Steven Otfinoski

In 1860, the United States was split in two as several southern states seceded from the Union to form their own nation, the Confederate States of America. As President Abraham Lincoln attempted to hold the country together, war broke out between the Union and the Confederates. Readers will discover why the southern states seceded, how the war affected the people of the United States, and what lasting effect the conflict had.

Historian Theodore White called it "the most dangerous, terrifying, barbarous aerial transport run in the world...the skyway to Hell." The Hump was a perilous 500-mile flight path across the eastern Himalayan Mountains many U.S. pilots flew during World War II in order to keep the Allies well-supplied in China. Using personal accounts from pilots, rescuers, and U.S. Air Force staff, this fast-paced narrative puts young readers in the cockpit alongside...

"On May 31, 1889, heavy rains and a dam failure sent flood waters sweeping into Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The 50-foot-high wall of water quickly demolished much of the town. Will you and your new husband be able to escape certain doom as you wait for your train to leave the station? Can you climb onto your house's roof for safety before the building completely fills with water? Will you join in the effort to save others who are floating by on the roofs...

"Describes the physical characteristics, habitat, behavior, diet, life cycle, and conservation status of the Koala"--Provided by publisher.

In the 1960s, as part of an effort to stop the spread of Communism, the United States entered into a conflict in the country of Vietnam. Though it was meant to be a fairly small operation, it soon turned into a long and costly war. Readers will learn about the motivations of U.S. and Vietnamese leaders, find out why so many people opposed the war, and much more as they explore the most important moments of this tumultuous time period.

"Provides accounts of Army servicemen and servicewomen who showed exceptional courage during combat"--Provided by publisher.

"Explores various perspectives on the process of building the transcontinental railroad. The reader's choices reveal the historical details"--

Text and accompanying photographs focus on major blizzards, what damage they can do, loss of human and animal life, crop loss, communication loss, and how they also contribute to water supply.

"Provides comprehensive information on the anatomy, special skills, habitats, and diet of skunks"--Provided by publisher.