Many Ways to Be a Soldier
Part of the On My Own History series
More than anything, Rem Goldin wants to fight the British in the American Revolution. His father and the other men of Sites Point, New Jersey, have all left town to join the fighting. But ten-year-old Rem is too young to go with the men. Disappointed, he climbs up Foxborough Hill to look out over the ocean. What is that murky shape he sees through the fog? Could it be a British warship? Can Rem find a way to save his town?
An American Army of Two
Part of the On My Own History series
The war of 1812 is raging, and from the lighthouse where their father works, Rebecca Bates and her sister Abigail can see a British ship coming. But the American troops are nowhere near! Rebecca and Abigail go the rescue--to become an American army of two--in this adventure-filled tale based on the true story of two young women who turned the tables on the mighty British army.
Lost at the White House
A 1909 Easter Story
Part of the On My Own History series
The day Rena had been waiting for had finally arrived. She was going to the Easter egg roll at the White House, and nothing was going to spoil it for her. But then. . .well, what would you do if you were nine years old and lost at the White House? Lavishly illustrated with full-color paintings by Andrea Shine, Lisa Griest's lively Easter tale is sure to become a holiday favorite with young readers.
Will and Orv
Part of the On My Own History series
Johnny Moore watched as the amazing airplane moved along the track. He wondered if the Flyer would make it off the ground and if the pilot would be able to stay in control. then suddenly it was up--soaring into the strong winds before plunging back to the ground. The flight of the Flyer had lasted only a few seconds, but it had flown! This historic 12-second ride will always be remembered as the first engine-powered flight. Young Johnny Moore was one of only five witnesses to Wilbur and Orville Wright's magical first. This is the story of that first flight and of the young boy who helped the Wrights make history.
Robert Smalls Sails to Freedom
Part of the On My Own History series
Quickly and quietly, Robert Smalls headed the ship out of the Charleston Harbor. Across the wide river was the Northern Army and freedom for slaves like him. On Robert's side of the river was the Southern Army and Robert's master. Robert knew his master would never give him freedom. Now was his chance to escape. Robert steered the ship into the open water. He could see the nearby forts of the Southern Army and their cannons ready to fire. The Southern soldiers would capture Robert if they could. Could he sail across hidden by the darkness of night? Could he pass by in disguise?
The Daring Escape of Ellen Craft
Part of the On My Own History series
On December 21, 1848, Ellen Craft and her husband, William, slipped out into the cold, dark night and took their first steps towards freedom. They were runaway slaves. Posing as a white man traveling with a slave, Ellen courageously boarded a train bound for Philadelphia. Could they actually make it a thousand miles without being discovered? As each tension-filled day passed and freedom got closer, Ellen and William risked everything - even death - to be free.
Clouds of Terror
Part of the On My Own History series
Helga and Erik could not believe their eyes. There were grasshoppers everywhere, and they were eating the crops! In the 1870's, when grasshoppers destroyed farms in Minnesota and other Midwestern states, many families gave up and moved away. This is the story of how two Swedish immigrant children help their parents save their home on the prairie.
Kate Shelley and the Midnight Express
Part of the On My Own History series
Fifteen-year-old Kate risks her life in a storm to prevent a train disaster.
Danger at Sand Cave
Part of the On My Own History series
When Arly's friend Floyd Collins is trapped by falling rocks in Sand Cave, Arly rushes to help. Arly runs errands for the workers, but he feels that he should be doing more. It is a race against time, so Arly decides to try to make his way through the collapsed cave to help his friend--but he ends up in danger himself.
Rescue on the Outer Banks
Part of the On My Own History series
On October 11, 1896, 10-year-old Sam Deal and his horse, Ginger, watch as the brave surfmen of Pea Island struggle to save the lives of nine people stranded on a shipwreck. Sam has dreamt of becoming a surfman just like the all-African-American crew, and this is his chance. Can he and Ginger help the crew rescue the victims, or will they be lost forever?
