history and criticism

Examines the hidden Christian messages and symbols in the best-selling "Harry Potter" series, and explains how parents and teachers can use the books as starting points for important conversations about God, power, life, death, and good versus evil.

Provides young readers with primary sources that explain the history and meaning of "The Star-Spangled Banner." Includes color photographs, a timeline, fact boxes, a glossary, and further resources.

A guide to the Harry Potter films offers an inside look at everything it took to bring J.K. Rowling's novels to life and includes interviews with the films' stars, behind-the-scenes stories, photos of props and sets, and extra removable items.

This program takes a close and critical look at the world Disney films create and reaches disturbing conclusions about the values propagated under the guise of innocence and fun.

Contains a complete plot summary and analysis of "Beowulf", as well as discussion of the characters and themes, and includes study questions.

Contains essays that provide information about the lives and works of eighteen authors who have made significant contributions to American literature, each with a brief biography, a critical analysis of the writer's work, and a selected bibliography, arranged alphabetically from Bambara to Yates.

Collection of personal essays from bestselling authors about the comic book characters they find meaningful and how graphic novels shaped their lives and careers. Includes the voices of authors such as Neil Gaiman, Jodi Picoult, Ron Currie Jr., and Scott Westerfeld.

Young readers will learn that African Americans made the first rock songs. Les Paul made one of the first electric guitars in 1941.

Looks at the year nineteen seventy-one in rock music, focusing on the arrival of David Bowie, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and others.