Showing titles in History & Culture

It was true until only recently, their past achievements had been erased—that’s what happened to five Black ballerinas, members of the groundbreaking Dance Theater of Harlem. At the peak of the Civil Rights Movement, Lydia Abarca, who dance critics praised effusively, was the first Black prima ballerina of this major dance company. Alongside fellow founding members Sheila Rohan and Gayle McKinney-Griffith, and first-generation dancers Karlya Shelton and Marcia Sells, these swans of Harlem shone a bright light on the depth of Black professional classical dancers.

For teens who are space fans, this book is loaded with fascinating facts, great stories, and new ways of thinking about the challenges of space. It covers topics on the science of space and developments in technology (e.g., satellites behaving like spacecraft), and it also considers the laws that have been drafted for space travel and space etiquette—the agreed upon norms of behavior that allow humans to explore without conflict. The book discusses the problem of space debris, and the growth of space tourism.

Often regarded as more of a myth and legend than man, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was many things throughout his storied life: student, activist, preacher, dreamer, father, husband. From his Atlanta childhood centered in the historically Black neighborhood of Sweet Auburn to his precipitous rise as a civil rights leader on the streets of Birmingham, Selma, and Montgomery, Dr. King would go on to become one of the most recognizable, influential, and controversial persons of the twentieth century.

Edie is a talented dancer and a skilled gymnast with hopes of making the Olympic team. Between her rigorous training and her struggle to find her place in a family where she’s the daughter “with brains but no looks,” Edie’s too busy to dwell on the state of the world. But life in Hungary in 1943 is dangerous for a Jewish girl.

In Flamboyants, George M. Johnson celebrates writers, performers, and activists from 1920s Black America whose sexualities have been obscured throughout history. Through 14 essays, Johnson reveals how American culture has been shaped by icons who are both Black and Queer–and whose stories deserve to be celebrated in their entirety.

One of the most important and least understood true stories of our nation, the fight for representation is an ongoing and epic quest to build the democracy sketched out in the Constitution but unfinished in the twenty-first century. With impeccable research and exhilarating prose, Represent tells the story of voting rights in the United States from the American Revolution up to the present day.

Since the regiment’s creation in 1899, the men of the 65th have proudly served the US through multiple wars, despite facing racial discrimination. Their courage, loyalty, and patriotism earned them hundreds of accolades, including the Congressional Gold Medal in 2014.

Embark on a captivating journey into the lives and achievements of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, the legendary explorers whose monumental expedition transformed our understanding of the American West. Renowned for their bravery, perseverance, and meticulous documentation, their story is a testament to the power of exploration and teamwork in the pursuit of discovery. Lewis and Clark were exceptional leaders and adventurers. Their insatiable curiosity, unorthodox methods, and ability to navigate and document uncharted territories made them some of the most influential figures in ...

Meet the Man Who Changed the World Explore the transformative journey of Mahatma Gandhi, a pioneering leader whose unwavering commitment to non-violence and justice reshaped the landscape of Indian independence and inspired global movements for civil rights and freedom. As a central figure in the fight for India's independence, Gandhi seamlessly combined determination, moral integrity, and visionary leadership to challenge colonial rule and promote social change. This book delves into his motivations, his impactful campaigns, and the enduring legacy of his principles. From his early ...

"Abraham Lincoln: Emancipator and Defender of the Union" explores the life, leadership, and legacy of one of the most consequential figures in American history. This compelling book takes readers on a captivating journey through Lincoln's humble beginnings, his remarkable rise to the presidency, and his unwavering commitment to preserving the Union and abolishing slavery during the nation's darkest hour. By closely examining Lincoln's political career, his pivotal role in the Civil War, and his enduring impact on American society, this book offers a comprehensive and nuanced portrait of a ...

Unleash Your Inner Explorer: Get Inspired by Scott’s Heroic Journeys "Robert Falcon Scott: A Pioneer of Antarctic Exploration" is a thrilling account of Robert Falcon Scott's incredible journey as an explorer. Read about the incredible challenges that Scott faced and the triumphs he achieved during his Antarctic expeditions. Scott was a multifaceted figure, blending bravery, scientific curiosity, and leadership to navigate one of Earth's harshest environments. This book takes you on a journey into Scott's life, exploring his motivations, groundbreaking expeditions, and the legacy of his ...

