Julia McDonnell

The U. S. Virgin Islands is a territory made up of three large islands and nearly 50 islets. Its tropical climate and beautiful beaches attract people from all over the world. Since Columbus landed on one of the islands in 1493, the area has had a stormy history. The islands were controlled by several European countries until Denmark made them colonies in the 1700s. These Danish colonies dominated the sugarcane industry and were a major part of the slave trade before slavery was abolished. The region became an unincorporated territory of the United States in 1917. Fascinating facts and colorful, scenic photographs will introduce readers to the U. S. Virgin Islands, past and present.

When the framers of the Constitution were creating a new government, representation was an issue near and dear to their patriotic hearts. After all, "No Taxation Without Representation" was a reason they'd just fought with Britain. They decided on a legislative branch with two houses, each with its own powers and limitations. Why did they choose this system? Which famous figures battled over this bicameral vision? Over 200 years later, how has it changed, and does it still fulfill their expectations? Historical data, fun facts, and quotes from important Americans teach students about the law-making branch of government.

Laws affect almost every part of our daily lives, so students should understand both why we have them and how they come to be. From introduction as a bill to reaching the president's desk in the oval office, the process is outlined step-by-step in this excellent volume. Key players in the process are highlighted along with landmark laws, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Full-color photographs, and quotes from famous Americans further enhance the informative narrative. Obscure terms like filibuster and cloture come to light as readers learn about the importance of the legislative system.

The U. S. Constitution is an essential part of governing the country. Its articles outline rules, laws, and procedures for our government. With this essential book, readers will learn about the intricacies of Article I and the inner workings of Congress. Through easy-to-understand language, vivid photographs, and interesting facts, readers discover how each part of Congress is elected, their responsibilities and limits, and their obligation to ensure that the U. S. government functions ethically and in the best interest of Americans.

The U. S. Constitution is an essential part of governing the country. Its articles outline rules, laws, and procedures for our government. With this essential book, readers will learn about the intricacies of Article I and the inner workings of Congress. Through easy-to-understand language, vivid photographs, and interesting facts, readers discover how each part of Congress is elected, their responsibilities and limits, and their obligation to ensure that the U. S. government functions ethically and in the best interest of Americans.

Are you excited about planning your next trip? Do you want to try something new? Would you like some guidance from a local? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this Greater Than a Tourist book is for you. Greater Than a Tourist - Scottsdale Arizona USA by Julia McDonnell offers the inside scoop on Scottsdale. Most travel books tell you how to travel like a tourist. Although there is nothing wrong with that, as part of the Greater Than a Tourist series, this book will give you travel tips from someone who has lived at your next travel destination. In these pages, you will discover advice that will help you throughout your stay. This book will not tell you exact addresses or store hours but instead will give you excitement and knowledge from a local that you may not find in other smaller print travel books. Travel like a local. Slow down, stay in one place, and get to know the people and the culture. By the time you finish this book, you will be eager and prepared to travel to your next destination. Inside this travel guide book you will find: Insider tips from a local. A bonus book "50 Things to Know About Packing Light for Travel" by bestselling author Manidipa Bhattacharyya. Packing and planning list. List of travel questions to ask yourself or others while traveling. A place to write your travel bucket list.

American presidents' administrations are thoroughly studied, analyzed, and chronicled. What about these politicians' lives before being elected to the country's highest office? Barack Obama's unique story and life experiences, both the triumphant and the challenging, will give young readers insight into his road to the White House. They'll follow him from his earliest days in Hawaii to his historic 2008 election, learning interesting tidbits along the way, such as the fact that he had a pet ape named Tata. Details about the events and lessons that shaped him into America's 44th president are shared. Photographs, maps, quotes, and "fun facts" supplement this biography and engage readers of all levels.

Are you excited about planning your next trip? Do you want to try something new? Would you like some guidance from a local? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this Greater Than a Tourist book is for you. Greater Than a Tourist- American Southwest by Julia McDonnell offers the inside scoop on the American South West. Most travel books tell you how to travel like a tourist. Although there is nothing wrong with that, as part of the Greater Than a Tourist series, this book will give you travel tips from someone who has lived at your next travel destination. In these pages, you will discover advice that will help you throughout your stay. This book will not tell you exact addresses or store hours but instead will give you excitement and knowledge from a local that you may not find in other smaller print travel books. Travel like a local. Slow down, stay in one place, and get to know the people and the culture. By the time you finish this book, you will be eager and prepared to travel to your next destination.

