Did you know that camels were imported to Texas to serve the U.S. Army in the 1850s? They carried supplies and mail to isolated forts and settlers. Young readers will be fascinated to learn of this little-known part of American history.

The Second World War 1939-45 examines the causes of the war and details the course of the conflict in Western Europe, the USSR, Africa and the Pacific. It also describes the experiences of civilians, resistance fighters, prisoners of war and Holocaust victims.

No fiction can match the excitement of this real-life tale of suspense and survival. Eva Bromberg and Rysio Sokal had the misfortune of coming into adolescence just as the Germans invaded their homeland in 1939. We Who Lived is a personal memoir, authentic and true in fact and feeling. It is a tale of fear, danger, courage, resilience, and hope. Eva (later Hava) evaded the Germans and was never caught and never sent to a concentration camp. She survived entirely on her own, in total isolation from anyone she knew and could trust. Never hidden, she lived in the midst of Polish population, always on guard, aware of the danger of being discovered and betrayed. Rysio (later Ephraim) seventeen at the outbreak of World War II grew up in the bosom of a prosperous and loving family. His idyllic youth was, however, embedded in the atmosphere of raising Polish nationalism and anti-Semitism. Following the Soviet occupation of his home town in eastern Poland, he and his family were deported to Siberia by the Soviet authorities as prisoners and "enemies of the people." A tragedy at the time, this deportation ultimately saved their lives. Liberated from Siberia by the German attack on the Soviet Union in 1941 and the resulting change in political alliances, he fought the Germans within the Polish Navy and the British armed forces. Reaching Palestine he joined the Israel Defense Forces, was wounded in battle to defend the fledgling State of Israel. With War's end, both Hava and Ephraim faced new realities and challenges, survival in a world they were hardly prepared for, and the need for education, profession, new goals and loyalties. They met in 1947, both young, and hopeful. Written in the first person, unique in its authenticity, simplicity and sincerity. We Who Lived is not just a lesson in history, but a terrific reading adventure. It is a glorious story of spirits triumphant over some of the worst human savagery our world has endured.

The Horten Ho airplane was made in Nazi Germany during WWII. Germany needed a new weapon, and hoped this experimental aircraft would help them win the war. The Horten Ho would have been a fighter jet with incredible speed, but it did not fly as planned. Learn about the Smithsonian Institution's efforts to restore this fascinating historical artifact and the challenges they faced during the restoration process. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Smithsonian Informational Text builds reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, it features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!

The Mini Military series focuses on introducing young readers to the various branches of the US military. Lil' Army Soldier highlights what it's like to be in the US Army, focusing on uniforms, helmets, and vests, and introducing toddlers to military vehicles, such as the Humvee, helicopter, and tank. Perfect for military families, those with veterans in their family, or for anyone looking to expose their youngest readers to parts of American society, this book and the series is sure to inspire and celebrate our brave service men and women.

These were no damsels in distress! Did you know that a woman named Kady Brownell was the color bearer for 5th Rhode Island infantry? She braved enemy fire at Bull Run to hold her banner high! Or that Dr. Mary Walker, a battlefield surgeon, was the first and only woman to ever receive the Medal of Honor? These women, and many more, marched alongside the soldiers and were on the battlefields of the American Civil War. They were both respected and admired by their male comrades. Stephanie Ford regularly speaks at historical societies and participates in reenactments as a vivandiere. Through her thorough research comes a compelling collection of stories of remarkable women from both sides of the conflict.

Stubby was a brave soldier, a loyal friend... and a dog. From an army training camp to the trenches in France, this is the incredible true story of Sergeant Stubby, the dog who served bravely in the First World War, sniffing out gas attacks, catching spies and winning the hearts of his fellow soldiers.

‘A wonderful story of courage, bravery, loyalty and friendship.’ Early Years Educator

‘…a moving insight into the horrors of the war as seen through the story of the exceptional contribution of a
stray dog.’ LoveReading4Kids

‘…its lessons are important for each new generation’ Evening Echo

Sometimes history is made by a dyslexic, mischievous boy who hates school, is a descendant of one of Frederick Douglass' half-sisters, and whose Pops was a Buffalo Soldier. In I Wanted to be a Pilot, one of the less than 100 living Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen, Franklin J. Macon, tells the lively stories of how he overcame life's obstacles to become a Tuskegee Airman. Soar through history with Franklin as he conquers dyslexia, finds mischief, and grows up to change the course of America. Readers laugh at Frank's childhood antics, while being reminded that disabilities like Frank's dyslexia, repeating a grade in school, and other hardships can be overcome. I Wanted to be a Pilot encourages kids to recognize history, reach for their dreams, and even make their own toys as they are reminded of the great strength and determination of the men and women who came before them.

