School Library Journal Best Books of 2011Eureka! Silver Honor Books—California Reading AssociationCapitol Choices 2012 list of Noteworthy Titles for Children and Teens2012 Notable Children's Books—ALSCThe new National Geographic Treasury of Greek Mythology offers timeless stories of Greek myths in a beautiful new volume. Brought to life with lyrical text by award-winning author Donna Jo Napoli and stunning artwork by award-winning illustrator Christina Balit, the tales of gods and goddesses such as Zeus, Aphrodite, Apollo, and Athena and heroes and monsters such as Helen of Troy, Perseus, and Medusa will fascinate and engage children’s imaginations.   National Geographic completes the book with embellishments of each story: sidebars for each god, goddess, hero, and monster link the myths to constellations, geography, history, and culture to help young readers connect the stories to real life events, people, and places. A family tree and a “cast of characters” profile page help make relationships between the characters clear, and a mapping feature adds to the fun and fascination. Resource notes and ample back matter directing readers to more information round out this luminous book. Sure to dazzle all those intrigued with the fantastic tales of Greek mythology and enchant new readers, this vibrant book will soon become a family keepsake.National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources. Read more

Sibert Award Winner: This true story of five years of starvation in Ireland is “a fascinating account of a terrible time” (Kirkus Reviews).    In 1845, a disaster struck Ireland. Overnight, a mysterious blight attacked the potato crops, turning the potatoes black and destroying the only real food of nearly six million people. Over the next five years, the blight attacked again and again. These years are known today as the Great Irish Famine, a time when one million people died from starvation and disease and two million more fled their homeland.   Black Potatoes is the compelling story of men, women, and children who defied landlords and searched empty fields for scraps of harvested vegetables and edible weeds to eat, who walked several miles each day to hard-labor jobs for meager wages and to reach soup kitchens, and who committed crimes just to be sent to jail, where they were assured of a meal. It’s the story of children and adults who suffered from starvation, disease, and the loss of family and friends, as well as those who died. Illustrated with black and white engravings, it’s also the story of the heroes among the Irish people and how they held on to hope.   “Bartoletti humanizes the big events by bringing the reader up close to the lives of ordinary people.”—Booklist (starred review) Read more

Coinciding with the new Rick Riordan Magnus Chase series and the Marvel Age of Ultron DVD, featuring Thor, comes a new look at Asgard and the timeless tales of ancient Scandinavia.Classic stories and dazzling illustrations of gods, goddesses, heroes and monsters come to life in a stunning tableau of Norse myths, including those of the thunder god Thor, the one-eyed god and Allfather Odin, and the trickster god Loki. The lyrical storytelling of award-winning author Donna Jo Napoli dramatizes the timeless tales of ancient Scandinavia. This book is the third in the trilogy that includes the popular National Geographic Treasury of Greek Mythology and National Geographic Treasury of Egyptian Mythology. Read more

This compelling addition to the What Was? series covers what was supposed to be “the war to end all wars” but tragically wasn't.In 1914, the assassination of an Austrian archduke set off a disastrous four-year-long conflict involving dozens of countries with battles taking place in all parts of the world. World War I was the first to use planes and tanks as well as deadly gases that left soldiers blinded or “shell shocked” (a condition now called Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome). There were battles that lasted for months with opposing troops fighting from rat-infested trenches, battles that often ended in a hollow victory with only a small area of land retaken. The author of many successful Who HQ titles Nico Medina gives young readers a clear and compelling account of this long and tragic event, a war that left over 20 million dead and was the lead-up to World War II barely twenty years later. Read more

