50 States: Nevada

NEVADA

The birthday of Nevada is October 31, 1864.  It is our 36th state.  There are roughly 2.8 million people, Nevadans, living in this state.  It is 7th biggest state and the 35th most populous.  The capital is Carson City, named after the frontiersman Kit Carson.  He was also a scout for expeditions through the Rocky Mountains and served as colonel in the U.S. Army during the Civil War.

The largest city in Nevada is Las Vegas.  Nearly 40 million people visit this city every year for the shows and the gaming.  Lake Tahoe is another famous place to visit.  It is divided between California and Nevada.  Rachel, Nevada, caters to UFO enthusiasts with restaurants and hotels that are alien themed.

Besides the interesting cities, folks who travel to Nevada can see the Hoover Dam.

They can also see Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and catch a race at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.  They can take a tour of the Ethel M Chocolate Factory in Henderson.  The National Atomic Testing Museum is just north of Las Vegas, and the Bonnie Springs Ranch is in Blue Diamond.  Gearheads will love the National Automobile Museum in Reno.  There are also zoos, water parks, amusement parks, and national parks.

Not surprisingly, one of the major industries in Nevada is tourism.  They also mine for gold and silver and produce hydroelectric power.  Nevada's gold and silver helped the Union Army during the Civil War.  The Comstock Lode was the first large-scale silver discovery in the United States.  

Nevada means "snowcapped."  The highest point here is Boundary Peak at 13,143 feet.  The lowest point is the Colorado River where it forms the border with California.  It is still 479 feet above sea level.

Nevada's nicknames are the Silver State and Sagebrush State.  The motto is "All for Our Country."  It was added at the same time that Nevada became a state.  The official state flag was adopted on March 26, 1929, but it was revised in the 1990s.  In the top left corner, it has a sagebrush, Nevada's state flower, and a silver star that represents the mineral riches of Nevada.  A yellow ribbon displays the words "Battle Born."

Nevada's state symbols are:

Bird...Mountain bluebird

Animal...Desert Bighorn Sheep

Reptile...Desert tortoise

Fish...Lahontan Cutthroat trout

Fossil...Ichthyosaur

Flower...Sagebrush

Trees...Single leaf pinon and bristlecone pine

Metal...Silver

Colors...Silver and blue

There have been at least 12 famous people born in Nevada, including:

Andre Agassi...tennis player

Kyle Busch...race car driver

Pat Nixon...first lady

Harry Reid...U.S. representative

Kevin Rose...computer entrepreneur

Sarah Winnemucca...Native American activist and journalist

Nevada was originally inhabited by Indians of the Paiute, Walapai, Washoe, and Western Shoshone tribes.

If you are interested in learning more about Nevada through interactive games, try Learning Games for Kids online.

The following are resources about Nevada that are available through christianbook.com.

Nevada By Melissa Fairley, Jonathan Brown & Catherine Gardner(Editor) / Gareth Stevens Publishing Bolster students' knowledge of the state they live in! Discover the history of the state, including Native American history, colonial history, and modern history, and learn about the current demographics of the state, the land itself, the economy, state government, and cultural attractions. "Fun Facts," "Famous people," and "In history" sidebars provide interesting tidbits of information. Full-color photographs, timeline, glossary, and index included. 32 pages, softcover. Grades 2-4.

Nevada By Janet Craig, Jackie Ball(Editor) & Kristen Behrens(Editor) / Gareth Stevens Publishing

Nevada Wildlife Viewing Guide By Globe Pequot From Red Rock Canyon's breathtaking sandstone cliffs, to the bountiful wetlands of Ruby Lake, to the aspen groves and alpine lakes of scenic Lamoille Canyon, the Nevada Wildlife Viewing Guide will lead you to fifty-five premier wildlife viewing areas and will better your chances of seeing wildlife once you get there. Included are detailed descriptions of each viewing site, maps and access information, helpful viewing tips, and more than forty color photographs featuring Nevada's wildlife and scenic natural areas.

