Texas Geography
Part of the Spotlight On Texas series
Plains, deserts, mountains, and water cover the great state of Texas, giving it one of our country's most unique geographical landscapes. This book teaches students how Texas's geography contributed to settling the state. It also discusses its influence on ways of life in both the past and present. Standard-driven content is made accessible by age-appropriate text and engaging images. Readers have additional opportunities to learn about the state's wonderful wilderness through visually appealing graphic organizers, informative sidebars, and more.
Causes and Effects of the Texas Revolution
Part of the Spotlight On Texas series
The Texas Revolution was a defining moment not only for Texas, but also for the United States. Readers will learn about the events that led up to the war for independence from Mexico, as well as the far-reaching effects of the war. Biographical sidebars highlight key figures, and timelines compare what was happening in the United States to the dramatic events of the Texas Revolution.
Texas Cities: Then and Now
Part of the Spotlight On Texas series
Texas is home to some of our country's most populous cities, but before major development came to Texas, it was a wild frontier with just a few tiny settlements. Readers will enjoy a full history of Texas's most important cities and how they grew into the major metropolises, they are today. Manageable, at-level text helps readers compare and contrast standard-driven content, while engaging images help reinforce important concepts. Graphic organizers, sidebars, and other interactive content provide additional learning opportunities.
Texas During the Great Depression
Part of the Spotlight On Texas series
This in-depth historical text focuses on the deep economic impact of the Great Depression in Texas. The scope of the book captures Texas's prosperous years leading up to the 1930s, as well as the major events and issues that caused the Texas economy to spiral into depression. The book offers insight into Great Depression politics, especially how they affected citizens and eventually sparked the recovery of the Texan economy. Through engaging text, supplemental maps, and authentic photographs, readers will walk away with greater understanding of the economic, social, and political implications of the Great Depression in Texas.
Understanding the Texas Constitution
Part of the Spotlight On Texas series
The Texas Constitution is one of the longest and most complex state constitutions in the United States, and this book gives readers a clear and thorough path to understanding its most important points. The history of this document, as well as its similarities to the U.S. Constitution, are explored in detail. From checks and balances to the rights of individuals, the text outlines important principles of how constitutions function in both Texas and the United States as a whole. Graphic organizers, informative sidebars, relevant images, and a glossary assist readers in their understanding of the text.
Texas During Reconstruction
Part of the Spotlight On Texas series
The years after the Civil War were a time of big changes in America, especially in southern states such as Texas. In this book, the successes and failures of the Reconstruction in Texas are detailed through comprehensive text as well interesting sidebars and helpful graphic organizers. Readers discover the struggles of former slaves, the animosity between the North and South, and the way both of those factors impacted Texas. Along the way, their comprehension is aided by detailed images, including historical photographs and artwork.
Governing Texas
Part of the Spotlight On Texas series
The compelling history of Texas government, with all its layers and intricate workings, is zestfully presented in this book. Readers will be delighted by the big ideas and big political personalities of the lone star state.
The Economy of Texas
Part of the Spotlight On Texas series
What drives the economy of Texas? How has the economy changed throughout history? Through engaging text, supportive maps, and vivid photographs, this book answers these questions and more. The text examines the major industries of Texas and how they have developed, from native agriculture to the system of farming and production that exists today. Readers will learn about major natural resources and economic eras, such as the lumber bonanza and the oil boom. Readers will gain an understanding of how major industries shaped the cities, government, and people of Texas, and how the impacts are still deeply felt today.
The Land and Resources of Texas
Part of the Spotlight On Texas series
The diverse geographic features of Texas offer unique opportunities in agriculture and business. This book examines how land and resources have helped shape its history and economy. Intriguing maps and graphic organizers are included to create a fun and enriched learning experience.
Immigration and Migration in Texas
Part of the Spotlight On Texas series
One look at Texas's population data shows that the state is a wonderful mix of people from many different cultures and ethnic backgrounds. Through accessible text and engaging images, readers will learn how the blending-together of cultural traditions has created a unique demographic identity in their state. Readers will gain a full understanding of Texas's rich history through an age-appropriate treatment of historical and contemporary immigration. Colorful images, engaging graphic organizers and informative sidebars supplement the text and provide additional opportunities for learning.
Becoming Texas
Early Statehood
Part of the Spotlight On Texas series
Texas's road to statehood was as long and winding as one of its many cattle, drive trails. Readers explore every twist and turn along the way-from its time as an independent republic to its annexation into the United States. They learn about Texas's role in important U.S. events, such as the Mexican-American War and the Compromise of 1850. With the help of historical and contemporary images as well as informative sidebars and graphic organizers, this book allows readers to discover for themselves the journey that brought Texas from a Spanish colony to the important U.S. state it is today.
