Books published by publisher First Avenue Editions (2001-01-01)

Some folks say John Henry was born with a hammer in his hand. He sure loved to pound things and his muscles were harder than rocks. At work, John laid down tracks for the railroad company. The earth shook when he swung down his heavy hammers. John was stronger than the strongest worker, but was he stronger than a machine? Find out in this powerful tale.

Like their Pueblo ancestors, Gia Rose and her family treat the clay with respect. They believe that Clay-Old-Woman, the spirit of clay, watches over their work and that she lives and breathes within each piece of pottery. Many things have changed at Santa Clara Pueblo, but the making of pottery remains the same. It is still done completely by hand, using clay taken from the earth and other natural materials. Follow one family as they carry on the age-old Pueblo tradition of pottery-making.

Six days a week Minnie and Tessa sit, shoulder to shoulder, bent over sewing machines in a big room overflowing with piles of fabric, patterns, and lace. There is no fresh air, the light is dim, and there are too many people in the room. The work is hard and the days are long. Minnie and Tessa work at the Triangle Shirtwaist Company in New York City. The two fourteen-year-olds are best friends. It isn't easy for a Jewish girl and a Catholic girl to be friends in 1911--some people think they're just too different. But Minnie and Tessa must depend on that friendship when the Triangle factory goes up in flames and they are trapped on the ninth floor. This moving story of courage and friendship is based on true accounts of the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Company fire of March 25, 1911.

Ten-year-old Orry Jenkins is sick and tired of the dust. The year is 1935 and Kansas hasn’t gotten enough rain in years. Instead of rainstorms, they get dust storms. One day, Orry and his little stepsister go outside to play. They’re far from home when a huge dust storm comes up. Stranded alone on the plains, the children must find a way to survive the terrible black blizzard.

The boat creaked and moaned as the storm's waves smashed into the ship. Down in the hold, Andre‚ sat between crates that held the great copper lady, the Statue of Liberty. They were on their way to America, but would the storm that raged prevent them from getting there? Given to the people of the United States in 1885 by the people of France as a symbol of friendship between the two countries, the Statue of Liberty has come to symbolize freedom, liberty, and hope to all that see her. In this thrilling tale, learn what might have happened during the statue's stormy trip to America.

It’s the summer of 1900, and 10-year-old Robert Pettibone is bored. His parents have sent him to stay with his Aunt Maudie in Galveston, Texas. She doesn’t let him do anything by himself. When a storm comes up, he rushes to the beach to take a closer look. But this is no ordinary storm―it’s an enormous hurricane headed straight for Galveston. Raging winds and rising floodwaters threaten to destroy the entire town. Can Robert and his aunt survive the worst natural disaster in U.S. history?