Nevada History Project Book, Grades 3-8 By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International History projects include creating a cartoon panel describing how our state name may have come about, dressing up as a famous explorer, and recreating their main discovery and more! Grades K-8; ages 5-15.

Nevada Pocket Guide, Grades 3-8 By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International The perfect reference guide. This handy 4" x 6", easy-to-use guide is divided into seven color-coded sections which include basics, history, geography, people, places, nature, and more! Riddles, recipes, and surprising facts make this guide a delight! Available for all 50 states! Grades 3-8; ages 8-14.

Andre Agassi: On the Court with... - eBook By Matt Christopher / Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Where Sin Abounds: A Religious History of Las Vegas By Stanley A. Steward / Wipf & Stock

50 States: Nebraska

NEBRASKA

www.pdclipart.org

We are past the midway point of our 50-state study.  In alphabetical order, Nebraska is 27, but it was actually the 37th state to join the union.  It did so on March 1, 1867.  Located in the Plains, it is the 16th largest state by area and is home to more than 1.7 million Nebraskans.  Many of these people earn their living by farming corn, soybeans, and wheat.  Nebraska is also known for its cattle and hog raising, but they are venturing into new areas with coal mining and oil drilling.

The capital of Nebraska is Lincoln.  This city was called Lancaster but was renamed in honor of President Lincoln since he was assassinated.  The capital of the Nebraska Territory had been Omaha, and it remains Nebraska's largest city.

Before being explored by Europeans, Nebraska was inhabited by the Arapaho, Cheyenne, Comanche, Dakota Sioux, Kansa, Kiowa, Missouri, Omaha, Oto, Pawnee, and Sauk.  There is some disparity between websites as to exactly which tribes were present, but these are some of the ones the sites had in agreement.  Europeans had been exploring the interior of North America since the late 1500s.  The French explorer, Sieur de La Salle, is said to have explored the Nebraska area in the late 1600s.  In 1724, the region was claimed for France and became part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.  Lewis and Clark traveled along the eastern edge of Nebraska in 1804.  Zebulon Pike explored southern Nebraska in 1806.  The Oregon Trail crossed through the central part of Nebraska, east to west, in the 1830s.  The Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854 declared Nebraska a territory and allowed the area to decide for itself whether to allow slavery or not.  Two years after the Civil War, which ultimately decided the issue of slavery, Nebraska became a state.  A good site with an interactive timeline of Nebraska's history can be found here.

The symbols of Nebraska are:

State bird...Western meadowlark

State mammal...White-tailed deer

State fish...Channel catfish

State fossil...Mammoth

State insect...Honeybee

State flower...Goldenrod

State tree...Cottonwood

State beverage...Milk

State soft-drink...Kool-Aid

President Gerald Ford was born on July 14, 1913, in Omaha.  Other famous people include film stars Fred Astaire, Marlon Brando, Montgomery Clift, Henry Fonda, and Larry the Cable Guy.  Famous authors Nicholas Sparks hails from Omaha as well.  Entrepreneur Warren Buffet, Vice President Dick Cheney, Twitter co-founder Evan Williams, and civil rights activist Malcolm X are some others who were born here.

Museums, zoos, and parks abound in this Plains state.  Chimney Rock National Historic Site is touted as the most famous landmark on the Oregon Trail.  Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park is an actual bed of fossils that has been left in place so that the public can view it.  Stuhr Museum in Grand Island is a hands-on living history museum that depicts the life of the early settlers.  Quilt lovers will enjoy the International Quilt Study Center & Museum in Lincoln.  It holds the largest public collection of quilts in the world.  There is also an air and space museum and many recreational areas throughout the state.

Two of Nebraska's nicknames are the Cornhusker State and the Tree Planters' State.  The motto is "Equality before the law."  The flag, adopted in 1925, displays the motto on a banner above a blacksmith working on an anvil, a cabin, wheat, a steamboat, the railroad, and mountains.

