Most Popular Books by Jean Fritz

A fun historic tale by Newbery Honor-winning author, Jean Fritz! No matter how busy he was, Ben Franklin always found time to try out new ideas: a remote-control lock (so he could lock his door without getting out of bed), a rocking chair with a fan over it (to keep flies away), and a windmill (to turn his roast meat on its spit). Aside from being a mad of ideas, he was an ambassador to England, a printer, an almanac maker, a politician, and even a vegetarian (for a time, anyway). "This biography is distinguished by its humanizing detail [and] amusing tone." - School Library Journal

Newbery Honor-winning author, Jean Fritz, takes us on a journey to the Underground Railroad. Brady has never been trusted with secrets, until now. When he discovers an Underground Railroad station near his family''s farm, he is forced to make his own decision about the slavery controversy. Whatever his decision may be, he knows that this is one secret that must be kept. "A perceptive, satisfying story." --Booklist" "Mrs. Fritz has written an exciting, yet tender, chronicle of the boy, his home, and his times." --Kirkus Reviews

Events rapidly transpiring in Salem, Massachusetts in 1774-1775 force 14-year-old Daniel West to re-examine his loyalties, and finally, to change from Tory to Whig.--School Library Journal 15 black-and-white halftone illustrations.

Ann Hamilton''s family has moved to the western frontier of Pennsylvania, and she misses her old home in Gettysburg. There are no girls her age on Hamilton Hill, and life is hard. But when the Hamiltons survive a terrible storm and receive a surprise visit from George Washington, Ann realizes that pioneer life is exciting and special.

In this Newbery Honor Book and American Book Award for Children''s Fiction Winner, premier biographer Jean Fritz shares some of her own fascinating history. The accolades speak for themselves: * "Fritz draws the readers into scenes from her youth in the turbulent China of the mid-twenties. One comes to appreciate the generous affection of her nurse/companion Lin Nai-Nai, the isolating distance in her mother''s grief over losing a second child, the dynamics of a suffering population venting its hostility on foreigners, and most of all, the loneliness of a child''s exile from a homeland she has imagined constantly but never seen....A remarkable blend of truth and storytelling." —Booklist, starred review * "An insightful memory''s-eye-view of her childhood...Young Jean is a strong character, and many of her reactions to people and events are timeless and universal." —School Library Journal, starred review "Told with an abundance of humor—sometimes wry, sometimes mischievous and irreverent—the story is vibrant with atmosphere, personalities, and a palpable sense of place." —The Horn Book "Every now and then a book comes along that makes me want to send a valentine to its author. Homesick is such a book....Pungent and delicious." —Katherine Paterson, The Washington Post

Newbery-Honor winning author, Jean Fritz, brings history to life once again in 10 true tales of 15th-century European explorers! True tales of our world''s greatest 15th century explorers, from Bartholomew Diaz and Christopher Columbus to Juan Ponce de Leon and Vasco Nunez de Balboa, are fascinatingly portrayed, complimented with the softly shaded pencil illustrations of Anthony Bacon Venti. Readers are led through a one-hundred-year period when Europeans explored the world and mapped the globe, while selfishly feeding their own curiosity and greed along the way. Fritz includes astounding details, which provide young readers with an expanded understanding of events and the idiosyncrasies of these colorful characters. Venti''s maps clarify the explorers'' routes. Count on Jean Fritz to breathe life into these true tales of the Old World''s fifteen most extraordinary explorers. It is history written in a refreshingly new way. "While presenting the salient facts, Fritz approaches them with playful irreverence; accordingly, the frequently traveled material can seem refreshingly new."--Publisher''s Weekly

Newbery Honor-winning Jean Fritz highlights one of America''s most important founding father. In the days before microphones and TV interviews, getting people to listen to you was not an easy task. But James Madison used his quiet eloquence, intelligence, and passion for unified colonies to help shape the Constitution, steer America through the turmoil of two wars, and ensure that our government, and nation, remained intact. "An excellent, fascinating, indispensable resource." —Kirkus Reviews, pointer review "The book is rich in the sort of detail that illuminates the man, but is not limited to personal information; a great deal of government history is woven into the biography." —Horn Book, starred review "Fritz has given a vivid picture of the man and an equally vivid picture of the problems that faced the leaders of the new nation in the formative years." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children?s Books, starred review "Young readers will feel like they know the ''Great Little Madison'' very well." —School Library Journal

