Biddy Mason's life began as an enslaved person. She had to walk 2000 miles to reach California, but once there, she gained her freedom. She became a successful nurse, midwife, and land owner, and left behind a legacy of caring and charity. This primary source reader integrates literacy and social studies content knowledge, and uses maps, letters, images, and photographs to engage students and develop their curiosity about the people and the world...

John tells the bittersweet true story about his family's involvement in the Harewood Hotel, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent in England during the 1960s, interspersed with self-deprecating reminisces.Best described as a true life Fawlty Towers – but without Basil.When John is assigned to the kitchens will he be able to cook any better than his dysfunctional family? He's in good company with chefs who can't cook and waiters who don't speak English.A multitude...

A collection of speeches by the much-admired congresswoman on the importance of ethics, the threat of tyranny, faith and politics, and more. Through her career as a Texas senator, US congresswoman, and distinguished professor at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, Barbara Jordan lived by a simple creed: "Ethical behavior means being honest, telling the truth, and doing what you said you were going to do." Her strong stand for ethics in...

Frederick Douglass was born a slave, he escaped a brutal system, and through sheer force of will educated himself and became an abolitionist, editor, orator, author, statesman, and reformer. This three-in-one omnibus edition of Frederick Douglass autobiographies provides the quintessential narrative of his life. 'Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass' is one of the most influential autobiographies ever written. This classic did as much as or...

Learn about American Indian tradition and the important part it has on American culture. This nonfiction book shows how American Indian changemakers work to preserve their cultures and promote fairness. The book includes a short fiction piece related to the topic, a glossary, a meaningful activity, and other great tools. Students will learn about and appreciate the dedication of American Indian leaders. This 32-page full-color book explains the important...

Humorous, inspiring, and sometimes thought-provoking stories. The subject of outhouses must be handled delicately. So we will tiptoe around it, moving from foot to foot, like you would-and you do-when you need to "go" and there is no suitable facility nearby. A novel is too long for one sitting. However, a book like this contains short reads, and you can simply fold down the corner of the page when you are done. Upon your next visit, you might choose...

The story of Australia's almost-250-year love affair with alcohol told with yarns, verse, anecdotes, and surprising historical narratives "It seemed like a good idea . . . at the time." -the lament of many a morning after Rum, beer, scotch, wine, beer, and more beer. For nearly 250 years, Australian history has been punctuated with stories of booze and boozing. From Cook's voyages and the First Fleet to the Rum Rebellion, the mutiny of the 99th Regiment,...

High on the Vine features cousins Tami & Evi Maki, who often contemplate the shortcomings of their respective spouses, Toivo and Eino. The story is told through a series of short stories set in Upper Michigan. The Maki women contemplate how their lives may have fared (certainly better) had they not married the two louts. After a hideous winter survival weekend sponsored by the Maki men, Tami & Evi take over the boys' hunting camp as punishment. After...

Technologically, Britain is moving forward in leaps and bounds. We can buy everything we could possibly need online from Tesco, Amazon or a plethora of other outlets—and have the goods delivered within hours. Words like gigabyte and Netflix are as familiar to us as tea and coffee. We can talk to our friends on the other side of the world, at no cost, in real time, fully visible and stark naked if we like. Everything's on tap, 24/7. But is downloading...

The distinguished American civil rights leader, W. E. B. Du Bois first published these fiery essays, sketches, and poems individually nearly 80 years ago in the Atlantic, the Journal of Race Development, and other periodicals. Reflecting the author's ideas as a politician, historian, and artist, this volume has long moved and inspired readers with its militant cry for social, political, and economic reforms for black Americans. Essential reading for...