Best Selling Books by Jennifer Armstrong

The extraordinary true story behind Ernest Shackleton''s harrowing expedition to Antarctica on the Endurance—the ill-fated ship that became trapped in ice and sank to the ocean floor. Defying the odds, the crew made it back alive, bringing with them the astounding collection of photographs included in this critically acclaimed, timeless book. In August 1914, Ernest Shackleton and his crew sailed from England on the Endurance in an attempt to become the first team of explorers to cross Antarctica from one side to the other. Five months later and still 100 miles from land, their ship, Endurance, became trapped in ice. Defying the odds, the expedition survived another five months camping on ice floes, followed by a perilous journey through stormy seas to remote and unvisited Elephant Island. In a dramatic climax to this amazing survival story, Shackleton and five others navigated 800 miles of treacherous open ocean in a 20-foot boat to fetch a rescue ship. Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World vividly re-creates one of the most fascinating adventure stories in history. Award-winning author Jennifer Armstrong recounts one of the most extraordinary adventure stories in history with vigor, an eye for detail, and an appreciation of the marvelous leadership of Shackleton, who brought home every single one of his men alive.

When Laura meets a Yale University student she is introduced to the adventures and freedoms the new twentieth century will offer, a stark contrast to the traditional ways her parents follow.

As bullets ring and bombs are dropped, children watch—mostly from the sidelines, but occasionally in the direct line of fire. Unaware of the political issues or power struggles behind the battle, all they know are the human, emotional consequences of this thing called war. This collection examines all of war’s implications for young people—from those caught in the line of fire to the children of the veterans of wars long past. Critically acclaimed author Jennifer Armstrong brings together 12 powerful voices in young people''s literature to explore the realities of war from a child''s perspective. The settings vary widely—the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, an attempted coup in Venezuela, the American Civil War, crisis in the Middle East—but the effects are largely the same. In war, no life is ever left untouched. In war, lives are shattered.

From the New York Times–bestselling author of Seinfeldia, a behind-the-scenes history of Walt Disney''s classic television show. Full of nostalgia, this book gives you the never before told story of how The Mickey Mouse Club paved the way for all that came after, from its humble beginnings as a marketing ploy, through its short but mesmerizing run, to the numerous resurrections that made it one of television''s first true cult hits—all through the recollections of those regular kids-turned-stars who made it a phenomenon. It will reveal, for the first time ever, the stories of Annette, Darlene (and her famous rivalry with Annette), Cubby and Karen, Bobby and the rest of the beloved cast. It will explore, through the reminiscences of former fans who grew up to be some of television''s finest minds, what made the show so special. Finally, it will examine why the formula the creators of the show invented is more relevant than ever, and whether we''ll ever see yet another Club for a new generation. Take a trip down memory lane with the original Mickey Mouse Club cast and creators, through drama and unexpected fame, to see how a television institution came into being. "Armstrong tracks down most of the original Mouseketeers, and some also-rans, who share with us a behind-the-scenes look as to what it was really like to go from ordinary to idolized in a matter of weeks." — The Florida Times-Union "[An] oral history of the TV show that helped shape the Baby Boomers . . . a captivating cautionary tale." — Booklist

In 1855 two thirteen-year-old girls, one white and one black, run away from a southern farm and make the difficult journey north to freedom, living to recount their story forty-one years later to two similar young girls.

Fresh life is possible, but first the fighting of the father-daughter war. Colonalism, war and regeneration: there may be no more extreme loss than loss of country, identity, historical context and cultural recognition and support. Also the sense of tension is high when blood has been spilt for a cause. In that case, the nervous system is already shattered. What can possibly remain for it but some kind of transcendent or mystical regeneration? A father and daughter cross swords, but which is which and who has righteousness and justice on their side? Traditional colonialism has had to die but what will be reborn in its place? Death brings regeneration. But war and loss are eternal. I may never write again, but I have brought you this. Here is the legacy of the death of previous generations that supported what they thought was right, which turned out not to be.

