When the Depression strikes America, throwing millions out of work, Petey Williamson's family seems safe. Hadn't the boss promised Petey's father that he'd always have a job? But during the Depression, promises cannot always be kept, and Petey finds his family sliding rapidly into poverty. And when Petey's much-admired cousin Steve starts working as a union organizer in the battle to improve conditions for workers, poverty turns into tragedy. "Collier...

Grade 5-8N̜ick Hodges, a 13-year-old orphan with the reputation of being a troublemaker, lives with his Uncle Jack in a small coastal New England village in 1931. His parents both died in the influenza epidemic of 1918, which the villagers are reluctant to talk about. The story opens with Nick's waking from a disturbing dream in which he feels he has lost something. Soon he is accused of not speaking to a neighbor at the pond, when he was miles from...

A free thirteen-year-old black girl in Connecticut is caught up in the horror of the Revolutionary War and the danger of being returned to slavery when her patriot father is killed by the British and her mother disappears.

In 1787 a fourteen-year-old slave, anxious to buy freedom for himself and his mother, escapes from his dishonest master and tries to find help in cashing the solidier's notes received by his father for fighting in the Revolution.

Explores the childhood, character, and influential events that helped shape the life of the first president.

Presents a biography and examines some of the legends surrounding the famous jazz musician and entertainer, who learned to play the cornet in the Waif's home in New Orleans, escaping poverty and going on to have a recording of "Hello Dolly" top the Beatles on the charts.

Traces the life of the Shawnee Indian leader, including his struggle to regain lost Indian territory, his efforts to unite American Indian nations, and his death during the War of 1812.

Explores the childhood, character, and influential events that shaped the life of the Civil War nurse who went on to found the American Red Cross.

Explores the childhood, character, and influential events that shaped the life of Alexander Hamilton, one of America's founding fathers.

A biography of a politician, writer, first lady, and humanitarian who had a definite impact on American history.