Washington Is Burning
Part of the On My Own History series
Fifteen-year-old Paul Jennings looked out the window of the President's House. America was at war with Britain, and British soldiers were marching toward Washington. Terrified people were fleeing the city. But Paul was not going to join them yet. He was a slave who belonged to President Madison and his wife, Dolley. Dolley did not want to leave until her husband returned from the battlefront. Paul stayed by her side, helping her pack up official papers and belongings. Finally, they could wait no longer. But there was one more treasure they had to save. Were they too late?
Bronco Charlie and the Pony Express
Part of the On My Own History series
Bronco Charlie longs for a life of adventure. By the time he turned eleven, he'd been a sailor, a cowboy, and could tame wild bucking broncos. But Charlie was always itching for new challenges, and when a Pony Express horse shows up riderless, Charlie gets his big chance. The next station is fifty miles away, and Charlie will have to ride through rocky mountains in the blinding rain to safely deliver the mail. With the threat of hostile Indians, wild animals, and the dangers of riding at night, will Charlie find the courage to face his fears and prove that you're never too young to be brave?
I Pledge Allegiance
Part of the On My Own History series
In this inspiring and relevant book, discover how "The Pledge of Allegiance" has become one of the enduring symbols of America's pride. In 1888, a children's magazine announced that a new holiday--Columbus Day--would begin in 1892, on which the American flag would be raised to celebrate the founding of America. As the flag was raised, children would say something to honor it. What resulted was a simple one-line poem that became known as "The Pledge of Allegiance." after more than a hundred years, the poem has changed very little, and is still recited in classrooms across America.
Prisoner for Liberty
Part of the On My Own History series
James Forten knew how important freedom was. He was a free African American born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. When the American Revolution started in 1776, James was too young to help fight for freedom from British rule. But in 1781, at age fifteen, he took a job on the Royal Louis, an American ship. A British warship soon captured the Royal Louis. James was taken prisoner. The British often sold African American prisoners into slavery. What would happen to James? Would he ever see his family again?
The Snow Walker
Part of the On My Own History series
One morning in March 1888, twelve-year-old Milton Daub awoke to find the world buried in snow. The blizzard was like nothing Milton and his neighbors in the Bronx had ever seen. No one dared go out into the storm. No one, that is, except Milton. He and his father made a pair of snowshoes from barrel hoops and old roller skates. Then Milton stepped bravely into the storm to buy milk for his family. Soon he was buying supplies for everyone in the area. His neighbors declared him a hero. The Blizzard of 1888 set records in the Northeast that are still unbroken. It forced whole cities to shut down for days. But Milton didn't let the snow stop him from helping neighbors in need. His true story is both an exciting adventure and a heartwarming glimpse of old New York.
Danger at the Breaker
Part of the On My Own History series
Eight-year-old Andrew is starting his first day of work in a coal mine. With bloody knuckles and an aching back, Andrew quickly learns that life in the mines is dirty, dark, and difficult. Before his first day at the breaker is through, he will find out that it can be dangerous too.
Allen Jay and the Underground Railroad
Part of the On My Own History series
Allen Jay's family farm is a stop on the Underground Railroad. Allen's parents give food and shelter to slaves escaping from the South. One day in 1842, Allen's father asks him to help a runaway slave. Is Allen brave enough? This exciting true story takes you along as Allen meets Henry James, an African American man struggling to find freedom.
Saving the Liberty Bell
Part of the On My Own History series
Eleven-year-old Johnny Mickley longed to be a hero and have some part in helping America gain its independence. The British Army was just miles away from colonial Philadelphia, planning to invade the city and melt down all of its famous bells for cannons. The colonists were worried, they had to save the bells, especially Old Independence, now called the Liberty Bell. They finally came up with a plan – and Johnny got to help! But would it be enough to keep the bells safe?
Cracking the Wall
The Struggles of the Little Rock Nine
Part of the On My Own History series
In 1957, nine teenagers were chosen to be the first black students to attend all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. A small group of people in Little Rock, including the governor of Arkansas, wanted to keep them out. But those nine students knew they had a right to a good education. And they would do anything to crack the wall that had kept black people and white people apart.
