New Releases by David Rubel

!--StartFragment-- Based on Doris Kearns Goodwin's #1 New York Times Bestselling 2005 book, Team of Rivals; directed by Steven Spielberg; and featuring a star-studded cast, Lincoln is destined for greatness. The film, which will hit theaters in December 2012, examines the most turbulent period of our sixteenth president's leadership: Lincoln's efforts to pass the Thirteenth Amendment in the House of Representatives against the backdrop of the Civil War. This unique making-of book will begin by presenting a popular historical narrative that focuses on the main storyline depicted in the film. It will also build on what is covered in the film, including more extensive information about the issues and events of the time while describing important related topics that could not be accommodated or fully explored in the script. The second part of the book will focus on the filmmakers and the craft they used to bring Lincoln's story to life. Its main theme will be the effort to create authenticity and to depict Lincoln as a living, working, feeling man struggling with the most dramatic and defining issues of American history. Accompanied by onset photography and development art, the text will employ relevant quotes from the filmmakers as well as exclusive behind-the-scenes details. A rich portrait of America's maturation, this book will be a necessary addition to the collections of history buffs and film buffs alike! !--EndFragment--

Family, friendship, and the spirit of giving are at the heart of this inspiring picture book. Opening in Depression-era New York, The Carpenter's Gift tells the story of eight-year-old Henry and his out-of-work father selling Christmas trees in Manhattan. They give one of their leftover trees to construction workers building Rockefeller Center. That tree becomes the first Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, the finest Henry has seen when adorned with homemade decorations. Henry wishes on the tree for a nice, warm house to replace his family's drafty, one-room shack. Through the kindness of new friends and old neighbors, Henry's wish is granted, and he plants a pinecone to commemorate the event. As an old man, Henry repays the gift by donating to Rockefeller Center the enormous tree that has grown from that pinecone. After bringing joy to thousands as a beautiful Christmas tree, its wood will be used to build a home for a family in need. Written by children's nonfiction author David Rubel, in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity, The Carpenter's Gift features charming, full-color illustrations by Jim LaMarche.

Family, friendship, and the spirit of giving are at the heart of this inspiring picture book—now available with Read & Listen audio narration. Opening in Depression-era New York, The Carpenter's Gift tells the story of eight-year-old Henry and his out-of-work father selling Christmas trees in Manhattan. They give one of their leftover trees to construction workers building Rockefeller Center. That tree becomes the first Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, the finest Henry has seen when adorned with homemade decorations. Henry wishes on the tree for a nice, warm house to replace his family's drafty, one-room shack. Through the kindness of new friends and old neighbors, Henry's wish is granted, and he plants a pinecone to commemorate the event. As an old man, Henry repays the gift by donating to Rockefeller Center the enormous tree that has grown from that pinecone. After bringing joy to thousands as a beautiful Christmas tree, its wood will be used to build a home for a family in need. This ebook includes Read & Listen audio narration.

Class is back in session! The Bedside Baccalaureate is the ultimate miscellany series for smarties: it speaks directly to people’s desire for a better education and eagerness for a fun, no-pressure “college-like” experience. Every volume lets readers enroll in the courses they wish they had taken years ago—or studied more closely than they did. This new collection builds on the knowledge imparted in the first book, with the curriculum ranging from Origins of Human Society and Italian Renaissance Art to Schools of Buddhist Thought and Game Theory. To enhance learning, the back matter contains bibliographies with suggestions for further study. Filled with color illustrations, The Bedside Baccalaureate: Second Semester is an entertaining package for the up-and-coming intellectual.

Whether students want to know when George Washington was in office, who was presidentduring World War II, or when our newly elected president was born, the updated ScholasticEncyclopedia of the Presidents and Their Times is the book they should reach for. Thiseasy-to-use reference about the presidents also reveals the history of the United States. Eachyear from 1789 to 2009 has its own page. The latest edition of this popular title includesthe results of the 2008 presidential election, a revised index, and full-colour photos andillustrations throughout.

Presents stories of homes that Habitat for Humanity has built with and for the people who need them.

Photographs and text explore the African American struggle from 1954 to 1968, exploring the events that impacted the civil rights movement and profiling key figures from the era.

A special reinforced library binding.

Presents biographical sketches of each of the 42 presidents, focusing on personal information such as habits, courtships with the first ladies, family life, etc.

More than one hundred electronic illustrations and color photographs introduce readers to such scientific topics as dinosaurs, the human body, machines, microscopic organisms, plants, rocks, atoms, and space.

Discusses how American gained its freedom.

Follows the life, career, and music of the popular rock and roll singer, from his early years in Mississippi to his controversial death at age forty-two.