New Releases by Russell Freedman

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 comprehensive overview of one of the most controversial wars in America''s history written by masterful children''s historian and Newbery Medalist Russell Freedman. With prose that is clear, concise, and enthralling, Russell Freedman presents a detailed overview of the Vietnam war. Beginning with the rise of communism in Vietnam and detailing the increase of American involvement, Freedman then explains why, twenty years later, an exit was so difficult. In addition to explaining the complex beginnings of the conflict through the catastrophic damage the war caused, Freedman concludes with a hopeful epilogue on modern Vietnam. This is a definitive resource for young history readers as well as anyone who wants a concise and authoritative understanding of the Vietnam War, exploring both the American and Vietnamese perspectives. Freedman chronicles the history leading up to the war and the unfolding events in Vietnam and in the US as increasing numbers of young men were sent into the jungles to fight. Coverage includes the French war in Vietnam, the rise of Ho Chi Minh, the fall of President Diem, the Tonkin Gulf, the Tet Offensive, the My Lai massacre, the bombing of Cambodia, and the fall of Saigon, as well as the US anti-war movement. The book includes nearly 100 historic photographs and illustrations, as well as candid photographs showcasing the state of Vietnam today. A glossary, source notes, bibliography and index are included. A Junior Library Guild Selection

From Newbery award winner Russell Freedman comes an account of "the other Ellis Island"-Angel Island, California, the entry point for one million Asian immigrants in the early 20th century.

Nonfiction master Russell Freedman illuminates for young readers the complex and rarely discussed subject of World War I. 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 Newbery Medal-winning author shows the ways in which the seeds of a second world war were sown in the first. Numerous archival photographs give the often disturbing subject matter a moving visual counterpart. Includes source notes, a bibliography, and an index.

A thorough and impassioned account of the Selma to Montgomery march for voting rights from Newbery Medalist Russell Freedman. 1965. Selma, Alabama. The Edmund Pettus Bridge. This is the story of Bloody Sunday and the moments leading up to and after this fateful day in the fight for African American voting rights. Across the segregated South, African Americans were denied the most fundamental right in a democracy—the right to vote. Tired of reprisals for attempting to register to vote, Selma''s Black community began to protest. A march was planned for people, young and old, to march from Selma to Montgomery for voting rights. But the march quickly became the site of horrific struggle as law officers brutally attacked peaceful demonstrators. When vivid footage and photographs of the violence was broadcast throughout the world, it attracted outrage and spurred demonstrators to complete the march at any cost. Newbery Medalist Russell Freedman has written a riveting account of this monumental event in the fight for civil rights. Illustrated with more than forty archival photographs, this is an essential chronicle of events every young person should know. ALA Notable Children''s Book California Reading Association, Eureka! Nonfiction Children''s Honor Book ILA Teachers'' Choices A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year A Booklist Editors'' Choice A Bank Street Best Book of the Year A Center for the Study of Multicultural Children''s Literature Best Book NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Paterson Prize for Books for Young People Honor Book A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

A clear-sighted, carefully researched account of two surprisingly parallel lives and how they intersected at a critical moment in U.S. history.

"For a long time, most people believed that Christopher Columbus was the first explorer to ''discover'' America--the first to make a successful round-trip voyage across the Atlantic. But in recent years, as new evidence has come to light, our understanding of history has changed. We know now that Columbus was among the last explorers to reach the Americas, not the first"-- Book jacket.

A look at the life of Marco Polo.

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.

This collection of golden rule Confucius sayings pulls together the wise man''s thoughts on education, government, nobility and equality. Full color. Copyright © Libri GmbH. All rights reserved.

In this rousing account of the first true cowboys, Newbery Medalist Russell Freedman brings to life the days when the vaqueros rounded up cattle, brought down steers, and tamed wild broncos. In the service of wealthy Spanish conquistadors in the sixteenth century, Mexican ranch hands began herd- ing cattle, often riding barefoot. They soon developed and perfected the skills for this dangerous work and became expert horsemen. Hundred of years later the vaqueros shared their expertise with the inexperienced cowboys of the American West, who adopted their techniques and their distinctive clothing, tools, and even lingo. Yet today it is the cowboy whom we remember, while the vaquero has all but disappeared from history. The vaqueros are at last given their due in this dramatic narrative, lushly illustrated with beautiful period paintings and drawings.

The story of an independent publisher of children''s books.

A biography of the 19th century Frenchman who developed Braille. The book spans Braille''s life from childhood through his days at the Royal Institute for Blind Youth and into his final years, when the alphabet he invented was finally gaining acceptance.

A photo-biography of the American dancer, teacher, and choreographer who was born in Pittsburgh in 1895 and who became a leading figure in the world of modern dance.

America meant "freedom" to the immigrants of the early 1900s—but a freedom very different from what they expected. Cities were crowded and jobs were scare. Children had to work selling newspapers, delivering goods, and laboring sweatshops. In this touching book, Newberry Medalist Russell Freedman offers a rare glimpse of what it meant to be a young newcomer to America.

Relates the experiences of a German prince, his servant, and a young Swiss artist as they traveled through the Missouri River Valley in 1833 learning about the territory and its inhabitants and recording their impressions in words and pictures.

Publisher Description

"The author of a splendid, Newbery Award-winning Lincoln (1987) uses a similar approach to another monumental figure. The result is a carefully researched biography, extended by a wealth of well-chosen b&w photos presented with clarity and precision . . . easily the best biography of its subject available at this level".--Kirkus Reviews, pointer review. 125 archival photos and prints. NCTE Orbis Pictus Award; ALA Notable Children''s Book; YASD Best Book for Young Adults; Booklist Editors'' Choice; Notable Children''s Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies; IRA Teachers'' Choice; School Library Journal Best Book of the Year; Booklist Editors'' Choice.

Photographs and text trace the life of the Civil War President.

A physical description of sharks and a discussion of their methods of hunting, details of birth, and their usefulness to humans.

Describes the characteristics, habits, and behavior of the rattlesnake, a type of pit viper found only in the Americas, but especially in the United States and Mexico.

Spotlights animals that possess noteworthy abilities or physical attributes.

Discusses defense tactics used by young animals and their parents including different types of shelters, signals, camouflage, and bluffs.

Discusses the history of brain research in the areas of memory, senses, thinking, behavior and sleep.

Describes scientific investigations of innate behavior patterns to determine why animals respond as they do.

Discusses the difference between animal instinct and learning and describes the various methods by which the intelligence of different animals is studied.

The history of Scouting and the exciting biography of the founder of the Boy Scout movement are told in a fast-moving story.

Describes the life of the dramatist and author who, in the 19th century, wrote of jet planes, submarines, trips to the moon, and solar energy.