Books in What's So Great About...? series

What would you do to survive? Most modern Americans never have to answer that question. In 1846, the members of the Donner Party answered it. For months, they walked across the Great Plains. They spent the hottest months of the year using chains and ropes to pull their wagons over mountains. In a hurry to get to California and following bad advice, they forged into unknown territory, hoping to find a quicker route than others had taken. When the winter snows came early to the Sierra Nevada, they were trapped. They were exhausted, with no food and no shelter. One by one, they began to die of starvation and disease. With no rescue in sight, all but one family did the unthinkable they ate the flesh of their dead companions in order to survive. Read the harrowing tale of the early pioneers survival and persistence.

The first in a series of innovative travel guides designed to reduce boredom on long-distance interstate drives, this book combines colorful graphics with instructive text on history, trivia, geology, and local culture along I-95. Easy to read and fun for all ages, the format works whether driving north or south, filled with family-friendly information that will arouse anticipation about what lies further down the road. The book compliments other interstate guides by adding a long-overdue enjoyable dimension, while also including a "visitor information" section with suggestions for further research on all the included topics.

Paul Bunyan chopped down forests, created the Grand Canyon and a few mountains, and, whenever he took a step, made each of Minnesota s 10,000 lakes. He could cut down many trees with one swing of his monstrous ax. His companion was a big blue ox named Babe. Are these American myths true or pure fiction? Find out how Bunyan s amazing exploits may have been based on those of a real person. In the mid-nineteenth century, many French Canadians came to the United States to work as loggers in the woods of Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin. One of them became renowned for his strength. As the loggers relaxed around their evening campfires, stories about this man may have sparked the Bunyan tall tales. Decades later, these stories appeared in newspapers and books, keeping the legend alive. Read about the birth of Paul Bunyan, the birth of the myth, and the legacy of the legendary logger.

At a young age, Helen Keller lost her ability to both see and hear. She spent the next few years in a dark world plagued by frustration because she couldn t communicate with others. Then, one day, everything changed. On that important day, Anne Sullivan, the woman whom Helen would forever know as Teacher, came into her life. Anne would spend the rest of her life devoted to her very bright and capable student. Helen overcame physical challenges to become a popular speaker and inspiration for the blind. She continues to be an example of strength and determination for people everywhere.

Anne Frank was bright, cheerful, and full of hope when her family moved to Amsterdam in the Netherlands. The family, who were Jewish, had left Germany because Adolf Hitler, the country s leader, was trying to kill as many Jews as possible. Soon the Germans invaded their new country. Anne, her family, and four others hid in a tiny apartment for more than two years. Anne wrote in her diary about her feelings and experiences during this difficult time. When the Franks hiding place was discovered, Anne and the others were sent to German concentration camps. Her father was the only one of the eight to survive. After the war ended, he published her diary. Millions of people have read Anne s words. Her story underlines the tragedy of lost humanity.

Jacques Cartier was born at a time when people were just beginning to wonder about he world. Was it flat or round? How large was it? Was there a Northwest Passage a way to travel from Europe to Asia without having to sail around Africa? Cartier was a French navigator who was familiar with the sea from a young age, and he wanted to learn the answers to these questions. In 1534, Cartier was given a commission by King Francis I to find the Northwest Passage from Europe to Asia. Instead, he discovered a new land Canada- and the mighty river that flows through it the St. Lawrence. Although it has been over four hundred years since Cartier made his discoveries, Canada, and its people, continue to feel the influence of this great explorer.

Pocahontas was just a child when her world changed forever. White men from across the ocean built a fort near her village. Most likely, Pocahontas had never seen a white man before. Some of her people feared the settlers, but Pocahontas wanted to know more about them. She took the settlers food and taught Captain John Smith her language. Find out how this bright, brave young girl became an ambassador for her people, helping to keep the peace between her people and the settlers at least for a while. Discover how she charmed all of England, and why she still captures the hearts of Americans.

Ferdinand Magellan made one of the most famous ocean voyages of all time. He left Spain in 1519 with five ships. He was trying to find a different route to the Spice Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Spices were very important to Europeans at that time. Along the way, he encountered many problems. Many of his men turned against him. He ran into heavy storms. Food and fresh water were often in short supply But he kept going. In 1522, one of his ships returned to Spain. It was the first time anyone had sailed all the way around the world. Unfortunately, Magellan had died in a battle the year before. Yet without his inspired leadership, the voyage would never have succeeded.

If you ever study music, chances are that you will end up hearing the name “Beethoven” somewhere along the line. The German composer is one of the most famous musicians of all time, and throughout his life he penned absolutely beautiful music that is still popular today. Ludwig van Beethoven wrote music that today is considered part of the classical genre. You may know Ludwig van Beethoven ‘s name, but perhaps you've wondered, "What's so great about him?” This book (part of the “What’s So Great About…”) series, gives kids insight into life, times and career of Ludwig van Beethoven.

There are so many ways to think of Sacagawea. Some see her as a young mother trying to find her way home; some imagine her as a wise Native American guide showing American explorers though her homeland; and still others visualize her acting as an ambassador who helps bring peace to different groups of people. You may know Sacagawea’s name, but perhaps you've wondered, "What's so great about her?” This book (part of the “What’s So Great About…”) series, gives kids insight into life, times and career of Sacagawea.

The footsteps of Lewis and Clark in the early 1800s changed history. After journeying over 8,000 miles on land and water, Lewis, Clark, and their Corps of Discovery found new plants, animals, people, and lands. Ordered by President Thomas Jefferson, they reached the Pacific Ocean before other explorers, claiming land west of the Mississippi River for the United States. Along the way, they encountered deadly grizzly bears, saw herds of buffalo, overcame starvation and freezing temperatures, lost their way in the woods, sought guidance from the Native Americans, portaged raging waterfalls, and Lewis even survived a stray bullet. Lewis and Clark opened travel to the west. America was growing, and these brave explorers led the way.