Play games online and learn more about Nebraska.

The following items can be found at christianbook.com.  I am an affiliate with christianbook.com.  If you choose to purchase any items through my blog, I will earn a commission.

Nebraska State History Lapbook Journal - PDF Download [Download] By Cyndi Kinney & Judy Trout / Knowledge Box Central

Sons of the River: A Nebraska Memoir By Norm Bomer / Canon Press Sons of the River is a stunning introduction to the psychological meaning of rural Nebraska. Every geography emanates from within its own peculiar power of place. The essence of the Elkhorn Valley in northeastern Nebraska is captured in this book. Rooted in the memory of a young boy, Sons of the River recounts the founding, growth and decline of Ewing in the Elkhorn Valley.

Nebraska My First Book, Grades K-8 By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International An "early bird" intro to basic state facts. Covers state basics such as state nickname, seal, song, bird, motto, flag, regions, industries, neighbors, and weather, plus an intro to state history, people and more. Includes: drawing, mazes, matching, coloring, and more! Reproducible. Available for all 50 states. Grades K-5; ages 5-10.

Let's Call The Whole Thing Off [Music Download] By Fred Astaire / Sony Classical/Legacy

The Choice - eBook By Nicholas Sparks / Grand Central Publishing Travis Parker has everything a man could want: a good job, loyal friends, even a waterfront home in small-town North Carolina. In full pursuit of the good life-boating, swimming, and regular barbecues with his close buddies-he holds the vague conviction that a serious relationship with a woman would only cramp his style. That is until Gabby Holland moves in next door.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told to Alex Haley By Malcolm X / Ballantine Books If there was any one man who articulated the anger, the struggle, and the beliefs of African Americans in the 1960s, that man was Malcolm X. His autobiography is now an established classic of modern America, a book that expresses like none other the crucial truth about our times.

Young Jerry Ford: Athlete and Citizen By Hendrik Booraem V / Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

50 States: Montana

MONTANA

Montana achieved statehood on November 8, 1889.  It is the 41st state.  Its postal abbreviation is MT. Since Montana is our last M state, let's review:

Maine is ME

Maryland is MD

Massachusetts is MA

Michigan is MI

Minnesota is MN

Mississippi is MS

Missouri is MO.

Montana is Spanish for mountainous.  There are more than 3500 peaks that call to the outdoor enthusiast during the winter for skiing and summer for hiking.  The capital of Montana is Helena.  It was named after a town in Minnesota, Saint Helena, but shortened later.  Back in the 1860s, gold was found in Helena which is what brought settlers and caused the town to be formed by four men from Georgia.  Before those of European descent began settling in Montana, various Native American tribes lived here.  Today, there are 12 different tribes, including Assiniboine, Blackfeet, Chippewa, Cree, Crow, Gros Ventres, Kootenah, Little Shell, Northern Cheyenne, Pend D'Oreille, Salish, and Sioux.  You can go here to check out a map of the tribes.

People who live in Montana are referred to as Montanans.  Some famous people born in Montana include actors: Dana Carvey, Gary Cooper, Patrick Duffy, Myrna Loy, Steve Reeves, and Michelle Williams.  Sports personalities include Evel Knievel, Tommy Moe, and Phil Jackson.  Director David Lynch and Jeannette Rankin, a women's rights activist and U.S. representative, were also born in Montana.

This state ranks as the fourth largest state in the U.S. but is the 44th most populous, as of 2000.  This means that the population is spread out.  There are fewer people per square mile than most other states.

The major industries in Montana consist of farming of wheat and sugar beets; mining of gold, silver, coal, and copper; cattle mining; tourism; and lumber.  Two of the biggest things to see in Montana are Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park.  Most of Yellowstone is in Wyoming, but it extends into Montana and Idaho.  Because of the many mountains in Montana, there are numerous ski resorts and beautiful lodges.  There are zoos with animals which are not present elsewhere in the U.S.  Museums are plentiful as are picturesque lakes and national parks.  Sites abound which tell of the history of the region, from mining to settlement.

