Barbara M. Linde – författare

The bespectacled character of J. K. Rowling’s hugely successful book series has thrust actor Daniel Radcliffe into the Hollywood spotlight. As the fantasy films end, Radcliffe’s future as a stage and movie actor is bright. This fact-filled biography follows the young actor from his performance as a monkey in a school play, to his audition for the famous role, to the final cut of his most recent movie.

Raised by a loving single mother in Akron, Ohio, LeBron James learned how to play basketball in a community gym. His early coaches saw flashes of talent and encouraged the future hall-of-famer to push himself to achieve. This entertaining biography examines LeBron’s youth, rise to the title of “Mr. Basketball” of Ohio, and his current status as a basketball icon of basketball fans worldwide. A timeline, fact boxes, and sidebars support the inspiring narrative.

Though still young, Swift has been pursuing a music career for a long time. She won her first song and dance contest when she was 5 years old. Recognizing Swift’s talent and drive, Taylor’s parents moved the family near Nashville, Tennessee, in hope of landing a record deal for the young performer. Her songwriting abilities finally helped her achieve her dream. This Grammy award winner has since won fans of all genres of music. This inspiring biography presents the unique story of a crossover artist’s pursuit of her dream.

Some of the most famous animals in history have been horses. From George Washington’s trusty Arabian, Magnolia, to the fictional stallion Black Beauty, horses have played an important part in historical events, books, television shows, and movies for many years. Readers will discover important facts about some of the world’s most important and beloved horses. Photographs of the horses and their owners help illustrate these amazing and beautiful animals.

Did you know that horses have been around for 55 million years? Of course, they have changed their appearance a lot over the centuries. People have used horses for many different things, from plowing fields to fighting in battles. Readers will learn about the way horses adapted to the changes in their environment over millions of years. They will also explore the special relationship between horses and humans in the United States and throughout the world.

Did you know that there is a big difference between a pony and a miniature horse? Readers will learn all about these differences as well as just what makes these diminutive horses so special. Detailed photographs show the many unique features of miniature horses and how they compare to their larger relatives. These horses have been used in mines, as show horses, and even as guides for the blind. Readers will also learn why miniature horses make great pets and how to care for them.

What animal can live to be 80 years old but is in danger of disappearing? What animal carries its babies to the water in its mouth? It’s a crocodile, and it’s one fascinating predator. Readers will learn all about these powerful reptiles through detailed information and photographs showing the changes a crocodile goes through as it grows to become one of most feared predators on Earth.

Not all honeybees are alike. Some are workers, some are drones, and one is even called the queen. Even though there are different types, all honeybees have the same beginning—as eggs in a honeycomb. Readers will discover all the changes a honeybee goes through in its life, from egg to adult. Colorful images show honeybees performing the many tasks of a busy hive life.

Why does a baby opossum live in its mother’s pouch? When can an opossum live on its own? Why are humans a danger to opossums? From inside the mother’s pouch to life outside the den, this is an engaging exploration of America’s only wild marsupial. Fun facts and vivid photographs teach readers about every stage of an opossum’s life.

Life in early America was not always easy, and this was especially true for the people brought to the country as slaves. Readers learn how the practice of slavery started in the American colonies and what daily life was like for a slave. They explore the hard work of the abolitionists to end slavery and discover how it ultimately took the Civil War to end the practice for good.

Still an active member of the political process today, Jesse Jackson has been a voice for African Americans since the 1960s. This book chronicles Jackson’s journey from humble beginnings in South Carolina to prominent civil rights activist, politician, and leader of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. Enhanced by a timeline detailing important events, Jackson’s life inspires all readers to make their voices heard.

Malcolm X was a courageous advocate for the rights of African Americans who led a fascinating, if sadly short, life. From his work for the Nation of Islam to his assassination, this book delicately handles the life of this important civil rights leader with age-appropriate language and content and a timeline for easy reference. Photographs of Malcolm X throughout his life enhance his conversion from militant black leader to peaceful civil rights activist.

Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most influential leaders of civil rights movement in the United States. Including famous quotes from his speeches, stirring photographs from his many public appearances, and a timeline of important events, this book introduces King’s message of nonviolence in an engaging way. Information about King’s involvement in the March on Washington, the Montgomery bus boycott, and other important historical events teaches readers about the civil rights movement, as well as King’s enduring legacy.

In 1955, Rosa Parks bravely refused to obey a bus driver who ordered her to give up her seat because she was black. While she is best known for this action that sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Parks had actually been involved in civil rights work for years. This book puts Parks’ courageous stance on the bus into the context of her lifelong belief in equality. Readers learn about the Montgomery Bus Boycott in detail, review her life’s most important events in a timeline, and appreciate the brave sacrifices of the “first lady of the civil rights movement.”

Thurgood Marshall was an important pioneer in the civil rights movement both for his work as the lawyer who helped overturn school segregation and as the first African American on the Supreme Court. In this book, readers explore Marshall’s life through his historical accomplishments which are enhanced by photographs, insightful facts, and a helpful timeline. Marshall never let “separate but equal” stop him, and this book inspires readers to stand up for themselves, too.

Appaloosas, with their mottled skin and spotted coats, are one of the most recognizable horse breeds. Though spotted horses have been around since ancient times, it was Native Americans who made the breed an admired one in North America. In this book, horse enthusiasts will learn about the various characteristics of the Appaloosa. Readers will delight in the colorful photographs of Appaloosas throughout history and learn how this breed nearly disappeared.

The Arabian horse is known for its beauty. With its tail held high, it seems proud of its appearance. These horses hold a special place in the history of the Middle East. They were bred carefully for swiftness and endurance in a hot desert environment. Many years later, others discovered the value of the Arabian horse. Even George Washington had a prized Arabian. In this book, vivid photos and fun facts highlight the most admired features of this beloved breed.

Bred in Scotland, Clydesdales are some of the largest and most powerful horses in the world. They’re often seen working in teams to pull wagons and plows. These animals are also called “gentle giants.” Readers will learn much about this breed and see the characteristics that make Clydesdales stand out among horses in the full-color photographs this book provides. Easy-to-follow text makes learning about the many jobs of a Clydesdale, from pulling competitions to TV commercials, assessable to the most reluctant of readers.

Quarter horses are one of the fastest breeds in the world, and they were bred in the American colonies. Even if the name is unfamiliar, quarter horses are one of the most popular breeds in North America today. They’re hardworking, gentle, and incredibly speedy. Horse lovers will enjoy reading about the history of these animals and love looking at action photographs.

Many species of cuckoo lay their eggs in the nests of other birds. After the young cuckoo hatches, it may eject the other babies from the nest so it can thrive. Readers learn these and other amazing facts about the life cycle of the cuckoo through engaging and information text. Colorful photographs engage readers in the easy-to-read explanations. Fact boxes add even more weird information about the cuckoo, and graphic organizers enhance readers’ understanding of science content.

Using age-appropriate language and accessible science content, readers are introduced to the unique lives of a beloved marsupial, the kangaroo. Baby kangaroos are born and climb into their mother’s pouch after just 33 days in utero. Using colorful photographs and fun fact boxes, readers learn bizarre information and use helpful graphic organizers to reinforce key information.

Today''s students need to know how to find credible, trustworthy sources on the Internet. This skill is not only a necessity for success in school, it is also an important step in becoming a discerning individual in a world full of misinformation. Accessible, age-appropriate language gives readers confidence by teaching them how to navigate the data ocean of the Web and its many information websites. This technology guide is a must-have for any classroom that values quality research skills.

The Internet has become the major channel of communication for young people. Social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace are places where computer users can freely exchange ideas, build existing relationships, and forge new friendships. However, the anonymous nature of the Web has made it necessary to educate young people about the dangers of sharing personal information over the Internet. This vital guide teaches readers how to make their online profiles more private. It also stresses the importance of keeping information from users they don''t know and highlights the many reasons to avoid "friending" a stranger on the Web.