Attention all young history enthusiasts!Are you ready to embark on an epic adventure through the exciting world of English history?Then look no further than The History of England for Kids — the perfect journey through centuries of thrilling events, fascinating characters, and legendary tales!Join us as we travel through the incredible timeline of English history, from the fierce Anglo-Saxons to the dramatic reigns of the Tudors, and beyond into the modern world.Meet a magnificent cast of kings, queens, warriors, heroes, villains, and legendary figures who helped shape England into the great nation it is today.But this isn't just a fun-filled journey — you'll also learn about the important events, battles, and milestones that changed the course of history forever.This book is packed full of fascinating facts, funny stories, exciting adventures, and engaging tales that will captivate young readers and make learning history fun, easy, and unforgettable!Inside this book, you will discover:The Anglo-Saxons – England’s founding warriors and the coolest cats in early history!The Legend of William the Conqueror – How one man’s triumph reshaped England forever with the Norman Conquest.All Hail the Tudors! – Discover the royal rulers, wild drama, and powerful queens and kings of this iconic dynasty.The Elizabethan Era – Explore the age of Shakespeare, exploration, and England’s Golden Age.Wonders of England – From Stonehenge to Hogwarts, uncover the famous landmarks, icons, and myths of the land.The Industrial Revolution – Meet the brilliant inventors and discover the innovations that changed the world.Rule Britannia! – The rise and influence of the British Empire, and how England made its mark on global history.World War I and World War II – Brave Britannia’s powerful story during two of the greatest conflicts in world history.Pop Culture and Sports Heroes – England’s lasting impact on music, sports, entertainment, and modern global culture.And much, much more…Whether you're a young history buff, a curious reader, or just looking for a fun and educational adventure,The History of England for Kids is the perfect introduction to the amazing world of British history, culture, mythology, and innovation!So what are you waiting for?Join us on this fun-filled adventure and discover the Amazing History of England! Read more

Gripping and inspiring, these true stories of bravery, terror, and hope chronicle nine different children's experiences during the Holocaust.These are the true-life accounts of nine Jewish boys and girls whose lives spiraled into danger and fear as the Holocaust overtook Europe. In a time of great horror, these children each found a way to make it through the nightmare of war. Some made daring escapes into the unknown, others disguised their true identities, and many witnessed unimaginable horrors. But what they all shared was the unshakable belief in-- and hope for-- survival. Their legacy of courage in the face of hatred will move you, captivate you, and, ultimately, inspire you. Read more

Discover Fascinating Myths, Heroes, and Monsters of Ancient Greece—With Full-Color Images and Fun Activities!Why do we still tell the stories of ancient Greek myths today?Why are there so many books, movies, and games based on these legendary tales?The answer is simple—Greek myths are packed with adventure, magic, and lessons that are just as exciting now as they were thousands of years ago!This book brings Greek mythology to life with images, fun activities, and easy-to-understand stories that make these legendary tales unforgettable. Young readers will explore how the ancient Greeks explained the world around them, told stories of powerful gods and brave heroes, and created monsters that still thrill us today.What’s Inside:How the ancient Greeks believed the world beganThe gods, goddesses, and their incredible powersOne-eyed giants, fire-breathing creatures, and other monstersThe first humans and how they survivedHeroes who took on impossible challengesFamous myths that shaped history and cultureAnd so much more!What Kids Will Find in This Book:Images bring myths and characters to lifeFun activities keep kids engaged and learningEasy-to-read stories written in a simple and exciting wayPronunciation guide helps kids say tricky Greek namesIntroduce a child to the exciting world of Greek mythology! Scroll up and click “Add to Cart” to start their adventure today! Read more

Horrible Histories Gruesome Guide: London takes readers on a full-colour, gore-tastic tour of the streets of London, exposing all of its most scurrilous secrets. With this book tourists can plot their path to the past - take a trip to the terrifying Tower, dip into the ruthless River Thames (London's largest toilet!) and peer into creepy St Paul's Cathedral. Plague, pestilence and fire, it's a trip no Horrible Histories fan will want to miss! Read more

A hidden painting. A spiral of secrets. A race to uncover the truth—before history is rewritten forever.When young detective Cora Flash wins a trip to Paris, she’s expecting pastries, museums, and maybe a few touristy mysteries. What she doesn’t expect is to uncover a hidden clue in a famous WWII-era painting—one that leads her and her dog Calvin deep into a decades-old cover-up.Soon, Cora, Calvin, and best friend Shelby are swept into a spiral of secret codes, forged artwork, and a mysterious figure known only as the Clock Collector. As the clues wind through galleries, catacombs, and a forgotten workshop on the outskirts of the city, the team must work fast to stop the truth from being erased forever.Smart, fast-paced, and full of heart, Cora Flash and the Mystery in Paris is the fourth book in the beloved Cora Flash Mysteries—a perfect read for fans of puzzles, brave girls, loyal dogs, and real-life history hiding in plain sight. Read more

