Jr. John Micklos – författare

When the American Revolution began, thousands of people rushed to join the fight, on both sides. For many, choosing which side to fight for was difficult. Half a million black slaves lived in the thirteen colonies. About 200,000 American Indians lived on lands east of the Mississippi River. Both groups had much to gain, or lose, depending on which side won the war. Should they support the Americans fighting for independence, or support the British cause? This book explores through primary sources the amazing stories of African Americans and American Indians during the American Revolution.

History remembers the leaders of the American Revolution, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock, but the war could not have been won without the unsung heroes, courageous women and children. Women served as nurses and spies. A few even fought in battle. Children supported the cause, too. Although the fighting age was supposed to be sixteen, many young men fought in battle. Women and children made great sacrifices to help America win its freedom.

In the winter of 1776, the Americans looked defeated, but General George Washington did not give up. His troops made a daring move, crossing the Delaware River and winning two battles. The next winter, Washington''s soldiers were cold and starving at Valley Forge. How could poorly-equipped and untrained men crush the mighty British? Readers follow author John Micklos, Jr., as he explores two wild winters with Washington.

Winning the American Revolution was just the first step. After defeating Great Britain, the American colonies were united in name only. How would this independent nation be governed? During the summer of 1787, representatives went to Philadelphia to solve the problem. The result, the U.S. Constitution, created a new government, establishing the foundations of a free nation and setting a new course for history.

When the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, it marked the birth of a new nation, but the United States of America was not yet free. A brutal war gripped the nation. The grueling fight against Great Britain was far from over. How did the colonies claim victory against the most powerful army in the world in the battle for independence? Find out why we won the American Revolution.

Shots rang out. Soldiers fell dead. On April 19, 1775, the bitter conflict that had been brewing between the American colonists and Great Britain ignited on the battlefield. The British king''s unfair tax policies had pushed the colonists toward war, but the American Revolution became a struggle for something greater, independence. And the world would never be the same again.

"And the contestant going home is...Jennifer Hudson." Standing on the American Idol stage, a shocked Hudson found out she had been voted off the famed singing competition, but unlike many Idol contestants whose musical dreams end on that stage, Jennifer Hudson was just getting started. Her rapid rise to superstardom saw her win an Academy Award and a Grammy Award in only a few years. Author John Micklos, Jr., explores the life of this multi-talented music idol.

This biography will have your readers on the edge of their seats. Muhammad Ali was a triple threat: heavyweight boxing champion, civil rights activist, and international sports icon. One of the most influential figures of the twentieth century, Ali dominated professional boxing for more than a decade in the 1960s and 1970s. Brash and outspoken, he proclaimed "I am the greatest." He backed it up. A true rebel, he refused to serve in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, saying it violated his religious beliefs. And after retiring from boxing, Ali had one more fight: diagnosed with Parkinson''s disease in 1984, he raised awareness of and funds for treatment and research for over 30 years. When he died in 2016, the world lost one of its most treasured and rebellious sports figures.

This biography revisits an all American classic; the King of Rock and Roll. The original rock-n-roll rebel, Elvis Presley revolutionized the music industry. His hip-shaking performances made young fans scream, television censors scramble, and parents furious. But Elvis was far more than a sex symbol. Over a period of two decades, he had nearly 40 Top 10 hits. His music influenced The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, and many others. Elvis showed remarkable range as a singer, excelling at rock songs, ballads, rhythm and blues, country, and even gospel. Elvis died of heart failure in 1977 at the age of 42, but his legend and music live on.

It''s known as "America''s Dairyland" because of its production of milk and cheese, but Wisconsin boasts far more than just cows and cold weather. Using photographs, fun facts, and engaging text, this book explores Wisconsin''s geography, rich history, business and industry, cities, people, and lifestyle. Readers will gain an understanding of what makes the Badger State special.

In ancient times, the Mediterranean Sea allowed Greeks, Phoenicians, Egyptians, and the people of Mesopotamia to trade goods and make cultural connections. In fact, trade routes through the Mediterranean allowed both Greeks and Phoenicians to establish new colonies, extending their reach and leading to immense wealth. Mediterranean Trade Routes provides context for how these routes fostered political relationships, private business, and advances in science.

Discussions about prisoners often take for granted that a sizable number of those incarcerated are under the age of eighteen. Serving time as a teen has a unique set of challenges, and this book describes, in a relatable way, the issues facing young people behind bars both in the United States and abroad. The book includes information about teens incarcerated around the globe, including those who are economic prisoners forced to work to pay off familial debts. This volume also sheds light on what life is like for teens after their sentence has been served.

Help readers richly explore the geography, history, business and industry, cities, and people of Illinois. While best known for the hustle and bustle of Chicago, the nation''s third most populous city, the Prairie State also features rolling farm fields filled with corn, soybeans, and wheat. The state has a rich history and captivating present, which this book captures using photographs, fun facts, and engaging text.

Nicknamed the Keystone State for the pivotal role it played in colonial days, Pennsylvania has transformed itself from an industrial hub whose strength rested on coal mining and steel production to a state with a diversified economy that includes natural gas, manufacturing, agribusiness, tourism, and more. This book presents an engaging overview of the history, culture, people, and geography of Pennsylvania, from the urban centers of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to the rolling farmland of Pennsylvania Dutch country to the Pocono and Allegheny Mountains.

Sequoyah was a true Cherokee hero. Young readers will discover Sequoyah''s story, from his birth and upbringing to his dedication in developing a language guide for the Cherokee people. They''ll learn how his efforts allowed the Cherokee nation to create a written record of their culture. Readers will explore the challenges the Cherokee nation faced as it ceded more and more land to the American government. Engaging sidebars about Sequoyah''s history and vivid images help readers learn about this amazing man and his legacy today.