New Releases by Peter Roop

"How a beloved mentor helped young Maya Angelou rediscover the poetry of self-expression and power of her voice."--

American history comes alive for young readers in this collection of richly detailed narratives ranging from Christopher Columbus to Abraham Lincoln. These “direct and surprisingly accessible” histories, often told in the actual words of key figures from the American past, are a brilliant blend of fact and imagination (Publishers Weekly). I, Columbus: A firsthand account of Christopher Columbus’s famous voyage to the East, taken directly from his journal entries. He tells of excitement, drama, and terror on the high seas, as he and his crew weather the path to discovery. Pilgrim Voices: The pilgrims’ own writings of their voyage on the Mayflower, their first encounters with indigenous people, and their Thanksgiving celebration after surviving a difficult first winter in the New World. Off the Map: The story of Lewis and Clark’s famous 1804 expedition into the uncharted lands of America, in an accessible version drawn from the explorers’ own account. Louisiana Purchase: Biographical sketches of Lewis and Clark, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Thomas Jefferson tell the story of the United States’ expansion into a new territory and a new era. Sacagawea: Told from Sacagawea’s point of view, this historical novel shares the ordeals of her youth along with the memory of her journey west with Lewis and Clark. She shares her love of nature and explains how her loyalties have changed over time. The Declaration of Independence: Covering major events such as the Boston Massacre and Paul Revere’s midnight ride, this accessible history brings the story of the Revolutionary War to life. An Eye for an Eye: When her brother is captured at the start of the Revolutionary War, fourteen-year-old Samantha sets off to rescue him. But when she comes face-to-face with the enemy, will she still stand by her peaceful principles? Take Command, Captain Farragut!: Ten-year-old David Glasgow Farragut is the youngest midshipman ever assigned to a warship in the US Navy. Told through fictional letters that Farragut writes from prison after his capture in the War of 1812, this richly imagined story is based on real history. Ahyoka and the Talking Leaves: Ahyoka’s father is a Cherokee silversmith who dreams of a written language for his people. When he is ostracized for the “magic” he is creating, father and daughter leave home to pursue his dream on their own. Grace’s Letter to Lincoln: After seeing Abraham Lincoln on a poster, eleven-year-old Grace decides to write to him and suggest that he might win more votes in the 1860 election if he grows a beard. Much to her surprise, Lincoln answers her letter, and history is made. This “touching historic encounter” is based on true events (Scholastic).

"In Revolutionary times, spies sent secret messages in clever ways. In this true story, John Darragh, a teenaged spy from a Quaker family, carries a message to General Washington sewn inside his coat buttons..Young historians will appreciate the accompanying book''s simple but evocative watercolor illustrations and the production''s background music, including the fifes and drums of a revolutionary band. They''ll enjoy the story''s plentiful dialogue as gruff soldiers, family members, and even General Washington himself make this story vivid for young history buffs." -AudioFile

A Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People and recipient of the Florida Sunshine Award: In this absorbing chapter book, Ahyoka helps her father, Sequoyah, unlock the mystery of “talking leaves” to create the Cherokee alphabet Ahyoka is the daughter of Sequoyah, a silversmith who has given up most of his trade to focus on his true passion. He longs for the day when the Cherokee people can communicate to one another from afar and document the history of their lives. He wants his people—the Real People—to have a written language like the white men do. When he is ostracized from his community for the “magic” he is creating, he leaves his home to pursue his quest. His young daughter, who shares his dream, joins him on his journey. They work together to create a syllabic alphabet that will tell the story of the Cherokee people.

A teenage girl questions her principles after her brother is captured during the Revolutionary War Fourteen-year-old Samantha Byrd is an excellent shot—she’s even better than her brother at providing food for her family. Although the winds of war are blowing in Virginia, she knows that she could only ever use her skill for hunting—not for hurting another person. When the Revolutionary War finally begins, her brother is captured, and Samantha sets off to rescue him. But when she comes face to face with the enemy, will she still stand by her principles, or will she pull the trigger?

Can the advice of an eleven-year-old girl help get Abraham Lincoln elected president? As the election of 1860 nears, eleven-year-old Grace and her family are working hard to help Abraham Lincoln win. After seeing his image on a poster, Grace decides to write to him and suggest that growing a beard might win him more votes. Much to her surprise, Lincoln answers her letter, and she becomes a neighborhood celebrity. When the president-elect’s victory train passes through on its way to Washington, DC, Mr. Lincoln singles Grace out as the girl who gave him good advice. Based on true events, this story will charm young readers of historical fiction.

Sacagawea, the Shoshoni woman who helped guide Lewis and Clark on their famed expedition, tells her life story When Sacagawea’s son asks her about her life, she isn’t sure where to begin. Does she start with her birth as a Shoshoni? Her kidnapping by an enemy tribe at age eleven? Or her role as the famous guide for the Lewis and Clark expedition? She’s seen and experienced more in her young life than most people ever will. Told from Sacagawea’s point of view, this historical novel shares the ordeals of her youth along with the memory of her long, arduous journey west with Lewis and Clark. She shares her love of nature and explains how her loyalties have changed over time. This story of Sacagawea goes beyond the legend to reveal the flesh-and-blood woman who she really was.