Happy Times in Norway is a moving and delicately humorous picture of Undset’s own blissful home life before her nation fell to the Nazi occupation. Captured here is the excitement of a Norwegian Christmas, the Seventeenth of May, and summer in the idyllic mountains, as well as the chaotic adventure of raising two energetic boys. With vivid detail and illuminating descriptions of the landscape, Happy Times in Norway is infused with the wish that those cherished days could come again. Read more

Dive into the enchanting world of the Celts!Do you know whose culture outlasted the mighty Romans? The Celts! Their culture still sparks wonder today. But who were these incredible people, and how did their legacy shape the world we know?Journey Back to the Iron Age! Imagine a time over three thousand years ago in Western Europe, where the Celts lived vibrant lives long before the Romans and Anglo-Saxons stepped onto the scene. Discover a world where history is not just about dates but about astonishing tales of resilience and creativity.Prepare for an Adventure! This isn’t just any history book. It’s a time machine designed for young explorers! With simple language, fun activities, and captivating illustrations, we’ll uncover the mysteries of the Celts.Become a young historian! Through the lens of modern science, we’ll piece together puzzles from the past, correcting old tales and uncovering the true story of our ancestors. This journey will help you to understand our roots, our shared history, and the incredible legacy of the Celts.Here are some of the things the children in your life will discover in these pages:The origins of the Celts and their widespread influence across Britain and IrelandHow DNA studies help to unravel their fascinating pastTheir innovative lifestyles, stunning art, and deep-rooted beliefsThe heroes of their tales: were they myth or reality?Ready to embark on this magical journey through history? Perfect for curious minds and young dreamers, this book makes history come alive with stories that inspire and illustrations that dazzle. Scroll up and click the “add to cart” button to begin your journey into the past today! Read more

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in ancient Rome?Do you know why the Romans were considered the most powerful nation in the world for many centuries? How did they live? What was life like in early Rome? In this book, you’ll discover how they lived, what they ate, and how they entertained themselves.Discover the story of how Rome began and why the Roman Empire fell. Learn about some of the greatest soldiers who led the Roman armies into battle and the kinds of weapons they used. Learn about famous emperors and whether they were loved or hated—and why.This book also contains fun facts and activities. Here are just a few of the fascinating things that you’ll discover when reading this book:How did a pair of twins believed to be raised by wolves create one of the mightiest nations ever known?Discover some of the things the Romans invented, like the toilet!Read about some buildings that the ancient Romans built that are still visible today and attract tourists from all over the world.How ancient Rome treated their citizens.Entertaining the crowds: why did gladiators fight in the Roman Colosseum?What did the ancient Romans eat? How did they live?What led to the fall of the greatest empire on earth at the time?Scroll up and click the “add to cart” button to learn more about the history of Ancient Rome! Read more

The astonishing true story of a girl who survived the Holocaust thanks to Oskar Schindler, of Schindler's List fame.Rena Finder was only eleven when the Nazis forced her and her family -- along with all the other Jewish families -- into the ghetto in Krakow, Poland. Rena worked as a slave laborer with scarcely any food and watched as friends and family were sent away.Then Rena and her mother ended up working for Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who employed Jewish prisoners in his factory and kept them fed and healthy. But Rena's nightmares were not over. She and her mother were deported to the concentration camp Auschwitz. With great cunning, it was Schindler who set out to help them escape.Here in her own words is Rena's gripping story of survival, perseverance, tragedy, and hope. Including pictures from Rena's personal collection and from the time period, this unforgettable memoir introduces young readers to an astounding and necessary piece of history. Read more

