Otfinoski, Steven

Vivid storytelling brings American history to life and place readers in the shoes of twelve people who experienced an iconic moment of U.S. history - the Battle of the Alamo. In early 1836, a small group of Texas volunteer soldiers occupied the Alamo fort and withstood a 13-day siege by a massive Mexican Army force. Suspenseful, dramatic events unfold in chronological, interwoven stories from the different perspectives of people who experienced the event while it was happening. Narratives intertwine to create a breathless, "What's Next?" kind of read. Students gain a new perspective on historical figures as they learn about real people struggling to decide how best to act in a given moment.

"The Roaring Twenties ... came to a screeching halt in October 1929. The U.S. stock market crashed, kicking off one of the largest and longest depressions in the country's history"--Back cover.

"In December 1920, three US Navy officials boarded a hot air balloon for a routine training flight, but end up stranded in the Canadian wilderness"--Publisher.

Looks at the Battle of Iwo Jima from the stories of several men involved.

"Explains the Hindenburg disaster, including its chronology, causes, and lasting effects"--Provided by publisher.

"Learn all about quicksand, from how it is formed to what you should do if you encounter it"--Provided by publisher.

"Vivid storytelling brings World War II history to life and places readers in the shoes of the people who experienced the United States' Japanese internment camps. On the heels of Japan's surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066. Through this order, more than 110,000 people of Japanese descent, many of them U.S. citizens, were forced to relocate to military camps for the duration of the war. Suspenseful, dramatic events unfold in chronological, interwoven stories from the different perspectives of people who experienced these events while they were happening. Narratives intertwine to create a breathless, 'What's Next?' kind of read. Students gain a new perspective on historical figures as they learn about real people struggling to decide how best to act in a given moment"--From the publisher's web site.