A young reader’s history of the famous document that set America on the course to freedom Many kids have heard of the Declaration of Independence, but few know the story behind the people and events that helped forge it. They may know about Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, but do they know the roles that Patrick Henry and Thomas Gage played in setting fire to a revolution? This is the story of how the men and women of thirteen British colonies came to declare their independence on July 4, 1776. Covering major events such as the Boston Massacre and Paul Revere’s midnight ride, The Declaration of Independence brings the rich and exciting history of the Revolutionary War to young readers who want to know more about America’s beginnings.

The story of the ten-year-old boy who becomes captain of a ship After his mother’s death, young David Glasgow Farragut is forced to leave home to live with Captain Porter and his wife. During the War of 1812, Captain Porter is posted to the Essex, and he chooses to bring David with him to fight the British Navy. At ten years old, David is the youngest midshipman ever assigned to a warship in the US Navy. On board, Farragut must not only learn about life at sea, he must establish his authority over seamen twice his age. Farragut proves his worth as the Essex first sails the Atlantic and then travels “around the Horn” to the Pacific, where it engages in battle. After taking control of a captured ship near Valparaíso, Chile, Farragut, only twelve years old, is assigned his first position as full captain and given the captain’s sword he has coveted from the start. Told through fictional letters that Farragut wrote to his father from prison after his capture, Take Command, Captain Farragut! gives young readers an extraordinary view into the life of an adventurer who today would be a classmate.

"Up high, down low, in freezing temperatures, and in boiling hot places--animals and plants can survive in the most extreme environments!"--

Follows a baby calf gray whale and its mother on their long, four-month migration from Mexico to Alaska. Includes a brief biography of Nancy Simmons, curator of the Department of Mammology at the American Museum of Natural History.

Text and pictures present the names of families of different kinds of animals.

This clever counting book from the award-winning authors of Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie, combines rhyme with a fun exploration of Maine sea life. Children will be singing it to themselves and asking for it to be read to them again and again.

From 1777 Philadelphia, fourteen-year-old Quaker John Darragh carries a secret message, in a code created by his mother, to his older brother Charles, who is a member of George Washington''s army.

From 1777 Philadelphia, fourteen-year-old Quaker John Darragh carries a secret message, in a code created by his mother, to his older brother Charles, who is a member of George Washington''s army.

In the winter of 1856, a storm delays the lighthouse keeper''s return to an island off the coast of Maine, and his daughter Abbie must keep the lights burning by herself.

Introduces a diverse range of admirable men and women, in a fact-filled volume that includes coverage of such historic individuals as Nelson Mandela, Neil Armstrong, and Jane Goodall.

Describes many aspects of this long, narrow, southeast Asian country including its land, landmarks, homes, food, clothes, schools, sports, celebrations, and arts.

Introduces the country of Japan, land, landmarks, homes, food, clothes, work, transportation, language, school, sports, free time, celebrations, and the arts.

Describes many aspects of the third largest country in the world including its land, landmarks, homes, food, clothes, sports, schools, celebrations, and art.

What is the best way to travel through the thick Amazon Rainforest? Who were the first people living in Brazil? What language do Brazilians speak? Learn answers to these questions and more when you read ''A Visit to Brazil.'' See the famous sites. Travel over the land. Join in the celebrations. Find out what Brazilian children learn in school and what they might do when they are older. See if they play the same sports as you or wear the same kinds of clothes. Learn words in Portuguese!

Why don''t you take A Visit to India? See the famous sites, travel over the land and join in the celebrations. Find out what school life is like and what the children might do when they are older. See which sports are played in India and even learn a few words of Hindi. Book jacket.

What do you do at a souk? Why did the Egyptians build the pyramids? What is Egypt''s most famous short cut? Read this newly revised and updated book and find out! See the famous sites, travel over the land and join in the celebrations. Find out what school life is like and what the children might do when they are older. See which sports are played in Egypt and even learn a few words of Arabic.

This book will answer all kinds of questions about slavery and the path to freedom!

"Find out what makes the Midwest special--from farming communities and county fairs to life in the big city. Tour through Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota"--Publisher website.

"Head west to discover this region''s geography, history, economy, and culture. Don''t miss the states of Alaska, Hawaii, Washington, Montana, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, California, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado"--Publisher website.

"Who put that giant crack in the Liberty Bell? Would you believe it happened all by itself? Have you ever wondered who was invited to the Boston Tea Party? Well, it wasn''t really a party at all! And why do we celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks every summer? This book will answer all kinds of questions about the American Revolution!"--page [4] of cover.

Explores the role of rivers as roads in the exploration and westward expansion of America since precolonial times, discussing the histories of the Hudson, Ohio, Mississippi, Missouri, and Colorado rivers, the Rio Grande, and the Erie Canal.

Read about 14-year-old Samantha Byrd, who is an excellent hunter, providing food for her family¿s table in 1775 Virginia as she questions whether to shoot the enemy to find revenge. Includes maps and an author profile.