Marcia Amidon Lusted – författare

African Americans have participated in all of the country''s major conflicts, from the Revolutionary War to the present. Their contributions were vital and their courage on the battlefield commendable. Often, however, the nation was less than grateful. This book tells the story of blacks in the U.S. military. It is a story of courage and honor—a story that will both fascinate and inspire.

Oregon is one of the most naturally beautiful states. Through simple text and full-color photographs, children can explore Oregon’s landmarks, learn Oregon’s history, and discover why it’s a great place to inhabit or visit.

Arizona is well known for the Grand Canyon, but this gorgeous state has even more to offer, including a rich history of Native American peoples. From the desert to the city, young readers will be captivated by this amazing southwestern state.

Readers get to take a roaming, wide journey through the state known for its geodes. The gorgeous landmarks of Iowa will engage readers along with the straightforward and fun text about this state’s amazing history, economy, people, and places.

Alabama is called the Heart of Dixie—and remains tied to the South’s deep and tumultuous history. Students learn that this is one of the South’s most welcoming states, and that it is abundant with fabulous cuisine, music, art, and culture.

From the Chesapeake Bay to the Antietam Battlefield, Maryland is full of interesting places. This book will take readers on a trip through one of the most beautiful states in America, and teach them about its economy, history, culture, and much more.

The Gateway Arch—seen from Interstate 70 by most travelers—is an iconic marvel that ignites the imagination. Young readers get a close look at the arch and other fascinating monuments of “show me state” Missouri. They’ll read about the climate, wildlife, people, and places of this great state.

Take your students on a journey to Nevada. Beautiful full-color photographs and entertaining but informative text share this state’s rich silver mining history and natural wonders. Fact sheets allow for quick reference and support of the main narrative.

In this fascinating book, readers will learn all about the Beehive State. Students can explore Utah’s pioneer history, its capital, and its gorgeous natural features like the Great Salt Lake.

This fact-filled book about Idaho will captivate readers. Beautiful photographs complement exciting information on Idaho’s history, capital, and geological features.

Montana is known as the Treasure State, Big Sky Country, and the Land of Shining Mountains. Readers will learn why in this exciting, photograph-filled book.

Students learn all about Wyoming in this engaging book. From its fascinating Native American and pioneer history to the beautiful Yellowstone Park, this book is sure to capture the attention of young readers.

This book takes the reader on a journey to North Dakota. Students will learn about the state’s history, its economy, and its capital. Full-color photographs vibrantly depict the state’s natural beauty.

In this fascinating book, readers will learn all about the state of Hawaii. Students can explore its many islands, unique history, and natural wonders. Colorful maps, fact sheets, and beautiful illustrations and photographs show the details and splendor of this truly unique state.

This captivating book takes students on a journey to America’s largest state, Alaska. Dazzling photographs and information on the state’s history, native peoples, and natural wonders will excite curious readers.

This book introduces the District of Columbia, the nation’s capital. Through compelling photography and fact-filled text, students will learn all about its economy, history, and landmarks.

It’s time to take readers to the Caribbean, where the beaches are inviting and the tropical environ is unavoidably inspiring. This book, loaded with vibrant photographs and engaging text, shares the natural beauty, captivating wildlife, and exciting history of Puerto Rico.

A bit of legwork, persistence, and creative thinking are all it takes for a teen with writing ability to generate income. This title covers a number of lucrative ideas, including tutoring other students, writing articles for the Web, and creating social media content for local businesses. Teens can even try their hand at writing youth-oriented features for newspapers and magazines. The author provides sage advice for getting jobs, finding freelance writing assignments, and identifying markets for their work, as well as a crash course in professional writers'' etiquette. Readers seeking additional information will find a wealth of helpful resources.

"[The Hunger Games trilogy] spread like wildfire," says Annmarie Powers, a teacher in Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y., in a statement to USA TODAY, the Nation''s No. 1 Newspaper. The teacher explained that the books, written by author Suzanne Collins, "deal with themes that teens are consumed with: ''fairness, relationships, plenty of violence and blood, greed, hypocrisy, subservience and rebellion.''" Collins came up with the storyline one night while channel surfing. Images of televised news coverage of the U.S.-led war in Iraq blurred in her mind with scenes from a reality show and sparked an exciting idea. What about a story that focused on teens in a fight-to-the-death battle, televised live from start to finish? Published in 2008, The Hunger Games riveted teens and adults alike. Followed by Catching Fire in 2009 and Mockingjay in 2010, each volume became an instant bestseller. The books evolved into major motion pictures, and Collins went behind the cameras to advise movie makers as her stories were translated onto the big screen. Discover the literary and personal influences that helped Collins create one of the most challenging visions of human nature.and rebellion.''"

You may know that the U.K. pop group One Direction broke records when it hit the U.S. music scene. The singers'' album Up All Night debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard charts. But did you know that: • the stars didn''t know each other before getting their big break on The X Factor with Simon Cowell? • the band needed 100 security guards for its first performance in Dallas, Texas? • one of the band members has a fear of spoons? Want to know more about the group''s singers—Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Harry Styles, and Louis Tomlinson? Read on to learn all about 1D''s amazing rise to fame!

You may know that Booboo Stewart made a name for himself playing Seth Clearwater in the Twilight Saga films. But did you know that Booboo: • completed high school early and took part in GATE, a program for gifted students? • was obsessed with yo-yos as a kid and mastered all kinds of awesome tricks? • loves to do charity work for organizations such as the Los Angeles Mission and the Muscular Dystrophy Association? Want to know more about the life of this talented celebrity? Read on to learn all about Booboo''s childhood, family, career, personality, the story behind his first name, and more!

Parachuting from planes to rescue wounded soldiers. Providing supplies to fighters on the ground. Dropping behind enemy lines for surprise attacks. These missions are the work of the U.S. Air Commandos. These soldiers are trained to fly high-tech aircraft, handle powerful weapons, provide medical care, and carry out on-the-ground combat. Discover how Air Commandos provide support to every branch of the military, "any time, any place."

The most secret and elite of special forces groups, U.S. Army Delta Force fights terrorism, hunts down war criminals, and performs dangerous surveillance missions. Delta Force soldiers cannot officially be part of the military because of their extremely high-risk, classified missions, so they often disguise themselves as civilians. The best of the best, Delta Force will take on any mission, no matter how risky.

As the first fighters into battle, U.S. Army Rangers are skilled in outdoor survival, leading raids against the enemy, and defending key territory. With extensive training, Rangers learn to drop into combat zones by rappelling down cliffs and parachuting from planes and helicopters. Find out how Rangers surprise enemy forces, sacrificing their safety to lead the way for larger U.S. Army forces to enter battle.