Best Selling Books by James Cross Giblin

Traces Hitler''s life from his childhood in Austria to his final days in Berlin, exploring how his promises of prosperity and power along with anti-Semitic rhetoric allowed him to lead the nation of Germany into World War II.

Compassionate and arresting, this exploration of three major diseases that have changed the course of history—the bubonic plague, smallpox, and AIDS—chronicles their fearsome death toll, their lasting social, economic, and political implications, and how medical knowledge and treatments have advanced as a result of the crises they have occasioned. "A book that would serve well for reports, but it is also a fascinating read."—SLJ. Best Books of 1995 (SLJ) Notable Children''s Trade Books in Social Studies 1996 (NCSS/CBC) 1995 Young Adult Editors’ Choices (BL) 1995 Top of the List Non Fiction (BL) 1996 Best Books for Young Adults (ALA) Notable Children’s Books of 1996 (ALA)

Presents a selection of short fiction written by students in grades four through twelve followed by Bauer''s comments on each, detailing what works well and making suggestions for improvements.

"Until the Rosetta Stone was finally translated and the decoding of hieroglyphic writing made possible, much of Egyptian history was lost. The author has done a masterful job of distilling information, citing the highlights, and fitting it all together in an interesting and enlightening look at a puzzling subject." —H. "The social and intellectual history here are fascinating. A handsome, inspiring book." —K. Notable Children''s Books of 1991 (ALA) Notable 1990 Children''s Trade Books in Social Studies (NCSS/CBC) Children''s Books of 1990 (Library of Congress) 100 Books for Reading and Sharing (NY Public Library) Parenting Honorable Mention, Reading Magic Award

“Out of sight, out of mind.” That’s what Tallahassee Higgins’s mother, Liz, always says about her ex-boyfriends. But now that Tallahassee has been sent to live with her aunt and uncle in Maryland so Liz can start a movie career in California, the words are taking on new meaning. Aunt Thelma says that Liz is gone for good, but Talley is sure her mother will come for her. So who cares if mean Aunt Thelma hates her, if she’s failing sixth grade, or if the kids at school think she’s a liar? It’s not like she’s staying in Maryland forever. Unless Aunt Thelma is right and Liz isn’t coming back.

Traces the history and folklore of the chimney-sweeping profession from the fifteenth century to the present day, emphasizing the plight of the often abused climbing boys of past centuries.

During a malaria epidemic in late eighteenth-century Cleveland, Ohio, ten-year-old Seth Doan surprises his family, his neighbors, and himself by having the strength to carry and grind enough corn to feed everyone.

A biography of the pilot whose life was full of controversy and tragedy, but also fulfilling achievements.

Traces the history of the centuries-long effort of philanthropists, scientists, and consumers to make milk a reliably pure and safe product.

A biography of the 18th-century printer, inventor, and statesman who played an influential role in the early history of the United States. Full-color illustrations.

On April 14, 1865, five days after the end of the Civil War, John Wilkes Booth fired a single shot and changed the course of American history. His infamous deed cost him his life and brought notoriety and shame to his family-particularly his elder brother, the renowned actor Edwin Booth. From that day forward, Edwin would be known as "the brother of the man who killed President Lincoln." In many ways, the Booth brothers were two of a kind. They were among America''s finest actors, having inherited from their father, Junius Brutus Booth, a commanding stage presence and a rich, expressive voice. They also inherited Junius''s penchant for alcohol and impulsive behavior. In other respects, the two brothers were very different. Edwin''s introspective nature made him the perfect actor to play Hamlet, while John, with his dashing good looks and passionate intensity, excelled in romantic roles. They also stood at opposite poles politically. Edwin voted for Abraham Lincoln; John was an ardent advocate of the Confederacy. Award-winning author James Cross Giblin draws on first-hand accounts of family members, friends, and colleagues to create a vivid image of John Wilkes, the loving son and brother who became an assassin. Equally clear is the picture of Edwin, who battled his own weaknesses and emerged a pivotal figure in the development of the American theater. Comprehensive and compelling, this dual portrait illuminates a dark and tragic moment in the nation''s history and explores the complex legacy of two leading men-one revered, the other abhorred. Book jacket.

