Joel Newsome

Considered to be one of the most talented generals in history and known for his use of elephants in battle, the Carthaginian general, Hannibal spent his life fighting and often defeating the Roman army during the Second Punic War. Though he was ultimately unable to take the city, he became a prominent political figure. Students will get the opportunity to learn about his unique militaristic prowess and successes and failures on and off the battlefield....

The world of jazz was just developing when Louis Armstrong was born in 1901. During his life, Armstrong became a defining figure in the burgeoning jazz movement, developing his own style in both bands and in a solo career. His unique approach inspired other jazz contemporaries, including Bing Crosby and Billie Holiday. This is the story of his life, death, and legacy, and his lasting influence on jazz today.

The quest for resources, from farmland to gold to oil, has shaped much of U.S. history. Ensuing competition for these resources has had a tangible effect on both American geography and the environment. This book shows how American communities formed over time in response to environmental factors and how policy, culture, and day-to-day life in the United States is a response to the land itself. Also included is a look at modern debates over the best...

The time period surrounding the Civil War was fraught with racism, the horrific conditions of slavery, and violence against freedmen. Though history remembers the war as one waged on behalf of African Americans, in reality, many African Americans participated in the conflict themselves. Minority Soldiers Fighting the Civil War describes how African Americans fought in segregated units led by white officers, their achievements on the battle field (including...

New Zealand has captured the imagination of foreign travelers and citizens for centuries. Some of the world's most beautiful landscapes are found within this island nation. New Zealand society honors indigenous peoples, the environment, and its culture. In this book, engaging facts and vibrant photographs tell the story of modern New Zealand.