Books in National Geographic World History Biographies series

Born in Southern China in 1893, this farmer's son would rule the world's most populous country. The young Mao Zedong grew up in a world desperate to break with the ancient rules of the Qing dynasty. Mao challenged convention early in life, and was expelled from school. He joined China's new Communist Party, and led China's historic revolution. Hailed by many as a truly liberating hero, others demonized him as a brutal monster. This biography outlines the revolutionary life of the first leader of the People's Republic of China and sets his march to power in the context of world history.National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.

Around 1412, a baby girl was born in the village of Domrémy who would change France forever. A farmer’s daughter, she seemed destined for an unremarkable life. But as the dramatic narrative of this World History Biography reveals, Joan’s life was anything but ordinary. By the age of 13, she knew her destiny—to drive the English invaders from France. By 17, she had led an army to victory at Orléans. Captured in battle, and too poor to be ransomed, Joan was burned at the stake before her 20th birthday.