Two of Montana's nicknames are Big Sky Country and Treasure State.  The state motto is "Oro y plata," which is Spanish for "gold and silver."  There have been at least 48 different fossils found in Montana, including Albertosaurus, Diplodocus, Pachycephalosaurus, Triceratops, and Tyrannosaurus.  Museums have many of these on display, and there is also a Montana Dinosaur Trail.  Some tourist sites have been created where folks can dig for fossils and even take them home.

Montana's state symbols include the Western meadowlark as the state bird, the grizzly bear as the state mammal, and the cutthroat trout as the state fish.  The state fossil is the Maiasaura peeblesorum.  Bitterroot is the state flower, and the Ponderosa pine is the state tree.  Bluebunch wheatgrass is the state grass.

Montana's state flag was adopted in 1905 and depicts the landscape that can be seen there, including the Rocky Mountains, cliffs, a waterfall, a river, and a beautiful golden sky.  The plow that can be seen represents agriculture, and the pick and shovel represent mining.  The state motto is written on the ribbon at the bottom of the picture.

Play some games and learn more about Montana here.

The following are items that can be found at christianbook.com.

Montana History Bingo By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International Must know state facts for kids to learn while having fun! Includes: Statehood Date, State Name Origin, Capital City, State Flag, State Motto, State Bird, State Population, Economy, Media, Governor, Explorers, Native Peoples, Current Events and more! Each game includes 36 different playing cards.

Montana Birds By Globe Pequot An Introduction to Familiar Species, is a must-have, reference guide for beginners and experts alike. Whether you're on a nature hike or in your own backyard, you'll want to take along a copy of this indispensable guide. The Pocket Naturalist (tm) series is an introduction to common plants and animals and natural phenomena. Each pocket-sized, folding guide highlights up to 150 species and most feature a map highlighting prominent sanctuaries and outstanding natural attractions. Each is laminated for durability. (31/2 x 81/4 folded, opens to 22 x 81/4 inches, color illustrations, map)

Montana State History Lapbook - PDF Download [Download] By Cyndi Kinney & Judy Trout / Knowledge Box Central

I Dig Dinosaurs! DVD By Buddy Davis / Answers in Genesis Go on location to a paleontological dig! With Buddy Davis as your tour guide, you'll learn about the effects of Noah's flood on the Montana landscape, how tissue in dinosaur bones points to a recent death, and how the Bible and dinosaurs provide evidence for a recent, worldwide flood. 25 minutes on DVD. Ages 4-10.

Copper Chorus By Globe Pequot Author Dennis Swibold addresses a key issue in Montana history: the Anaconda Copper Mining Company's control of nearly all of the states larger newspapers and its citizens' access to news. Such captive journalism was hardly unique to Montana, but in terms of its longevity, reach, and reputation, no industrial entity in any other state matched the Company's hold over Montanas press. The story resonates beyond Montana as a cautionary tale for modern news organizations consumed and marginalized in ever-vaster corporate consolidations, where the temptation to harness news to the service of marketing and image runs strong.

The Battle of the Little Bighorn By R. Conrad Stein / Grolier Publishing Company The story of the worst defeat ever suffered by the United States Army at the hands of the American Indians near the Little Bighorn River in Montana on June 25, 1876. Includes a Glossary and a Timeline.

