream. Although she was always challenged by the things that set her apart from other dancers, with a lot of hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent, Misty has become one of the most well-known dancers in America. On June 30, 2015 Misty stepped on stage as the first female African-American principal dancer for the American Ballet Theater and made history! A special section at the back of the book includes extras on subjects like history and math, plus a fun timeline filled with interesting trivia facts about dance. With the You Should Meet series, learning about historical figures has never been so fascinating!

If you are tired, keep going; if you are scared, keep going, if you are hungry, keep going; if you want to taste freedom, keep going. These are the words of Harriet Tubman, called the “Moses of her people” for leading slaves northward to freedom. After successfully escaping when only in her twenties, she put herself in danger again and again in order to help other slaves achieve liberty. And when the Civil War began, this freedom fighter not only spied for the Union, but became the first American woman to plan and direct a battle. Her compelling story is beautifully told here, along with a rich store of information about slave life, the Underground Railroad, and famous abolitionists.

Meet Judy: an English Pointer and member of her Majesty's Royal Navy who served bravely alongside her crew during World War II. When her ship was sunk by the enemy, Judy became the only canine prisoner of war of the Japanese. Join Judy on her incredible journey from puppy to soldier to POW as she narrates her story of survival and heroism. This "dog's-eye view" takes readers into the heart of the naval action of WWII and will leave you cheering for Judy and her human companions as they overcome countless obstacles and prove time and again why a dog really is man's best friend.

Twelve-year-old Daniel cheered when American colonists dumped English tea into Boston Harbor to protest taxes. But King George sends soldiers to punish the rebellious colonists, and friends turn on one another to protect themselves. Daniel works in the family tavern and spies on Redcoat officers after his father leaves to fight with the Patriots. He soon learns how to slip vital information across British lines to his father and General Washington. He must face his fear and put his life in danger. But, to a Patriot, liberty is well worth any risk.

Blast off into space and get to know Mae Jemison—the first African-American woman to ever go to space—with this fascinating, nonfiction Level 3 Ready-to-Read, part of a new series of biographies about people “you should meet.”Meet Mae Jemison, the first African-American female astronaut! Did you know before Mae was an astronaut, she went to medical school and joined the Peace Corps? But she never forgot her childhood dream to travel to outer space. So in 1985 she applied to NASA’s astronaut training program. On September 12, 1992, Mae flew into space with six other astronauts aboard the space shuttle Endeavour and made history—just like you can if you follow your dreams! A special section at the back of the book includes extras on subjects like history and math, plus a fun timeline filled with interesting trivia facts about space! With the You Should Meet series, learning about historical figures has never been so much fun!