Best Selling Books by Russell Freedman

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.

A look at the life of Marco Polo.

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.

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Spotlights animals that possess noteworthy abilities or physical attributes.

Describes, in text and illustrations, the duties, clothes, equipment, and day-to-day life of the cowboys who flourished in the west from the 1860''s to the 1890''s.

The story of man''s long dream of reaching other worlds beyond his own - including the discoveries of science and classic tales of science fiction, and the intriguing relationship between the two.

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

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

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

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.

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.

Historical photographs with explanatory text present a picture of life in the American West from 1840 to the early 1900s.

Describes the events leading up to the Declaration of Independence as well as the personalities and politics behind its framing.

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