Books by Russell Freedman

Discusses what life was like for children and their families during the harsh times of the Depression, from 1929 to the beginning of World War II.

Recounts how the aristocratic Frenchman, who disdained court life and craved battlefield glory, came to the aid of the Continental Army and ended up one of George Washington's closest associates and friends. Spans from Lafayette's mostly fatherless childhood and military career to his exile for his part in the French Revolution and his final, vindicated days.

The tangled relationships and alliances of many nations, the introduction of modern weaponry, and top-level military decisions that resulted in thousands upon thousands of casualties all contributed to the "great war," which people hoped and believed would be the only conflict of its kind. In this clear and authoritative account, the author shows the ways in which the seeds of a second world war were sown in the first. --from publisher description

Starvation, hypothermia, and the loss of all hope-- at Valley Forge, George Washington and his troops faced seemingly insurmountable obstacles. In overcoming them, they became legends. In this comprehensive volume, Newbery Award-winning author Russell Freedman applies his renowned storytelling skills to examine a pivotal moment in the Revolutionary War-- one in which the nation's future leader would be greatly tested. Camped twenty miles outside of Philadelphia at Valley Forge in the winter of 1777-78, Washington's ragtag army was at its most vulnerable; but when the harsh winter ended, the soldiers had survived, and marched away from Valley Forge more determined than ever. The British were defeated in 1783, and Washington, for the rest of his life, said that the credit for the American victory belonged to the soldiers who had braved the horrific conditions at Valley Forge. A perfect complement to any lesson on the Revolutionary War, Washington at Valley Forge makes this historical moment feel immediate and all too real. A must-have for history buffs, students, and anyone interested in America's past. Impeccably sourced with gorgeous reproductions of engravings, paintings, and more, this NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor Book is now appearing in paperback for the first time. "Another stunning work from the nonfiction virtuoso," says School Library Journal.

A riveting account of the civil rights boycott that changed history by the foremost author of history for young people. Now a classic, Freedman’s book tells the dramatic stories of the heroes who stood up against segregation and Jim Crow laws in 1950s Alabama. Full of eyewitness reports, iconic photographs from the era, and crucial primary sources, this work brings history to life for modern readers. This engaging look at one of the best-known events of the American Civil Rights Movement feels immediate and relevant, reminding readers that the Boycott is not distant history, but one step in a fight for equality that continues today. Freedman focuses not only on well-known figures like Claudette Colvin, Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King Jr., but on the numerous people who contributed by organizing carpools, joining protests, supporting legal defense efforts, and more. He showcases an often-overlooked side of activism and protest--the importance of cooperation and engagement, and the ways in which ordinary people can stand up for their beliefs and bring about meaningful change in the world around them. Freedom Walkers has long been a library and classroom staple, but as interest in the history of protest and the Civil Rights Movement grows, it’s a perfect introduction for anyone looking to learn more about the past--and an inspiration to take action and shape the future. A map, source notes, full bibliography, and other backmatter is included. Winner of the Flora Stieglitz Straus Award Winner of the NCSS Carter G. Woodson Award Cybils Nonfiction Award Winner, MG/YA Jane Addams Award Honor Book NCTE Orbis Pictus Award Honor Book Five Starred Reviews A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

The life of Marian Anderson and her 1936 concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

Introduces the Mexican ranch hands who developed the necessary skills for herding cattle and who instructed the inexperienced cowboys of the American West in their ways.

A photobiography of the first wife of a president to have a public life and career of her own.

Follows the lives of the Wright brothers and describes how they developed the first airplane.

A description of the boyhood, marriage, and young professional life of Abraham Lincoln includes his presidential years and also reflects on the latest scholarly thoughts about our Civil War president.