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Kids can experience William Shakespeare’s England and get their first taste of the Bard’s sublime craft with this lively biography and activity book. Staging swordplay, learning to juggle, and creating authentic costumes like a flamboyant shirt with slashed sleeves or a lady’s lace-trimmed glove bring the theater arts to life. Making a quill pen and using it to write a story, binding a simple book by hand, creating a fragrant pomander ball and a dish of stewed apples show what daily life was like in Elizabethan times. Inspired by scenes from Shakespeare’s plays, kids can invent new words, write songs, and devise scathing or comical insults just as he did. Fascinating and accurate historical information and 21 fun activities open a dramatic new world of learning for children ages 8 and up.

The Civil Rights Movement for Kids (5 Formats) ›

By Mary C. Turck

Trade Paper Price 19.99

Trade Paper, Trade Paper, PDF, EPUB, Mobipocket

Published Jun 2000

Surprisingly, kids were some of the key instigators in the Civil Rights Movement, for example, Barbara Johns, who held a rally in her elementary school gym that eventually led to the Brown vs. Board of Education Supreme Court school desegregation decision, and six-year-old Ruby Bridges, who was the first black student to desegregate elementary schools in New Orleans. In The Civil Rights Movement for Kids, children will discover how students and religious leaders worked together to demand the protection of civil rights for black Americans. They will relive the fear and uncertainty of Freedom Summer, learning how northern white college students helped bring national attention to atrocities committed in the name of segregation, and they’ll be inspired by the speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr., Medgar Evers, and Malcolm X. Activities include: reenacting a lunch counter sit-in; organizing a workshop on nonviolence; holding a freedom film festival followed by a discussion; and organizing a choral group to sing the songs that motivated the foot soldiers in this war for rights.

Download the free teaching guide.

World War II for Kids (4 Formats) ›

By Richard Panchyk, Foreword by Senator John McCain

Trade Paper Price 19.99

Trade Paper, PDF, EPUB, Mobipocket

Published Sep 2002

We must never forget the tragedies of World War II, and teaching kids about our country's efforts in this conflict is more important than ever.

This book is packed with information that kids will find fascinating—excerpts from actual wartime letters written to and by American and German troops, personal anecdotes from people who lived through the war in the United States, Germany, Britain, Russia, Hungary, and Japan, and gripping stories from Holocaust survivors—all adding a humanizing global perspective to the war.

These 21 activities show children how it felt to live through this monumental period in history. . Kids can:
• play a rationing game or try the butter extender recipe to understand the everyday sacrifices of rationing goods
• try their hands at military strategy in coastal defense, break a military code, and play a latitude-longitude tracking game
• interview a veteran to help preserve the memories of one of our country's greatest generations
And much more!

Whether learning how and why to grow a victory garden or staging an adventure radio program, kids will appreciate the hardships and joys experienced on the home front.

Darwin and Evolution for Kids (3 Formats) ›

By Kristan Lawson

PDF Price 12.99

PDF, EPUB, Mobipocket

Published Oct 2003

Darwin and Evolution for Kids traces the transformation of a privileged and somewhat scatterbrained youth into the great thinker who proposed the revolutionary theory of evolution. Through 21 hands-on activities, young scientists learn about Darwin’s life and work and assess current evidence of evolution. Activities include going on a botanical treasure hunt, keeping field notes as a backyard naturalist, and tying knots for ship sails like those on the HMS Beagle. Children also learn how fossils are created, trace genetic traits through their family trees, and discover if acquired traits are passed along to future generations. By encouraging children, parents, and teachers to define the differences between theories and beliefs, facts and opinions, Darwin and Evolution for Kids does not shy away from a theory that continues to spark heated public debate more than a century after it was first proposed.

Washington, DC, History for Kids (4 Formats) ›

By Richard Panchyk

Trade Paper Price 16.99

Trade Paper, PDF, EPUB, Mobipocket

Published Jul 2016

Explore the history of the United States through the story of its capital city! This engaging guide takes kids on a journey through the history of Washington, D.C., from its early beginnings to its modern-day status as a world-class city.

Washington, DC, History for Kids brings the past to life with fascinating stories, historical photos, and 21 hands-on activities that encourage young readers to explore the city's rich heritage. Kids will learn about the planning and construction of the capital, the impact of the Civil War, the stories behind iconic landmarks, and the ongoing evolution of this dynamic city.

Perfect for ages 9 and up, this educational resource offers a unique blend of history and activities, making learning fun and interactive. Discover the story of Washington, D.C., and inspire a love of history in young minds!

Gay & Lesbian History for Kids (4 Formats) ›

By Jerome Pohlen

Trade Paper Price 18.99

Trade Paper, PDF, EPUB, Mobipocket

Published Oct 2015

2016 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People List

Lambda Literary Award Finalist

On the Rainbow Book List

Who transformed George Washington’s demoralized troops at Valley Forge into a fighting force that defeated an empire? Who cracked Germany’s Enigma code and shortened World War II? Who successfully lobbied the US Congress to outlaw child labor? And who organized the 1963 March on Washington? Ls, Gs, Bs, and Ts, that’s who.