What Are We Fighting For? explores the concept of war in a brilliantly accessible way for younger readers. Fascinating and moving in equal measure, there are poems about incredibly brave dogs, cats and pigeons; the Christmas truce of WWI when soldiers played football in No Man's Land; poems about rationing and what it was like to be an evacuee, poems about modern warfare and the reality of war today; plus lots of amazing true historical facts. This cross-curricular poetry book is a brilliant way to get young readers thinking about both the historical and philosophical aspects of war.

Discover #1 New York Times bestselling author Ruta Sepetys from the beginning. Featuring beautiful new cover art, this collection includes paperback editions of her award-winning, critically acclaimed body of work, including Between Shades of Gray, Out of the Easy, Salt to the Sea, and The Fountains of Silence. This boxed set is a collection of all of Ruta Sepetys's novels. It includes: Between Shades of Gray, Out of the Easy, Salt to the Sea, and The Fountains of Silence.

The Military and Teens covers the major issues young adults should consider before making a decision to join the armed forces. Although each branch of the military provides print and electronic materials on what it has to offer enlistees, very few YA books take a pro-and-con look at military service. Moreover, commercial military books mostly cover specific wars or give tips on surviving induction and training. From deciding to serve, to what it's like to face death, to being forced to kill, to discrimination in the military, and to life afterwards, this work presents the benefits and downsides of military service. Kathlyn Gay covers the many available choices of careers in the military and points out where to go for more information. Both primary and secondary sources have been used to provide information on young participants in the American Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, World Wars I & II, as well as the Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf wars. In the final pages of the book, the comprehensive list of available sources of information includes books, magazine articles, and websites for further research. Enhanced by young people sharing their personal experiences as enlistees and as members of military families, The Military and Teens is a useful resource for both teens and those who work with teens to advise them on career choices.

A historical account of espionage during the Cold War, including famous spies such as Aldrich Ames, covert missions, and technologies that influenced the course of the conflict.

Sometimes history is made by a dyslexic, mischievous boy who hates school, is a descendant of one of Frederick Douglass' half-sisters, and whose Pops was a Buffalo Soldier. In I Wanted to be a Pilot, one of the less than 100 living Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen, Franklin J. Macon, tells the lively stories of how he overcame life's obstacles to become a Tuskegee Airman. Soar through history with Franklin as he conquers dyslexia, finds mischief, and grows up to change the course of America. Readers laugh at Frank's childhood antics, while being reminded that disabilities like Frank's dyslexia, repeating a grade in school, and other hardships can be overcome. I Wanted to be a Pilot encourages kids to recognize history, reach for their dreams, and even make their own toys as they are reminded of the great strength and determination of the men and women who came before them.

In the tradition of Hidden Figures and The Girls of Atomic City, Code Girls is the amazing true story of the young American women who cracked German and Japanese military codes during World War II. More than ten thousand women served as codebreakers during World War II, recruited by the U.S. Army and Navy. While their brothers and boyfriends took up arms, these women moved to the nation's capital to learn the top secret art of code breaking. Through their work, the code girls helped save countless lives and were vital in ending the war. But due to the top secret nature of their accomplishments, these women have never been able to talk about their story--until now. Through dazzling research and countless interviews with the surviving code girls, Liza Mundy brings their story to life with zeal, grace, and passion. Abridged and adapted for a middle grade audience, Code Girls brings this important story to young readers for the first time, showcasing this vital story of American courage, service, and scientific accomplishment.

Discover all the foul facts life at home during the Second World War with history's most horrible headlines: Blitz edition. Get to grips with Home Front life with Terry Deary, the master of making history fun. From what really happened in Dad's Army to the perils of air raids, and why the Blitzed Brits were eating chicken-fruit, sinkers and nutty. It's all in Horrible Histories: Blitzed Brits: fully illustrated throughout and packed with hair-raising stories - with all the horribly hilarious bits included with a fresh take on the classic Horrible Histories style, perfect for fans old and new the perfect series for anyone looking for a fun and informative read Horrible Histories has been entertaining children and families for generations with books, TV, stage show, magazines, games and 2019's brilliantly funny Horrible Histories: the Movie -Rotten Romans. Get your history right here and collect the whole horrible lot. Read all about it!

Michel Chikwanine was five years old when he was abducted from his school-yard soccer game in the Democratic Republic of Congo and forced to become a soldier for a brutal rebel militia. Against the odds, Michel managed to escape and find his way back to his family, but he was never the same again. After immigrating to Canada, Michel was encouraged by a teacher to share what happened to him in order to raise awareness about child soldiers around the world, and this book is part of that effort. Told in the first person and presented in a graphic novel format, the gripping story of Michel's experience is moving and unsettling. But the humanity he exhibits in the telling, along with Claudia Davila's illustrations, which evoke rather than depict the violent elements of the story, makes the book accessible for this age group and, ultimately, reassuring and hopeful. The back matter contains further information, as well as suggestions for ways children can help. This is a perfect resource for engaging youngsters in social studies lessons on global awareness and social justice issues, and would easily spark classroom discussions about conflict, children's rights and even bullying. Michel's actions took enormous courage, but he makes clear that he was and still is an ordinary person, no different from his readers. He believes everyone can do something to make the world a better place, and so he shares what his father told him: "If you ever think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping in a room with a mosquito."

