Helen Plum Library

History is dramatic-and the renowned, award-winning authors Christopher Collier and James Lincoln Collier demonstrate this in a compelling series aimed at young readers. Covering American history from the founding of Jamestown through present day, these volumes explore far beyond the dates and events of a historical chronicle to present a moving illumination of the ideas, opinions, attitudes, and tribulations that led to the birth of this great nation. The...

This engaging primary source book dives into history to explore immigration during the twentieth century. Learn about the journey millions of immigrants faced trying to seek freedom and better lives in the United States. These people helped shape the country's languages, traditions, politics, and economy. This book builds content knowledge across multiple social studies disciplines. The text features include a Reader's Guide, side bars, table of contents,...

The Hindenberg was on its way! That was all nine-year old Stenny could think about as he pedaled his bike furiously toward the Naval Air Station on a rainy spring evening in 1937. Stenny knew everything there was to know about the Hindenberg, and when the giant airship arrived in his hometown of Lakehurst, New Jersey, he was going to be there. He didn't know that before the night was over, he would learn what it means to be a hero. Written by the...

Esperanza and her mother are forced to leave their life of wealth and privilege in Mexico to go work in the labor camps of Southern California, where they must adapt to the harsh circumstances facing Mexican farm workers on the eve of the Great Depression

International Literacy Association Award Winner for Intermediate Nonfiction 2016
Eureka Children's Book Honor 2016
On July 6, 1944, thousands of fans made their way to Barbour Street in Hartford, Connecticut, to see the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus performance. Not long after the show's start, a fire broke out and spread rapidly as panicked circus-goers pushed and scrambled to escape. Within 10 minutes the entire...

Sneaking into the majestic house on Park Row last night and unlocking the door for the well-dressed stranger had been exciting. Still, Roger knows that what he did for Circus was wrong, especially when he learns from the newspaper that one of the inhabitants was killed. But the fifty dollars he earned is a fortune! His mother never seems to have any change left over for dinner after she buys her daily supply of liquor. And his father is in the hospital,...

"The Panama Canal is only about 40 miles (64 km) long. But this narrow channel connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and saves ocean vessels from going around South America--about a 9,000-mile (14,480 km) journey! Readers will learn all about the canal's creation, how the United States became involved, and about the 40,000 people who worked on it over 10 years. They'll especially appreciate the amazing photographs of construction from the early...

World War I is known as the "war to end all wars." In this title readers will learn about the final years of World War I, including Russia's collapse and continued threats from Germany that forced the USA to join. Final battles and strategies are explained along with the descriptions of peace treaties and lasting effect of the war. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Abdo & Daughters is an imprint of Abdo Publishing,...

World War I is known as the "war to end all wars." In this title readers will get to know the most decisive battles and influential military leaders from both sides of WWI. Each chapter uses casualty data and dates to explain the carnage created by new weapon technology and trench warfare. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Abdo & Daughters is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO. Glossary of key words...

The 20th century saw many new inventions. Changes came fast and made life easier. Cars, planes, TVs, and cell phones were all invented in the 1900s. What other important things were invented during this time? From electricity to emoji, this Spanish nonfiction book will keep students engaged in reading as they build their literacy, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. Important text features include a glossary, index, and table of contents. The Reader's...