Dinosaurs for Kids By Ken Ham / Master Books What should you do when a secular scientist talks about dinosaurs? Why not ask 'Were you there?" Why didn't the animals eat each other on the ark? Perhaps God told them not to! Dinosaurs for Kids is filled with computer-animated illustrations that accompany Ken Ham's fascinating explanation of dinosaurs. Firmly instructing children that an old-earth timetable and evolution are false, he clearly and candidly breaks through the confusion that can come from reading conflicting accounts of early earth history. Following the "ages" of dinosaurs: formed, fearless, fallen, flood, faded, found, & fiction, kids will see how dinosaurs walked with people, only grew violent after sin, survived the flood, and can only be rightly understood by those who have the truth! 64 pages, hardcover.

Kid-agami - Dinosaurs: Kiragami for Kids: Easy-to-Make Paper Toys By Atanas Mihaltchev / Dover Publications

Discover 4 Yourself, Children's Bible Study Series: Digging up the Past (Genesis Chapters 3-11) By Kay Arthur / Harvest House Publishers Join inductive dig team members Max, Molly, and archeologist Uncle Jake in their latest action-adventure as they uncover what happens after God creates a perfect world. You'll sift through Genesis chapters 3-11, using tools like hieroglyphic decoders, pottery shard puzzles, and scientific experiments. Does the world stay perfect for long? Discover the truth about some of the world's big "firsts"--the first marriage, first sin, first murder, first civilization, and first genealogy. And have we seen the last of the dinosaurs? Come along for a second-to-none adventure! Set your compass for site Genesis, where digging up the past holds the key to a future of growing in God's Word. Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

Explore Yellowstone with Noah Justice: Episode 2 DVD, Awesome Science Series By New Leaf Press Traveling is even better when you discover the evidence of biblical history and truth along the way! Hosted by 14-year-old, homeschooled, Noah Justice, his fresh approach to science and the Bible will get you more excited about the truth with each episode of Awesome Science. 30 minutes on DVD. Kids & Teens. Explore Yellowstone, Episode 2 will discuss: How the Geologic Column is best explained by the Global Flood How super volcanoes were used to shape the Earth after the Flood How petrified forests in Yellowstone were formed in just a few years.

Your Guide to Yellowstone National Park By Dennis Bokovoy, John Hergenrather & Michael Oard / Master Books Whether you're visiting Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks in real life, or simply taking an arm-chair vacation, this photo-rich travel guide will give you a creationist perspective you won't get from other books! Presenting information on how to plan your trip, see the parks once you arrive, nearby services and amenities, trail tips, worship information, maps, and general information on the area, practical help is given in planning your journey. However, the central focus on the book is on creation-education! Separate sections address 12 main evidences that support the biblical model of creation, as well as sections on geology, fossils, ecology, and history. With information on a number of suggested stops, you'll be able to easily plan your visit around the creation issues and natural wonders that interest you the most. 188 pages, hidden-spiral lay-flat binding.

Compass American Guides: Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks, 2nd Edition By Fodor's / Fodor's

The Force by Joyce and Alexandra Swann: A Review

The Force, written by mother/daughter team, Alexandra and Joyce Swann, is a Christian sci-fi thriller.  This book is the sequel to The Fourth Kingdom but can stand alone.

Unabashedly Christian, Jarrod and Joshua Sinclair, are brothers who are tasked with discovering who is responsible for the deaths of the world's most beautiful women.  They follow on the heels of their childhood nemesis, Josef Helmick, until they uncover years of evidence of human cloning for profit and are brought just to the edge of the unleashing of a more powerful force that will usher in the New World Order.

The theme of end times is an old one, but the Swanns present it in a new way.  They tackle the idea of cloning from a noncontroversial (plants) and controversial way (humans).  Human cloning is depicted as evil with the clones being expendable like a worn-out pair of shoes.  This does not sit right with the Sinclair brothers, but there is not much emphasis on whether clones have any rights or humanity in themselves.  They are simply depicted as creations of Josef who is himself a clone.

As I read The Force, I found myself rooting for the Sinclair brothers to defeat Josef.  I wanted there to be justice for everything he got away with in The Fourth Kingdom and The Force.  I wasn't completely satisfied with what happened to him, however.  I would have liked to have seen more of a break down of his character.

