This book describes the key battles that took place on the Eastern Front during World War II, including the Battle of Stalingrad, which was longest and deadliest battle of the war. In addition to historic photos, this book includes a table of contents, two infographics, critical thinking questions, two "A Closer Look" special features, a reading comprehension quiz, a glossary, additional resources, and an index. This Focus Readers title is at the Voyager level, aligned to reading levels of grades 5-6 and interest levels of grades 5-9.

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.

This book describes the key events that took place on the Western Front during World War II, including the Axis advance, the liberation of France, and the invasion of Germany. In addition to historic photos, this book includes a table of contents, two infographics, critical thinking questions, two "A Closer Look" special features, a reading comprehension quiz, a glossary, additional resources, and an index. This Focus Readers title is at the Voyager level, aligned to reading levels of grades 5-6 and interest levels of grades 5-9.

The moment has come: all the gladiator's training was now to be put to the test. As he entered the arena, he was hit by the deafening noise of the crowd... Learn all about what makes a great gladiator in Fearless Warriors: Gladiators. Discover the customs and traditions, the training and the stars of the most popular sport of Ancient Rome. The series examines some of history's most fearless fighters. It looks at their training, weapons and fighting methods, as well as examining some of their most famous battles and fiercest warriors. Each title has sections focusing on aspects of their training, their battles or biographies of individual warriors. A useful timeline and a quiz to test your knowledge are at the back of each book. Ideal for readers aged 9 and up.

For many people the word 'Somme' sums up the carnage and futility of the First World War. The failure of Allied forces to achieve their objectives at such a huge cost in human lives has resonated in military circles for the past 100 years. This book tells the story of the battle and its wider repercussions, and analyses its importance to the overall outcome of the First World War. The Somme investigates the build-up to the battle, why leaders thought the action was necessary and what they thought it would achieve. It looks at the forces involved, including the 'Pals' battalions - patriotic friends who fought, and more often than not died, together. Although not a straightforward timeline, the book outlines the actual course of the battle beginning on 1 July 1916 and the impact of the continuing slaughter on both sides. Quotes from those who took part offer a glimpse of what it must have been like to be there, and maps show how little was actually achieved in terms of a breakthrough. Poetry, art and music inspired by the Somme campaign bring the soldiers' harrowing experiences to life. Suitable for readers aged 11 and up.

When Jan is seven, Nazis attack and take over Holland. At first, not much changes. Soon, though, war starts taking things away: important things like neighbors and friends, trust and respect, even clothing, fuel and food. Through it all, Jan is still a boy, finding ways to play with friends and paddle his sailing canoe in the canals. But he must also filch food and help protect his father's "guests" from the enemy. Then the enemy takes his father away. Jan and his mother are on the run. They dodge bombs, sleep in haystacks, work for their food... all the while desperately searching for refuge and hoping for normal life--and Pa--to someday, somehow, return.

Jan de Groot was born in 1932 in The Hague, Holland, and now lives in Langley, British Columbia. He regularly contributes articles to boating magazines, and he writes for De Krant, a Dutch newspaper distributed throughout the world.

This title introduces readers to vehicles and equipment used by the US Navy, from aircraft carriers to Tomahawk missiles. The title features informative sidebars, exciting photos, a fast facts summary, a glossary, and an index. Kids Core is an imprint of Abdo Publishing Company.

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.

"Four score and seven years ago..." begins Abraham Lincoln's beautiful speech commemorating the three-day battle that turned the tide of the Civil War. The South had been winning up to this point. So how did Union troops stop General Robert E. Lee's invasion of the North? With black-and-illustrations throughout and sixteen pages of photos, this turning point in history is brought vividly to life.

The world can be a dangerous place. Over time, animals evolved many natural defences to help them survive. Combat during wartime is extremely dangerous. Why not look to nature to find the best defences for soldiers on the battlefield? The Armed Forces have done just that for hundreds of years. From the armour of medieval knights to tomorrow's advanced camouflage, take a look at how military technology often mimics the traits of animals to help protect soldiers at war.

