Books in Art In History series

ShortThe earth shakes and cracks open. Volcanoes erupt. Continents freeze, bake, and flood. Droughts parch the land. Wildfires and hundred-year storms consume anything in their paths. Invisible clouds of disease and pestilence probe for victims. Tidal waves sweep ashore from the vast sea. The natural world is a dangerous place, but one species has evolved a unique defense against the hazards: civilization. MainCivilization rearranges nature for human convenience. Clothes and houses keep us warm; agriculture feeds us; medicine fights our diseases. It all works—most of the time. But key resources lie in the most hazardous places, so we choose to live on river flood plains, on the slopes of volcanoes, at the edge of the sea, above seismic faults. We pack ourselves into cities, Petri dishes for germs. Civilization thrives on the edge of disaster. And what happens when natural forces meet molasses holding tanks, insecticides, deepwater oil rigs, nuclear power plants? We learn the hard way how to avoid the last disaster—and maybe how to create the next one. What we don’t know can, indeed, hurt us. This book’s white-knuckled journey from antiquity to the present leads us to wonder at times how humankind has survived. And yet, as Author Gale Eaton makes clear, civilization has advanced not just in spite of disasters but in part because of them. Hats off to human resilience, ingenuity, and perseverance! They’ve carried us this far; may they continue to do so into our ever-hazardous future.The History in 50 series explores history by telling thematically linked stories. Each book includes 50 illustrated narrative accounts of people and events—some well-known, others often overlooked—that, together, build a rich connect the-dots mosaic and challenge conventional assumptions about how history unfolds. Dedicated to the premise that history is the greatest story ever told. Includes a mix of “greatest hits” with quirky, surprising, provocative accounts. Challenges readers to think and engage. Includes a glossary of technical terms; sources by chapter; teaching resources as jumping-off points for student research; and endnotes.

Ever thought of becoming a charioteer? How about a water hauler? Life was tough in Old Testament times. People had to cross deserts on foot, grow food on parched land and deal with earthquakes, drought and disease. Had you lived then, you might not have wanted to be a water hauler. That would have meant walking for miles with a heavy jar full of water on your head. Perfumers had a more pleasant job, concocting sweet-smelling fragrances their customers used to mask the smell of unwashed bodies -- and to keep flies away. Other jobs included necromancer (for those who liked to communicate with the dead), date picker (not for those afraid of heights) and gold jewelry maker (people thought they were magicians!). A fact-filled introduction, detailed timeline and thorough index make this book perfect for research projects, while the humorous illustrations and snappy text provide an entertaining read. Kids will look at history in a whole new way thanks to this unique approach.

Imagine being an interpreter of dreams in ancient Egypt. What was the daily grind like for the ancient Egyptians? Imagine it's your job to carve elaborate tombs out of rock formations (it will take years to do) or man an army outpost in the extreme heat of the desert. You might have worked transporting some of the over 2 million stones for the Great Pyramid or engineered irrigation projects along the Nile. Pharaohs and Foot Soldiers offers an innovative look at the jobs that kept Ancient Egypt running for 3,000 years. Among the 100 careers profiled you'll also find reed cutters (who worked naked), sandal makers (many went barefoot) and even embalmers (pulling out organs took special training). Whether prestigious or poor, Egyptians had to be tough, trustworthy, stealthy and skilled to get by. Complete with a fact-filled introduction, a comprehensive timeline and playful illustrations throughout, Pharaohs and Foot Soldiers will inspire readers to imagine how they may have lived out their days as a member of one of history's most fascinating civilizations.

Imagine growing up in Mesoamerica before the Spanish Conquest (1350 – 1521). What does your future hold? The ancient Aztecs, Maya and other Mesoamericans believed that the gods created a world where everyone had a role to play. Some people were born to rule, others to serve. If you were lucky, you might have been a high priest or a queen. On the other hand, you could have ended up as a latrine boatman or a slave destined to become a sacrificial victim.Find out what it was like to be a tax collector (don’t try to keep any money for yourself; the penalty is death!) or a porter (only if you enjoy carrying heavy packs up mountains). Or perhaps you’d prefer building pyramids, raising dogs or being a royal cook (frog casserole with green chile, anyone?). Other jobs you might have held include:• Counterfeiter• Bell maker• Mosaic mask maker• BeekeeperFeaturing a fact-filled introduction, a timeline and humorous illustrations, this book offers a unique view of one of the most remarkable civilizations of all time.

Great Kids in History is a collection of 22 amazing stories of incredible kids who have accomplished many great feats. Throughout history children have played a significant role in key events. As incredible as it may seem it was a 14-year-old boy that invented television and it was a child that discovered the legendary Lost Sea. Read about the child that invented a frozen treat that changed summer forever. Learn the amazing tale of the incredible Sybil Luddington, the teenage girl that rode more than 40 miles to rally soldiers to defend two towns during the American Revolution. Read the tale of amazing Jackie Mitchell who struck out the two greatest baseball players in history. Learn of the courageous kids that organized the greatest labor strike in U.S. history. Read the story of the young girl that named a planet, and learn of the boy with learning disabilities who invented more than 1,000 inventions. Marvel at the exploits of the Heroine of Lime Rock. Read about Joe Nuxhall, the youngest major leaguer who played professional baseball and stepped up on the pitcher’s mound at the age of 15. Read about the precocious Tad Lincoln whose plea for mercy for a doomed animal started a holiday tradition. These and other stories will inspire and entertain and amuse readers of all ages. Readers that enjoy this book will also enjoy "Famous Kids in History," the second installment in the Kids in History series. Famous Kids in History chronicles the lives of more children that made history and rose to face many challenges. Readers will be intrigued by the tale of Sacajawea, the courageous teenage girl that led the Lewis and Clark expedition into the vast unknown region of the Pacific Northwest. Read about the little girl that discovered the "Bulls in the Cave." Muse at the antics of the kid whose fascination with locks made him a legend. Read the saga of Anne Frank, the teenage girl that chronicled the events of the war that tore her country apart. Discover how her words have inspired people of all walks of life including world leaders. These and many other wonderful stories will entertain and educate readers of all ages. Famous Kids in History is available on Amazon.com.