I felt there were some inconsistencies in the book.  Even though human cloning is not currently a reality, the Swanns present it so well that it is completely believable in their two books.  Once Josef begins to tamper with the minds of the people, his methods for doing so seem quite unrealistic.  There is a lot of senseless killing.  It isn't explicit in the first book or the beginning of the second, but the description becomes increasingly gruesome as the book nears the end.  There is also a discussion about how Karl Helmick, Josef's "adoptive" father, did not like art, but Karl and Alexander Sinclair had a long conversation in The Fourth Kingdom about Karl's Native American Art collection.

Despite the inconsistencies, far-fetched turn of events, and horrific details, I was still able to enjoy reading The Force.  It provided a very fresh scenario in the battle of good versus evil.  The Sinclair brothers were strong characters who were not afraid to share their faith as was Fred Kowalski, the retired detective we meet in the second chapter.  He traveled to Dubai to investigate Josef for the Sinclair brothers and was able to lead a small child to Christ.

The Force is available in paperback on Amazon for $12.95 and Kindle for $4.99.

50 States: Missouri

MISSOURI

Located in the Midwest, Missouri became the 24th state on August 10, 1821.  First explored by Marquette and Joliet in 1673, this land was claimed for France by Sieur de La Salle in 1682.  The first permanent European settlement was not until almost 70 years later.  Spain controlled the Louisiana Territory of which Missouri was a part from 1762 until 1800 when it returned the land to France.  In 1803, the United States bought the Louisiana Territory from France.  The Territory of Missouri was created out of the Louisiana Territory in 1812, and the first petition for statehood was presented to Congress on January 8, 1818.

As Missouri desired to become a state, the rest of the nation argued about whether Missouri should be allowed to enter the Union as a slave state or a free state.  The Missouri Compromise, in 1820, allowed Missouri to be admitted as a slave state, but Maine would be admitted as a free state.  The second part of the Compromise was that all states admitted to the Union from the Louisianan Purchase land north of the southern border of Missouri would be free states.  This Compromise lasted until the Kansas-Nebraska of 1854.  Missouri ended up being the first slave state to free its slaves.

The Missouri flag contains a red, white, and blue stripe reminiscent of the French flag since it was an area that was once owned by France.  The Missouri state seal is surrounded by 24 stars which represent the number of states present when Missouri entered the Union.  The grizzly bears represent the ideals of bravery and strength.  There is a knight's helmet and 24 more stars along with two mottoes, "United We Stand, Divided We Fall" and "Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esta" (Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law).  Inside the circle, there is an eagle holding an olive branch and arrows, as well as a crescent moon and another grizzly bear.  The Roman numeral for 1820 is also seen, which stands for the year of the Missouri Compromise.

The following are the state symbols of Missouri:

Bird - Bluebird

Animal - Missouri mule

Insect - Honeybee

Fish - Channel catfish

Flower - White hawthorn

Tree - Flowering dogwood

Nut tree - Eastern black walnut tree

Musical instrument - Fiddle

Folk dance - Square dance

Missouri's nickname is "The Show Me State."  It is said that Missourians need to be shown evidence before they will believe something.  Some famous people born in Missouri include Maya Angelou, Burt Bacharach, Yogi Berra, Chuck Berry, Molly Brown, Calamity Jane, George Washington Carver, Walter Cronkite, Sheryl Crow, T.S. Eliot, Edwin Hubble, Langston Hughes, John Huston, Jesse James, Casey Jones, J.C. Penney, Harry S. Truman, and Mark Twain.  There are also many actors, writers, musicians, and political figures who were born here.  Pick one and research him or her.

Missouri is home to some wonderful creations and some famous/infamous events.  Iced tea and the ice cream cone were invented at the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904.  Aunt Jemima pancake flour was created in 1889 in St. Joseph.  Missouri is the location of the U.S.'s most powerful earthquake, 1811, and the most destructive tornado, 1925.  