Embark on an epic journey with Marco Polo, the legendary explorer whose travels opened up the East to the Western world. Marco Polo was a true pioneer whose daring expeditions and vivid accounts of his travels introduced Europeans to the vast and diverse cultures of Asia. This book investigates the true story of Marco Polo’s adventures, his encounters with the court of Kublai Khan, and the lasting impact of his discoveries. From the bustling markets of Venice to the majestic palaces of China, Marco Polo’s story is one of curiosity, courage, and a relentless quest for knowledge. What You...

Unlock the mysteries of the universe and explore the life and mind of one of history's greatest geniuses with "Einstein: The Man, The Myth, The Legend”. This captivating book takes you on a journey through the remarkable life and groundbreaking discoveries of Albert Einstein, the brilliant physicist who revolutionized our understanding of space, time, and the very nature of reality. Written specifically for curious and ambitious young minds, this book reveals Einstein's early struggles in school, his rebellious nature, and his relentless pursuit of knowledge. You will discover how his ...

Unleash Your Inner Innovator: Learn from Benjamin Franklin, A Man of Many Talents Explore the extraordinary life of Benjamin Franklin, whose innovations and institutions have profoundly shaped American culture and practical life. Did you know that Franklin behind several innovations that we now take for granted. These include: Bifocals - Combining lenses for near and far vision Lightning rod - Safeguarding buildings from storms Franklin stove - More efficient home heating Flexible urinary catheter - Early medical device innovation Public libraries - Expanding access to knowledge Public ...

Explore the riveting story of Mark Antony, a military commander, political leader, and passionate lover whose life intertwined with some of the most significant figures of his time and whose actions helped shape the course of Roman history. Mark Antony was a figure of immense charisma, strategic brilliance, and complex motivations. This book delves deep into Antony's life, exploring his strategic mind, leadership style, and influential relationships. From his early days in Rome to his dramatic end alongside Cleopatra, Antony's journey is a testament to the powerful interplay of ambition, ...

Who lived in Texas over a thousand years ago? In Porch Talk, John Erickson and his archaeologist friend Doug Boyd investigate this question while explaining the art and science of archaeology for middle listeners. On the Perryton ranch, John and his friends unearthed a ghost town that dated back to around 1300 CE. For more than twenty years, they worked together on this and other prehistoric sites, sharing a fascination for the ancient people who occupied the area. How did these people work, play, and survive?

Curious to know more, Keiko and Princess Valentina question Lola about The Seal of Jar and the cult they had encountered. Upon doing so, they are rushed to the library where they are exposed to the secrets of the Zaria Kingdom and learn the truth about Demons. Believing that he is the only demihuman in the kingdom, Keiko is shocked to find out that a demihuman by the name of Anastasia, has been in charge of a secret group of ninjas under the King's command. Their Third Quest - Destroy the Cult!

On April 29, 1992, following the acquittal of four police officers charged with the beating and arrest of Rodney King and the earlier killing of teenager Latasha Harlins, the city of Los Angeles erupted in violence. Many of these events were centered on the city’s Koreatown, where tensions between the Black and Korean American communities had simmered for years, fueled by economic challenges and redlining and enflamed by sensationalized and racist media.

You need to work to live. That’s the truth for most people, and plenty of people in power have been abusing that truth for centuries. Long before the first labor unions were formed, workers still knew what exploitation looked like. It looked like the enslavement of Black people. It looked like generations of children dying in dangerous jobs. It looked like wealthy people hiring private militaries to attack their employees. But workers have always found a way to fight back.

Twenty-four hours: that's how long fourteen-year-old Elvira Gonzalez is given to come up with the $40,000 she needs to save her kidnapped mother from a drug cartel. It's 2006 and Elvira's hometown of Laredo, Texas, has become engulfed by the Mexican Drug War. Elvira's life is unraveling around her—setting her on a harrowing path that leads her to being locked up in one of South Texas's worst juvenile detention centers. After Elvira's released from juvie, she's resolved to never go back. That's when her unexpected salvation arrives in the form of 33-inch-high plastic hurdles.