The book tells the history of Habitat for Humanity starting in 1968 when Millard and Linda Fuller had the idea to use volunteers to build affordable homes for needy families. It traces the organization's growth into an international organization that has built homes for almost one million people around the world.
Fanny Jackson Coppin was born a slave. After attaining her freedom, she pursued an education and eventually attended Oberlin College, the only college in America at the time that would accept African American students. She took classes there, but she also taught them. After graduation, Coppin went on to become the first African American principal.
In the late 1800s, many people came to the United States. This caused the populations of big cities to double in size. Many of these people were poor, and their children had to get jobs. These children sold newspapers on the street and were called "newsies."
Venezuela is a country in northern South America. In 1498, Christopher Columbus became the first European to visit the country. Venezuela was governed by Spain until 1811, when it started to fight for its independence. In 1821, the country finally became truly independent. Many people live in the cities of Caracas and Barquisimeto, but some people live on ranches on the Llanos.
The book surveys the life of the famous ocean scientist and "shark lady" Eugenie Clark. It tells how Eugenie became interested in the sea and fish at an early age. It recounts her experiences learning to scuba dive, studying fish and sharks in the South Seas, and establishing a marine laboratory in Florida to research the intelligence of sharks.
Jim Abbott was born with only one hand, but his dream was to play baseball. As he grew up, many people doubted he would reach his goal, but he was determined to prove them wrong. Abbott eventually played in the Olympics and went on to play in the major leagues. He won many awards during his career and even threw a no-hitter, one of the most difficult accomplishments for any pitcher.
It is raining the morning of Ray's birthday and when he finds that no one else is awake, he thinks everyone forgot his big day. He tells himself that maybe when you turn eight, you are no longer a kid, and you don't need your family. His cat, Zipper, doesn't believe this and goes inside to wake up Ray's family. Ray realizes no one forgot his birthday, they just couldn't hear their alarm clocks during the rain.
On Friendship Day, Mrs. Adams asks her students to share personal examples of what it means to be a friend. Five stories are told about friends helping each other during bad times, protecting each other from danger, enjoying each other's company, and so on.