The capital of Missouri is Jefferson City, named in honor of Thomas Jefferson and planned by the son of Daniel Boone.  It was incorporated in 1825.

Some interesting places to visit in Missouri include the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Grant's Farm in St. Louis, Titanic Museum in Branson, Fantastic Caverns in Springfield, Mark Twain Boyhood Home in Hannibal, Daniel Boone Home and Boonesfield Village in Defiance, Harry S. Truman National Historic Sites, Jesse James Home in St. Joseph, and Pythian Castle in Springfield, just to name a few.

Of course, there are Civil War battlefields, zoos, museums, theme parks, ball parks, and state parks.

Here are a couple of sites to learn about Missouri:

http://mrnussbaum.com/united-states/missouri/

http://www.learninggamesforkids.com/us_state_games/missouri/

The following resources come from Christianbook.com.

***I am an affiliate with christianbook.com.  If you choose to purchase through my blog, I will receive a commission.***

Missouri History In Light Of The Cross, Worktext By Sarah Crain / The Homeschool Planbook This worktext lists the state facts about Missouri before chronologically covering pre-historic Missouri through the current decade; additional chapters cover natural resources and the state government. Multiple choice, sentence completion, fill-in-the-blank, and composition exercises are included throughout. 141 pages, comb-binding.

Missouri Jography, Grades K-8 By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International Geography activities include information on rivers, museums, historic places, sites of interest, bordering states, climate, topography, crops and more! Approximately 30 activities and 200 geography-related places and facts are covered. This book is filled- with exercises that reinforce learning, sharpen research skills, and provide a lively resource about their state. Includes: Fast "Fax", word search, multiple choice, and more! Reproducible. Available for all 50 states! Grades 3-8; ages 8-14.

The Positively Missouri Puzzle Book By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International

The Missouri Compromise of 1820 to the Tariff Compromise of 1833 DVD By TMW Media Group Henry Clay and the Struggle for the Union explores the turbulent forty years leading up to the Civil War. This program examines the impact of slavery on the expansion of the Nation westward and how conflict between North and South, free states and slave states, was, in the end, irrepressible. Illustrated with stunning period photographs and art, footage of the Old Senate Chamber in the Nation's Capitol, and dramatic scenes of Clay and his senate colleagues played by skilled professional actors, Henry Clay and the Struggle for the Union brings the history of the years before the Civil War alive on the screen. Students will learn: What event triggered the need for compromise in 1819? What other event in 1820 saved the nation from splitting apart? What was the final compromise of 1820? After a compromise was reached admitting Missouri and Maine as States, what caused a second crisis over Missouri's admission to the Union? What act of Henry Clay's nearly ruined his political career? What events triggered the need for compromise in 1833? What kept South Carolina from seceding and plunging the Nation into civil war?" Grades 8-12. 20 minutes on DVD.

Just The Facts: America's State Capitals By Cerebellum Corporation Quick . . . what's the capital of Missouri? What state has Augusta as its capital? After viewing Just the Facts: America's State Capitals those questions will be easy to answer. The interactive format of this DVD invites viewers to test their knowledge of our state capitals and makes watching (and learning!) fun for all ages.The fast-paced program intertwines history and geography with points of interest and fascinating facts about the 50 capital cities. Viewers learn, for example, that Tallahassee was the only Southern capital that was not captured by the Union during the Civil War and that it also lays claim to Tarzan and the Creature from the Black Lagoon.The segment on Boston includes that famous Tea Party, a quick tour of the Freedom Trail, and a swan boat, among other interesting sights and facts. Each state capital is unique, and viewers will enjoy learning about them all.

