In an unusual blend of fiction and nonfiction, A Pioneer Sampler chronicles one year in the lives of the Robinson family. Illustrated historical notes enlarge on the social history and describe activities related to the stories, from churning butter to predicting the weather. Young readers are invited to try their hand at these tasks to experience a bit of pioneer life....

Combining fiction and nonfiction, this dramatic story follows the Robertson family as they prepare for Thanksgiving in the year 1841. As with all pioneer families in North America, Thanksgiving is a special day for the Robertsons, but this year, they have more reasons than usual to give thanks. Each chapter of the story is enhanced by information about the pioneer period and how Thanksgiving was celebrated in the past. Children will learn about the wild harvest, harvest superstitions and how First Peoples celebrated the harvest. The past comes alive through hands-on activities such as making a corn dolly or learning to play conkers. Historically accurate and beautifully rendered pencil illustrations make this a comprehensive resource for home or school....

Combining fiction and nonfiction, this dramatic story set in the snowy backwoods follows the Robertson family as they prepare for Christmas in 1841. They are excitedly expecting visitors from afar. But as a winter storm begins to rage, the family fears for the safety of the travelers. How will Andrew and Sophie -- with a baby on the way -- fare on such a dangerous journey? Each chapter of the story is enhanced by information about the pioneer period and how Christmas was celebrated in the past. Children will learn about holiday traditions in more detail through crafts, games, songs and other activities. Even 150 years ago, Christmas was a special time. A companion book to A Pioneer Thanksgiving, A Pioneer Christmas weaves together stories, information and activities to create a tapestry of pioneer life....

Twelve-year-old Emily Watson's story is a shocking, compassionate re-creation of daily life for the urban poor one hundred years ago. At the dingy, overcrowded Acme Garment Factory, Emily Watson stands for eleven hours a day clipping threads from blouses. Every time the boss passes, he shouts at her to snip faster. But if Emily snips too fast, she could ruin the garment and be docked pay. If she works too slowly, she will be fired. She desperately needs this job. Without the four dollars a week it brings, her family will starve. When a reporter arrives, determined to expose the terrible conditions in the factory, Emily finds herself caught between the desperate immigrant girls with whom she works and the hope of change. Then tragedy strikes, and Emily must decide where her loyalties lie. With Factory Girl, Barbara Greenwood returns to the unique hybrid of fact and fiction that earned her acclaim for The Last Safe House, A Pioneer Thanksgiving and others. The life of working children in North American cities in the early part of the twentieth century directly inspired young Emily's story. Her fictional experiences are interwoven with nonfiction sections describing family life in a slum, the fight to improve social conditions, the plight of working children then and now, and much more. Rarely seen archival photos accompany this story of the past as only Barbara Greenwood can tell it....

Twelve-year-old Emily Watson's story is a shocking, compassionate re-creation of daily life for the urban poor one hundred years ago. At the dingy, overcrowded Acme Garment Factory, Emily Watson stands for eleven hours a day clipping threads from blouses. Every time the boss passes, he shouts at her to snip faster. But if Emily snips too fast, she could ruin the garment and be docked pay. If she works too slowly, she will be fired. She desperately needs this job. Without the four dollars a week it brings, her family will starve. When a reporter arrives, determined to expose the terrible conditions in the factory, Emily finds herself caught between the desperate immigrant girls with whom she works and the hope of change. Then tragedy strikes, and Emily must decide where her loyalties lie. With Factory Girl, Barbara Greenwood returns to the unique hybrid of fact and fiction that earned her acclaim for The Last Safe House, A Pioneer Thanksgiving and others. The life of working children in North American cities in the early part of the twentieth century directly inspired young Emily's story. Her fictional experiences are interwoven with nonfiction sections describing family life in a slum, the fight to improve social conditions, the plight of working children then and now, and much more. Rarely seen archival photos accompany this story of the past as only Barbara Greenwood can tell it....

The year is 1898. Over the last decade, North America has been ground down by a depression. Wages are low, jobs are scarce and people are getting desperate. Although Aunt Rachel isn't happy about 13-year-old Tim and his older brother, Roy, heading off to the Klondike Gold Rush, the possibility of striking it rich is hard to resist. Tim and Roy begin their trek to the Yukon filled with excitement. Little do they suspect the harsh realities they'll have to face: blinding snowstorms, raging rapids, backbreaking work and bitter disappointment. In this unique book, each chapter is followed with factual information, illustrations and photographs of the people and places of the time. In addition, easy-to-do activities help bring the historical period to life....

Finally, the premier children's resource on Canada is available in a fully revised paperback edition -- bringing up to date this bestselling treasury of information that has long been an essential book for schools, libraries and homes from coast to coast. Ten years after its debut, this title in the acclaimed Kids Book of series is more than ever an indispensable tool for researching school projects or a conversation piece for sharing Canadian facts with friends and family. Bursting with rich and detailed illustrations, this book is as far-ranging, fascinating and full of surprises as the country it describes. Inside you'll find * colorful maps of the provinces and territories showing major cities, rivers, mountains and points of interest. * the provincial and territorial coat of arms, flowers, birds and trees. * details of famous Canadians and important events, plus a time line to guide you through each province's and territory's history. * current information on Canada's growing industries and evolving environmental challenges. * updated references to the Aboriginal Peoples in Canada....

Combining fiction and nonfiction, this dramatic story follows the Robertson family as they prepare for Thanksgiving in the year 1841. As with all pioneer families in North America, Thanksgiving is a special day for the Robertsons, but this year, they have more reasons than usual to give thanks. Each chapter of the story is enhanced by information about the pioneer period and how Thanksgiving was celebrated in the past. Children will learn about the wild harvest, harvest superstitions and how First Peoples celebrated the harvest. The past comes alive through hands-on activities such as making a corn dolly or learning to play conkers. Historically accurate and beautifully rendered pencil illustrations make this a comprehensive resource for home or school....

The year is 1898. Over the last decade, North America has been ground down by a depression. Wages are low, jobs are scarce and people are getting desperate. Although Aunt Rachel isn't happy about 13-year-old Tim and his older brother, Roy, heading off to the Klondike Gold Rush, the possibility of striking it rich is hard to resist. Tim and Roy begin their trek to the Yukon filled with excitement. Little do they suspect the harsh realities they'll have to face: blinding snowstorms, raging rapids, backbreaking work and bitter disappointment. In this unique book, each chapter is followed with factual information, illustrations and photographs of the people and places of the time. In addition, easy-to-do activities help bring the historical period to life....

THIS EDITION IS INTENDED FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Twelve-year-old Emily Watson desperately needs to keep her job in the overcrowded Acme Garment Factory where she works for $4 a week, but when tragedy strikes, she must decide where her loyal...