Synopses & Reviews
Stories that history forgotand#8230; but readers will remember.and#160;and#8220;The only thing new in the world,and#8221; said Harry S. Truman, and#8220;is the history you don't know.and#8221; In this fascinating collection of historical vignettes, Martin W. Sandler (author of Resolute and Atlantic Ocean) restores to memory important events, people, and developments that have been lost to time.
Though barely known today, these are major historical stories, from Ziryab, an eighth-century black slave whose influence on music, cuisine, fashion, and manners still reverberates, to Cahokia, a twelfth-century city north of the Rio Grande, which at its zenith contained a population estimated to have been as high as 40,000 (more than any contemporaneous European city), to the most devastating fire in US historyand#8212;not the Great Chicago Fire of October 8, 1871, but the Peshtigo Forest Fire in Wisconsin, which occurred on the same day.
and#160;These tales are far from trivia; they illuminate little-known American and foreign achievements, ingenuity, heroics, blunders, and tragedies that changed the course of history and still resonate today. Includes 76 black-and-white illustrations.
Review
andldquo;The Good Question! series continues to offer interesting facts in an appealing fashion. Working within a set format, the skilled authors organize questions and two- or three-paragraph answers in ways that introduce and cover each subject appropriately. On each spread, clearly captioned illustrations -- maps, drawings, close-up photographs, and realistic images -- face the text. The questions are those a child reader might ask. . . .
What Makes a Tornado Twist? explains the origins of the weather around us, describes different storms, distinguishes between weather and climate, and touches on climate change.. . . . Attractively presented, with up-to-date, accurate information, these science titles are a first choice.andrdquo;
Synopsis
Why Did the Whole World Go to War? helps children understand one of the 20th century's most tragic conflicts. It answers their most basic questions, including: What started World War II? How did Hitler take over so many countries so quickly? What happened at Pearl Harbor? Where were the fiercest battles fought? What ended the deadliest conflict in human history? A fascinating look at a complex topic.
Synopsis
Why did Columbus want to reach the New Worldand#8212;and was he the first to cross the Atlantic Ocean? What was life like on one of his ships? What did America look like before Columbus arrived? How did Columbus treat the native people? The engaging story of Columbus's voyage and the effect his arrival had on the native people will fascinate kids.
Synopsis
Who wrote the U.S. Constitution? How long did it take to write? What is the Bill of Rights? The Constitution forms the basis for our government's organizationand#8212;and our liberties. Children will also learn how the three branches of government operate, how amendments are enacted, and how the Constitution has changed.
Synopsis
Who was Susan B. Anthonyand#8212;what did she stand for, why was she arrested, and how did she fight for women's right to vote? And did she ever see her dream of woman's suffrage come true? From the first women's rights convention at Seneca Falls, New York, to the enactment of the 19th Amendment, this lively chronicle introduces Anthony and the American suffragist movement.
Synopsis
In this fascinating collection of historical vignettes, Martin Sandler restores to memory forgotten, yet important, events, people, and developments that have been lost to time. Ranging from an eighth-century black slave to the worst peacetime maritime disaster ever, these tales are far from trivia; they illuminate little-known achievements, ingenuity, heroics, blunders, and tragedies that changed the course of history and still resonate today.
Synopsis
Is each snowflake unique? What comes first: thunder or lightning? What causes the seasons? Charming illustrations, clever charts, and fun text help kids learn whatever they want to know about wild weather. No matter their question, the fascinating answers are right here!
Synopsis
When did the first dinosaurs appear on Earth? What happened to them 65 million years ago? How do we know about dinosaursand#8212;and are there any still alive today? Dinosaurs are absolutely irresistibleand#8212;and children will love learning about these fascinating creatures and looking at the cool illustrations!
Synopsis
Why do I have a belly button? What happens to the food I eat? Why am I different from everyone else on Earth? All children want to understand how their body works, and this lively illustrated book explains it all, from what DNA is to how their heart pumps blood.and#160;
Synopsis
What kinds of animals live in the sea? What causes tides and waves? And exactly how deep is the ocean, anyway? From the water cycle andand#160; ocean zones to fun facts about how some lost rubber duckies ended up helping ocean scientists, this Good Question! book teaches kids about the life aquatic.
Synopsis
Are there more insects than people on Earth? Are all bugs insects? And can all insects fly? From the number of legs a ladybug has to the truth about whether termites eat wood and why crickets chirp, this cool book helps children discover some of the world's most amazing creatures.and#160;
About the Author
Mary Kay Carson is an award-winning children's nonfiction author who has written more than 40 books for kids about wildlife, space, weather, nature, and history. Her many books in the Good Question series include
Did It Really Start with a Snowball Fight?,
How Many Planets Circle the Sun?,
How Strong Is an Ant?,
What Makes a Tornado Twist?,
What Sank the World's Biggest Ship?,
What Was Your Dream, Dr. King?, and
Why Does Earth Spin? For the Sterling Biographies series, she wrote
Alexander Graham Bell: Giving Voice to the World. Mary Kay gives presentations at schools about writing and her books. She lives in Cincinnati, OH. For more information go to: marykaycarson.com