Best Selling Books by Dennis Brindell Fradin

Profiles each of the fifty-six men who signed the Declaration of Independence, giving historical information about the colonies they represented. Includes the text of the Declaration and its history.

Ben Franklin was the scientist who, with the help of a kite, discovered that lightning is electricity. He was also a statesman, an inventor, a printer, and an author-a man of such amazingly varied talents that some people claimed he had magical powers! Full of all the details kids will want to know, the true story of Benjamin Franklin is by turns sad and funny, but always honest and awe-inspiring.

Describes the geography, plants and animals, history, economy, language, culture and people of the state of Maryland

Told in a step-by-step account of the 24 hours leading up to the battles that sparked the American revolution, this picture book is sure to both inform and entertain. On April 18th at 9:30 p.m. Paul Revere learned that the British Army was marching toward Lexington and Concord to arrest rebel leaders. At 5:20 the next morning, a shot rang out and the American Revolution had begun. In less than 24 hours a rebellious colony would be changed forever.

A companion volume to The Signers looks at how the delegates from twelve of the thirteen colonies met in Philadelphia in the summer of 1787 to create, debate, and eventually sign the United States Constitution.

The true story behind the acclaimed movie 12 Years a Slave, this book is based on the life of Solomon Northup, a free black man from New York who was captured in the United States and sold into slavery in Louisiana. Solomon Northup awoke in the middle of the night with his body trembling. Slowly, he realized that he was handcuffed in a dark room and his feet were chained to the floor. He managed to slip his hand into his pocket to look for his free papers that proved he was one of 400,000 free blacks in a nation where 2.5 million other African Americans were slaves. They were gone. This remarkable story follows Northup through his 12 years of bondage as a man kidnapped into slavery, enduring the hardships of slave life in Louisiana. But the tale also has a remarkable ending. Northup is rescued from his master''s cotton plantation in the deep South by friends in New York. This is a compelling tale that looks into a little known slice of history, sure to rivet young readers and adults alike. National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources. Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.

This glorious panorama of America''s past and present helps young readers understand how the development of each state fits into the grand mosaic of America''s history ... what each state looks like physically ... who its most memorable persons have been ... its landmarks, historic sites, and natural wonders. Graphic delights greet the eye with every turn of a page -- historic engravings and woodcuts, easy-to-read maps, and superb full-color photographs. Each book also includes a Did You Know? section of fascinating, and often unusual, facts about the state. While each book can be read straight through as a fascinating story, they also contain a wealth of useful reference material, organized for easy access. Includes a reference section, maps, glossary, and an index.

Did you know that John Adams had to coax Thomas Jefferson into writing the Declaration of Independence? It''s true. The shy Virginia statesman refused at first, but then went on to author one of our nation''s most important and inspiring documents. The third U.S. president, Jefferson was also an architect, inventor, musician, farmer, and-what is certainly the most troubling aspect of his life-a slave owner. Finally, here''s a biography for kids that unveils the many facets of this founding father''s remarkable and complicated life.

When John Price took a chance at freedom by crossing the frozen Ohio river from Kentucky into Ohio one January night in 1856, the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 was fully enforced in every state of the union. But the townspeople of Oberlin, Ohio, believed there that all people deserved to be free, so Price started a new life in town-until a crew of slave-catchers arrived and apprehended him. When the residents of Oberlin heard of his capture, many of them banded together to demand his release in a dramatic showdown that risked their own freedom. Paired for the first time, highly acclaimed authors Dennis & Judith Fradin and Pura Belpré award-winning illustrator Eric Velasquez, provide readers with an inspiring tale of how one man''s journey to freedom helped spark an abolitionist movement.

Describes how the famous document came to be written and why it was important.

Provides comprehensive information on the history leading up to the Irish potato famine, presents accounts of narrow escapes, and discusses the legacy of the event.

A history and description of the Mountain State.

A brief history of the Keystone State with a description of its countryside and major cities.

Sacagawea was only sixteen when she made one of the most remarkable journeys in American history, traveling 4500 miles by foot, canoe, and horse-all while carrying a baby on her back! Without her, the Lewis and Clark expedition might have failed. Through this engaging book, kids will understand the reasons that today, 200 years later, she is still remembered and immortalized on a golden dollar coin.

Describes the history behind Hanukkah and the various ways it is celebrated.

This glorious panorama of America''s past and present helps young readers understand how the development of each state fits into the grand mosaic of America''s history ... what each state looks like physically ... who its most memorable persons have been ... its landmarks, historic sites, and natural wonders. Graphic delights greet the eye with every turn of a page -- historic engravings and woodcuts, easy-to-read maps, and superb full-color photographs. Each book also includes a Did You Know? section of fascinating, and often unusual, facts about the state. While each book can be read straight through as a fascinating story, they also contain a wealth of useful reference material, organized for easy access. Includes a reference section, maps, glossary, and an index.

Presents a brief history and description of the Gem State.

A clear and concise description of Hurricane Katrina, one of the most critical moments in American history.

An overview of the Volunteer State, introducing its history, geography, industries, sites of interest, and famous people.