Books in Story of the World series

A princess makes a daring deal with the Queen of the Snakes. A lonely sister weaves stinging plants together in order to save her brothers from their mother. A curious boy suddenly becomes a wolf cub. Discover a worldwide collection of shape-shifter stories, based on folktales and lore from the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Europe. From cursed princes to the first werewolves, things aren't always what they seem!

In The Middle Ages, the third volume in the comprehensive new History of the World series, reveals the driving forces behind one of the most pivotal periods in history. Between the covers of this book, readers will discover captivating topics such as the Vikings, the Crusades, the One Hundred Years' War, the Black Death, and much more.This beautifully illustrated six-volume series introduces children in grades 4 to 8 to the important developments in world history in a clear and accessible way. Each book:•Presents key information in historical order for easy reference.•Examines the important political, religious, scientific, artistic, and lifestyle developments that have shaped our world.•Includes timelines on every spread for quick and easy reference.•Contains colorful images and diagrams that depict the people and places of the past.•Features an insightful quotation on every spread that provides the view of an important historical figure of the time.

Spend an entire year investigating the fascinating story of the modern world, from the American Civil War through the end of the twentieth century--from Europe and the Middle East through India, China, the Arabian Peninsula, Australia, and both North and South America! Designed for parents and elementary/middle grade students (grades 4-8) to share together, The Story of the World, Volume 4 Revised Edition: The Modern Age is widely used in charter and private schools, as well as co-ops around the world. It builds historical literacy, improves reading and comprehension skills in both fiction and nonfiction, and increases vocabulary--all in an enjoyable and entertaining story-like format.The Story of the World, Volume 4 Revised Edition central text (available in paperback, hardcover, and eBook) offers 42 narrative chapters, told in chronological order and spanning the entire globe, that begin with revolt against the British in Victorian-ruled India, and end with the Persian Gulf War. Independent readers can easily enjoy the stories on their own, or parents and teachers can read aloud to younger students. This newly revised edition includes 48 beautiful new illustrations, easier-to-read formatting, and a pronunciation guide to the names and places discussed in the book. 48 black and white illustrations

This new entry in the innovative "Story" line of chapter-book biographies features Ira Aldridge, an African American actor considered one of the greatest Shakespearean performers of the nineteenth century, and an outspoken advocate for the abolitionist movement in the United States.Ira Aldridge dreamed of being on stage, performing the great works of William Shakespeare. He spent every chance he got at the local theaters, memorizing each actor's lines for all of the great plays. Ira knew he could be a famous performer if given the chance. But in the early 1800s, only white actors were allowed to perform Shakespeare. African American actors had to play in musicals at the all-black theater in New York City. Despite the discouragement of his teacher and father, Ira determinedly pursued his dream and set off for England, the land of Shakespeare. There he honed his acting skills and eventually performed at the acclaimed Theatre Royal Haymarket. Through perseverance and determination, Ira became one of the most celebrated Shakespearean actors in Europe, and a public supporter of the abolitionist movement. This chapter book edition includes black-and-white illustrations as well as sidebars on related subjects, a timeline, a glossary, and recommended reading.

Carlos and Diego is a 16 page retelling of a traditional tale from Peru. The "flip" side of the book is Guinea Pigs Galore. Guinea Pigs Galore contains 8 pages of information about guinea pigs and the country of Peru. Contents: Guinea Pigs in Peru, Passport to Peru!, My Pet Guinea Pig, Animal Tricksters. Supported by FREE Inquiry Learning Teacher's Notes.

Human interest in lizards is not new. These reptiles have been the subject of superstition and speculation for thousands of years, and their remarkably diverse forms, colors, and behavior continue to fascinate us today. We know comparatively little aboutlizards, however, and the data produced by increasing scientific study is often impenetrable or inaccessible to the interested general reader. Written as an introduction to the natural history of lizards, this book helps to answer the many questions thatboth amateur and professional naturalists ask about these animals. The first seven chapters cover the origins, form, function and color, environment, feeding, defense, reproduction, movement, and distribution of lizards -- from tiny tropical geckos to the huge Komodo dragon. The author also discusses lizards in captivity and their relationship to humans and describes the entire range of the lizard families. The book concludes with a chapter on the curious group of burrowing "worm lizards," the amphisbaenians. The highly readable and informative text is beautifully illustrated with line drawings and superb black-and-white color photographs of the spectacularly varied lizard families.

Dream of the Red Chamber, also called The Story of the Stone, composed by Cao Xueqin, is one of China's Four Great Classical Novels. It was written sometime in the middle of the 18th century during the Qing Dynasty. Long considered a masterpiece of Chinese literature, the novel is generally acknowledged to be the pinnacle of Chinese fiction. "Redology" is the field of study devoted exclusively to this work. The title has also been translated as Red Chamber Dream and A Dream of Red Mansions. The novel circulated in manuscript copies with various titles until its print publication, in 1791. While the first 80 chapters were written by Cao Xueqin, Gao E, who prepared the first and second printed editions with his partner Cheng Weiyuan in 1791–2, added 40 additional chapters to complete the novel.

Greedy giants, cruel emperors, and shape-shifting demons―the stuff a girl has to put up with! Explore girl power in all its glory with stories of heroines from around the world. Myths and legends from the United States to Japan and Venezuela celebrate the courage of women and girls who rise to the occasion. With heroines like these, who needs a handsome prince?