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Mexico

Learn about Mexico in Suzanne Lieurance’s book in the Top Ten Countries of Recent Immigrantsseries. Lieurance examines the land, people, government, economy, and culture of Mexico as well as the contributions that Mexican Americans have made to life in the United States.

Weapons and Strategies of the Civil War

Author Suzanne Lieurance describes the weapons used in the Civil War and the strategies employed by the North and South during the war. This book, part of The American Civil War series, presents an overview of American weaponry, beginning with those of the American Revolution and ending with the weapons of the Civil War. Lieurance also gives an account of each side’s military strategies. The North’s plan for Reconstruction after the war’s ending is also included.

“The interesting presentations, the organization, the format, and the partnership with Internet resources make these books appealing sources for student research.”

–School Library Journal, March 200

The Philippines

Learn about the Philippines in Suzanne Lieurance’s book in the Top Ten Countries of Recent Immigrants series. Lieurance examines the land, people, government, economy, and culture of the Philippines as well as the contributions that immigrants to the United States from the Philippines have made to American life.

“[Web sites] are generally well chosen . . .”

–School Library Journal, September 2004

The Ancient Maya

Author Suzanne has written an informative book on the ancient Maya for the Civilizations of the Ancient World series. Lieurance describes the religion, family life, government, and history of one of the most advanced ancient civilizations in the Western Hemisphere. Mayan contributions to the worlds of architecture, astronomy, and mathematics are also discussed.

Pennies

A ROOKIE READER (for beginnning readers) from Children’s Press. A little girl needs one more penny to make a nickel. Readers can help her count her pennies. Check out the Children’s Press catalogue web site for more details.

The Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster

The United States space program, although only fifty years old, has had a number of notable triumphs and failures. Perhaps the greatest disaster was the 1986 explosion of the space shuttle, Challenger. The seven-member crew, including the first “Teacher in Space,” Christa McAuliffe, were all killed, horrifying the millions of viewers gathered in eager anticipation of the launch.

The author captures the drama of the shuttle’s launch, including the final conversation between Mission Control and the pilot, Mike Smith. The crew included the first Japanese and the second Afro-American in space. Judith Resnick was on board and as part of a previous launch, was the second American woman in space. “Countdown to Disaster” briefly describes the crew’s activities the day of the launch, the launch itself and its tragic aftermath.

The history of the space program is told in fascinating detail, from its inception in 1950 when the U.S. army learned about the Soviet rocket program and decided to establish its own research center. There is a step-by-step description of the moon race between the Soviets and the United States. The last chapters of the book deal with the investigation of the Challenger tragedy and to the astronauts’ legacy, along with an update of NASA’s shuttle program.

Adults as well as children will find Ms. Lieurance’s work thrilling, informative and enjoyable. Details and anecdotes add to a story that many remember. The text is footnoted and contains a bibliography. It is part of the “In American History” series. 2001, Enslow. Ages 10 up.

Reviewer: Ellen R. Butts, Children’s Literature review

A Children’s Literature Choice of 2002

“The clear text is supplemented by excerpts from source documents.”

–The Horn Book Guide, Fall

A Child’s First Pet

Sometime between the toddler stage and first grade, most children want a cute and cuddly small pet to call their own. With such a variety of small animals to choose from, choosing the best pet for a child is difficult. The information in this book will help any parent decide.

Topics include what to look for when purchasing a healthy pet and exactly what it takes to care for each of the most popular small animal pets.

Parents and children will discover the special needs of a variety of pets — everything from feeding and housing requirements to what kind of behavior to expect from a specific kind of animal. Knowing these things before choosing a child’s first pet will help ensure years of happy pet ownership.

Shoelaces

A ROOKIE READER (for beginning readers) from Children’s Press. Kids will enjoy reading about Tammy (and her silly dog) as she describes the joys of all different kinds of shoelaces.

School Projects for Pennies

Looking for craft activities you can slap together on a shoestring budget? This sassy collection of 365 cut and paste, mold and giggle projects could be just the ticket. Tough to find, but well worth the effort.

The Prohibition Era

To some Americans, the Eighteenth Amendment, which banned alcohol and marked the start of the Prohibition era was seen as a solution to the nation’s problems.

Unfortunately, Prohibition gave rise to such illegal and often dangerous activities as bootlegging, homemade liquor making, gang violence, and speakeasy operation. After thirteen unsuccessful years, Prohibition was repealed. Highlighting the people involved, author Suzanne Lieurance traces the exciting events of this unique period in United States history.

The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire and Sweatshop Reform

Author Suzanne Lieurance looks at the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Company fire in New York City. This event, in which 146 people died, spurred many states and cities to pass anti-sweatshop laws and improve fire codes. The fire also made it very clear to workers that they needed a strong union. Today this event is remembered as the worst factory fire in New York City and one of the worst industrial disasters in American history.

“Period photographs and judicious use of personal stories add a human face to the tragedy.”

–Library Media Connection, August/September 2003

Kidding Around Kansas City

Whether you live in Kansas City or you’re just visiting with your family, Kidding Around Kansas City is a great guide for getting the most out of the city. Hop on a hayride and wave to the animals at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. Race down a roller coaster at Worlds of Fun or shoot down a water slide at Oceans of Fun. Try some famous Kansas City barbecue or eat at Fritz’s Union Station Restaurant, where a miniature train delivers your order. In addition to featuring the city’s best parks, museums, restaurants, and other fun sights, Kidding Around Kansas City has dozens of games, puzzles, and illustrations that will help you get a kick out of Kansas City.