Books with author Peter Roop

A young reader’s history of the famous document that set America on the course to freedom Many kids have heard of the Declaration of Independence, but few know the story behind the people and events that helped forge it. They may know about Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, but do they know the roles that Patrick Henry and Thomas Gage played in setting fire to a revolution? This is the story of how the men and women of thirteen British colonies came to declare their independence on July 4, 1776. Covering major events such as the Boston Massacre and Paul Revere’s midnight ride, The Declaration of Independence brings the rich and exciting history of the Revolutionary War to young readers who want to know more about America’s beginnings.

A delightfully illustrated introduction to some of the most fascinating and admirable animals we’ve ever known!Everyone knows about President Obama's first dog Bo, but would you believe President Adams had a pet alligator that he kept in the White House? TALES OF FAMOUS ANIMALS won't just cover presidential pets; young readers will also learn about heroic animals like Balto the sled dog and unique animals like Koko the gorilla. With awesome full-color illustrations throughout, this book is sure to melt the hearts of animal lovers everywhere!

American history comes alive for young readers in this collection of richly detailed narratives ranging from Christopher Columbus to Abraham Lincoln. These “direct and surprisingly accessible” histories, often told in the actual words of key figures from the American past, are a brilliant blend of fact and imagination (Publishers Weekly). I, Columbus: A firsthand account of Christopher Columbus’s famous voyage to the East, taken directly from his journal entries. He tells of excitement, drama, and terror on the high seas, as he and his crew weather the path to discovery. Pilgrim Voices: The pilgrims’ own writings of their voyage on the Mayflower, their first encounters with indigenous people, and their Thanksgiving celebration after surviving a difficult first winter in the New World. Off the Map: The story of Lewis and Clark’s famous 1804 expedition into the uncharted lands of America, in an accessible version drawn from the explorers’ own account. Louisiana Purchase: Biographical sketches of Lewis and Clark, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Thomas Jefferson tell the story of the United States’ expansion into a new territory and a new era. Sacagawea: Told from Sacagawea’s point of view, this historical novel shares the ordeals of her youth along with the memory of her journey west with Lewis and Clark. She shares her love of nature and explains how her loyalties have changed over time. The Declaration of Independence: Covering major events such as the Boston Massacre and Paul Revere’s midnight ride, this accessible history brings the story of the Revolutionary War to life. An Eye for an Eye: When her brother is captured at the start of the Revolutionary War, fourteen-year-old Samantha sets off to rescue him. But when she comes face-to-face with the enemy, will she still stand by her peaceful principles? Take Command, Captain Farragut!: Ten-year-old David Glasgow Farragut is the youngest midshipman ever assigned to a warship in the US Navy. Told through fictional letters that Farragut writes from prison after his capture in the War of 1812, this richly imagined story is based on real history. Ahyoka and the Talking Leaves: Ahyoka’s father is a Cherokee silversmith who dreams of a written language for his people. When he is ostracized for the “magic” he is creating, father and daughter leave home to pursue his dream on their own. Grace’s Letter to Lincoln: After seeing Abraham Lincoln on a poster, eleven-year-old Grace decides to write to him and suggest that he might win more votes in the 1860 election if he grows a beard. Much to her surprise, Lincoln answers her letter, and history is made. This “touching historic encounter” is based on true events (Scholastic).

This unique biography of Sojourner Truth tells the exciting story of her life using personal recollections, as well as letters and articles written by those who knew her."I am pleading for the mothers, Who gaze in wild despair, Upon the hated auction-block, And see their children there."With these words Sojourner Truth sang about the pain that women slaves felt when their children were sold away from them. Sojourner Truth was born a slave in New York. Her son Peter was taken away from her and she went to extraordinary lengths to get him back. Through hard work and the help of her friends, Sojourner freed herself and her children from slavery. As a free woman, she traveled across the country speaking against slavery and in favor of women's rights.

A teenage girl questions her principles after her brother is captured during the Revolutionary War Fourteen-year-old Samantha Byrd is an excellent shot—she’s even better than her brother at providing food for her family. Although the winds of war are blowing in Virginia, she knows that she could only ever use her skill for hunting—not for hurting another person. When the Revolutionary War finally begins, her brother is captured, and Samantha sets off to rescue him. But when she comes face to face with the enemy, will she still stand by her principles, or will she pull the trigger?