Get the behind-the-scenes scoop on President Lincoln’s most famous speech, still resonant 150 years later. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln gave one of the most important speeches in the history of the United States—the Gettysburg Address. It wasn’t even much a speech, really. Just a few remarks. Not meant to be remembered. Yet 150 years later, those few remarks have been remembered. How come? What was the true meaning behind them? Where did they come from? Why is it so important that we never forget what President Lincoln said on that cold November day? Originally published as A Three-Minute Speech, this concise, illustrated exploration of a momentous historical event is both fascinating and easy to read.

Jennifer Armstrong’s two masterful novels about Mary Mehan are now together in one volume. Set against the pivotal events of the American Civil War, The Dreams of Mairhe Mehan depicts an Irish immigrant girl and her family, struggling to find their place in a country at war with itself. In a starred review, Kirkus Reviews said, “Armstrong mixes vision and reality with breathtaking virtuosity, salting Mairhe’s narrative with poetic turns of phrase, snatches of song, story, and history.” Mary Mehan Awake takes up Mary’s story after the war when, much like the broken country, Mary must begin a journey of emotional and physical renewal. Of this book, The Horn Book Magazine said, “The story unfolds effortlessly and richly. It’s The Secret Garden for an older audience, with friendship and nature gratifyingly providing healing and wholeness.” This new Readers’ Circle edition includes an interview with the author discussing her ideas about how history is remembered and recorded, and the obligations and opportunities of the historical novelist.

Four score and seven years ago ... So begins one of the most important speeches in the history of the United States--Abraham Lincoln''s Gettysburg Address.

This compelling collection of stories explores the powerful impact that music has in our lives—especially in the lives of teens. Each story strikes a new note: Ron Koertge introduces us to the boys in the band—the marching band; Joseph Bruchac contributes a Native American boy with no rhythm whatsoever; Jennifer Armstrong writes about what was perhaps the first battle of the bands—during the American Civl War; and David Levithan offers up a love song that speaks powerfully to an unintended audience. But while each story is different, they combine into a harmonic song of praise—for the depths music can reach in us, and the power it has to bind us together.

Magnus lives and works at the Broadway Firehouse. He knows that when the fire alarm clangs, he and his partners, Billy and Sparks, are supposed to spring into action. Without them the firemen would never be able to move the gigantic steam pumper. And without a pumper the crew wouldn''t be able to put out fires. Then one day the captain drives into the firehouse on a loud, newfangled contraption called a motorized fire truck. It doesn''t need horses to pull it to a fire. So just like that, Magnus, Sparks, and Billy are out of a job. A little history, a little humor, and a whole lot of heart are artfully blended in this rousing tale of one high-spirited horse who can''t accept being put out to pasture. And thank goodness! Because it''s this steadfast sense of duty that ultimately saves the day.

Jailed by an evil foe, a king receives invaluable help from a crow that regularly brings him the latest news.

The continent has been divided in two for nearly a century; one side a snow covered world of magic, rules, and dictatorship, the other a warm, adventure filled place of wonder. This is at least how Ezivan Lentaris, the daughter of the dictating sorcerer, sees it. In search of adventure she runs from her father to the other side of the continent, taking up a new identity, making new friends, and indeed, finding more adventure that many would see in a lifetime. However, breaking away from her father''s tight grip and the control of her past is a little harder then she may have originally suspected.

Like Tom, the hyena could be seen, soon lapping up the traces of the morning''s spoils, ingesting the sweet carrion through its lulling glands, along the track it follows. Tom absorbed the air of the explorers -- Sucked it down, ingested it. Until he was but a fractured remnant of the Western world -- Still part Africa, not yet civil, holy. He had no real home, not any more, yet he followed a dream, that will of an apparition; dream of a man with a raised and pointed spear. ""That other life is not for you, Tom. "" ""Here you might breathe. . . ."" the warm alcohol releases fears and dreams. "" . . .If you must breathe at all"" . . .

Irreverant poems on history, Rhodesia, Zimbabwe, nationalist psychology and the past.