Julia McDonnell

When the framers of the Constitution were creating a new government, representation was an issue near and dear to their patriotic hearts. After all, "No Taxation Without Representation" was a reason they'd just fought with Britain. They decided on a legislative branch with two houses, each with its own powers and limitations. Why did they choose this system? Which famous figures battled over this bicameral vision? Over 200 years later, how has it...

The U.S. Virgin Islands is a territory made up of three large islands and nearly 50 islets. Its tropical climate and beautiful beaches attract people from all over the world. Since Columbus landed on one of the islands in 1493, the area has had a stormy history. The islands were controlled by several European countries until Denmark made them colonies in the 1700s. These Danish colonies dominated the sugarcane industry and were a major part of the...

Slow-moving, strange-looking sloths are only found in Central and South America. Readers are encouraged to learn about them while imagining themselves living the same arboreal life. With their algae-covered hair and hook-like claws, these mammals are presented in intriguing photographs and absorbing text. Readers will be astonished that giant sloths once roamed Earth. They'll also learn the differences between two- and three-toed sloths with the help...

Harriet Tubman's fame as a conductor on the Underground Railroad led to her nickname: Moses. She displayed considerable courage leading fugitive slaves to freedom and, incredibly, never lost a "passenger." Less well known is Tubman's service in the Union army as a scout and spy during the Civil War. This captivating volume uses Tubman's own remembrances as well as other primary sources to provide a greater understanding of her astonishing life story...

Sitting Bull, the well-known Native American chief, united the Lakota Sioux in the northern Great Plains and led a mighty resistance of tribes who refused to be placed on reservations. This struggle resulted in violence, most famously at Little Bighorn in 1876. Though Sitting Bull fled to Canada, he ultimately returned to the United States in 1881. This book uses Sitting Bull's powerful words to examine the leader's considerable courage and determination...