Who was the real Joe McCarthy? Was he an American hero who alerted the country to the threat of Communist subversion or a demagogue who played cynically on the nation''s fears?

Traces the social history behind America''s celebration of Independence Day and explains the background of such national symbols as the flag, the bald eagle, the Liberty Bell, and Uncle Sam.

Surveys the development of windows from prehistory to the modern era.

Explains how historical facts, religious mythology, folklore, tradition, and commercial promotion have combined to give us the modern figure of Santa Claus.

Each of Katy Bear''s animal friends wears a different color to Katy''s birthday party.

Chronicles the history, technological development, and social significance of chairs, in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the United States, from prehistory to the present.

A history of the eating utensils and table manners of various cultures from the Stone Age to the present day.

A biography of the First Lady who gave vital support to her husband, President Woodrow Wilson, and to the nation during and after World War I.

Jason is stuck with the most boring subject for a research paper— Alexander Fleming, the scientist who invented penicillin. Then he comes across the story about how Fleming rescued Winston Churchill from drowning. But the story circulating on the Internet might not be true. Jason must learn everything he can about Fleming and Churchill in order to solve this puzzle. Readers will learn various research tips, including how to tell fact from fiction on the Internet.

"Ranging from ancient Greece and China to medieval Europe, and from Hindu myth and the Bible to contemporary greeting cards, Giblin traces the history of the belief about the fabulous unicorn and its enduring hold on the human imagination. His perspective is multicultural, his research scholarly, and his style casual and open with vivid examples in story and pictures."—BL. Notable Children''s Books of 1991 (ALA) Best Books of 1991 (SLJ) 100 Books for Reading and Sharing (NY Public Library) Children''s Books of 1991 (Library of Congress)

Four-year-old Susie wants to take her dad to all his favorite places on Father''s Day.

Paul Revere is commonly remembered as the legendary hero of Longfellow''s poem about his midnight ride. In this bright, informative biography, Giblin follows Paul Revere from his humble beginnings as a French immigrant''s son, to his work as a silversmith and a rider for America''s mounting insurgency against England. With precise, accessible prose, and stirring images of the period, Giblin chronicles Revere''s many daring rides and his far-flung professional accomplishments. Along the way, he portrays a brave, compassionate, and multitalented American patriot. Illustrated with black-and-white archival photos and lithographs.

Discusses the many different types of scarecrows farmers in various parts of the world have used over the past 3000 years to protect their crops.

Provides a clear, step-by step map for achieving sucess in each of the three major book-writing fields for children--fiction, nonfiction, and picture books.

When giant bones are found on a farm in New York State in 1801, no one knows what sort of creature they came from. Are they the fossilized bones of an elephant or of a mammoth, the huge animal that has recently been unearthed in northern Russia? Or do they come from a different animal entirely? There''s only one way to find out--dig up and assemble a complete skeleton of the creature. And Charles Willson Peale is just the man to take on the job. At the age of sixty, Peale has already made his mark as a portrait painter and scientist, as well as the founder of the first natural history museum in the United States. If he can put on display a skeleton of the mysterious creature, people will flock in even greater numbers to his Philadelphia museum. The skeleton may also help to prove a controversial new theory: that some animals that once roamed the Earth have become extinct. As he searches for more bones, Peale must dig at several different sites. He is confronted by flooding, threats of cave-ins, and oppressive heat but persists in his quest. What he eventually finds confirms the existence of a previously unknown animal -- the mastodon It also provides solid evidence not only that some animals have become extinct, but also that the Earth is far older than anyone ever imagined. Based on Charles Willson Peale''s own diaries and journals, The Mystery of the Mammoth Bones is a gripping scientific thriller. Notable Children''s Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies 2000, National Council for SS & Child. Book Council

Discusses skyscrapers, from the first one constructed in Chicago in 1884 to those of today, and points out the problems skyscrapers have helped solve and create.

This expanded guidebook by a widely published children''s book author and editor explores all aspects of writing fiction and nonfiction for children, from picture books to young-adult novels. A postscript by the author answers questions on today''s juvenile market.