On My Own History

From the 1880's to the present, how the pledge came about and how and why it has changed since its original version, are all part of the history of this American symbol in this recently updated readalong.

In Revolutionary times, spies sent secret messages in clever ways. In this true story, John Darragh, a teenaged spy from a Quaker family, carries a message to General Washington sewn inside his coat buttons. Young historians will appreciate the accompanying book's simple but evocative watercolor illustrations and the production's background music, including the fifes and drums of a revolutionary band.

Abbie was afraid. She had never had to keep the lights burning by herself. But many lives depended on the lighthouse, and Papa was depending on Abbie. This is the exciting true story of Abbie Burgess, who in 1856 single-handedly kept the lighthouse lamps lit during a tremendous storm off the coast of Maine.

One morning in March 1888, twelve-year-old Milton Daub awoke to find the world buried in snow. The blizzard was like nothing Milton and his neighbors in the Bronx had ever seen. No one dared go out into the storm. No one, that is, except Milton. He and his father made a pair of snowshoes from barrel hoops and old roller skates. Then Milton stepped bravely into the storm to buy milk for his family. Soon he was buying supplies for everyone in the area. His neighbors declared him a hero. The Blizzard of 1888 set records in the Northeast that are still unbroken. It forced whole cities to shut down for days. But Milton didn't let the snow stop him from helping neighbors in need. His true story is both an exciting adventure and a heartwarming glimpse of old New York.

The memorable and courageous story of the nine teenagers in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1957 who helped “crack the wall" of segregation is clearly presented in this inspiring story. With accurate background information, and simple profiles of the individuals involved, this presentation is a wonderful introduction to school segregation and civil rights history.

Not until his father asks him to help with a runaway does eleven-year-old Allen Jay begin to understand about slavery and the important role his family plays in the Underground Railroad. Set in 1842, this moving story highlights a suspenseful night as the boy who would become a well-known Quaker minister and teacher helps Henry James, an African-American struggling to find freedom.