North America Culture

Here are the life stories of eight remarkable people who were born and grew up in America and who made their mark upon American history. They represent the remarkable individuality and sense of enterprise and courage that has marked the American hero.

Ever since it was established in 1789, the United States Supreme Court has had a major impact on the lives of all Americans. Some of its landmark decisions have helped end segregation, protected a person’s privacy, and allowed people to marry whomever they love.

Today, most people remember E. B. White as the beloved children's book author who gave us Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little, but did you know that most of his career was spent writing for famous magazines like The New Yorker? His lifelong dream to write a children's book about a mouse would take years to get published before it became the classic book we know and love today. A few years later, White would publish yet another children's book inspired by a pig he had raised and a spider whose webs he loved to admire in his barn.

Resilient Black Girl is a must-listen in young-adult nonfiction books for Black girls. As a social justice book for teens and a book about racism, it provides Black teen girls a better understanding of the effects of racism and equips them with skills for navigating spaces in their daily lives.

Starley is a young girl living in Hawaii who dreams of the being the best rodeo rider in the state. With the encouragement of her friends Liko and Heidi and the devotion of her talented chestnut mare, Sunshine, she just might have what it takes to win.

Two girls survive a terrible flood in the Tasmanian bush and are rescued by a pair of Tasmanian tigers who raise them in the wild. Their story of survival is remarkable, as they adapt to the life of the tiger, learning to hunt and to communicate without the use of human language. When they are discovered and returned to civilization, neither can adapt to being fully human after their extraordinary experience. Totally believable, their story will both shock and captivate listeners as it explores the animal instincts that lie beneath our civilized veneer.

Luke knows his I´nupiaq name is full of sounds white people can’t say. He knows he’ll have to leave it behind when he and his brothers are sent to boarding school hundreds of miles from their Arctic village. At Sacred Heart School things are different. Instead of family, there are students - Eskimo, Indian, White - who line up on different sides of the cafeteria like there’s some kind of war going on. And instead of comforting words like tutu and maktak, there’s English. Speaking I´nupiaq - or any native language - is forbidden.

The Next Level is a comprehensive guide specifically designed to support young Black men as they transition from high school into adulthood. Drawing on personal experience, author Ammaul Hunt combines real-life stories with practical tools to help listeners build self-awareness, manage finances, pursue meaningful careers, and prioritize health and community connection.

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.

Explaining clearly and concisely what exactly Congress does, this audiobook edition is peppered with fascinating stories, including the bloody beating in the Senate of a lawmaker in pre-Civil War days, the Watergate hearings, and Senator Joe McCarthy's shameful "witch hunt" of Communists. Kids may start considering a career in Congress themselves when they learn fun facts, such as the special "candy desk" in the Senate and the fact that all lawmakers can bring their dogs to work!

Santa Fe Uncovered is your ultimate guide to exploring the heart of New Mexico through the eyes of a local. From its rich history and captivating art scene to mouthwatering cuisine and serene landscapes, this book offers a fresh and authentic perspective on one of America’s most enchanting destinations.

This collection includes all seven volumes: Volume One: Let’s Visit Paris!, Let’s Visit London!, and Christmas in New York City!; Volume Two: Let’s Visit Venice!, Let’s Visit Cairo!, and Let’s Visit Rio de Janeiro! ; Volume Three: Let’s Visit Athens!, Let’s Visit Barcelona!, and Let’s Visit Beijing!; Volume Four: Let’s Visit Edinburgh!, Let’s Visit Rome!, and Let’s Visit Berlin!; Volume Five: Let’s Visit Istanbul!, Let’s Visit Jerusalem!, and Let’s Visit Vancouver! ; Volume Six: Let’s Visit Dublin!, Let’s Visit Maui!, and Let’s Visit Saint Petersburg!; and Volume Seven (in Spanish).

Who’s Got Mail? is an intriguing and fact-filled look at how the mail has been delivered in the United States since before the Constitution was even signed. Full of eccentric characters, great stories, and technological achievements, this fun middle-grade narrative nonfiction from author Linda Barrett Osborne celebrates one of the oldest and strongest institutions, and is a true testament to the spirit of American democracy.

Since the regiment’s creation in 1899, the men of the 65th have proudly served the US through multiple wars, despite facing racial discrimination. Their courage, loyalty, and patriotism earned them hundreds of accolades, including the Congressional Gold Medal in 2014.

Did you know that cotton candy was invented in Tennessee? Are you aware that about three million people visit the Dollywood theme park each year? Or that Tennessee was the site of the worst earthquake in the history of the continental United States? Including information on the region's Indigenous groups, this book explores Tennessee's rich history and culture, from the Parthenon museum to the state's more than 10,000 caves. With so many sights to explore above and below ground, Tennessee is more than meets the eye!

Did you know that Michigan has a floating post office? Are you aware that wolverines are exceedingly rare in Michigan, even though it's called the wolverine state? Or that over 40 percent of Michigan is covered in water? Including information on the region's many Indigenous groups, this book explores Michigan's rich history and culture, from the popularity of college sports to the history of Motown Records. The only US state split in two, Michigan has double the fascinating facts!

Did you know that Arizona is where humans first discovered Pluto? Are you aware that Arizona produces more copper than any other state? Or that the Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world—the only one in the United States? Including information on the region's many Indigenous groups, this book explores Arizona's rich history and culture, from the cliff dwellings of Ancestral Puebloans to the legendary shootout at the OK Corral.

Did you know that Virginia is home to a world-famous herd of wild ponies? Are you aware that eight US presidents, including George Washington, were born there? Or that it is home to the oldest free Black community in the nation? Including information on the region's many Indigenous groups, this book explores Virginia's rich history and culture, from celebrated Virginians like Booker T. Washington to famous places like the Pentagon.

Did you know that New Jersey has more diners than any other state? Or that more Revolutionary War battles were fought there than anywhere else? Are you aware that Cape May is the oldest beach resort in the United States? Including information on the region's Indigenous groups, this book explores New Jersey's rich history and culture, from industrial cities like Trenton to preserved ecosystems like the Pine Barrens.

Are you aware that Washington produces more apples than any other state in the nation? Did you know the rovers that first explored the moon were built in Washington state? Or that the city of Seattle is named after Chief Si'ahl, a leader of the Duwamish people and a six-tribe confederation in the Khwulch (Puget Sound)? This book explores Washington's rich history and culture, from the endangered Southern Resident orca whales to the majesty of North Cascades National Park.