Books with author Russel Roberts

From the moment Europeans stumbled across North America at the end of the fifteenth century, monarchs and investors sought to exploit the land s riches. With high expectations, colonists sailed across the Atlantic, seeking a better life and perhaps even fortune. But life in America was harder than they thought. Several colonies failed, and without the help of friendly Native Americans, others may not have made it, either. Even after the colonists learned how to build houses, hunt, and farm, life remained hard for all concerned. Men had to plant and tend crops, hunt wild game, and fix anything that broke. Women had to take care of the children, sew, cook, and perform dozens of other duties. Children also had a list of chores that they had to perform every day. There was so much work, in fact, that colonists began using indentured servants and then slaves from Africa to plant and harvest their crops. Learn what daily life was like for the colonists, and how their successes affected the Native Americans and governments in other countries.

On October 14, 1066, a battle took place in England that would dictate the course of history for the island nation for centuries to come. Soldiers from the army of Duke William of Normandy fought against those of the English king, Harold Godwinson. At stake was the throne of England. The battle took all day. Swords clanged, axes chopped, and arrows flew from both sides. In the end, the battle turned on the random flight of a single arrow. Find out what inventions and strategies determined which army prevailed or perished in this incredible true story of the Battle of Hastings.

Brian Rasoldi and his fourth-grade class think Ms. Reynolds is nuts when she walks in with a pile of newspapers, a green doll, a copy of the Declaration of Independence, a library book, and a fireman s hat. But when they find out they re taking a class trip to Philadelphia, it all starts to make sense. Join Brian and his friends as they learn about the City of Brotherly Love, from its history and mysteries to its famous residents, including William Penn, Benjamin Franklin, and Will Smith. Philadelphia is also home to the Phillies and the Eagles, and it hosts the Mummers Parade, which entertains fans with their feathers and strings every New Year s Day. Visitors to Philadelphia can still see symbols of the birth of the United States, such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Brian and his classmates have a terrific day of sightseeing and antics, and top it off with a visit to the colorful Italian Market.

Thomas, on the surface, had a pretty traditional upbringing… But there was something about him – from the very beginning – that was different. You could see it in his eyes. He knew things that others did not know. And so when Thomas started receiving messages in his dreams and visions that he was from an altogether different place, Thomas knew that it was not make-believe. He let the messages unfold until he had assembled all the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle. And from there, he was free to start living the life he was born to live.Illustrated by Pauline Callais.

Upper elementary and early middle school students looking for a guide about voting in America can look no further then this new series. Written in easy-to-read narrative , these four titles introduces readers to the background and history of the Democratic and Republican Parties, along with fascinating information about notable party members and the ever-changing platforms through the years.Written for readers ages 8-12 years old.