Common Sense is a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine in 1775—76 advocating independence from Great Britain to people in the Thirteen Colonies. Written in clear and persuasive prose, Paine marshaled moral and political arguments to encourage common people in the Colonies to fight for egalitarian government. It was published anonymously on January 10, 1776, at the beginning of the American Revolution, and became an immediate sensation. It was sold...

Recounts the life story of the Pennsylvania artist who began drawing as a boy and eventually became well known on both sides of the Atlantic.

Text and photographs of Plimouth Plantation follow a pilgrim girl through a typical day as she milks the goats, cooks and serves meals, learns her letters, and adjusts to her new stepfather.

Building a New Nation chronicles the development of the new government following the signing of the Constitution. It explores the political views of the young nation's leaders as they struggled to form a strong nation, despite the foreign and domestic dilemmas that they faced. The authors describe the beginnings of the two-party system, the administrations of the first three presidents, and key decisions by each branch of the government that shaped...

History is dramatic-and the renowned, award-winning authors Christopher Collier and James Lincoln Collier demonstrate this in a compelling series aimed at young readers. Covering American history from the founding of Jamestown through present day, these volumes explore far beyond the dates and events of a historical chronicle to present a moving illumination of the ideas, opinions, attitudes, and tribulations that led to the birth of this great nation. The...

History is dramatic-and the renowned, award-winning authors Christopher Collier and James Lincoln Collier demonstrate this in a compelling series aimed at young readers. Covering American history from the founding of Jamestown through present day, these volumes explore far beyond the dates and events of a historical chronicle to present a moving illumination of the ideas, opinions, attitudes and tribulations that led to the birth of this great nation. The...

Bring to life the people and places that influenced Alexander Hamilton and engage readers with intriguing primary sources! This informational text depicts in detail what life was like in bustling 18th century New York city, and examines how the city influenced Hamilton-and how Hamilton influenced the city. This nonfiction reader includes letters, photographs, newspaper articles, maps, and other primary sources that will captivate middle school students...

A young Indian girl, Zia, caught between the traditional world of her mother and the present world of the Mission, is helped by her aunt Karana whose story was told in the Island of the Blue Dolphins.

"The Story of Pocahontas" is a biographical account of the life of Pocahontas (1596–1617), a Native American woman famous for her connection to the colonial settlement at Jamestown, Virginia. It covers everything from her capture and conversion to Christianity, to her arrival in London and subsequent celebrity.

After the last battle of the American Revolution was fought, the leaders of the young United States still faced an uphill battle: How to govern the new nation with its diverse citizens and conflicting viewpoints. This enlightening text will introduce readers to the Articles of Confederation, the first written document to establish the United States national government. Key details regarding the Articles of Confederation are discussed, including its...