Intermediate (ages 9-14)

Material appropriate for intermediate age groups

An Eye for Color: The Story of Josef Albers

As a child, Josef Albers loved to watch his handyman father paint houses. When Josef grew up and became an artist, he reduced each image to its simplest shapes, breaking it down into blocks of color. He made an incredible discovery: he could alter the entire mood of a painting just by changing the way he combined the colors. Josef spent his entire life studying color, and what he found revolutionized the way people look at art.

Crusades: Kids At The Crossroads

What if kids kept blogs during pivotal moments in world history? The Internet offers modern kids amazing ways to express themselves and learn about the world. Imagine if the same technology had been available to children during dramatic episodes in history. Welcome to the Kids at the Crossroads series. Each book is written as an Internet journal, including illustrated snapshots of the action and “links” to sidebar windows providing facts about and images of the era. This innovative blend of history and high-tech storytelling is sure to capture the attention of web junkies and history buffs alike. Crusades: Kids at the Crossroads logs you on to the blog of 12-year-old Hans, who is destined to march in the 13th-century Children’s Crusade. Restless with his duties in his father’s wheelwright shop, Hans longs to follow his older brother, Otto, who joined a crusade to the Holy Land two years earlier and hasn’t been heard from since. When a mysterious stranger appears in the night and describes new troubles stirring, Hans sees his chance to go after his brother. Soon Hans has joined thousands of young people, led by the charismatic Nicholas, on a march across Europe. But the journey is more perilous than anyone realized. As the dangers rise, morale plummets, and the crusade breaks apart. Hans perseveres to the Holy Land and to a bittersweet reunion with his wounded brother. With its innovative blog style, nail-biting storyline and info-packed sidebars about the actual Children’s Crusade, Crusades: Kids at the Crossroads is historical fiction at its high-tech best.

The War To End All Wars: The Story Of World War I

A brilliant, concise history of The War to End All Wars.In the decade leading up to 1914, Europe had never known such prosperity. But the times were not good enough for the continent’s most powerful nations: Germany wanted a navy that matched England’s; Russia wanted an army as large and as disciplined as Germany’s; the Austro-Hungarian Empire wanted more respect; and England felt compelled to teach the others about civilized relations. Meet the soldiers who fought the deadly battles along the Western Front. Follow the trail of flying ace Billy Bishop as he tangles in the air with the Red Baron. Learn the strategy of Britain’s Grand Fleet of warships as it heads into the biggest sea battle in history.

Wolf Stories: Myths And True Life Tales From Around The World

A beautifully illustrated collection of stories from cultures around the world, where the wolf is a hero, not a villain. Anecdotes of personal experiences where wolves have played heroic roles in dramatic situations give a basis of reality to the fictional pieces. 24 line drawings.

Women Warriors: Myths And Legends Of Heroic Women

From days of old, they have intrigued people all over the world: brave, defiant warrior women who stir imaginations, rouse passions, and often inspire thousands of followers. These fierce and fearless spirits are goddesses, queens, and peasants; they are children, young women, and adults in the winter of their years. From the story of Britain’s proud queen Boadicea to that of the Sioux warrior Winyan Ohitika, Marianna Mayer re-creates twelve thrilling tales of war and bravery, bitterness and triumph. Twenty-four full-color illustrations and a map, bibliography, and annotated index are included in this striking anthology for all ages.

Still More Stories To Solve: Fourteen Folktales From Around The World

An illustrated collection of fourteen of the world’s folktales, each beginning with a riddle that must be solved, will delight puzzle-solvers everywhere.

Mermaid Tales from Around the World

Greek frescos, primitive African paintings, Irish pub signs, and illuminated manuscripts adorn twelve immortal mermaid tales from a wide range of cultures, gracefully told anew and dramatically illustrated in the style of each story’s native country.