Benedict Arnold always carried things too far. As a boy he did crazy things like climbing atop a burning roof and picking a fight with the town constable. As a soldier, he was even more reckless. He was obsessed with being the leader and the hero in every battle, and he never wanted to surrender. He even killed his own horse once rather than give it to the enemy. Where did the extremism lead Arnold? To treason. America''s most notorious traitor is brought to life as Jean Fritz relays the engrossing story of Benedict Arnold -- a man whose pride, ambition, and self-righteousness drove him to commit the heinous crime of treason against the United States during the American Revolution. “A highly entertaining biography illuminating the personality of a complex man.” —Horn Book “A gripping story. . . As compelling as a thriller, the book also shines as history.” —Publishers Weekly An ALA Notable Book A New York Times Book Review Notable Book of the Year A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year An ABA Pick of the Lists A Horn Book Fanfare Title

Colorful Sam Houston leaps to life in the pages of this fresh and funny biography, set against the story of Texas''s fight for independence from Mexico. "Lively, readable, and solidly researched, this is the kind of biography every child needs." —Booklist, starred review "Jean Fritz has done it again. Her writing turns this larger-than-life character into a very real person." —School Library Journal, starred review "Young readers will find the book fast-paced and fact-packed." — The New York Times Book Review Jean Fritz lives in Dobbs Ferry, New York.

"Great fun and fascinating history." —School Library Journal, (starred review) This entertaining volume, by Newbery Honor-winning author Jean Fritz, sheds light on the life of England''s King George III. It begins when he was a bashful boy who blushed easily, goes on to his early days as king, and finally examines his role in the American Revolution - when Americans ceased to think of him as good King George. Fascinating history made accessible for young readers. "The lively text includes plenty of amusing, personality-revealing anecdotes . . ." —Children''s Literature

A history of the writing of the Constitution of the United States of America.

The author returns to China, to relive her memories of her youth and to witness the many historical and social changes that have taken place since she left the country in 1928.

“An absorbing biography of the controversial Confederate general, one of the country’s greatest, and oddest heroes.”—The New York Times No one thought Thomas Jackson would grow up to be a hero. Certainly not his childhood friends, who laughed at him when he fell into the river on the way to church and then sat through the service in his wet clothes. The cadets at West Point watched him sweat buckets whenever he had to speak in class and doubted if he’d even graduate. But through it all, Jackson’s determination to succeed served him well. He found that war allowed him to be the kind of man he’d always dreamed of being. While other soldiers fell back in terror, Jackson stood “like a stone wall” and went on to be one of the most brilliant and heroic military leaders in America. A New York Times Outstanding Book of the Year

This lively biography, by Newbery Honor-winning author Jean Fritz, is a nice, personal look at a leader and his times. In early America, when all the men wore ruffled shirts and rode grandly on horseback, one man refused to follow suit. He was the rebel leader Sam Adams, a plainspoken gent who scorned ruffles, refused to ride a horse, and had little regard for the King.

A fun take on history from Newbery Honor-winning author, Jean Fritz! George Washington Allen, a boy who never gives up until he finds out what he wants to know, is determined to learn all there is to know about his namesake, including what the first president ate for breakfast! "The sprightly, humorous story and likable colored illustrations bring history alive and make research meaningful." --Booklist "A delightful book. The plot combines history, biography, research, cooking and a determined child."--The New York Times Book Review "Younger and reluctant readers may enjoy this, as it offers a painless way of picking up information."--School Library Journal

A true American story for young readers by the Newbery-Honor winning author! Everyone knows about Paul Revere''s midnight ride. But not everyone knows the harrowing details and narrow escapes that occurred along the way. This timeless and witty book highlights little-known facts about patriot Paul Revere.

