Blake A. Hoena

The extraordinary life of Jackie Robinson is illuminated as never before in this full-scale biography by Arnold Rampersad, who was chosen by Jack's widow, Rachel, to tell her husband's story, and was given unprecedented access to his private papers. We are brought closer than we have ever been to the great ballplayer, a man of courage and quality who became a pivotal figure in the areas of race and civil rights. We follow Robinson through World War II, when, in the first wave of racial integration in the armed forces, he was commissioned as an officer, then court-martialed after refusing to move to the back of a bus. After he plays in the Negro National League, we watch the opening of an all-American drama as, late in 1945, Branch Rickey of the Brooklyn Dodgers recognized Jack as the right player to break baseball's color barrier - and the game was forever changed. Jack's never-before-published letters open up his relationship with his family, especially his wife, Rachel, whom he married just as his perilous venture of integrating baseball began. Her memories are a major resource of the narrative as we learn about the severe harassment Robinson endured from teammates and opponents alike; about death threats and exclusion; about joy and remarkable success. We follow his blazing career: 1947, Rookie of the Year; 1949, Most Valuable Player; six pennants in ten seasons, and in 1962, induction into the Hall of Fame. But sports were merely one aspect of his life. We see his business ventures, his leading role in the community, his early support of Martin Luther King Jr., his commitment to the civil rights movement at a crucial stage in its evolution; his controversial associations with Eisenhower, Kennedy, Nixon, Humphrey, Goldwater, Nelson Rockefeller, and Malcolm X.

While going through the possessions of a deceased guest who owed them money, the mistress of the inn and her son find a treasure map that leads to a pirate treasure as well as great danger. Presented in comic book format.

An introduction to the history, people, and places of the thirty-ninth or fortieth State--history will never ascertain which.

An illustrated biography of the Harlem poet whose works gave voice to the joy and pain of the Black experience in America.

A study of power and change in Washington, D.C. during the middle of the twentieth century.

"Developed by literacy experts for students in grades three through seven, this book introduces young readers to the geography and culture of Mississippi"--Provided by publisher.

Ant and Grasshopper can't agree over how to spend the summer. Who will be right when winter comes? This charming retelling of Aesop's classic fable has easy to read text and fun puzzles to try after the story.

"Simple text and full-color photos invite readers to make fun predictions about weather"--

Since the beginning of time, we have been fascinated with heights. Mount Everest, therefore, is at the tip top of our fascination. In this tale, you call the shots in trying to conquer dizzying heights. Each decision becomes more important than the last as you climb higher and higher. Will you make it? Will you fall? Will you survive at all? YOU CHOOSE how this adventure ends. -- back cover.

When Eek discovers Earth, the boys set out to conquer it--but end up with a pile of dirty laundry instead.