The Twain Legacy - The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn DVD By TMW Media Group ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mark Twain (1835-1910): The Twain Legacy introduces an overview of Mark Twain's life, times and interpretation of This episode in the Masters of American Literature DVD Series, The Hawthorne Legacy,The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. This episode in the Masters of American Literature DVD Series, The Twain Legacy, covers Twain's references to his early childhood in Hannibal, Missouri, his use of African American Dialect, his antipathy toward slavery, and his effective use of irony in the story line. Even today The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn faces challenges from educational groups and whether this fictional story should be taught in the classroom. Leading scholars Shelly Fisher Fishkin, Justin Kaplan and David Lionel Smith put forward significant commentary promoting this classical American novel reading and studying.This DVD is divided into five chapters intended for class and individual learning and discussion. Knowledgeable scholars explore themes, ideas and narrative style in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. By examining and exploring why his historical and moral concerns were important, the presenters weave Twain's themes of slavery, prejudice and class into a coherent awareness. Grades 8-12. 30 minutes on DVD.

The Lewis & Clark Expedition By Globe Pequot Lewis and Clark lived one of the most exciting chapters in American history, and their expedition shaped America's destiny. Learn about their two-year journey that took them from St. Louis, Missouri, up the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, across the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. Ages 9-12.

Harry S. Truman: Thirty-Third President of the United States - eBook By George E. Stanley / Aladdin One of the most popular series ever published for young Americans, these classics have been praised alike by parents, teachers, and librarians. With this lively, inspiring, fictionalized biography -- easily read by children of eight and up - children will swept into the story of Harry S. Truman, our 33rd president. 256 pages, paperback.

Harry Truman's Successful Presidential Succession By Michael Louthian / Xulon Press

George Washington Carver By William J. Federer / Amerisearch

George Washington Carver By Coughlan Publishing Introduce your young students to George Washington Carver and his life's work! This brief biography of the African American scientist who overcame tremendous hardship to make unusual and important discoveries in the field of agriculture features simple text and engaging photos. Ages 4-8. 24 pages, paperback.

Heroes of History: George Washington Carver, From Slave to Scientist By Janet & Geoff Benge / Emerald Books The Heroes of History series chronicles the true stories of fascinating men and women who changed the course of history. Once a kidnapped slave baby, George Washington Carver found freedom in learning everything he could about the world around him. Overcoming poverty and racism, George became a brilliant scientist and a gifted professor who dedicated his expertise to helping black farmers escape the devastating grip of poverty. For ages 10 and up.

Heroine of the Titanic: The Real Unsinkable Molly Brown By Elaine Landau / Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Learn about the real unsinkable Molly Brown! This fascinating biography looks at the humble beginnings and meteoric rise of socialite Margaret Brown. Her activities for the poor mining families and her efforts to help France post-WWII are documented alongside family photographs from throughout her life. A fine portrait of a woman and an era. 132 indexed pages, hardcover with dust jacket.

The Old West: Villains and Avengers -Unabridged Audiobook on CD By Joe Loesch / SpringWater Experience the rugged frontier as you encounter villains and avengers in legendary locations. Featuring: The Saga of Frank and Jesse James - These two brothers began their reign of terror during the last days of the Civil War in the no-man's land of Missouri. Billy the Kid - In the late 1870s, this skinny young boy vowed to live above the law with other criminals in the sparsely populated territory of New Mexico. Tombstone - The colorful western town was home to the O.K. Corral, the Crystal Palace, the Bird Cage Theater and the notorious Earp brothers. The Hatfield McCoy Feud - For years these two families in the mountains of Kentucky and West Virginia took justice into their own hands with the barrel of a gun. The Valley of the Greasy Grass - When General Custer and his men rode into this valley, they launched the Battle at the Little Big Horn. Unabridged. 5 CDs. Read by various artists.

Emergency Hiatus

I was called out of town this week due to a family emergency.  I only connected to the virtual world twice through my computer all week.  I was unable to blog.  I hope to have Missouri up by tomorrow night or Saturday afternoon.  Please forgive my absence.