Mandela

by Ann Kramer

Published 1 April 2007
Nelson Mandela comes to life in this portrait of a diplomatic man whose commitment to freedom gained him both the Nobel Peace Prize and Time's Man of the Year honor. The son of a Thembu chief in South Africa, Mandela began his life-long campaign against white colonial rule while a college student. Kramer's eloquent, yet approachable text describes the leader's dedication to nonviolence, his role in the African National Congress and his arrest in 1962 for sabotage and conspiracy. During his 27 years in prison, Mandela continued his fight for a democratic and free society, and ultimately was released and elected president of South Africa.

National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.
Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.


Eleanor of Aquitaine

by Ann Kramer

Published 24 February 2006
In medieval times, Eleanor of Aquitaine broke the mold for women. This remarkable woman lived life on her own terms, ultimately becoming queen of France and England.

We first encounter the infant Eleanor, born into the ruling family of the Duchy of Aquitaine, in 1122. She grows into a lively and intelligent young girl, and quickly learns the arts of diplomacy and power brokering.

Eleanor marries the young Prince Louis, and becomes Queen of France while still a teenager. She accompanies her husband's ill-fated Second Crusade to win back the Holy Land, but returns demanding a divorce, a bold move for a medieval woman.

Her second marriage, to Henry, Duke of Normandy, leads to Eleanor's coronation as Queen of England in 1154. Contrary to her reign in France, she learns to wield power at the English court, and forges strong alliances to establish a lasting dynasty.

National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.
Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.

Anne Frank

by Ann Kramer

Published 24 January 2007

Anne Frank takes young readers back to the dark days of World War II through the story of the famous young diarist.

Like teenagers everywhere, Anne wrote about friends, family, movies, her greatest joys, and her deepest fears. Through her vivid, tender entries we experience Anne's changing world, as persecution, hiding, and betrayal, become part of daily life in Nazi Europe. Ann Kramer's superbly illustrated book also celebrates the enduring legacy of Anne Frank. Her story, now known to millions, is an inspiration for young readers-and writers-everywhere. This attractive, superbly illustrated volume will bring a new generation to a story that should never be forgotten.


Nelson Mandela comes to life in this portrait of a diplomatic man whose commitment to freedom gained him both the Nobel Peace Prize and Time’s Man of the Year honor. The son of a Thembu chief in South Africa, Mandela began his life-long campaign against white colonial rule while a college student. Kramer’s eloquent, yet approachable text describes the leader’s dedication to nonviolence, his role in the African National Congress and his arrest in 1962 for sabotage and conspiracy. During his 27 years in prison, Mandela continued his fight for a democratic and free society, and ultimately was released and elected president of South Africa.

National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.
Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.