The Night the Chimneys Fell
Part of the On My Own History series
Something isn't right in New Madrid, Missouri. Nine-year-old Marie sees hundreds of birds flying across the sky like a black cloud. The animals in the barn are restless. Then, early in the morning of December 16, 1811, an earthquake strikes. Chimneys across town tumble to the ground. Can Marie and her family find their way to safety?
Survival in the Snow
Part of the On My Own History series
Seventeen-year-old Moses was ready for an adventure. In 1844, he joined a wagon train traveling from Iowa to California. But as winter approached, the wagon train ran into trouble. Oxen started dying and supplies were running low. Some people went ahead for help. Moses stayed behind with the belongings. Can he find a way to survive on his own in the mountains during the long, cold winter?
The Girl Who Struck Out Babe Ruth
Part of the On My Own History series
Jackie Mitchell has always wanted to be a great pitcher, and she finally has the chance to become one! In her first minor league game, she is up against two of the greatest home-run hitters of all time--Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Does she stand a chance?
The Snow Walker
Part of the On My Own History series
Describes the adventures of a twelve-year-old Bronx boy who ventured out on homemade snowshoes to help his neighbors during the Blizzard of 1888
Allen Jay and the Underground Railroad
Part of the On My Own History series
Recounts how Allen Jay, a young Quaker boy living in Ohio during the 1840s, helped a fleeing slave escape his master and make it to freedom through the Underground Railroad.
Cracking the Wall
The Struggles of the Little Rock Nine
Part of the On My Own History series
In 1957, nine teenagers were chosen to be the first black students to attend all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. A small group of people in Little Rock, including the governor of Arkansas, wanted to keep them out. But those nine students knew they had a right to a good education. And they would do anything to crack the wall that had kept black people and white people apart.
The Snow Walker
Part of the On My Own History series
One morning in March 1888, twelve-year-old Milton Daub awoke to find the world buried in snow. The blizzard was like nothing Milton and his neighbors in the Bronx had ever seen. No one dared go out into the storm. No one, that is, except Milton. He and his father made a pair of snowshoes from barrel hoops and old roller skates. Then Milton stepped bravely into the storm to buy milk for his family. Soon he was buying supplies for everyone in the area. His neighbors declared him a hero. The Blizzard of 1888 set records in the Northeast that are still unbroken. It forced whole cities to shut down for days. But Milton didn't let the snow stop him from helping neighbors in need. His true story is both an exciting adventure and a heartwarming glimpse of old New York.
The Schoolchildren's Blizzard
Part of the On My Own History series
When nine-year-old Sarah and her little sister, Annie, set out on their way to school on January 12, 1888, they have no idea what their day will hold. The weather's so warm they go outside to play. Suddenly, the wind turns cold and begins to roar-it's a blizzard! The wind is so strong it rips the school's roof off. What will they do? The freezing snow is already up to their knees and without a roof they'll freeze. Their teacher, Miss Freeman, ties them all together with a long rope and they head out into the blinding storm. Will they make it to safety in time?
The Flight of the Union
Part of the On My Own History series
In 1847 the people of Niagara Falls, New York and their neighbors in Canada wanted to build a bridge across the river that separated them. The first step was to get a line from one side to the other. Only a kite flown with great skill could do the job. Tekla White tells the story, based on real events, of young Homan Walsh and the kite he called the Union. Ralph Ramstad's illustrations beautifully depict Homan's history-making effort near Niagara Falls.
Willie McLean and the Civil War Surrender
Part of the On My Own History series
Eleven-year-old Willie McLean knows that General Lee will defeat the Yankees and win the Civil War, he just knows it. When a battle moves to the fields near his home in Appomattox, Virginia, Willie's thrilled-especially when General Lee, himself, comes to Willie's house! But then General Grant comes, too. Overhearing the two men talk, Willie hears one word: Surrender. Is the war really over?
Buttons for General Washington
Part of the On My Own History series
Fourteen-year-old John Darragh was a spy. But British-occupied Philadelphia in 1777 was not a safe place for an American spy. If he were captured, John knew he would be hanged. In this suspenseful story based on accounts of the Darragh family's spying activities for General Washington, young John undertakes a dangerous mission to deliver a message to the American army.
