Books in Landmarks series

Young Benjamin Franklin could do almost anything. At the age of 12, he worked at a print shop. By 15, he had started writing in his brother’s newspaper. His funny writing and clever advice became famous all over the colonies. Ben invented the lightning rod, a new kind of stove, and many other things that improved people’s lives. When the colonies rebelled against England, Ben helped write the Declaration of Independence and the new Constitution. One of the most respected men of his time, Benjamin Franklin remains a role model for Americans to this day.

Beginning with Thomas Edison’s childhood, when he set up his first laboratory in his basement as a 10-year-old, and following through his many jobs before he was able to support himself as an inventor, this is the true story of the man who brought the world the phonograph, motion pictures, and even the electric light bulb—revolutionary inventions that forever changed the way people live. “One of the most critically acclaimed, best-selling children’s book series ever published.”—The New York Times Margaret Cousins is also the author of the Landmark Book Ben Franklin of Old Philadelphia.

LOTS OF BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPHS. PARTIAL list of keywords: astronaut; Acceleration Laboratory; Ames Aeronautical Laboratory; Apollo Project; Project Mercury; Atlantic Missile Range; Atlas intercontinental ballistic missile; Friendship 7; Cape Canaveral; carbon dioxide; Scott Carpenter; centrigue; chimpanzee; Gordon Cooper; cosmic rays; docking method; Enos; escape rocket; Explorer I; Yuri Gagarin; John Glenn; Ham; High Speed Flight Station; Iconel-X; Jupiter-C rocket; Liberty Bell; Little Joe rocket; MASTIF; Mercury project; Virgil Grissom; Miss Sam; Multiple Axis Space Test Facility; Joa; Nova rocket; Operation Paperclip; parachute; Peenemuende; etc, etc.

This book tells the story of John Butterfield, a mid-19th Century stagecoach and freight line operator and his line of stagecoaches, which took passengers and mail across the U.S. in the 1850s. Born on a farm in Berne, New York in 1801, Butterfield grew up on the farm and was mostly self-educated. At the age of 19, he became a professional stage driver. He was always interested in transportation, becoming involved in the livery business, establishing stage routes throughout New York. He also gained experience with steamboats, railroads, and local plank-roads. As a skilled businessman, he soon controlled most of the stage lines west of New York, and in 1849 he formed the companies that became American Express and Wells-Fargo, as well as the Butterfield Overland Stage Company. In 1857, American Express won the government contract for the first transcontinental stage line, carrying the mail from Missouri to California for $600,000 per year—the largest mail contract that had ever been awarded. Thus, Butterfield became president of the Overland Mail Company. Covering an exciting period in American history, this story of bravery and adventure will appeal to readers of all ages!

Edward Drinker Cope was a charming man with a passion for old bones. Othniel Marsh was a stickler for procedure when he studied his fossil finds. They started as friends, sharing ideas and information, but after Marsh tried to poach Cope's digging site, they became bitter enemies. Their decades-long feud fueled their desire to dig up more bones, to discover new species, and to find ever bigger and more unusual dinosaurs. Through their competition, the two men laid a far-reaching foundation for the brand-new field of palentology.A fascinating story told with an engaging narrative technique, and well complemented by period photographs and drawings, a map, a time line, and an author's note.From the Trade Paperback edition.

Maya Angelou spent her childhood moving between two homes. She was often lonely, and when she was abused by her mother’s boyfriend, sensitive Maya felt guilty and more alone than ever. But with time and a new friend, Maya began to share her thoughts and feelings with other people. Poet, playwright, actress, singer, and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou is a role model for women, African Americans, and all Americans. A sensitive yet accessible approach to difficult subjects as well as an introduction to a great figure in our recent history, this book is sure to motivate discussion.

Meet the amazing women of the American Revolution. From Nancy Morgan Hart, who captured enemy soldiers, to 15-year-old Betty Zane, who dodged bullets while running for gunpowder to save patriot lives—Patriots in Petticoats celebrates 24 of America’s most daring and overlooked patriots!Written with a compelling, light touch and packed with photographs, period art, maps, and timelines, Patriots in Petticoats is young nonfiction at its best—entertaining, engaging, and empowering!From the Hardcover edition.