Describes the history of Afghanistan and the power conflicts that have interrupted its ongoing struggle to combine a democracy with Islamist fanaticism and meld the modern world with the tribal villag
"It is June 14 and your neighbors all have flags outside their houses. But do you know why? Its Flag Day, of course! Turn the pages of this book to find out: who designed our first flag, what the star
"It is November 11 and school is closed. But do you know why? It's Veterans Day, of course? Turn the pages of this book to find out: why veterans wear flowers on Veterans Day, what happens at the elev
"It is the first Monday in September and school is closed. But do you know why? It's Labor Day, of course! Turn the pages of this book to find out: why parks are crowded on Labor Day, why children tod
"It is the last Monday in May and school is closed. But do you know why? It's Memorial Day, of course! Turn the pages of this book to find out: what great idea Abraham Lincoln talked about, how a grou
The day after the World Trade Center was destroyed, Tamim Ansary sent an anguished e-mail to twenty friends, discussing the attack from his perspective as an Afghan American. The message reached mill
"What was the Comstock Lode? How did World War II affect California? You can find the answers to these questions in 'California History.' This book contains many fascinating, historical facts that tel
Describes the history of California, from its early settlements to its incorporation as a state, the increase in industrialization, and the state's significance in the modern era.
Introduces the geographic characteristics of California, including its many regions, natural resources and industries, climate, and natural attractions.
Examines the diversity of peoples who inhabit California, including ethnic groups and immigrants, and profiles such successful Californians as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shirley Temple, and Ralph Bunche.
Introduces Thanksgiving Day, explaining why peole eat turkey, when the first Thanksgiving took place, and why Abraham Lincoln thought Thanksgiving would be good for the United States.
"It is the third Monday in January and school is closed. But do you know why? It's Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Turn the pages of this book to find out what dream Dr. King shared with the world, who Mo
"It is the third Monday in February and school is closed. But do you know why? It's Presidents' Day, of course! Turn the pages of this book to find out: how George Washington almost became 'King Georg
"It is the last Monday in May and school is closed. But do you know why? It's Memorial Day, of course! Turn the pages of this book to find out: what great idea Abraham Lincoln talked about, how a grou
"It is the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November and there are signs on lawns and windows and grown-ups coming in and out of your school. But do you know why? It's Election Day, of course!
Today, most Westerners still see the war in Afghanistan as a contest between democracy and Islamist fanaticism. That war is real; but it sits atop an older struggle, between Kabul and the countryside,