Life in the Republic of Texas
Part of the Spotlight On Texas series
Before Texas was part of the United States, it was a nation of its own. After gaining independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas declared itself a republic. Interesting features, including a timeline and a map, guide readers through this conflict-filled period of Texas history.
Anglo-American Colonization of Texas
Part of the Spotlight On Texas series
The era of Anglo-American colonization, while brief, had a great impact on the development of Texas and the United States. Readers will discover what drew Anglo-American settlers to Texas, and what caused hostilities to rise between them and the Mexican Government. Frequent sidebars introduce readers to the key figures of this era.
The Alamo
Part of the Spotlight On Texas series
Readers will be exclaiming "Remember the Alamo!" after reading this rousing and informative account of the most famous of the Texas missions. In addition to the chronological history of the Alamo, readers will enjoy frequent biographical sidebars of American legends such as Davy Crockett and William Barrett Travis.
Native Americans in Texas
Part of the Spotlight On Texas series
Journeying back to a time before Europeans set foot in North America; readers meet the colorful Native American groups that once called Texas home. The tribes addressed include the Caddo, Hasinai, Karankawa, Apache, and the Comanche. Readers also learn how these Native Americans influenced European settlers-an effect that can still be seen today.
The Missions of Texas
Part of the Spotlight On Texas series
This book takes an in-depth look at the Spanish missions that once spanned the state of Texas. Some of the most striking buildings were erected and able to survive and thrive during the days of wild frontier. Interaction with Native Americans and the role that missions played in the growth of Texas towns and cities is engagingly narrated. Frequent sidebars give readers a closer look at each mission, many of which are still standing today.
Cattle and Oil
Part of the Spotlight On Texas series
Texas has long been associated with two main industries: cattle and oil. Learning about these businesses is valuable as their development coincides with the growth of the state of Texas, and a boon in America's economy as well. Additional features, such as an interactive reader response panel, make this topic a joy to explore.
The American Civil War in Texas
Part of the Spotlight On Texas series
When civil war broke out in the United States in 1861, Texas joined the Confederate States of America. This book describes the role that Texas and Texans played in the greatest conflict on American soil. Graphic organizers aid readers in understanding this incredibly interesting and tumultuous era.
Famous Texans
Part of the Spotlight On Texas series
Stephen Austin, Barbara Jordan, and George W. Bush-what do these notable people have in common? They're all famous Texans, and just a few of the exciting people covered in this book. Age-appropriate text teaches readers about Texas's most important movers and shakers, while historical and contemporary images reinforce the book's key concepts. Readers will enjoy learning about the qualities that make these Texans great. Colorful graphic organizers, vibrant images, and sidebars provide additional opportunities for learning.
Citizenship: What It Means to Be from Texas
Part of the Spotlight On Texas series
This book challenges readers to examine their roles as citizens of the United States, Texas, and local communities. Exploring the Texas Bill of Rights, students will grasp the basic rights and responsibilities of Texas citizens. To deepen their understanding of citizenship, readers will learn how the U.S. and Texas governments function, and what sets Texas government apart. Readers will walk away with a greater understanding of what it means to be from Texas and how to participate as citizens. This book provides readers with supplemental graphic organizers, clear maps, and vibrant photographs to enhance their knowledge of Texas citizenship.
Early Explorers of Texas
Part of the Spotlight On Texas series
In this book, readers take a look at Texas and the original explorers who first set eyes on this vast land hundreds of years ago. Featured adventurers include la Salle, Coronado, de Soto, and Cortés. Biographical sidebars give readers a more detailed understanding of Texas's most important explorers.
Celebrating Texas
Part of the Spotlight On Texas series
The Alamo, the six flags over Texas, San Jacinto Mission…these are just a few of the images that evoke Texas pride. As readers examine the symbols and landmarks of Texas with the aid of a timeline and map, they examine Texas history.
The Civil Rights Movement in Texas
by Kristen Rajczak Nelson
Part of the Spotlight On Texas series
With riveting text, authentic photographs, and revealing primary sources, this book deeply examines the history of the civil rights movement in Texas. Readers will learn about the cultural tension and struggles of minorities from the beginning of Texas statehood until the mid-1900s. The text highlights key figures, as well as the organizations that contributed to social justice in Texas. Thorough inspection of the major events and social climate of the times gives readers an understanding of this major era in U.S. history, with a special focus on its presence in Texas.