In 1939, another war that would encompass the world began in Europe. World War II began as a conflict of beliefs concerning government among countries in Europe. The United States stayed on the sidelines, unwilling to become involved in the war until Japan attacked a Pacific Fleet of the United States Navy at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.
John Jay served in all three branches of the government. Once the Constitution was written, he was a staunch supporter of the document, joining some other men in anonymously writing “The Federalist Papers,” which explained to the public why the Constitution should be ratified. Soon after, he was made chief justice of the Supreme Court, and he was given the position of declaring laws unconstitutional for the very first time.
Eleanor Roosevelt lived during an exciting time. Women had just gained the right to vote. As a first lady, she made her own agenda and gave her husband, Franklin D. Roosevelt, plenty of advice. She stood up for the weak and advocated for equal rights regardless of gender or skin color.
Harriet Tubman was a slave who dreamed of freedom from a very young age. After her escape at 29, she did everything she could to help and rescue other slaves. In her later years, she built a home to take care of elderly African Americans with no place to live and encouraged women to stand together for their rights.
The fight to change the law to allow women to vote was called the Suffrage Movement. Those who joined this fight were called suffragists. Many brave suffragists organized groups, gave speeches, and held marches and parades. It took women almost 150 years to get the right to vote. This is the story of how they did it.
For centuries, women’s work was limited to the home. There were strict limits on what they could do and who they could become. Those who tested the limits faced harsh criticism. But, these women dared to be different. By breaking rules, they also broke down barriers. Their courage paved the way for the women featured in this book to achieve their dreams.
There was a time in American history where African Americans did not have the same rights as other Americans. Segregation laws forced African Americans to have separate schools, restrooms, parks, and even drinking fountains. They suffered from racism and discrimination. Despite these disadvantages, African Americans fought for equality and set out to prove their worth. Colin Powell, Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, and Condoleezza Rice are just a few of the key historical people in this book. They all became successful through their hard work and exceptional skills and thus led the way for other African Americans to follow.
Slavery in America began in 1619. It destroyed countless lives and led to a war that nearly tore the country in half. Slaves were counted as 3/5 of a person and were treated as pieces of property. Many brave Americans fought to abolish slavery and to provide equality for all people. Harriet Tubman became a conductor for the Underground Railroad and led 300 people to freedom. President Abraham Lincoln emancipated the slaves and reunited the country. In 1869, Congress passed the Fifteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, guaranteeing all men the right to vote. Congress also created the Freedmen’s Bureau to help former slaves find food, shelter, schools, and hospitals. Despite the great changes made, racism and injustice continued to exist and African Americans fought for equality for many years after slavery was banned.
Martin Luther King Jr. grew up knowing that there needed to be a change in the way that African Americans were treated, and he held a dream from the time he was a young boy that he would help make that change happen. Unlike most of the activists in the Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King Jr. was committed to nonviolence.
In The Liberty Bell: Saving the Sound of Freedom, the Mickley family realizes that they might be the only ones that can save the important Old State House Bell as they run from the British. Though they risk their lives and must leave most of their belongings behind, they know that they have an important job to do. Based on actual events, this story brings the importance of the Liberty Bell to life.
Abigail lived during times which were much more difficult for women than today. Despite this fact, Abigail Adams traveled, believed in women’s rights, and experienced the American Revolution. A devoted wife, mother, and American patriot, Abigail influenced history by helping her husband, John, make important decisions.
Store clerks help people shop. Many years ago, stores were smaller and store clerks had to perform most of the jobs in the store. Today, stores are larger and usually employ several store clerks to help. Store clerks today must know how to use computers to do their jobs.
