Books in In their own words series

IN THEIR OWN WORDS: POCAHONTAS tells the exciting story of the life of this famous Native American woman, using the journals and writings of English colonists.Famous for saving the life of Capt. John Smith in 1608, Pocahontas grew up as the favorite daughter of the Native American chief of the Powhatans. Pocahontas's rescue of Smith made her famous not only in colonial America, but across the ocean in England as well. Pocahontas made enormous contributions to the survival of Jamestown by bringing the colonists food and promoting peace between Powhatans and the English. Pocahontas lived a relatively short life, but she made an impact on colonial American history that is still felt today.Did you know that Pocahontas: -was really named Matoaka-taught John Smith how to speak Algonkian-was kidnapped and held hostage on an English ship?

This new biography of Orville and Wilbur Wright uses the brothers' own journals and drawings to tell the exciting story of the first time a person flew in a heavier-than-air machine."Success four flights Thursday..."On December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright sent a telegram to their father. Its simple message told of the brothers' historic flights at Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. For the very first time, a person flew in a heavier-than-air machine. In the years that followed, the Wright brothers' fame grew as they shared their new invention with the world.Readers will discover the Wright brothers' lives by reading and seeing Orville and Wilbur's own letters, notebooks, and diaries. Kids will hear the brothers' story as if they were really there!

This unique biography of Harriet Tubman uses interviewswith Tubman, as well as writings from her contempories, to tell the story of her life."There was one of two things I had a right to, liberty or death. If I could not have one, I would have the other, for no man should take me alive."Born into slavery on a southern plantation, Harriet Tubman dreamed of the Promised Land to the north. After escaping slavery herself, she repeatedly returned to the South to lead more than 300 other slaves to freedom along the Underground Railroad. During the Civil War, Tubman served as a Union spy. Later in life, she established a home for the sick and needy in Auburn, NY. Tubman's faith and determination guided her throughout her long and eventful life.

In Their Own Words: Thomas Edison tells the exciting story of Edison's life using his laboratory notes, business records, and personal recollections."I find out what the world needs. Then I go ahead and try to invent it."With these words, Thomas Edison explains how he developed ideas and turned them into useful inventions. Although he is most famous for inventing the lightbulb, Edison is credited with hundreds of inventions. The young boy who did poorly in school became one of the most famous men in America.This exciting new biography of Thomas Edison will enlighten, as well as entertain, elementary school kids.

In Their Own Words: Sitting Bull tells the exciting story of Sitting Bull's life using real drawings, letters, and speeches from him and from his friends and family.A warrior I have been. / Now, it is all over. / A hard time I have.With these words, Sitting Bull surrendered to the U.S. government on July 20, 1881. Sitting Bull spent most of his life trying to protect his people. A proud father and brave warrior, Sitting Bull wanted the Lakota Sioux to continue hunting buffalo and roaming the Plains. Although he lost this battle, Sitting Bull is remembered for his brave actions and notable accomplishments.In this new biography of Sitting Bull, kids will marvel at the man who lived a life full of adventure and who was noted for his courage.

This unique biography of Harriet Tubman uses interviews with Tubman, as well as writings from her contemporaries, to tell the story of her life."There was one of two things I had a right to, liberty or death. If I could not have one, I would have the other, for no man should take me alive"Born into slavery on a southern plantation, Harriet Tubman dreamed of the Promised Land to the North. After escaping slavery herself, she repeatedly returned to the South to lead more than 300 other slaves to freedom in the North via the Underground Railroad. During the Civil War, Tubman served as a Union spy. Later in life she established a home for the sick and needy in Auburn, NY. Tubman's faith and determination guided her throughout her long and eventful life.