In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue...

Born in Genoa, Italy, in 1451, Christopher Columbus dreamed of going to sea. He knew the earth was round, and planned a voyage west into the unknown waters of the Atlantic to reach the Indies. But it wasn't until he was 41 years old that Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain gave him the funds, the three ships, and the men to make a voyage. Even though Columbus never reached the Indies, he made a more important discovery. On October 12, 1492, he landed on an island southeast of Florida. Since he thought he had reached the Indies, he called the natives "Indians". Columbus made three more voyages and is credited with discovering the New World.

For almost thirty years, David Adler’s Picture Book Biography series has profiled famous people who changed the world. Colorful, kid-friendly illustrations combine with Adler’s “expert mixtures of facts and personality” (Booklist) to introduce young readers to history through compelling biographies of presidents, heroes, inventors, explorers, and adventurers. These books are ideal for first and second graders interested in history or who need reliable sources for school book reports.

Surveys the life of Benjamin Franklin, highlighting his work as an inventor and statesman.

Discusses the life of the pilot who was the first woman to cross the Atlantic by herself in a plane.


¡Sí se puede! Learn all about the Mexican American activist who worked tirelessly to promote better conditions for workers.

This clear and concise biography with folksy illustrations details the amazing life of American labor leader and civil rights activist Cesar Chavez. As a child in California during the Great Depression, Cesar picked produce with his family to make ends meet. The work was backbreaking, the pay was low, and many families, including his, were homeless. But to Cesar, dignity always meant more than money. 

He grew up and dedicated his life to helping American farmworkers, arguing for better pay and fair working conditions. He was even jailed for his efforts. But he never stopped urging people to stand up for their rights. Young readers will be inspired by the fascinating life story of this champion of social justice.

Repackaged edition features an elegant new series design! Back matter includes a thorough timeline, source notes, bibliography, and author's note.

For almost thirty years, David Adler’s Picture Book Biography series has profiled famous people who changed the world. Colorful, kid-friendly illustrations combine with Adler’s “expert mixtures of facts and personality” (Booklist) to introduce young readers to history through compelling biographies of presidents, heroes, inventors, explorers, and adventurers. These books are ideal for first and second graders interested in history, or who need reliable sources for school book reports.

Separating truth from tall tales, this easy-to-read biography details the life of a great American frontiersman.

Legends say Davy Crockett weighed two hundred pounds when he was born, and leapt right out of his cradle ready to fight. Though those stories are an exagerration, Crockett's life was anything but boring.  Farmer, soldier, sharp-shooter and politician, he was a well-known figure in the early 1800s—and even after his death, his reputation as an American folk hero grew and grew.  

In this illustrated biography, David Adler retells the true story of David Crockett's life—from his birth in Tennessee to his death at the Alamo.  Using contemporary primary sources, Adler distinguishes between fact and legend, providing details about Crockett's family life and political career, as well as a note about the historical origins of many of the famed tall tales.  A timeline of important dates is included.

For almost thirty years, David Adler’s Picture Book Biography series has profiled famous people who changed the world. Colorful, kid-friendly illustrations combine with Adler’s “expert mixtures of facts and personality” (Booklist) to introduce young readers to history through compelling biographies of presidents, heroes, inventors, explorers, and adventurers. These books are ideal for first and second graders interested in history or who need reliable sources for school book reports.

For young readers, an illustrated introduction to an American hero—the legendary Harriet Tubman.
 
From her rebellious childhood to her daring escape from slavery, Harriet Tubman was a confident, fearless woman. After heading North in search of freedom, she risked her life, again and again, to lead others out of slavery, devoting herself to guiding almost three hundred individuals along the network of safe havens known as the Underground Railroad.
 
Called "General Tubman" for her strength and bravery, Harriet went on to work as a nurse and spy for the northern army in the Civil War. She fought tirelessly for women's right to vote, and help to open a home for poor and elderly African Americans, to which she eventually retired.
 
Celebrated nonfiction author David A. Adler tells about Harriet Tubman's life and character, showing why she was so admired and beloved. A timeline of important dates is included.
 
For almost thirty years, David Adler’s Picture Book Biography series has profiled famous people who changed the world. Colorful, kid-friendly illustrations combine with Adler’s "expert mixtures of facts and personality" (Booklist) to introduce young readers to history through compelling biographies of presidents, heroes, inventors, explorers, and adventurers. These books are ideal for first and second graders interested in history or who need reliable sources for school book reports.

Depicts the life and career of John F. Kennedy.

Traces the life of the nineteenth-century English woman who followed her calling to work in hospitals and improve the conditions under which the sick were treated.

A Picture Book of Jesse Owens

by David A Adler

Published 1 September 1992
Before Usain Bolt or Tyson Gay, Bob Beamon or Carl Lewis, Jesse Owens was perhaps the greatest and most famous athlete in track and field history. 

Jesse Owens was born on a farm to a large family with many siblings. His grandparents had been slaves, and his sharecropper parents were poor. But against all odds, Jesse went on to become one of the greatest athletes in history. He learned to run with such grace that people said he was a "floating wonder."

After setting multiple world records as a college athlete, including three in less than an hour—"the greatest 45 minutes in sport"—Owens competed in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Adolf Hitler intended for the games to display Aryan superiority, but Jesse disrupted that plan. He became the first American track-and-field athlete to receive four Olympic gold medals and established his legacy as a hero in the face of prejudice.