Recommended by the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy as an exemplary informational text.
Thousands of years--way before Christopher Columbus set sail--wandering tribes of hunters made their way from Asia across the Bering land bridge to North America. They didn't know it, but they had discovered a New World. The First Americans is a fascinating re-creation of pre-Columbian Native American life, and it's an adventure of a lifetime Hunt seals with the Inuit; harvest corn on a cliff-top mesa; hunt the mighty buffalo; and set sail with Leif Erickson, Columbus, and all the early great explorers--Cabot, Balboa, Ponce de Leon, Cortes, Henry the Navigator, and more--in this brilliantly told story of America before it was America.
About the Series:
Master storyteller Joy Hakim has excited millions of young minds with the great drama of American history in her award-winning series A History of US. Recommended by the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy as an exemplary informational text, A History of US weaves together exciting stories that bring American history to life. Hailed by reviewers, historians, educators, and parents for its exciting, thought-provoking narrative, the books have been recognized as a break-through tool in teaching history and critical reading skills to young people. In ten books that span from Prehistory to the 21st century, young people will never think of American history as boring again.

Step into the past, a world of stone and steel--and excitement! Inside Out: Medieval Castle includes everything you need to start your medieval adventure, from scaling a tower to outfitting an armory. Alongside beautiful illustrations and photographs featuring reallife castles, an interactive die-cut model reveals the many parts of an ancient castle.

With Impostors, master storyteller Scott Westerfeld returns with a new series set in the world of his mega-bestselling Uglies - a world full of twist and turns, rebellion and intrigue, where any wrong step could be Frey's last Frey and Rafi are inseparable . . . two edges of the same knife. But Frey's very existence is a secret. Frey is Rafi's twin sister - and her body double. Their powerful father has many enemies, and the world has grown dangerous as the old order falls apart. So while Rafi was raised to be the perfect daughter, Frey has been taught to kill. Her only purpose is to protect her sister, to sacrifice herself for Rafi if she must. When her father sends Frey in Rafi's place as collateral in a precarious deal, she becomes the perfect impostor-as poised and charming as her sister. But Col, the son of a rival leader, is getting close enough to spot the killer inside her. As the deal starts to crumble, Frey must decide if she can trust him with the truth . . . and if she can risk becoming her own person. A storming return to the Uglies universe from the always-surprising Scott Westerfeld. What's real? What's not? It's up to you to decide... First in a brilliant new series set in the dark world of Uglies A gripping story of sisterhood, danger, rebellion and intrigue Explores sweeping ethical questions about the future of science Please note this book contains mature content more suitable for older readers.

A thrilling, critically-acclaimed account of the Cold War spies and spycraft that changed the course of history, perfect for readers of Bomb and The Boys Who Challenged Hitler. The Cold War spanned five decades as America and the USSR engaged in a battle of ideologies with global ramifications. Over the course of the war, with the threat of mutually assured nuclear destruction looming, billions of dollars and tens of thousands of lives were devoted to the art and practice of spying, ensuring that the world would never be the same. Rife with intrigue and filled with fascinating historical figures whose actions shine light on both the past and present, this timely work of narrative nonfiction explores the turbulence of the Cold War through the lens of the men and women who waged it behind closed doors, and helps explain the role secret and clandestine operations have played in America's history and its national security.

The savage struggle to take control of the North American wilderness during the epic Seven Years War (1756-63) between France and England is a gripping tale. As the two European powers battled each other for global economic, political and military supremacy in what some have called the first world war, the brutal conflict took on a unique North American character, particularly in the role Native allies played on both sides.

Formal European tactics and military protocols were out of place in the harsh, unforgiving forests of the New World. Cavalry, mass infantry columns, and volley fire proved less effective in the heavily wooded terrain of North America than it did in Europe. What mattered in the colonial hinterland of New France and the British American colonies was an ability to navigate, travel, and survive in the uncharted wilderness. Equally important was the capacity to strike at the enemy with surprise, speed, and violence.

After all, the reward for victory was substantial mastery of North America."