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Anyone who has read the Harry Potter books is aware that author J.K. Rowling infuses her stories with references to mythology, literature, history, and legends. Even if you don't know exactly what a manticore or a griffin is, it's likely that many readers have at least a vague sense of the existence of these creatures in ancient lore. Inspired by Rowling's suggestion to a young fan to "go and look it up," author David Colbert did quite a bit of investigation himself. The result is the fun, entertaining, and enlightening Magical Worlds of Harry Potter. From alchemy to hippogriffs to veela, Colbert explores the fascinating meanings between the lines and buried within the names of characters and places in all the Harry Potter books. Chapter headings include such intriguing questions as "Have Witches Always Flown on Broomsticks?" "Why Would Chocolate Help After Escaping a Dementor?" and "Are Any of the Famous Witches and Wizards Real?" A small purple tab in the margin of the first page of each chapter guides readers looking for specific subjects: Divination, Goblins, McGonogall, Owls, Voldemort, Wands, etc. Curious readers will learn the link between Hagrid's pet dog, Fluffy, and the mythological Greek sentry to Hades, Cerberus. And they'll get a taste of scholar Joseph Campbell's theories on heroism, with Harry as the hero, of course. The true magic of this book is that it will surely inspire Harry Potter fans to delve deeper into the various areas it explores. Readers will soon be clamoring for collections of Greek, Japanese, Indian, and Egyptian mythology, as well as copies of The Sword in the Stone, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Canterbury Tales, and Treasure Island, to discover the sources of their favorite Harry Potter books. (All ages)...
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An illustrated map and guide book to the legends behind the Harry Potter series Hidden in the Harry Potter stories are references to mythical crea-tures, legendary characters, real history and J.K. Rowling's own life. A beautifully illustrated poster-sized map takes readers on a worldwide treasure hunt to uncover those hidden clues. The accompanying Book of Secrets reveals even more incredible facts behind the magical places and people readers will come across in their journey....
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Michelle Obama grew up on Chicago's South Side, and while the world outside her door was chaotic and ever-changing, her family provided a stable environment in which she could grow and flourish. This look at Michelle Obama's life and the turning points that shaped her shows how a girl from a working class background could rise to become one of the most influential women of her day.
But this is more than a straight chronological retelling. This book looks at Michelle Obama's life story within the context of the larger movements in African American history: slavery, freedom, the Reconstruction era, the Civil Rights movement, and finally, her own era.
History is what has shaped Michelle and challenged her. And ultimately, not only has she overcome any obstacles put before her, she has carved out her own place in history as well. (16 pages of photographs)...
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You're about to be an eyewitness to the ten crucial days in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life, including His faith in peace leads to a surprising protest. Police injustice shocks the nation awake. A personal sacrifice challenges prejudice and racism. A fearless march demands rights for all Americans. And an immortal speech inspires the world. These days and five others shook King's world - and yours....
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This is the indispensable source guide to J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter novels—revised and updated with information relating to Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows....
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Michelle Obama grew up on Chicago's South Side, and while the world outside her door was chaotic and ever-changing, her family provided a stable environment in which she could grow and flourish. This look at Michelle Obama's life and the turning points that shaped her shows how a girl from a working class background could rise to become one of the most influential women of her day.
But this is more than a straight chronological retelling. This book looks at Michelle Obama's life story within the context of the larger movements in African American history: slavery, freedom, the Reconstruction era, the Civil Rights movement, and finally, her own era.
History is what has shaped Michelle and challenged her. And ultimately, not only has she overcome any obstacles put before her, she has carved out her own place in history as well....
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You're about to be an eyewitness to ten crucial days in Anne Frank's life, including: - A wrenching decision to flee Germany
- A chilling letter that sent her family into hiding
- The gift of her one true confidante - her diary
- A sickening betrayal to the Nazis
- And a tragedy in the concentration camps just before liberation.
These days and five others shook Anne's world - and yours....
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You're about to be an eyewitness to the top ten days in Ben Franklin's life, including: - A cunning escape from a cruel brother.
- A shrewd plan to save the colonies.
- A treacherous spy game in Paris.
- A shocking battle with a vengeful aristocrat.
- And a last-minute triumph that bound American together.
These days and five others shook Franklin's world - and yours....
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You're about to be an eyewitness to the top ten days in Thomas Edison's life, including: - An instinctive moment of bravery that launched a career
- A lucky break that freed him for a life of invention
- An incredible boast that he quickly proved true
- A flash of insight that lit the world
- And the creation of our favorite pastime, the movies.
These days and five others shook Edison's world - and yours....
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You're about to be an eyewitness to ten crucial days in Anne Frank's life, including: - A wrenching decision to flee Germany
- A chilling letter that sent her family into hiding
- The gift of her one true confidante - her diary
- A sickening betrayal to the Nazis
- And a tragedy in the concentration camps just before liberation.
These days and five others shook Anne's world - and yours....
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You're about to be an eyewitness to the top ten days in Ben Franklin's life, including: - A cunning escape from a cruel brother.
- A shrewd plan to save the colonies.
- A treacherous spy game in Paris.
- A shocking battle with a vengeful aristocrat.
- And a last-minute triumph that bound American together.
These days and five others shook Franklin's world - and yours....
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You're about to be an eyewitness to the ten crucial days in Abraham Lincoln's life, including: A tragic loss that sets a boy on a course for greatness A career sacrificed to protest an unjust war A state resorting to treason to preserve slavery A president who learns the most difficult decisions are made alone And a promise made to every citizen that American's salves will be free. These days and five others shook Lincoln's world - and yours....
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