Paula Grey explores how creative thinkers―collaborating or competing and always building on the work of their predecessors―have envisioned new ways to move about in the world.The story of travel is the human story. From the first migrations out of Africa on weary feet to horses, camels, rafts, chariots, steamships, trains, hot air balloons, cars, submarines, and moon rockets, humans have combined imagination, daring, and technical brilliance to create new vehicles and improve existing ones. Geography and culture have influenced the development of vehicles in far-flung parts of the world, and human travel has, in turn, exerted a profound influence on society and the environment. Whether escaping deprivation, pestilence, persecution, oppression, or fear―or seeking abundance, freedom, fame, fortune, or a fresh start―we have always been a traveling species, and it seems we always will be. Here is the story of humankind’s restless impulse to see what’s over the next ridge, beyond the next sunrise, on the next planet. Enjoy the journey!Fountas & Pinnell Level Z+ Color throughout

An eye-opening guide to 100 career options in 19th-century America. If you could live in 19th-century America, what job would you want? Sheriff? Prospector? Westbound settlers created many such opportunities, but the country's economy also involved "careers" no one would ever choose, like slavery. Explore this unique job guide and witness the sweeping changes of the 1800s through the eyes of the workers who helped shape it. You'll discover frontier jobs like cartographer (don't mistake a buffalo herd for a forest, as one unlucky mapmaker did) and wartime jobs (doughboys, for example). Some occupations lost out to new technology (glassblowers couldn't compete with 1,800 bottles-per-hour machines). Others were created because of it (elevator drivers). Social reformers, meanwhile, sought to change the world itself. Featuring a timeline of the 1800s and upbeat illustrations, this fascinating guide is sure to employ readers' senses of history and humor.

Acupuncture, gun powder and the secrets to spinning silk are innovations that we have come to associate with China. But did you know that the Chinese also invented the umbrella? And toilet paper, initially made from rice straw clumped together, was first used in China! Through the ages, the Chinese have used the resources available to them to improve their lives. Their development of the compass and the paddleboat helped facilitate the often difficult tasks of travel and trade, and many foods associated with health and wellness—from green tea to tofu—have their origins in China. Other interesting innovations include • the suspension bridge • the wheelbarrow • playing cards With descriptive photos and information-packed text divided into sections including farming, food and games, this third book in the ‘Thought of It’ series explores the fascinating origins of much that surrounds us today.

Starred Youth Services Book ReviewPaula Grey explores how creative thinkers―sometimes collaborating, sometimes competing, and always building on the work of their predecessors―have envisioned new ways to move about in the world. From the first foot migration out of Africa to the Model T Ford, hot air balloons, submarines, rickshaws, and moon rockets, humans have combined imagination, daring, and scientific and technical knowledge to improve existing vehicles or create new ones. Geography, culture, and available technologies have all influenced the development and use of vehicles in different parts of the world, and human travel has, in turn, often had a profound influence on society and the environment. Color throughout

Imagine growing up in Mesoamerica before the Spanish Conquest (1350 – 1521). What does your future hold? The ancient Aztecs, Maya and other Mesoamericans believed that the gods created a world where everyone had a role to play. Some people were born to rule, others to serve. If you were lucky, you might have been a high priest or a queen. On the other hand, you could have ended up as a latrine boatman or a slave destined to become a sacrificial victim. Find out what it was like to be a tax collector (don’t try to keep any money for yourself; the penalty is death!) or a porter (only if you enjoy carrying heavy packs up mountains). Or perhaps you’d prefer building pyramids, raising dogs or being a royal cook (frog casserole with green chile, anyone?). Other jobs you might have held include: • Counterfeiter • Bell maker • Mosaic mask maker • Beekeeper. Featuring a fact-filled introduction, a timeline and humorous illustrations, this book offers a unique view of one of the most remarkable civilizations of all time.

An eye-opening guide to 100 career options in 19th-century America. If you could live in 19th-century America, what job would you want? Sheriff? Prospector? Westbound settlers created many such opportunities, but the country's economy also involved "careers" no one would ever choose, like slavery. Explore this unique job guide and witness the sweeping changes of the 1800s through the eyes of the workers who helped shape it. You'll discover frontier jobs like cartographer (don't mistake a buffalo herd for a forest, as one unlucky mapmaker did) and wartime jobs (doughboys, for example). Some occupations lost out to new technology (glassblowers couldn't compete with 1,800 bottles-per-hour machines). Others were created because of it (elevator drivers). Social reformers, meanwhile, sought to change the world itself. Featuring a timeline of the 1800s and upbeat illustrations, this fascinating guide is sure to employ readers' senses of history and humor.