Global Hot Spots fills in the facts behind the headlines, building students’ understanding of the historical context of the events they see on TV. It provides accounts of real-life experiences and explores ‘how history was made’ in these conflict zones.
Intermediate (ages 9-14)
Material appropriate for intermediate age groups
The Palace (Life In The Medieval Muslim World)
Presents a social history of the Islamic world from the eighth through the mid-thirteenth century, with a focus on life in the upper echelons of society.
Inkdeath
The Adderhead–his immortality bound in a book by Meggie’s father, Mo–has ordered his henchmen to plunder the villages. The peasants’ only defense is a band of outlaws led by the Bluejay–Mo’s fictitious double, whose identity he has reluctantly adopted. But the Book of Immortality is unraveling, and the Adderhead again fears the White Women of Death. To bring the renegade Bluejay back to repair the book, the Adderhead kidnaps all the children in the kingdom, dooming them to slavery in his silver mines unless Mo surrends. First Dustfinger, now Mo: Can anyone save this cursed story?
Lifeblood
A series of unexplained murders on the Darkside of London has Jonathan tangled up in another dangerous mystery. With the help of his ally, private detective (and werewolf) Elias Carnegie, the pair discover that Jonathan’s mother was investigating similar murders before she vanished. Jonathan becomes obsessed with solving the crimes and finding his mother. Meanwhile, the Ripper family is involved in a deadly scandal that goes right to the heart of Darkside society and they’re watching Jonathan. In his desperation, can Jonathan solve the murders and find his mother before the Rippers find him? Since Tom Becker learned to hold a pen, he wanted to become a writer. In fact, when he was five years old, he wrote in a notebook that it was his dream to be an author. Tom studied history at Oxford University and was inspired by the otherworldly atmosphere of this academic institution. He used to spend long days studying and reading in the University library, but now he spends long days writing. This is his second book in the Darkside series. His first book in the series, DARKSIDE, was awarded the 2007 Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize, which celebrates new talent. He lives in the UK.
Solving the Mysteries of Ancient Rome (Digging into History)
Discusses important archaeological finds from Rome and reveals how archaeologists use the latest technology to discover clues to its ancient civilization.
The Snow Queen
When Kay is lured from his home by the beautiful, cruel Snow Queen, his friend Gerda sets out on an epic journey to rescue him. As she searches, she encounters a series of strangers to whom she relays her plight. Charmed by her story and her innocence, each of them helps Gerda, so that at last she is able to find the Snow Queen’s icy palace. But at the end of her epic journey, will Gerda manage to set Kay free?
Urso Brunov and the White Emperor
IUrso Brunov, the Little Father of All Bears, who stands no bigger than your thumb and always keeps his promises, saves two lost polar bears with the help of some of his friends.
History And Government (China: Land, Life, And Culture)
Learn about China’s long history and look at how that country is governed today.
Zambia (Cultures Of The World)
Solving the Mysteries of Aztec Cities (Digging into History)
Presents the history of the Aztec empire by examining artifacts from archaeological excavations of historical sites, and discusses cultural aspects including religious beliefs and military customs.