Introducing Famous Americans

Many people have heard of Paul Revere's famous ride, but this brave and talented patriot was involved in many other aspects of colonial American life. The father of eleven children, Revere worked as a dentist and was a highly talented silversmith. The navy even used copper from his mill for the bottoms of their ships. After helping to start the Sons of Liberty, Revere and the group staged the Boston Tea Party. Revere's midnight ride is a pivotal point in American history. Primary sources, sidebars, and a timeline support this easily readable narrative.

A man of renowned courage, Sitting Bull was a great leader. What path led him to be such a brave chief? Readers will be spell-bound by the biographical details shared in this riveting biography. As a young man, Sitting Bull was a natural leader and great hunter. He was named leader of the Lakota nation and a holy man. General Custer and his troops were no match for Sitting Bull and his tribe when Custer attacked. Until his untimely death at Standing Rock Reservation, Sitting Bull was an important and influential figure in American history. Primary source images and engaging sidebars round out this easy-to-read text.

When Nat Love was born into slavery in Tennessee, his family worked on a tobacco plantation. He longed to see the world and soon became a talented horse rider. At the age of fifteen, he left his family and headed to Dodge City, Kansas. As a young cowboy in America's Wild West, Love broke wild horses and won shooting contests. Young readers will delight in learning about the adventures of this African American cowboy. A timeline, sidebars, and primary sources add depth to this easy-to-read narrative.

Arriving in Boston aboard a slave ship in 1761, Phillis Wheatley began what would eventually be a storied life in American. Primary sources and a thrilling narrative present the story of America's first African American female poet. Easy-to-read text highlights how Wheatley learned to speak English and to read and write. She even learned to read Latin. Soon she was writing poetry, but no one in Boston would publish her book because she was a slave. She had to look to London and found a company who published her book and put her photograph on the cover. Although Wheatley died young at age of thirty-one, her words live on and will inspire your readers.

George Washington was one of the most influential figures in American history. How did the first president of the United States become such a strong leader? This easy-to-read text clearly highlights Washington's life and accomplishments, from his time working as a land surveyor and planter to his service in the Virginia militia and the French and Indian War. Readers will be enthralled to learn about his rise to commander in chief of the American Army. Washington's leadership and time as president are just one example of how an American can contribute to a country and a culture. An array of primary sources, including historical paintings, maps, objects, and photographs is included.

John Sutter's entrance into American history began because of a rocky situation. He fled Switzerland in search of riches, leaving behind his wife and young children, because he owed people a great deal of money. After bartering his way from New York to the West Coast, Sutter started a settlement in California along the Sacramento River. The Gold Rush changed Sutter's life forever. Primary source documents and lively sidebars help tell this story of a man who made his mark on America.