Books in History VIPs series

'She sells sea shells on the sea shore' - and she really did! This rhyme is thought to have been written about Mary Anning, an amazing fossilist and dinosaur expert, who was almost unknown at the time she lived. This biography explores the life of Mary Anning, from her first fossil finds at the age of ten to her sales of important discoveries to wealthy scientists. Mary's fossil finds made a great contribution to what scientist understood about pre-historic life. Through the story of Mary Anning, readers learn about life and society in the 1800s and Victorian Britain. We learn what it was like to be born into a poor family and about the roles of women in society and in the field of science. Readers will learn to draw conclusions from the evidence provided - a great basis for class discussions.History VIP biographies each look at the life of a famous Briton telling the stories of these Very Important People with clear, lively text. Amazing facts are added with feature panels and lively illustrations give visual information of the time and society the VIP lived in. With these key biographies students learn how individual people's actions have shaped the course of history. Key terms are defined in an easy-to-use glossary encouraging readers to use historical terms in their own work. Features include:In other news - these panels give context and help readers to understand the society and events of the wider world in which the subject livedTrue or False - questions lead students to question information and to interact with the facts they are presented with. What they said - quote features bring the subjects to life using their own words!WOW! - Boxes add humorous or amazing information to astound the reader and bring out the hilarious side of history

World War OneThe First World War also known as the Great War involved over thirty nations and resulted in the deaths of millions of young men. This stunning new book brings history to life as we follow the fortunes of a group of young conscripts and volunteers to discover what life was really like in the trenches and how they coped with the horrors of the front line. Introducing the advent of tanks, airplanes, air raids, submarines and gas attacks, we take a close look at the first modern war of the 20th Century. From the assassination the Arch Duke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo to the signing of the armistice, we see for ourselves what life was like in the trenches, on the home front, at sea and in the air. This is more than just a history book

Charles Darwin's book 'On the Origin of Species' changed both science and society - but why? This biography explores the life of Charles Darwin, from his early investigations of the natural world and his voyage on the HMS Beagle, to the publication of his great work. Darwin astounded the world with his theory of evolution but some people were angry that his ideas challenged traditional ideas and those set out by the church.Through the story of Charles Darwin readers learn about the society and culture of Victorian Britain. Looking at Darwin's discoveries and the events of his life, we learn about the changing ideas in British society between 1745-1901, and the impact that his ideas had on the church and state. Readers will learn to draw conclusions from the evidence provided - a great basis for class discussions.History VIP biographies each look at the life of a famous Briton telling the stories of these Very Important People with clear, lively text. Amazing facts are added with feature panels and lively illustrations give visual information of the time and society the VIP lived in. With these key biographies students learn how individual people's actions have shaped the course of history. Key terms are defined in an easy-to-use glossary encouraging readers to use historical terms in their own work. Features include:In other news - these panels give context and help readers to understand the society and events of the wider world in which the subject livedTrue or False - questions lead students to question information and to interact with the facts they are presented with. What they said - quote features bring the subjects to life using their own words!WOW! - Boxes add humorous or amazing information to astound the reader and bring out the hilarious side of history

Was King John really the cruel and terrible king that history paints him as? This biography explores the life of King John, from his ascension to the throne, through wars with France and his own English barons, to the signing of the Magna Carta. This Great Charter was a turning point is English political history and heralded the beginning of parliament.Through the story of King John, readers will learn about the changing nature of the monarchy in Medieval Britain, and the changing roles of the church and state in Medieval society. Readers will learn to draw conclusions from the evidence provided - a great basis for class discussions.History VIP biographies each look at the life of a famous Briton telling the stories of these Very Important People with clear, lively text. Amazing facts are added with feature panels and lively illustrations give visual information of the time and society the VIP lived in. With these key biographies students learn how individual people's actions have shaped the course of history.Key terms are defined in an easy-to-use glossary encouraging readers to use historical terms in their own work.History VIPs biographies focus on key subjects in the history curriculum for Key Stages 2 and 3, exploring the impact of exceptional figures in history and the society and culture in Britain at the time that they lived.Features include:In other news - these panels give context and help readers to understand the society and events of the wider world in which the subject livedTrue or False - questions lead students to question information and to interact with the facts they are presented with.What they said - quote features bring the subjects to life using their own words!WOW! - Boxes add humorous or amazing information to astound the reader and bring out the hilarious side of history