Thrilling historical adventure from Terry Deary, the 'outstanding children's non-fiction author of the 20th century' (Books For Keeps)

This brand new, exciting adventure from bestselling Horrible Histories author Terry Deary brings the Second World War to life. Perfect for fans of Michael Morpurgo and John Boyne.

World War II has begun. Brigit has been evacuated to Wales from her home near the aeroplane factories of Coventry. But when it's revealed that her father is German, Brigit runs away to join her mother in a very special training camp, where Churchill is building a secret army of spies and saboteurs known as the Special Operations Executive.

Brigit and her mother soon find themselves on the front line in Nazi-occupied France, where they search for double agents and meet with danger at every turn in their efforts to support the French resistance. But no-one will suspect Brigit is a spy, will they? After all, who would suspect a child?

Featuring characters from The Silver Hand, this page-turning adventure sheds new light on the Second World War and will have readers gripped from start to finish.

Against the fascinating tapestry of Frances history during the Hundred Years' War, Diane Stanley unfolds the story of the simple thirteen-year-old village girl who in Just a few years would lead France to independence from English rule, and thus become a symbol of France's national pride. It is a story of vision and bravery, fierce determination, and tragic martyrdom. Diane Stanley's extraordinary gift to present historical information in an accessible and child-friendly format has never been more impressive, nor her skillful, beautifully realized illustrations (here imitating medieval illuminated manuscripts) more exquisite.

A rip-roaring Roman mystery from Historical Association Young Quills Award-winning author Ally Sherrick. PRAISE FOR BLACK POWDER - WINNER OF THE HISTORIAL ASSOCIATION YOUNG QUILLS AWARD: ' ... a wonderfully explosive adventure set in the turbulent year of the gunpowder plot in Black Powder with impossibly divided loyalties.' JULIA GOLDING, AUTHOR OF THE DIAMOND OF DRURY LANE 'With its constant reversals and twists and turns, Tom's story is almost as complex as the pliot and counter-plot of the Gunpowder Treason itself ... The writing is lively and the pace never flags.' HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY Vita longs to write plays and poetry - but as a high-born girl in Roman Londinium, her fate is sealed: marriage and children. Then her father is murdered, her mother and brother disappear, and Vita flees from a shadowy enemy. Disguised as a slave at the gladiator's arena, she forges an unlikely bond with Brea, a native Briton gladiatrix - and her wolf. Together, they resolve to discover and bring the killer to justice before Vita's identity is revealed ... A rip-roaring adventure set in Roman London from the rising queen of middle-grade historical fiction, Ally Sherrick Vita, nicknamed 'Little Owl' by her father, is an unlikely hero - but when her father is murdered she has to uncover the truth, even if it means finding unlikely friends Themes of deceit, storytelling and fighting justice

World War Two was the most terrible war that Europe, and indeed the world, had ever seen. Discover the truth behind the propaganda with this brilliantly informative, infographic guide to the real statistics behind WWII. How many soldiers went to war? How many came home? How many civilians were made homeless? How many bombs were dropped, and where did they land? With over 25 nations fighting the second world war on four different continents the numbers were staggering. Covering a huge amount of content World War II in Numbers brings these staggering statistics to life with easily digestible graphics depicting the conflict, casualties, weaponry, cost and technology, clearly illustrating the war's impact on individuals, whole countries, and the global social and economic effects that would last long into peacetime.

The remarkable true story of how a toy duck smuggled forged identity papers for Jewish refugees during WWIIDuring World War II, families all across Europe huddled together in basements, attics, and closets as Nazi soldiers rounded up anyone Jewish. The Star of David, a symbol of faith and pride, became a tool of hate when the Nazis forced Jewish people to carry papers stamped with that star, so that it was clear who to capture. But many brave souls dared to help them.Jewish teenager Jacqueline Gauthier, a member of the French Resistance who had to conceal her identity, was one who risked her life in secret workshops, forging papers with new names and without stars in order to help others escape. But how to get these life-saving papers to families in hiding? An ordinary wooden toy duck held the answer, a hidden compartment: hope in a hollow.Written by award-winning journalist Elisa Boxer and movingly illustrated by the acclaimed Amy June Bates, Hope in a Hollow celebrates the triumph of freedom and the human spirit, a story of everyday heroism, resilience, and finding hope in unexpected places.