Books published by publisher Luce Press

It's 1958 and eleven-year-old Peter Wolf lives in the war-rubble squalor of East Germany which is ruled with an iron fist by the Soviet Communists. In Peter's world, soccer matches in the cobblestone streets are interrupted by Russian tanks clattering through their midst and live hand grenades still lie rusting in the dirt in vacant lots. People stand in long lines to buy rancid meat, water pails are kept on toilet lids to prevent sewer rats from invading apartments and, worst of all, every citizen is encouraged to spy upon every other citizen and report any suspect behavior to the hated Stassi (Secret Police). It is an existence so mind-numbingly desperate and deplorable that Peter's father commits suicide rather than face the hopelessness of his life. Then Peter's older sister defects to the West leaving Peter and his mother, Johanna, behind to be labeled "traitors to the state." The future is bleak and Johanna knows their only hope for any happiness is to plan and execute a daring escape. But after risking their lives escaping East Germany, surviving a kidnapping attempt, enduring six long months in a refugee camp and crossing the Atlantic in steerage, Peter discovers America is not the paradise he had envisioned. Peter is enrolled in a school that is 95% Jewish where he is reviled by a group of bullies intent on making the "Kraut's" life miserable. Then Peter learns of the Holocaust, a subject of which he had absolutely no previous knowledge and, suddenly, he understands why he is hated. But then one gangly, awkward boy, Leon Stern, befriends Peter and teaches the rest of the school a lesson in tolerance no one will ever forget.

Hip-hop culture has shaped many facets of popular culture, including the worlds of music, politics, and business. The hip-hop movement began with New York City residents with few resources and has now turned into a billion-dollar worldwide industry. Readers will learn about the four elements of hip-hop: rapping (MCing), disc jockeying (DJing), graffiti art, and B-boying (break dancing). They'll learn how these foundational components evolved to construct what hip-hop is recognized as today. A list of essential hip-hop albums and annotated quotes from music critics and famous hip-hop artists are also included in this all-encompassing look at the history of hip-hop.

Postmodern art emerged in the late 1960s following a time period when art had been defined by superstars like Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dal. Rejecting the idea of art being exclusive to professionals, artists who emerged during the postmodern era believed anyone could be an artist and anything could be art. Through exciting main text featuring annotated quotes from experts, detailed sidebars, and examples of postmodern art, readers explore how the foundations of art were challenged by postmodern artists such as Andy Warhol and Barbara Kruger and also how their work still impacts today's art world.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg has become a hero to many from her place on the U.S Supreme Court. Her outspoken nature, work ethic, and unique style have earned her the nickname "Notorious RBG." Her life story is filled with many motivational moments, which are presented through engaging main text, full-color photographs, and informative sidebars. Readers are also introduced to some of her most famous words of wisdom in eye-catching quote boxes. The life of a member of the Supreme Court is far from boring, which readers discover as they learn about this opera-loving, gym-going, groundbreaking justice.

She is one of the most iconic performers of her generation. From her early days in Destiny's Child to her career as a highly successful solo artist, she has created numerous hit albums, starred in many films, and performed for legions of passionate fans who often refer to her as Queen Bey. This book examines Beyonce's relationship with her family, her career as a performer and businesswoman, and how she has channeled her fame into activism. Fact-filled sidebars, annotated quotations, and full-color photographs add extra insight to this fascinating biography.

Native peoples of the United States and Canada have rich histories and traditions that help them maintain varied cultural identities in modern society. In the past, white Americans attempted to hide or eradicate these cultures. Today we know that they should instead be celebrated. The artifacts and customs of these early civilizations are presented to readers through full-color photographs and primary sources, and a detailed timeline places historical events in chronological order. Readers will enjoy learning about the vibrant past of cultures that are still active today.

Before Barack Obama became the 44th president of the United States, he was a community organizer, civil rights lawyer, and senator. Readers trace his groundbreaking path to the White House and his unique position as the first African American president as they explore main text enhanced with annotated quotes from Obama and those closest to him. Full-color photographs, sidebars, and a comprehensive timeline chronicle the legacy of this American newsmaker. Much is known about who Obama was before and during his presidency, but what has his life been like since leaving the White House? Curious readers learn the answer.

It was Michelangelo's talent and imagination that created the Pieta, the famous statue of David, and the Sistine Chapel's ceilings. What was his life like before he became famous? Readers discover the story of Michelangelo Buonarroti, a man who sculpted with materials others abandoned, whose first official piece of art was really a fraud, and who hid his own likeness in many of his paintings. This artistic genius was as fascinating as he was skilled, and his life is presented to readers through engaging main text and sidebars, annotated quotes from art historians, and examples of his most famous works.