Books in Penguin Young Readers, Level 4 series

This nonfiction reader shines a light on Thomas Edison and his greatest invention—the lightbulb!As a curious child who was always asking questions, it's no wonder Thomas Edison grew up to become a famous, prolific inventor. This easy-to-read nonfiction story follows Edison from his time in school to his career as a full-time inventor. While it focuses on his groundbreaking creation of the lightbulb, this illuminating account also details other important innovations of his, like the phonograph and the microphone. Edison's discoveries will fascinate and inspire all curious young minds!

When Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white man on December 1, 1955, she made history. Her brave act sparked the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott and brought the civil rights movement to national attention. In simple, lively language, Rosa Parks describes her life from childhood to the present and recounts the events that shook the nation. Her story is powerful, inspiring and unforgettable.An NCSS-CBC Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies

All Aboard Reading!On August 28, 1963, more than 250,000 people came to the nation's capital. They came by plane, by bus, by car--even on roller-skates--to speak out against segregation and to demand equal rights for everyone. They also came to hear the words of a very special leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. Told with a wonderful immediacy, this book captures the spirit of this landmark day in American history and brings Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech to vivid life for young children.

Find out more about this famous Founding Father!With his face on the ten-dollar bill and an award-winning musical about his life, it's clear that Alexander Hamilton's story is one worth telling. Despite feeling like an outsider, Hamilton fought hard to form a united nation with a strong central government--and many of his ideas are still relevant today! With this illustrated leveled reader, kids can learn more about the man who, in many ways, was a true American hero.

Starting from the northern United States and southern Canada, millions of Monarchs converge every fall in one region in central Mexico. It's not only an amazing sight to behold for the lucky residents of the area, but also a true miracle of nature. This easy reader follows the 2,500 mile-long journey of the Monarchs, with both full color illustrations and photographs.

In Spanish, Amistad means friendship. It was also the name of a slave ship. In 1838, the Amistad took hundreds of kidnapped Africans on a long journey across the Atlantic, but the brave captives would not give up their freedom, taking over the ship so they could sail back to their homeland. Patricia C. McKissack, Caldecott and Newbery Honor Winner as well as a three-time winner of the Coretta Scott King Award, recounts an amazing chapter in American history for beginning readers.

This adorable book all about sloths is perfect for young animal-lovers!This fact-and-photo-filled book features one of the cutest and most unique animals out there--the sloth! Did you know that sloths sleep up to twenty hours a day? Did you know they descend from their trees once a week to go to the bathroom? In this nonfiction reader, kids will learn all about this sleepy, slow-moving mammal.