A complex and fascinating historical figure illuminated by Newbery Honor-winning Jean Fritz. In a story that is as gripping as it is historical, Newbery Honor-winning author Jean Fritz reveals the true life of Pocahontas. Though at first permitted to move freely between the Indian and the white worlds, Pocahontas was eventually torn between her new life and the culture that shaped her. "This book dispels myths and describes with immediacy the life of a girl whose active conscience made her a pawn, exploited by her own people and the white world." —Publishers Weekly "Jean Fritz removes the romantic varnish from the legend and turns history into engrossing reality." —The New Yorker

Describes the life of the mother of our first president and her relationship with her children

Little-known facts are highlighted in this fun book about this historical figure, by Newbery Honor-winning author Jean Fritz. “The book is a most enjoyable view of history . . . The delightful illustrations exactly suit the times and the extraordinary character of John Hancock.”—The Horn Book Everyone knows that John Hancock was one of the first signers of the Declaration of Independence. But not many know that he signed his name so large to show how mad he was about how the colonists had been treated.

Today''s preeminent biographer for young people brings to life our colorful 26th president. Conservationist, hunter, family man, and politician, Teddy Roosevelt commanded the respect and admiration of many who marveled at his energy, drive and achievements. An ALA Notable Book. A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year.

A brief biography of the Irish saint who was known for his love of books and his missionary work throughout Scotland.

The Lost Colony of Roanoke is one of the most puzzling mysteries in America''s history. In 1587, 115 colonists sailed to the new world, eager to build the brand new Cittie of Raleigh, only to disappear practically without a trace. Where did they go? What could have possibly happened? Who better to collect and share the clues than Jean Fritz and Hudson Talbott? The creators of Leonardo''s Horse, an American Library Association Notable Book, again combine their masterful talents to illuminate a tragic piece of history that still fascinates Americans today.

Traces the life of the French nobleman who fought for democracy in revolutions in both the United States and France. "Informative, interesting, and immensely readable."--"School Library Journal." Illustrations.

Using her trademark humorous style, Jean Fritz tells the story of Plymouth Rock--the granite boulder upon which it was decided the Pilgrims must have set foot upon their arrival in the New World--telling how it came to be the impressive monument it is today. Copyright © Libri GmbH. All rights reserved.

Discusses the voyages of Christopher Columbus who determined to beat everyone in the race to the Indies.

The perfect chapter book biography for young fans of the Hamilton musical! Most people know that Alexander Hamilton was killed in a duel with Aaron Burr, and that his face is on the ten dollar bill. But he was much more than that! Born in the West Indies, Hamilton arrived in New York as an immigrant, an outsider. He fought in the American Revolution and became George Washington''s most valuable aide-de-camp. As one of America''s Founding Fathers, he was there for the writing of the Constitution and became the first Secretary of the Treasury. Jean Fritz''s award-winning talent for bringing history to life shines as she shares the true story of Alexander Hamilton, a man of action who was honorable, ambitious, and fiercely loyal to his adopted country.

G+D Vintage edition. Originally published 1954.

Here is a History Reader about a great man and his famous speech. Now available in Step into Reading, the premier leveled reader line. Abraham Lincoln was one busy man. He had a country to run. And a war to win. And a family to care for. But when it came time to honor all the soldiers who had died in the great battle of Gettysburg, President Lincoln still took time to say a few words. Two hundred and seventy-one to be exact. Step 4 Readers use challenging vocabulary and short paragraphs to tell exciting stories. For newly independent readers who read simple sentences with confidence.

This biography of Elizabeth Cady Stanton is as spirited as the women''s rights pioneer herself. Who says women shouldn''t speak in public? And why can''t they vote? These are questions Elizabeth Cady Stanton grew up asking herself. Her father believed that girls didn''t count as much as boys, and her own husband once got so embarrassed when she spoke at a convention that he left town. Luckily Lizzie wasn''t one to let society stop her from fighting for equality for everyone. And though she didn''t live long enough to see women get to vote, our entire country benefited from her fight for women''s rights. "Fritz imparts not just a sense of Stanton''s accomplishments but a picture of the greater society Stanton strove to change. Highly entertaining and enlightening." — Publishers Weekly (starred review) "This objective depiction of Stanton''s life and times makes readers feel invested in her struggle." — School Library Journal (starred review) "An accessible, fascinating portrait." — The Horn Book

Newbery Honor author Jean Fritz makes Patrick Henry''s history come alive! Patrick Henry wasn''t particularly well spoken. As a lawyer, he mumbled through some of his early cases. But when the issue was freedom, Patrick Henry was transformed into a natural orator. Jean Fritz makes history come alive as she chronicles the life of a man who moved a nation.