Books in Sterling Biographies® series

“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.

He risked the great unknown…and became the first man to reach the North Pole. But it took decades for the cloud of racism to lift and give African-American explorer Matthew Henson the rightful recognition for his extraordinary achievements. Here is the story of Henson’s dramatic, groundbreaking life.Matthew began his travels as a ship’s cabin boy, but it was his partnership with Robert E. Peary that made history. Although he acted as the team’s indispensable carpenter, hunter, navigator, and interpreter, his crucial role in the expedition went largely unacknowledged. Kathleen Olmstead, the adaptor of several Classic Starts® novels, captures all the adventure, danger, and thrills involved in reaching the top of the world

Thanks to his monumental accomplishments, Albert Einstein’s name is synonymous with genius. With his famous E=MC² and insights into quantum physics, this legendary scientist not only revolutionized the way we understand the universe, but paved the way for such diverse technology as lasers, cell phones, electron microscopes, DVD players, atomic weaponry, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Featuring kid-friendly explanations of the scientific principles, this compelling biography follows Einstein from his childhood through his early career struggles, and on to the theoretical breakthroughs and groundbreaking writings that won him the Nobel Prize. Equally important, we get a complete portrait of the man, who—deeply affected by the Holocaust—dedicated his life to pacifism and equal rights for all.

Patriot, soldier, lawyer, founding father, nation builder, and statesman: Alexander Hamilton was all those things and more. This fascinating biography introduces this prominent and popular figure in American history to children. Filled to the brim with photos, quotes, and maps, Alexander Hamilton is sure to be a hit with fans of both history and the smash Broadway musical. Engagingly written, it follows Hamilton from childhood to his tragic death, focusing on his hard work, cunning, and opportunistic zeal. It also shows Hamilton’s darker side; his recklessness and the tragedies that ultimately kept him from even greater heights.

The tale of the Powhatan princess from the Virginia woodlands is one of the best known and most loved in American history. While myth and legend have clouded some of the details, time has not diminished her bravery, selflessness, and commitment to peace. Nearly four centuries after her death, Pocahontas remains an inspiration, and her story will captivate every young reader.

A streak of 2,130 consecutive games played. Several World Series wins—including a four-game sweep. An American League single-season batting record that still stands. And that’s only a few of Lou Gehrig’s many achievements. Though illness sapped his strength, it never killed his spirit. Written by one of America’s leading sportswriters, this biography of baseball’s “Iron Horse” will inspire and touch kids as it reveals:- Gehrig’s childhood gymnastic workouts at a special German gym called a turnverein- How his incredible batting ability turned his high school team into a sensation- His lifelong struggle with shyness- The “Great Home Run Derby” with Babe Ruth—perhaps baseball’s most astonishing competition ever- The tragic ailment that ended his career--and life

She just wouldn’t get up—and with that simple, courageous act Rosa Parks struck a blow against injustice. Parks showed what one person, without guns or violence, could do to change the course of history forever. Nelson Mandela claimed “she is who inspired us to be fearless when facing our oppressors.” As a volunteer secretary for the NAACP, Parks chronicled racial injustices and fought for desegregation. Then, on December 1, 1955, she made a stand on a Montgomery, Alabama bus: she refused to relinquish her seat for a white man. Her arrest mobilized the black community for a citywide bus boycott that led to a landmark Supreme Court decision. Award-winning author Ruth Ashby beautifully conveys Park’s dignity and determination.

At once daring, clever, smart, rich, determined, and rash, Cleopatra is one of history’s most fascinating figures. Here, children will find out all about: - The Ptolemy Dynasty into which she was born, its traditions and infighting- The role of women in ancient Egypt - How she ascended to, and maintained her place on, the throne- Her relationships with both Caesar and Mark Antony and the political repercussions of these affairs within the Roman Empire and Egypt- Her death in Alexandria- And much more, all beautifully illustrated

Neil Armstrong was America’s rocket man, the first person to set foot on the moon and turn science fiction into amazing reality. Award-winning authors Tara Dixon-Engel and Mike Jackson tell the fascinating story of how Armstrong went where no one had gone before, leaving his mark on the powdery surface of another world. Even at an age when other boys were just learning to drive, Neil was training to reach the skies. He went on to study aeronautical engineering, win medals as a fighter pilot, try out the X-15 experimental rocket plane, and become one of the elite few chosen to be a NASA astronaut…where he took the test pilot’s credo of “higher, faster and farther” to thrilling heights.

Helen Keller lived in darkness and silence, but she dazzled the world with her accomplishments. Her powerful story lives in this remarkable biography by Emma Carlson Berne. Find out about:- The illness that destroyed young Helen’s sight and hearing- Her explosive first meeting with her teacher Annie Sullivan- Her struggle to become the first blind/deaf student ever awarded a degree from prestigious Radcliffe College- The romance that almost led to marriage- Her life as writer, lecturer, and world traveler