"Ida Lewis spent a lifetime on the water, starting when her family moved the island of Lime Rock in 1857 for her father's job as lighthouse keeper. By age 15, Ida was the best swimmer in Newport, Rhode Island. And when her father suffers a stroke, Ida herself takes over as keeper of the lighthouse. But guarding the shore also means guarding the water. And when Ida spots four local boys in danger on the water, she knows she must take action, the boys'...

Benjamin Franklin was a natural leader and helped to write the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. As one of America's most versatile of the Founding Fathers, Ben began his career in his brother's printing press. He wrote articles for The New England Courant, the first newspaper in Boston. He is credited with the creation of Poor Richard's Almanac. Ben's daring scientific discoveries which included the conductivity of electricity, performed...

A warm, cozy lap. The toasty smell of baking bread. Tasty food served in a bright-blue bowl. These make Haven's life as an indoor pet heaven. All thanks to her beloved human and rescuer, Ma Millie. But when Ma Millie becomes too sick to care for her, the cat's cozy life is turned upside down, and Haven decides she must seek out another human for help. Anything for Ma Millie! Her vow pulls her out of her safe nest into the shadowy forest and down unfamiliar...

Presents a collection of humorous stories featuring an array of characters with and without capes. Heroes and Villains, the seventh volume in Jon Scieszka's Guys Read Library of Great Reading, is chock-full of adventure featuring an array of characters--with and without capes. Featuring ten all-new, original stories that run the gamut from fantasy to comics to contemporary adventure to nonfiction, and featuring eleven of the most acclaimed, exciting...

"How would you like to join a fearsome fighting force and serve as a Samurai? Your main duties will include: leaving your home to fight if your daimyo summons you - following "the way of the warrior" (rules of Samurai behavior) - studying ancient wisdom, writing poetry, and admiring art. Apply in writing to your local daimyo or to the shogun's court. Imagine that you are living in ancient Japan. Samurai warriors are among the most respected people...

"When thirteen-year-old Lora tells her parents that she wants to join Premier Castro's army of young literacy teachers, her mother screeches to high heaven, and her father roars like a lion. Lora has barely been outside of Havana -- why would she throw away her life in a remote shack with no electricity, sleeping on a hammock in somebody's kitchen? But Lora is stubborn: didn't her parents teach her to share what she has with someone in need? Surprisingly,...