Forbes, the young British captain of the HMS Bonetta, intervened, provoking Dahomian King Gezo to offer the girl as a gift to Queen Victoria instead. Forbes named the girl Sarah Forbes Bonetta and took her back to England, where she became Queen Victoria's protege. Walter Dean Myers discovered the kernel of Sarah's story in a bundle of original letters he purchased from a London book dealer. From these letters, along with excerpts from Queen Victoria's diary, newspapers, and Forbes's published account of the Dahomans, Myers pieced together Sarah's life. In his unembellished narrative we learn about Sarah's capture by the slave-trading Dahomans; her rescue by Forbes; her life in England under the Forbes' care; her regular visits to the Queen; her stay at a missionary school in Sierra Leone and abrupt return to England; her marriage and early death. Yet, as horrific and miraculous as the events of Sarah's life are, Myers can only pose questions about who Sarah really was ("What were her dreams for her own future...? What images came to her as she rode in the pony cart with the royal children? How often did she think of Dahomey? Of King Gezo?"). Sarah's chatty, unprovocative letters, which hint at the upperclass Englishwoman she became, reveal nothing about her African heritage or about the traumatized girl she must have been (Myers could not even discover her African name). Ironically, this seeming weakness proves the ultimate testimony to Sarah's life-the very absence of her voice bears undeniable witness to her story.

    "Bears don't read!"George isn't happy doing the usual bear things like chatting and fishing. But what else is there? Then one day, he finds a book beneath a tree and knows… More than anything he wants to learn to read!But, arriving in town, George soon discovers that it's not easy to be a bear at school! If only he could find someone to teach him the alphabet and change his life forever… Perhaps a little girl called Clementine can help?A feel-good story of determination and friendship – sure to encourage a lifelong love of books.

    Full of extraordinary photographs, detailed diagrams and stunning scans, X-rays and microscope images of the human body. Engaging, friendly text and clear, simple explanations. Experiments and activities show you how to take your own pulse, test your reaction time and fool your brain with optical illusions. Amazing facts and world records, including the world’s tallest man, the oldest person ever and the longest fingernails on record. What is an Usborne Internet-linked book? It is a book that contains descriptions of websites that take you further into the subject in a fun and informative way. You can find links to all the sites listed in this book on the Usborne Quicklinks website at www.usborne-quicklinks.com. Will the websites go out of date? Websites do change from time to time, so the sites will be regularly reviewed by Usborne researchers, and the links will be updated. 96 pages.

    When Papa's seven little mouse boys ask for a bedtime story, Papa does even better than that—he tells seven stories, one for each boy!This Level Two I Can Read is geared toward kids who read on their own but still need a little help.This sweet bedtime tale is from Arnold Lobel, the beloved author and illustrator of the Newbery Honor and Caldecott Honor award-winning Frog and Toad books.

    Can Peter unlock the secret of the stick in time to save the kingdom? Whimsical illustrations bring fun to multiplying whole numbers and fractions.

    even a small sample begins to give you the idea that this is a math book unlike any other. Ranging freely from exponents to light-years to numbers found in nature, this smorgasbord of math concepts and trivia makes a perfect classroom companion or gift book for the budding young mathematician at home. Even the most reluctant math student will be drawn in by the author's trademark wit, Marissa Moss's quirky illustrations and funny captions, and the answers revealed in W is for " When are we ever gonna use this stuff, anyway?" Download the G is for Googol Teacher's Guide(300K)

    How do you tell the difference? Crinkleroot knows: it's the light and the air. His charts show the leaves, stems, and seeds that help young readers identify trees.

    Discover what Martha did for fun—and how her confidence and ability to host large social events prepared her to help her husband lead a new nation.

     Step by step, this picture book explains how homes are built--from the architect's plans through the arrival of a happy family. The many processes of construction are explained with simple language and bright, clear illustrations, perfect for kids starting to wonder about how the world around them works.Many different careers--including carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and landscapers--are introduced, each doing their part to bring the picture wood-frame house to life. A great read for kids who love construction sites, or who can't get enough of Building a House by Byron Barton.According to The Washington Post, Gail Gibbons "has taught more preschoolers and early readers about the world than any other children's writer-illustrator." Ms. Gibbons is the author of more than 100 books for young readers, including the bestselling titles From Seed to Plant and Monarch Butterfly. Her many honors include the Washington Post/Childrens Book Fuild Nonfiction Award and the NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book Award.

    Illustrated in exquisite and colorful detail with over 100 original drawings and photographs, this package is a fun and exciting musical journey for children. The engaging text is broken into three sections: an introduction to each instrument of the orchestra from the cello to the timpani, the stories of famous composers from Bach to Stravinsky and an explanation of different musical styles from Baroque to Modern. Each step of the way, children can listen to actual musical examples of what they are learning about. Young readers will hear the sound of an actual violin as they study the instrument and enjoy the playful tune of a Mozart minuet as they read about the composer's precocious exploits as a child.Book Details: Format: Hardcover Publication Date: 10/2/2000 Pages: 96 Reading Level: Age 9 and Up

    When his little sister is in terrible danger, T-Math even saves the day by using his measurable math skills. Is there anything he can't figure?

    The peace of the entire world is in danger. How will you help? Will you: Join the Belgian resistance movement? Fight as a British Army soldier? Serve as a volunteer with the American Field Service?

    Exciting, engrossing, enchanting! Reading Level: Ages 11-13.

    What lives at the bottom of the sea? What does a shark really eat? How does a sea horse swim? In this book you'll find the answers and lots more about the fascinating things which live under the sea.