The Night of the Hurricane's Fury
Part of the On My Own History series
It's the summer of 1900, and 10-year-old Robert Pettibone is bored. His parents have sent him to stay with his Aunt Maudie in Galveston, Texas. She doesn't let him do anything by himself. When a storm comes up, he rushes to the beach to take a closer look. But this is no ordinary storm-it's an enormous hurricane headed straight for Galveston. Raging winds and rising floodwaters threaten to destroy the entire town. Can Robert and his aunt survive the worst natural disaster in U.S. history?
Sam Collier and the Founding of Jamestown
Part of the On My Own History series
In April 1607, twelve-year-old Sam Collier and a group of Englishmen landed in North America. Arriving as an assistant to the solider John Smith, Sam was excited to discover what adventures lay before him in the new land soon to be known as Virginia. But the months ahead would soon prove to be a harsh test. Facing sickness and starvation and sudden attack, Sam had to use all his wits if he were to survive. Could Sam and his fellow settlers trust Virginia's Indians to help them? Could they learn to survive in this strange new land?
The Star-Spangled Banner
Part of the On My Own History series
It was September 14, 1814, and America and Great Britain were at war. Francis Scott Key watched from the deck of a British ship, where he was being held captive, as cannons exploded around them. After 25 hours, the fighting ceased and Key peered through the clearing smoke, looking for some sign as to the outcome of the battle. Was the American flag still flying? His wartime experience inspired Key to write a poem, which was later set to music and became America's national anthem. This book tells the story of the inspiration behind our national anthem, which helped transform the flag into a major symbol of patriotism and identity.
Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie
Part of the On My Own History series
In the winter of 1856, a storm delays the lighthouse keeper's return to an island off the coast of Maine, and his daughter Abbie must keep the lights burning by herself.
Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie
Part of the On My Own History series
In the winter of 1856, a storm delays the lighthouse keeper's return to an island off the coast of Maine, and his daughter Abbie must keep the lights burning by herself.
The Day of the Black Blizzard
Part of the On My Own History series
Ten-year-old Orry Jenkins is sick and tired of the dust. The year is 1935 and Kansas hasn't gotten enough rain in years. Instead of rainstorms, they get dust storms. One day, Orry and his little stepsister go outside to play. They're far from home when a huge dust storm comes up. Stranded alone on the plains, the children must find a way to survive the terrible black blizzard.
Fire at the Triangle Factory
Part of the On My Own History series
Six days a week Minnie and Tessa sit, shoulder to shoulder, bent over sewing machines in a big room overflowing with piles of fabric, patterns, and lace. There is no fresh air, the light is dim, and there are too many people in the room. The work is hard and the days are long. Minnie and Tessa work at the Triangle Shirtwaist Company in New York City. The two fourteen-year-olds are best friends. It isn't easy for a Jewish girl and a Catholic girl to be friends in 1911--some people think they're just too different. But Minnie and Tessa must depend on that friendship when the Triangle factory goes up in flames and they are trapped on the ninth floor. This moving story of courage and friendship is based on true accounts of the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Company fire of March 25, 1911.
The Copper Lady
Part of the On My Own History series
The boat creaked and moaned as the storm's waves smashed into the ship. Down in the hold, Andre‚ sat between crates that held the great copper lady, the Statue of Liberty. They were on their way to America, but would the storm that raged prevent them from getting there? Given to the people of the United States in 1885 by the people of France as a symbol of friendship between the two countries, the Statue of Liberty has come to symbolize freedom, liberty, and hope to all that see her. In this thrilling tale, learn what might have happened during the statue's stormy trip to America.
Sybil Ludington's Midnight Ride
Part of the On My Own History series
On a dark, cold, and rainy night in April 1777, Sybil Ludington sets out on a journey to warn American soldiers that danger is headed their way. The British are coming! They have already attacked a nearby town, and it is up to sixteen-year-old Sybil to make sure that she reaches the American soldiers before the British do. With only a large stick to defend herself, and her horse, Star, for company, Sybil rides off into the perilous night and changes the course of the American Revolution. The true story of Sybil's bravery and perseverance are faithfully related by Marsha Amstel's appealing text and Ellen Beier's finely crafted illustrations.