Books about Cobblestone from Amazon.com

Ancient Egypt is one of the most evocative cultures for young readers This book shows them what their lives would have been like there. There was no school, since most people couldn’t read or write, and no need to worry about fashion, because children didn’t wear clothes! Rich or poor, their houses would have been made of mud bricks. If I Were a Kid in Ancient Egypt takes readers through daily life in a vibrant culture that pioneered paper, linen, irrigation, medicine, and much more, and shows how these inventions came about and how they affected the culture’s younger citizens.

Reminders of Greek culture are everywhere evident today, from bubblegum to plays (Greeks invented both). But what was ancient Greece like for children? As this book explains, youngsters were well educated, sometimes with private teachers. They studied music, practicing as much as three hours a day! They engaged in mock-battles as a way to learn bravery. And they worshipped their gods in temples, just like adults did. This book covers "house rules," gym class, the Olympic games, the Greek gods, pets, and a host of other topics designed to introduce a legendary society to young minds.

Life for youngsters in ancient Rome was both different and similar to today. There were schools, but only wealthy children attended them. There were pets, but monkeys and magpies were popular as well as dogs and cats. Baths were a must, but most children took them at one of the city’s 1,000 public baths. Even the favorite hangout of contemporary youngsters, the mall, originated in Rome. This book explores one of the world’s great historic cultures, from its religious life to its distinctive cuisine, as experienced by its younger members.

What modern boy or girl wouldn’t want to be called “Precious Child,” as parents in ancient China referred to their children? Or wear a beautiful silk brocade jacket, as wealthy youngsters did? Or nibble on a crunchy roasted cricket? This fun book explores every aspect of life for Chinese children “way back when,” from distinctive toys like a live “pet” dragonfly to hand-made lesson books to shopping at the exciting markets or strolling down the Silk Road in search of treasures. Vivid illustrations, detailed historical background, and a glossary bring this intriguing time to life for young readers.

When Abraham Lincoln became president of the United States in 1861, he faced the most severe crisis the nation had ever experienced. The Southern states had broken from the Union and formed the Confederate States of America, challenging the authority of the president and threatening the young nation. When Confederate forces opened fire on Fort Sumter, South Carolina, Lincoln called for volunteers to defend the Union. The war between the states — the Civil War — had begun.

Abraham Lincoln: Defender of the Union tells the story of the remarkable man who lead the nation through its bloodiest conflict. Discover how a boy who was born in a one-room log cabin grew up to be a lawyer and later a president. Explore the fight to end slavery and see how Lincoln's bold Emancipation Proclamation changed the course of the war and the nation. Meet the leader determined to preserve the Union, who sought to bring "a new birth of freedom" to all Americans.

After the Civil War ended in April 1865, the country needed to rebuild itself. Yet putting the country back together was not a simple task: Too much blood had been shed and too much hatred lingered between the North and the South. Many questions remained: How could the loyalty of former Confederates be assured? What would become of the thousands of freed slaves? Though President Abraham Lincoln had prepared plans for the restoration of the country, he was assassinated before he could begin them.

Rebuilding a Nation: Picking Up the Pieces tells the story of a period of great change for the United States. Discover the impeachment trial of Andrew Johnson and its roots in his disagreements with Congress about Reconstruction. Explore the three constitutional amendments that became law during this period, giving all Americans new rights. Meet the African American men who were elected during Reconstruction, as well as Booker T. Washington, who, as a freedman, was able to realize his dreams of getting an education.