New Releases by Catherine Reef

Reef follows the transformation of a girl of humble origins, born to a courtesan, into a fabulously talented, wealthy, and beloved icon. Sarah Bernhardt is still considered to be one of the greatest performers of all time. Boldly unconventional, extravagantly eccentric and unapologetically promiscuous, Bernhardt-- the divine Sarah-- was the global superstar of the 1800s-- and perhaps one of the greatest performers of all time. -- adapted from jacket

A captivating biography about Queen Victoria (1819-1901), one of England''s most fascinating royals. Her long reign was filled with drama, death, intrigue, and passion, and took place during a time of great transformation, an era that bears her name--the Victorian period. Full color. 8 x 10.

An "excellent" biography of the man behind Webster''s Dictionary and the role he played in American history ( School Library Journal, starred review). Noah Webster may be best remembered for the enormous and ambitious task of writing his famous dictionary, but there was much more to his accomplishments. His goal was to streamline the language spoken in a newly formed country so it could be used as a force to bring people together and a source of national pride. Though people laughed at his ideas, Webster never doubted himself. In the end, his so-called foolish notions achieved just what he had hoped. Here, in the only biography of Noah Webster written for teen readers, we journey through Webster''s remarkable life, from boyhood on a Connecticut farm, through the fight for American independence to his days as a writer and political activist who greatly influenced our founding fathers and the direction of the young United States. "Capably weaves Webster''s biography into the history of America''s early years." —Booklist "Impeccably researched . . . Provides readers with a glimpse at historical figures such as Thomas Paine, George Washington, James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin." — School Library Journal (starred review)

An exploration of the lives of the Bronte sisters and the time in which they lived.

Presents an overview of the history of American labor using excerpts from primary source documents, short biographies of influential people, and more.

Explores the tumultuous lives, marriage, and work of Mexican artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.

A young adult biography of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda

"An excellent ''starter biography,'' clearly written, peppered with period images, movie stills and great tidbits of historical facts . . . engaging."—Austenprose Jane Austen''s popularity never seems to fade. She has hordes of devoted fans, and there have been numerous adaptations of her life and work. But who was Jane Austen? The writer herself has long remained a mystery. And despite the resonance her work continues to have for teens, there has never been a young adult trade biography on Austen. Catherine Reef changes that with this highly readable account. She takes an intimate peek at Austen''s life and innermost feelings, interweaving her narrative with well-crafted digests of each of Austen''s published novels. The end result is a book that is almost as much fun to read as Jane''s own work—and truly a life revealed. Includes bibliography and index. "Along with extensive details of Austen''s family . . . Reef deftly sets the biographical facts onto a larger cultural and historical canvas that will give readers a much deeper understanding of Austen''s novels, and well-chosen images, from period paintings and photos to contemporary film stills, add even more context."— Booklist (starred review) "Perhaps this work will lead readers to Jane Austen and imaginatively apply the facts of the author''s life to the novels—or vice-versa."— Kirkus Reviews

Examines the progress and development of education throughout U.S. history, from the changing theories of education and the differences between urban and rural education to the movements of progressivism and traditionalism to standardized testing.

Presents short biographies on the military accomplishments of several African American military leaders.

An introduction to the life and work of one of the most significant and notorious American writers of the 20th century. Ernest Hemingway''s literary status alone makes him worthy of a biography. In addition, his life reads like a suspense story--it''s full of action, romance, heartbreak, machismo, mishaps, celebrity, and tragedy. He had first-hand experience of several historic events of the last century, and he rubbed elbows with many other notable writers and intellectual greats of our time. Though his reputation has weathered ups and downs, his status as an American icon remains untouchable. Here, in the only biography available to young people, Catherine Reef introduces readers to Hemingway''s work, with a focus on his themes and writing styles and his place in the history of American fiction, and examines writers who influenced him and those he later influenced.

Presents an overview of the history of poverty in America and includes excerpts from primary source documents, short biographies of influential people, and more.

"A look into the life and poetry of E.E. Cummings."--From source other than the Library of Congress

From the almshouses of the 1800s to the foster home programs of the present, find out about our country''s evolving attitudes toward its neediest children.

Explores the history of the colony, later the independent nation of Liberia, which was established on the west coast of Africa in 1822 as a haven for free African-Americans.

Chronicles the life of A. Philip Randolph, an important figure in the African-American civil rights movement.

Describes the past and present, neighborhoods, historic sites, attractions, and festivals of Washington, D.C.

An introduction to the life and most significant works of American author John Steinbeck.

Walt Whitman lived in 19th century America; his poems and life reflect the changes which occured in that era.

Recounts the life of the Baptist minister and civil rights leader who helped organize the Montgomery bus boycott and found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference

Provides a detailed history of the planning and construction of the national monument honoring Abraham Lincoln.

Discusses stress and how to manage it.

Describes good nutrition and its benefits and suggests ways for young people to improve their diet and control their weight.

Recounts the deeds of the 9th and 10th Cavalry, comprised of African American soldiers who kept peace between Indians and settlers on the western frontier, fought in the Spanish-American War, and pursued the outlaw Pancho Villa through Mexico.

Examines the life of Benjamin Davis, Jr., the first black man to graduate from West Point in the twentieth century, who pursued his chosen course of a military career despite the prejudice against him.

Colin Powell is part of a proud tradition of African-American service in the U.S. military. For Colin Powell, the meaning of success is doing a good job for one''s country. This is a story of tough challenges and hard work-this is a story of success.