Given today’s news, it would be easy to get the impression that the campaign for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) equality is a recent development, but it is only the final act in a struggle that started more than a century ago. The history is told through personal stories and firsthand accounts of the movement’s key events, like the 1950s “Lavender Scare,” the Stonewall Inn uprising, and the AIDS crisis. Kids will learn about civil rights mavericks, like Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld, founder of the first gay rights organization; Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, who turned the Daughters of Bilitis from a lesbian social club into a powerhouse for LGBT freedom; Christine Jorgensen, the nation’s first famous transgender; and Harvey Milk, the first out candidate to win a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Also chronicled are the historic contributions of famous LGBT individuals, from General von Steuben and Alan Turing to Jane Addams and Bayard Rustin, among others. This up-to-date history includes the landmark Supreme Court decision making marriage equality the law of the land. Twenty-one activities enliven the history and demonstrate the spirited ways the LGBT community has pushed for positive social change.

Kids can: write a free verse poem like Walt Whitman; learn “The Madison” line dance; remember a loved one with a quilt panel; perform a monologue from The Laramie Project; make up a song parody; and much more.

Henry Ford for Kids (4 Formats) ›

By Ronald A. Reis

Trade Paper Price 16.95

Trade Paper, PDF, EPUB, Mobipocket

Published Jan 2016

Discover the life and legacy of the man who put America on wheels!

Henry Ford for Kids explores the remarkable life of Henry Ford, from his childhood fascination with mechanics to his revolutionary impact on the automotive industry. This engaging biography details Ford's innovative ideas, his complex personality, and his lasting influence on American society.

Packed with historical photos and hands-on activities, this is more than just a biography. It's a journey through American history, exploring themes of engineering, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Kids will:

Build a lemon-powered battery
Design an automobile dashboard
Learn to "read" simple industrial drawings

Perfect for ages 9 and up, this book inspires young innovators to explore the world of engineering and discover the power of ingenuity. Author Ronald A. Reis brings history to life with engaging stories and activities that make learning fun.

Gandhi for Kids (4 Formats) ›

By Ellen Mahoney

Trade Paper Price 17.99

Trade Paper, PDF, EPUB, Mobipocket

Published Aug 2016

With his wire-rimmed glasses, homespun cloths, and walking stick, Mohandas Gandhi is an international symbol of nonviolence, freedom, simplicity, and peace. Tracing Gandhi's evolution from a shy boy in India to a courageous, world-traveling spiritual and political leader who worked tirelessly to help India achieve independence from England, Gandhi for Kids will inspire young readers to make connections between his ideas and contemporary issues such as bullying and conflict resolution, healthful eating from local sources, civil rights and diversity, the "reduce, reuse, recycle" movement, and more. Kids learn about Gandhi's important impact on the lives and work of Martin Luther King Jr., Aung San Suu Kyi, Malala Yousafzai, and other modern heroes, yet come to understand that he was also a complex man who struggled with personal conflicts, disappointments, and idiosyncracies. Packed with historic images, informative sidebars, a time line, glossary, resource section, and 21 creative activities that illuminate Gandhi's life, ideas, and environment, Gandhi for Kids is an indispensable resource for a new generation of change makers. Kids can: make a traditional Indian lamp called a diya; practice anti-consumerism or vegetarianism for a day; create a henna hand design; learn some basic yoga poses; and much more.

Marine Science for Kids (4 Formats) ›

By Bethanie Hestermann, By Josh Hestermann, Foreword by Stephanie Arne

Trade Paper Price 19.99

Trade Paper, PDF, EPUB, Mobipocket

Published Jun 2017

Do you ever dream of being a marine explorer or adventurer? Are you a fan of cool, cute, or creepy creatures? Then here’s some good news: some of the coolest, cutest, and creepiest creatures live in Earth’s oceans and other watery places.

Marine Science for Kids is a colorful, fun, photo-filled guide to exploring our underwater world. In these pages, you’ll delve deep into the science of aquatic study, including geology, chemistry, and biology in both salt- and freshwater environments, and gain insight into the real-world practice of aquatic science. You’ll discover how and why oceans move, and learn the answers to questions such as “Why is the ocean blue?” You’ll meet cool creatures, including sharks and rays, penguins and other seabirds, whales and dolphins, squids and octopuses, and many more. You’ll uncover some of the most pressing challenges facing marine environments and find out how you can use your talents to make a difference. Real-life marine scientists share what inspires them every day and provide insights into their exciting careers. Hands-on activities in each chapter make learning fun.

Kids can: make an edible coral reef; explore marine camouflage; construct a water-propelled squid; test methods of cleaning up an oil spill; experiment with ocean acidification; and much more.

