Sparks Of The Revolution

At a time when Democracy is under attack, this riveting novel is a vibrant reminder of where our Democracy was born and the people and principles that brought it to life. Patriots sparked by a lawsuit James Otis led the 13 colonies to revolt.

Offers readers a captivating look into the Thirteen Colonies' struggle against Great Britain. Learn about how the Boston Tea Party was carried out and why it was a pivotal moment in establishing the United States of America. Additional features include a Fast Facts spread, a timeline, critical-thinking questions, primary source quotes and accompanying source notes, a phonetic glossary, resources for further study, information about the author, and an index.

The governmental pledge to the American people is found in the First Amendment: "Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press." Written more than two hundred years ago, these words now protect a wide range of expressive activity. A broad-gauged discussion of freedom of expression in America, this book begins by studying the period after the Civil War and Reconstruction when new and unsettling ideas appeared with great regularity on the American scene. So many of these ideas were floating around during this period that the nation's leaders often joined forces to repress aberrant notions. In response to such suppression, individuals seeking to better their lives through the expression of new ideas began to demand their rights to speak, write, and associate together to advance their points of view. Blanchard traces this contest for control through the Watergate scandal of the 1970s and the Reagan and early Bush administrations. Blanchard presents a lively discussion of freedom of speech ranging from questions of national security to those of public morality, from loyalty during times of national stress to the right to preach on a public street corner. Including examinations of controversies involving the press, the national government, the Supreme Court, and civil liberties and civil rights concerns, Revolutionary Sparks presents a strong case for the right of Americans to speak their minds and to have access to knowledge necessary for informed self-government.

Avertori was once a wonder of the industrial age, filled with mechanical marvels and extravagant art. Built at the crossroads of three continents, it was here that humanity harnessed the elements of power and wrought one marvel after another. Towering art deco architecture and locomotives the size of ocean liners typified the era. But these wonders slowly decay. After centuries of corruption only echoes of that time remain. Most people are now little more than serfs, bought and sold by the great trade houses. Others have it even worse. So flare the sparks of revolution.

Kids love stories about underdogs, and the American Revolution is among the most famous of these tales. Desperate to be an independent country free from Britain, the rebel colonists relied on their cunning wit and visionary leadership to win an impossible war. And then they faced the real hardship—creating a country out of a victorious but chaotic society. Using engaging text, hands-on activities, and links to primary sources, The American Revolution: Experience the Battle for Independence shows readers how rebel soldiers fought in horrific conditions while their families faced their own hardships for the sake of freedom. Students examine wartime propaganda to discover the truth about events leading up to the war, and engage in vibrant debate, strategic planning, and literary deconstruction to understand the official documents upon which America is founded. Building a marshmallow cannon and creating real colonial food are some of the projects that engage readers’ design skills. Essential questions require readers to activate their critical thinking skills to discover the truth about the most important moment in American history. The American Revolution meets Common Core State Standards for literacy in history and social studies; Guided Reading Levels and Lexile measurements indicate grade level and text complexity.