Colorful graphics, oversized photographs, and short, engaging sentences draw reluctant readers in to the fascinating life of Michael Jackson! This book introduces readers to Jackson’s childhood, family, and rise to fame. From singing and dancing with his siblings in the Jackson 5 to achieving a groundbreaking solo career, Jackson became a legend after his death in 2009. Readers will learn how Jackson worked to develop his own musical style and create signature dance moves such as the Moonwalk, leading to his lasting impact on pop music for generations to come. Features include a table of contents, maps, “Did You Know” fun facts, a “Snapshot” page with vital information, a glossary with phonetics, and an index. Big Buddy Books is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Group.
Zac Efron is a talented actor and singer. This book introduces his childhood, family, educational background, rise to fame, and future plans. Readers will learn how Zac’s early talent for singing and dancing led him to star in Disney Channel’s Emmy award-winning High School Musical. Covered in detail are Zac’s roles in High School Musical and Hairspray. Also included are Zac’s upcoming movies, as well as his hobbies and interests. Colorful graphics, oversized photographs, and short, engaging sentences draw in reluctant readers. Buddy Books is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.
'A compelling, kid-friendly, and visually appealing erosion story.' ' Kirkus review
When the Dust Bowl storms of the 1930s threatened to destroy U.S. farming and agriculture, Hugh Bennett knew what to do. For decades, he had studied the soils in every state, creating maps showing soil composition nationwide. He knew what should be grown in each area, and how to manage the land to conserve the soil. He knew what to do for weathering and erosion.
To do that, he needed the government's help. But how do you convince politicians that the soil needs help?
Hugh Bennett knew what to do. He waited for the wind.
This is the exciting story of a soil scientist confronting politicians to encourage them to pass a law to protect the land, the soil. When the U.S. Congress passed a law establishing the Soil Conservation Service, it was the first government agency in the world dedicated to protecting the land, to protecting the Earth.
Reading this amazing story of an unchronicled early environmentalist, Hugh Bennett, the founder of the NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service).
Over a dozen seasons, Charles Tillman established himself as the greatest cornerback in the storied history of the Chicago Bears. A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Tillman has been distinguished as one of the NFL's most opportunistic defensive backs, intercepting 36 passes and forcing 42 fumbles-the most in the league since his rookie year in 2003. In fact, he popularized the "Peanut Punch," a nod to his childhood nickname and a tribute to his knack for jarring a football from the grasp of an offensive player.
But even more than his acclaim on the field, Tillman is highly regarded off the field. With his father serving in the United States Army, Tillman attended 11 different schools domestically and internationally. Lightly recruited out of Copperas Cove High School in Texas, Tillman was offered a single Division 1-A scholarship, but he shined at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and was selected by the Bears in the second round of the NFL Draft.
In 2005, Tillman and his wife Jackie established the Cornerstone Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides resources and opportunities to children in
need. Tillman was a 2012 finalist for the NFL Players Association's Byron White Man of the Year award, and he was the 2013 winner of the prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year award, which "recognizes a player's off-the-field community service as well as his playing excellence."
The Middle School Rules of Charles Tillman will feature the defining childhood stories of a young, well-traveled boy nicknamed "Peanut," who had to deal with racism, adapt to constant relocation, and endure the divorce of his parents. Inspired by faith and family, Tillman persevered and carved out an indelible mark both on and off the field.
Five running backs were selected in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Jamaal Charles was not among them. Despite piling up the fourth-most rushing yards at the University of Texas in just three seasons, he waited for eight other running backs to get selected ahead of him.
The Middle School Rules of Jamaal Charles features the stories and lessons of Jamaal's childhood, defined by people overlooking him. Young readers will see how Jamaal deals with bullying and endures teasing because of a long undiag- nosed learning disability that enabled him to participate in the Special Olympics as a 10-year-old. The gold medals he won at the Special Olympics empowered him, and Jamaal displayed a rare work ethic and determination in everything he did on the field and in the classroom.
"I just kept working, just kept fighting," Jamaal says. "If you give up, you will not ever know how far you would have gotten."
A state champion hurdler, Jamaal ran for 4,107 yards and 50 touchdowns in his final two seasons at Memorial High School in Port Arthur, Texas. But readers will see how hard Jamaal had to study to earn a high enough mark on a standardized test to qualify for a full athletic scholarship.
Dogged by doubts about his size, Jamaal is already the Chiefs' all-time leading rusher, a four-time Pro Bowl selection and has more career rushing yards and total touchdowns than all but two of the eight running backs selected ahead of him in the 2008 NFL Draft. In fact, Jamaal owns a special NFL re- cord: More yards per carry (5.5) than any other running back with at least 1,000 career carries!
Jamaal wants his legacy to extend beyond football fields. His Jamaal Charles Youth Matters Family Foundation promotes the development of healthy minds and bodies and reinforces the motto that, "Determination wins." Jamaal inspired mil- lions at the Opening Ceremony of the 2015 Special Olympics in Los Angeles by sharing his story of struggle and triumph. "I was afraid. I was lost. I had trouble reading. I found out I had a learning disability," he said. "People made fun of me. They said I would never go anywhere. But I learned I can fly... the Special Olympics gave me my first chance to discover a talent I did not know I had."
The gripping story of an extraordinary American hero, the most decorated man in U.S. Marine Corps history, from a New York Times bestselling author.
In the glorious chronicles of the U.S. Marine Corps, no name is more revered than that of Lt. Gen. Lewis B. 'Chesty' Puller. The only fighting man to receive the Navy Cross five separate times-a military honor second only to the Congressional Medal of Honor-he was the epitome of a professional warrior. A son of the South, descendant of Robert E. Lee, and cousin to George S. Patton, Puller began his enlisted career during World War I and moved up through the ranks as he proved his battlefield mettle in Haiti and Nicaragua, with the Horse Marines in Peking, in the Pacific Theater of World War II, and in the nightmarish winter engagements of the Korean War.
Fearless and seemingly indestructible, adored by the troops he championed yet forced into early retirement by a high command that resented his 'lowly' beginnings and unwillingness to play politics, Puller remains one of most towering figures in American military history. Bestselling military biographer Burke Davis paints the definitive portrait of this extraordinary marine hero.
A wonderful collection of fully-dramatized stories about famous persons who, despite adversities, followed their vision and persevered to see their ideas and efforts succeed. Listen and experience their trials and tribulations--and ultimate joy--as they triumph, and in so doing pave the way for following generations. Some of the historical figures who are included in this album are: Joan of Arc, Albert Schweitzer, George Mueller, Florence Nightingale, Clara Barton, Louis Pasteur, Dwight L. Moody, and George W. Carver. Ideal for home school, classroom, or personal enjoyment. Complete with sound effects and music. Enacted by a professional cast. Exciting, educational, and entertaining!
In 1810 a teenage American sailor, Joseph Bates, is abducted by the notorious British press gang. Listen as he is unjustly forced into the King's navy, then escapes only to be seized again. Released six years later, he works as a merchant seaman surviving ocean perils and harrowing storms. Joseph's skill and courage result in his becoming a trusted sea captain. His marine adventures continue, yet Joseph feels the need for faith in his life. Hear the inspiring story of Ida Scudder, a gifted physician/missionary. She could not ignore the needs of India's women who were suffering and dying-kept from receiving the urgent medical care they needed by cultural restrictions. Then travel with us to the early 1700s in Dresden, Germany. Ludwig, Count of Zinzendorf, was of noble birth, and schooled to be a lawyer. Using his influence to help others, young Ludwig believed 'no man liveth unto himself.' His love of missions and impact for good still resonates today. Great listening for the whole family!