Boston History for Kids (4 Formats) ›

By Richard Panchyk, Foreword by Michael Dukakis

Trade Paper Price 18.99

Trade Paper, PDF, EPUB, Mobipocket

Published Apr 2018

Few American cities are as steeped in history as Boston. Starting with its Native American and Puritan roots, through its pivotal role in the Revolutionary War and its many contributions to art and literature, Boston has earned its reputation as a modern, cultural metropolis. This mix of old and new makes Boston a fascinating place to learn about and explore.

Boston History for Kids spans 400 years of history, covering many of the major events that have occurred, from witch hunts to an unexpected earthquake, from the Tea Party to the Great Fire, from the Civil War to the Boston Marathon attack. Author Richard Panchyk chronicles the lives of Bostonians both famous and infamous—and many colorful characters that readers may not yet know.

This lively history also includes a time line, a list of online resources, and 21 engaging hands-on activities to better appreciate this Massachusetts city. Kids will:

Take a tour along the Freedom Trail
Write a poem in the style of Ralph Waldo Emerson
Create a nautical chart like those of Boston Harbor
Bake a Boston cream pie
Design a museum display of historic items
Draw the facade of a Federal style mansion
And more!

Jane Austen for Kids (4 Formats) ›

By Nancy Sanders

Trade Paper Price 16.99

Trade Paper, PDF, EPUB, Mobipocket

Published Feb 2019

Discover the life, writings, and world of Jane Austen in this engaging biography for kids!

Often compared to William Shakespeare, Jane Austen's genius lies in her timeless characters and universal themes. This accessible biography explores Austen's life during pivotal historical events like the American and French Revolutions. Through her stories of love, hope, and social customs, readers gain a window into the soul of a lively, imaginative woman in Regency era England.

Jane Austen for Kids includes:

A timeline of Austen's life
Resources for further study
Places to visit
21 enriching activities

Perfect for young readers interested in history, literature, and the life of one of England's most beloved novelists. This resource brings Jane Austen's world to life with hands-on activities and historical context.

Kids' Container Gardening (3 Formats) ›

By Cindy Krezel, Photographs by Bruce Curtis

PDF Price 9.99

PDF, EPUB, Mobipocket

Published Apr 2010

Enthusiastic young gardeners have the opportunity to develop a green thumb and experience the joys of gardening in this how-to guide for kids. Eighteen time-tested, proven projects gleaned from the author's experience as director of the Good Earth Kids' Club teach children how to create a year-round assortment of container gardens that are simple to create, fun to work on, and in many instances, make great gifts. Organized by season, the chapters run the gamut from "Great Big Garden Bowls for Mom" and "Father's Day Fountains" to sand art terrariums and special occasion holiday containers. In addition to providing the basics on plants and gardening, this helpful guide also includes a glossary of terms, a listing of plants and resources used in the book, and numerous photographs to show kids that they're proceeding on the right path as they create their individual containers.

Baseball History for Kids (4 Formats) ›

By Richard Panchyk

Trade Paper Price 16.95

Trade Paper, PDF, EPUB, Mobipocket

Published Mar 2016

Baseball History for Kids is a fascinating and unique journey through the modern history of America’s favorite pastime. Kids will discover how the game has changed over the years, reading about topics such as the Dead Ball Era, World War II, segregation and integration, Bonus Babies, the Reserve Clause and Free Agency, and the Designated Hitter. Along the way, they’ll enjoy firsthand quotes and stories from more than 175 former major leaguers who were eyewitnesses to and participants in baseball’s most incredible feats and biggest moments.

Readers will also get an intimate look at the game’s greatest legends, from Babe Ruth, Satchel Paige, and Ted Williams to Jackie Robinson, Mickey Mantle, and Willie Mays, including insightful and amusing anecdotes from former teammates and opponents. They will gain additional insight into the game through 19 interesting activities. Children will learn how to calculate a player’s batting average and ERA, throw a palmball, design a logo for their favorite team, cook a bowl of Cracker Jack, and more. The book also includes a time line and list of books, websites, and places to visit.

Zoology for Kids (4 Formats) ›

By Josh Hestermann, By Bethanie Hestermann, Foreword by The Kratt Brothers

Trade Paper Price 19.99

Trade Paper, PDF, EPUB, Mobipocket

Published Mar 2015

An interactive introduction to working with animals

Zoology for Kids invites the next generation of zoologists to discover the animal kingdom through clear, entertaining information and anecdotes, lush color photos, hands-on activities, and peer-reviewed research. Young minds are introduced to zoology as a science by discussing animals’ forms, functions, and behaviors as well as the history behind zoos and aquariums. Related activities include baking edible animal cells, playing a dolphin-echolocation game, and practicing designing an exhibit. Young readers can peek into the world of zookeepers and aquarists, veterinarians, wildlife researchers, and conservationists as they “train” their friends, mold a tiger’s jawbone, and perform field research in their own backyard. This engaging resource provides readers with new knowledge, a healthy respect for the animal kingdom, and the idea that they can pursue animal-related careers and make a difference to preserve and protect the natural world.