From award-winning author Candace Fleming, comes the powerful and fascinating story of the brave and dedicated young women who helped turn the tides of World War II for the Allies, with their hard work and determination at Bletchley Park.Scholastic Focus is the premier home of thoroughly researched, beautifully written, and thoughtfully designed works of narrative nonfiction aimed at middle-grade and young adult readers. These books help readers learn about the world in which they live and develop their critical thinking skills so that they may become dynamic citizens who are able to analyze and understand our past, participate in essential discussions about our present, and work to grow and build our future."You are to report to Station X at Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire, in four days time....That is all you need to know." This was the terse telegram hundreds of young women throughout the British Isles received in the spring of 1941, as World War II raged. As they arrived at Station X, a sprawling mansion in a state of disrepair surrounded by Spartan-looking huts with little chimneys coughing out thick smoke—these young people had no idea what kind of work they were stepping into. Who had recommended them? Why had they been chosen? Most would never learn all the answers to these questions.Bletchley Park was a well-kept secret during World War II, operating under the code name Station X. The critical work of code-cracking Nazi missives that went on behind its closed doors could determine a victory or loss against Hitler’s army. Amidst the brilliant cryptographers, flamboyant debutantes, and absent-minded professors working there, it was teenaged girls who kept Station X running. Some could do advanced math, while others spoke a second language. They ran the unwieldy bombe machines, made sense of wireless sound waves, and sorted the decoded messages. They were expected to excel in their fields and most importantly: know how to keep a secret.Candace Fleming is the award-winning and highly acclaimed author of Crash from Outer Space, The Curse of the Mummy, and many other nonfiction books for young readers. With her canny and compelling narrative voice she makes history come alive. Thick with tension and suspense, this is an extraordinary and relatively unknown story of World War II that will fascinate readers who will be thrilled to see young people playing such an important role in the wartime effort. Read more

Discover the key battles, tactics, technologies and turning points of the Second World War - the epic conflict that shaped the modern world.The World War II Book explores the causes, key events, and lasting consequences of the Second World War, combining exciting text with bold explanatory graphics. Using the original, graphic-led approach of the series, entries profile more than 90 of the key ideas and events during and surrounding the conflict - from the rise of Hitler and Fascism in the 1930s to Pearl Harbor, the D-Day landings, and the bombing of Hiroshima to the founding of the State of Israel in 1948. Offering a uniquely compelling, accessible, and immediate history of the war, The World War II Book shows how key battles, political and economic forces, individual leaders, and technological advances influenced the course of the conflict. This brilliant book abour war aims to profile the most important milestones of the Second World War, with thought-provoking graphics and flow-charts that demystify the key tactics and technologies, and place them in the context of the wider, global conflict.With power to every page, you can journey into the past to discover:- Insightful and inspiring quotes from famous military leaders, politicians, and historians - from Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt to Eric Fromm and Mahatma Gandhi- Fully international, featuring all theatres of the conflict, from the Normandy Beaches to the jungles of Burma and the islands of the Pacific, and entries on the experience of war - from rationing to Kindertransport- Combines creative typography, graphics, and clear text to explore the key events in World War II, and the people behind them, in a unique way-Includes a directory section for easy localizationThe World War II Book is a must-have volume for general readers interested in history and military history, politics and history students, whether as a gift or self-purchase, and is an ideal book for families, schools and libraries alike!At DK, we believe in the power of discovery. So why stop there? This exciting book is a powerful addition to DK's best-selling Big Ideas series, which boasts worldwise sales of over 6.5 million copies across 88 countries and in 29 languages. Travel back in time with The History Book, discover awe-inspiring artwork with The Art Book, and marvel at the magnificence of ancient and modern medicine with The Medicine Book. Read more