Legendary lumberjack Paul Bunyan is often depicted as larger than life. Many places around the United States claim Bunyan really lived there. Scholars are still trying to discover whether Bunyan was an actual person or not. According to many stories, he was basically one of the first superheroes of fiction Readers will love the folk tales describing the exploits of Bunyan and his pet, Babe the Blue Ox. Amusing images accompany the lively text, while fact boxes shed some light on each story's origins.

Legendary lumberjack Paul Bunyan is often depicted as larger than life. Many places around the United States claim Bunyan really lived there. Scholars are still trying to discover whether Bunyan was an actual person or not. According to many stories, he was basically one of the first superheroes of fiction Readers will love the folk tales describing the exploits of Bunyan and his pet, Babe the Blue Ox. Amusing images accompany the lively text, while fact boxes shed some light on each story's origins.

Exposing Myths About Colonial History

Every student grows up hearing about the first Thanksgiving, celebrated by the Pilgrims and Native Americans in 1621. However, that wasn't the first Thanksgiving It wasn't even the first one celebrated by European settlers This is just one myth debunked in this valuable look at colonial American history. Readers will feel like real historians unearthing the truth behind the legends. Beautiful images and fun fact boxes will add to their interest.

What makes a metal precious? It's rare, and it's useful. When a metal is both these things, like gold, it's very precious--and expensive. This book takes readers underground where they'll discover the processes and elements that shape precious metals. They'll learn about the features of metals that make them desirable, such as luster, ductility, and reactivity, and how certain metals are utilized. While readers may know something about gold and silver, they'll become acquainted with other important precious metals such as rhodium and palladium. Vivid photographs, helpful graphic organizers, and interesting sidebars make this crucial science topic engaging and accessible.

What makes a metal precious? It's rare, and it's useful. When a metal is both these things, like gold, it's very precious--and expensive. This book takes readers underground where they'll discover the processes and elements that shape precious metals. They'll learn about the features of metals that make them desirable, such as luster, ductility, and reactivity, and how certain metals are utilized. While readers may know something about gold and silver, they'll become acquainted with other important precious metals such as rhodium and palladium. Vivid photographs, helpful graphic organizers, and interesting sidebars make this crucial science topic engaging and accessible.

Stories of the outlaw archer Robin Hood reach back to medieval times. However, movies, books, comic books, and television shows about him still populate our popular culture. Readers will not only become absorbed by the legend of the folk hero, complete with his Merry Men and the evil Sheriff of Nottingham, they'll be intrigued by the debate about whether Robin Hood is based on a real person. Famous illustrations and fun facts abound in this high-interest volume.

Stories of the outlaw archer Robin Hood reach back to medieval times. However, movies, books, comic books, and television shows about him still populate our popular culture. Readers will not only become absorbed by the legend of the folk hero, complete with his Merry Men and the evil Sheriff of Nottingham, they'll be intrigued by the debate about whether Robin Hood is based on a real person. Famous illustrations and fun facts abound in this high-interest volume.

Gophers are rodents that may look cute, but they can wreck a backyard in a hurry. In fact, one small gopher can move a ton of dirt in just a year. Gophers tunneling through wild fields aren't a problem. In fact, their tunneling can be good for the environment. However, when they choose playgrounds, yards, farms, and golf courses for homes, they can become very destructive animals. So what do people do if a gopher moves in? Readers will find out in this informative book, chock full of fun facts and photographs of gophers in action.

Sitting Bull, the well-known Native American chief, united the Lakota Sioux in the northern Great Plains and led a mighty resistance of tribes who refused to be placed on reservations. This struggle resulted in violence, most famously at Little Bighorn in 1876. Though Sitting Bull fled to Canada, he ultimately returned to the United States in 1881. This book uses Sitting Bull's powerful words to examine the leader's considerable courage and determination as well as his aspirations for Native Americans.