Books in Looking at History series

The rights of a nation's citizens are civil rights. In the 1950s and 1960s, black Americans organized a movement to demand these rights, including equal education, the right to vote, and many other freedoms. This significant and accessible volume takes readers through the key events of the movement, including its victories and disappointments. Central figures such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X are featured, and a timeline helps readers understand the movement's progression.

Most people have at least seen a snowstorm on television, but imagine a storm of dust instead of snow. These were called black blizzards in the Dust Bowl, which was the name for the Great Plains of the United States during the 1930s. Readers will learn what transformed green farmland and lush grassland into a disaster area, forcing thousands to leave, and finally how the land was restored. Stunning photographs reflect the conditions, while Make the Grade fact boxes offer more information about this significant period in American history.

Students often spend a long time learning about the early European settlements, such as Jamestown, and the founding the 13 British colonies that became the United States. Remembering and digesting so much information can be difficult, especially for struggling readers. Through accessible language and simple sentences, this book allows readers to review the history of the 13 colonies no matter the level at which they read. A concluding timeline helps readers chronologically order main events of the social studies curriculum while fact boxes offer explanations for important terms and more detail when needed.

Byzantine art and architecture are admired throughout the world, but many people are less familiar with the influential empire that produced it. Young historians will learn about the world power that was born out of the Roman Empire and lasted nearly 1,000 years after Rome fell. They'll read about important rulers such as Justinian and Constantine and how the Crusades finally caused the destruction of the mighty domain. Aspects of culture such as religion, art, and architecture are explained and beautifully displayed in the featured full-color artwork.

A transcontinental railroad spanning the United States was once thought to be impossible. After a practical route was found, about 1,800 miles of track were laid from Nebraska to California in just 6 years. This railroad changed the nation, connecting the East and West Coast and making travel and communication easier than ever. Readers will be fascinated by the amazing tale of this railroad and the striking photographs that support this accessible narrative.

The impact of the Norman Conquest in England can't be overstated. After William of Normandy conquered the Anglo-Saxons in 1066, the very culture of England changed, from the social structure to the written language. This carefully researched and accessible volume explains the Normans' strategy, significant events on and off the battlefield, and the key figures to know about this momentous event. Fact boxes, historical artwork, and a timeline aid readers in their comprehension.

Most people have at least seen a snowstorm on television, but imagine a storm of dust instead of snow. These were called black blizzards in the Dust Bowl, which was the name for the Great Plains of the United States during the 1930s. Readers will learn what transformed green farmland and lush grassland into a disaster area, forcing thousands to leave, and finally how the land was restored. Stunning photographs reflect the conditions, while Make the Grade fact boxes offer more information about this significant period in American history.

"A war between Spain and the United States was waged in 1898 in the Caribbean and in the Philippines. It forced Spain out of Cuba and established the United States as a true world power. Young historians will learn the causes of the war, each side's military maneuvers, and the conflict's aftereffects, all clearly explained in comprehensible text especially for the struggling reader. Remarkable photographs and images of the war will help visual learners connect with the material"--

The highest law in the United States isnt written in modern English. Yet students are expected to know and understand much of what it says, as well as facts about how and why it was written. Readers are presented with the most important points of the history of the Constitution and its contents in this book. The main content gives simple explanations of important social studies curriculum topics, from the compromises needed to write the Constitution to the Bill of Rights. Fact boxes, a concluding timeline, and historical images offer readers even more detail needed for a full overview of the document.

The Great Depression was a terrible time in the United States. Americans had never known such hunger and poverty. This crisis lasted 10 years. What happened to cause this catastrophe, how it finally ended, and the lasting effects it had on the nation are all addressed in this invaluable look at a critical period in American history. Engaging and accessible text is supported by striking historical images and interesting fact boxes. A timeline summarizes and reinforces the most essential concepts.