A “witty thriller” (The New York Times) for middle-grade readers about how the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre, how the robbery made the portrait the most famous artwork in the world—and how the painting by Leonardo da Vinci should never have existed at all.SIBERT MEDAL WINNER • NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY Publishers Weekly • School Library Journal • Booklist • Kirkus Reviews • NPR • The New York Public Library • The Chicago Public Library • The Bulletin of the Center for Children's BooksOn a hot August day in Paris, just over a century ago, a desperate guard burst into the office of the director of the Louvre and shouted, La Joconde, c’est partie! The Mona Lisa, she’s gone!No one knew who was behind the heist. Was it an international gang of thieves? Was it an art-hungry American millionaire? Was it the young Spanish painter Pablo Picasso, who was about to remake the very art of painting?Travel back to an extraordinary period of revolutionary change: turn-of-the-century Paris. Walk its backstreets. Meet the infamous thieves—and detectives—of the era. And then slip back further in time and follow Leonardo da Vinci, painter of the Mona Lisa, through his dazzling, wondrously weird life. Discover the secret at the heart of the Mona Lisa—the most famous painting in the world should never have existed at all.Here is a middle-grade nonfiction, with black-and-white illustrations by Brett Helquist throughout, written at the pace of a thriller, shot through with stories of crime and celebrity, genius and beauty. Read more

Step back in time to Ancient Egypt and meet some of the many people who lived, worked, and played during that time. From a necropolis builder to a tomb robber, a brewer to an embalmer, and a slave girl to the Pharaoh himself - each one will share with you the story of their own daily life. Together, they are the Ancient Egyptians. Featuring 19 different characters from Ancient Egyptian times, as well as an introduction to the Ancient Egyptian world, a key to decoding hieroglyphics and a timeline of key events, this book provides a new angle on a classic subject, bringing the ancient world to life. Read more

This book follows the tradition of teaching history in a story-based format. The often-politicized "social studies" approach to history focuses on economic and class underpinnings of historical events and on interpreting history rather than teaching its facts. Why are we not surprised that this leaves kids - from elementary through high school - totally disinterested and annoyed? If a kid remembers what 'feudalism' is, but can't recall a single story about Charlemagne, Richard the Lionheart, or Barbarossa, their history teacher may want to look into actually teaching history! "If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten," said Rudyard Kipling. To create a memorable narrative for kids, I have gone back to many original sources of historical tales and anecdotes, such as medieval chronicles and sagas, and retold their stories in a way most likely to engage a modern kid. I haven't included any gruesome details, nor anything outside of traditional family-friendly morality. The list of historical and legendary figures featured in this book includes: King Arthur, Charlemagne, Erik the Red and Leif Eriksson, Alfred the Great, Edward the Confessor, William the Conqueror, El Cid, Thomas Becket, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Richard the Lionheart, Frederick Barbarossa, St. Francis, Marco Polo, Dante, Fra Angelico, Joan of Arc and Johannes Gutenberg. I believe that illustrations are important in helping kids (and grownups!) visualize and retain a historical narrative. So this book is richly illustrated with reproductions of historical paintings and photos of medieval artifacts. I selected mostly late 19th century and early 20th century realistic paintings to most accurately portray historical events, costumes, and environments. Read more

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Sibert Honor author Deborah Hopkinson brings her signature research and action-packed narrative style to one of the most crucial battles of WWII.Scholastic Focus is the premier home of thoroughly researched, beautifully written, and thoughtfully designed works of narrative nonfiction aimed at middle-grade and young adult readers. These books help readers learn about the world in which they live and develop their critical thinking skills so that they may become dynamic citizens who are able to analyze and understand our past, participate in essential discussions about our present, and work to grow and build our future.The WWII invasion known as D-Day was the largest military endeavor in history. By June 6, 1944, Hitler and his allies had a strong grip on the European continent, where Nazi Germany was engaged in the mass extermination of the Jewish people. The goal of D-Day was the total defeat of Hitler's regime, and the defense of free democracies everywhere. Knowing they had to breach the French coast, the US, Great Britain, and Canada planned for the impossible.D-Day was an invasion not for conquest, but liberation, and required years to plan and total secrecy to keep the advantage of surprise. Once deployed, Operation Overlord involved soldiers, sailors, paratroopers, and specialists. Acclaimed author Deborah Hopkinson weaves together the contributions of not only D-Day's famous players, but African Americans, women, journalists, and service members in a masterful tapestry of official documents, personal narratives, and archival photos to bring this decisive battle to vivid, thrilling life. Read more