Books in The story of the nations series

Lay down a baby beat and learn all about the history of rap!"This is sooooo adorbs!!" —Missy Elliot on Twitter2019 National Parenting Product Award Winner From Grandmaster Flash to Kendrick Lamar, rap has shaped generations and brought a voice to the voiceless. Bop along with the greats in this adorable baby book that introduces little ones to the rappers that started it all!Parental Advisory: May cause toddlers to develop excessive amounts of swagger.

1...2...3...4! Let’s rock and roll, babies!2019 National Parenting Product Award Winner From Elvis Presley to Beatlemania, from Janis Joplin to David Bowie—rock has transformed through generations while ringing true with passionate sound. Rock along with the greats in this delightful baby book that introduces little ones to the rockers that started it all!Parental Advisory: May cause toddlers to play the air guitar with adorable frequency.

Dust off your mic and learn all about the history of pop music in this adorable board book! From Elton John and Madonna to Beyoncé and Prince—pop music breathes life into melodies and makes us want to dance! Hit the high notes along with the greats in this delightful baby book that introduces little ones to the pop stars that started it all!Parental Advisory: May cause toddlers to start putting on living room concerts.

Dust off your cowboy boots and learn all about the history of country music! From Dolly Parton to Johnny Cash, from Carrie Underwood to Garth Brooks—country music has been the soul that shaped a generation. Line dance along with the greats in this delightful baby book that introduces little ones to the buckaroos that started it all!Parental Advisory: May cause toddlers to start wearing ten-gallon hats.

This new entry in the innovative "Story" line of chapter-book biographies features Ira Aldridge, an African American actor considered one of the greatest Shakespearean performers of the nineteenth century, and an outspoken advocate for the abolitionist movement in the United States.Ira Aldridge dreamed of being on stage, performing the great works of William Shakespeare. He spent every chance he got at the local theaters, memorizing each actor's lines for all of the great plays. Ira knew he could be a famous performer if given the chance. But in the early 1800s, only white actors were allowed to perform Shakespeare. African American actors had to play in musicals at the all-black theater in New York City. Despite the discouragement of his teacher and father, Ira determinedly pursued his dream and set off for England, the land of Shakespeare. There he honed his acting skills and eventually performed at the acclaimed Theatre Royal Haymarket. Through perseverance and determination, Ira became one of the most celebrated Shakespearean actors in Europe, and a public supporter of the abolitionist movement. This chapter book edition includes black-and-white illustrations as well as sidebars on related subjects, a timeline, a glossary, and recommended reading.