"You know the Super Soaker. It's one of top twenty toys of all time was invented entirely by accident. Trying to create a new cooling system for refrigerators and air conditioners, impressive inventor Lonnie Johnson instead created the mechanics for the iconic toy. A love for rockets, robots, inventions, and a mind for creativity began early in Lonnie Johnson's life. Growing up in a house full of brothers and sisters, persistence and a passion for...

Born a free man in New York State in 1808, Solomon Northup was kidnapped in Washington, D.C., in 1841. He spent the next 12 years as a slave on a Louisiana cotton plantation, and during this time he was frequently abused and often afraid for his life. This is his detailed description of slave life and plantation society.

A brief biography of the African American scientist who overcame tremendous hardship to make unusual and important discoveries in the field of agriculture.

A biography of the man who, after escaping slavery, became an orator, writer, and leader in the abolitionist movement in the nineteenth century.

A very simple introduction to the life and accomplishments of noted physicist Albert Einstein. Biographies are an essential part of the curriculum, and our Basic Biographies offer young readers a first look at some well-known, fascinating figures. Aligned to curriculum standards, this series features easy-to-read text and carefully chosen photos that highlight key moments of the subjects' lives. Glossary terms and sources for further information encourage...

Here is a reprint of one of the most popular Beginners books. Covering a rich history often ignored, Denise Dennis chronicles the struggle from capture and enslavement in Africa right up through Civil Rights and the different kind of struggle Blacks face today.

Presents information about the life and accomplishments of the Colts quarterback while examining notable moments in his winning season.

Biddy Mason's life began as an enslaved person. She had to walk 2000 miles to reach California, but once there, she gained her freedom. She became a successful nurse, midwife, and land owner, and left behind a legacy of caring and charity. This primary source reader integrates literacy and social studies content knowledge, and uses maps, letters, images, and photographs to engage students and develop their curiosity about the people and the world...

This edition includes a modern introduction and a list of suggested further reading. In the summer of 1899, Booker T. Washington visited Europe to rest from his demanding schedule. Yet everywhere he turned, he encountered French and American scholars, politicians, businessmen, abolitionists, and average citizens eager to hear him tell the story of his life. The former slave had earned a college degree, taught at the black freedman college Hampton...

Throughout his life Banneker was troubled that all blacks were not free. And so, in 1791, he wrote to Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, who had signed the Declaration of Independence. Banneker attacked the institution of slavery and dared to call Jefferson a hypocrite for owning slaves. Jefferson responded. This is the story of Benjamin Banneker-his science, his politics, his morals, and his extraordinary correspondence with Thomas Jefferson. Illustrated...