This child friendly entry in David A. Adler's well-known series contains an accessible mix of biography, facts, and history supported with lifelike illustrations. Back matter includes an author's note and a timeline.

For almost thirty years, David Adler’s Picture Book Biography series has profiled famous people who changed the world. Colorful, kid-friendly illustrations combine with Adler’s “expert mixtures of facts and personality” (Booklist) to introduce young readers to history through compelling biographies of presidents, heroes, inventors, explorers, and adventurers. These books are ideal for first and second graders interested in history or who need reliable sources for school book reports.

An introduction to the lives of Lewis and Clark and to the exploratory expedition they led from St. Louis to the Pacific Ocean in the early nineteenth century.




His inventions included the phonograph, light bulb, and movie camera.

Harry Houdini astounded audiences around the globe with his death-defying acts and illusions.

With his wife, Bess, often by his side, he freed himself from ropes, handcuffs, straitjackets, and prison cells. Once he even made a ten-thousand-pound elephant vanish into thin air! Yet Harry's life was not always so glamorous. When he was a boy, he shined shoes and did odd jobs to help make ends meet. But a career in magic was always in the cards for Harry. Readers will be mesmerized by this captivating biography of one of the most celebrated escape artists and magicians in history.

For almost thirty years, David Adler’s Picture Book Biography series has profiled famous people who changed the world. Colorful, kid-friendly illustrations combine with Adler’s “expert mixtures of facts and personality” (Booklist) to introduce young readers to history through compelling biographies of presidents, heroes, inventors, explorers, and adventurers. These books are ideal for first and second graders interested in history or who need reliable sources for school book reports.

A concise look at the legendary Shoshone woman who led explorers Lewis and Clark on their route from the Dakotas to the Pacific Ocean.


Born in the Rocky Mountains, Sacagawea was taken captive and held hundreds of miles away from home for years. When Meriwether Lewis and William Clark came through her new village, Sacagawea was offered as a guide since the explorers were heading toward Shoshone territory, where she was from. Pregnant with her first child and the only woman on the expedition, she accompanied them through the frigid winter of 1804-05 and gave birth to her son as the group traveled west. Her knowledge of the land, interpretation skills, and diplomatic manner were of great use to the team and helped ensure a successful voyage.

This child friendly narrative of Sacagawea's intrepid life contains memorable facts, history, and context, accompanied by elegant illustrations. Back matter includes a timeline, author's note, and bibliography.

One if by land, two if by sea.... So began the midnight ride of Paul Revere.

But before he was a member of the Sons of Liberty, before he led raiders in the Boston Tea Party, before he was a silversmith, he was one of nine children growing up in colonial Boston.

Adler's biography traces the life of this famous American patriot with insight into his youth, his family, and his professional life. Some of Paul Revere's lasting fame is due to "Paul Revere's Ride," a ballad written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

Child-friendly illustrations of the period help readers see Revere's world, and back matter includes additional details and a time line of Revere's adventures. 

For almost thirty years, David Adler’s Picture Book Biography series has profiled famous people who changed the world. Colorful, kid-friendly illustrations combine with Adler’s “expert mixtures of facts and personality” (Booklist) to introduce young readers to history through compelling biographies of presidents, heroes, inventors, explorers, and adventurers. These books are ideal for first and second graders interested in history or who need reliable sources for school book reports.

Picture Book of Helen Keller

by David A Adler

Published 1 January 1990
Her bravery, brilliance, and spirit brought hope to millions of disabled people.

Helen Keller was born in Tuscumbia, Alabama on June 27, 1880. When she was just a year and a half old, she was left blind and deaf from an illness. In a very simple text, the author covers the important facts of Helen Keller's life. Besides her extraordinary work with teacher Anne Mansfield Sullivan, she published several books and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1964.

For almost thirty years, David Adler’s Picture Book Biography series has profiled famous people who changed the world. Colorful, kid-friendly illustrations combine with Adler’s “expert mixtures of facts and personality” (Booklist) to introduce young readers to history through compelling biographies of presidents, heroes, inventors, explorers, and adventurers. These books are ideal for first and second graders interested in history or who need reliable sources for school book reports.

A moving, illustrated account of the first African American baseball player in the major leagues.

In April 1947, Jackie Robinson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers, and forever changed the history of sports. But it took more than talent for Jackie to reach the major leagues—his courage and determination helped him overcome unjust policies and racist backlash.

From his early life in Georgia through his 1955 World Series victory and beyond, this account of Robinson's life is an inspiring look at how one person can effect real change in the world.  Written in simple, narrative style and beautifully illustrated, this is a perfect introduction for young readers interested in baseball, history, and civil rights.

An authors note acknowledges some of the other pioneers in desegregating baseball, and a timeline of important dates is included.

For almost thirty years, David Adler’s Picture Book Biography series has profiled famous people who changed the world. Colorful, kid-friendly illustrations combine with Adler’s "expert mixtures of facts and personality" (Booklist) to introduce young readers to history through compelling biographies of presidents, heroes, inventors, explorers, and adventurers. These books are ideal for first and second graders interested in history or who need reliable sources for school book reports.