Illuminations Literature

The story of King Arthur as it has never been told before. Galwyn, the son of a bankrupt and dishonored aristocrat, has always had an ear for languages. So when Lord Artos--later known as King Arthur--needs an interpreter to help him buy large horses to breed a troop strong enough to carry armed warriors against the Saxon invaders, Galwyn gets a chance to redeem his father's honor and make a name for himself. 

When De Witt Clinton, a young politician, first dreams of building a canal to connect the Hudson River with the Great Lakes, folks don't believe such a thing can be done. But eight long years after the first shovelful of earth is dug, Clinton realizes his vision at last. The longest uninterrupted canal in history has been built, and it is now possible to travel by water from the American prairie all the way to Europe!

In this story set during World War II, two survivors from a torpedoed American freighter have much to learn from each other when the Germans invade the small island of Curacao.

Kidnapped at the age of 11 from his home in Benin, Africa, Olaudah Equiano spent the next 11 years as a slave in England, the U.S., and the West Indies, until he was able to buy his freedom. His autobiography, published in 1789, was a bestseller in its own time. Cameron has modernized and shortened it while remaining true to the spirit of the original. It's a gripping story of adventure, betrayal, cruelty, and courage. In searing scenes, Equiano describes the savagery of his capture, the appalling conditions on the slave ship, the auction, and the forced labor. . . . Kids will read this young man's story on their own; it will also enrich curriculum units on history and on writing.  

"Erasmus laid the egg that Luther hatched" is what the people said. And that made young Gerhard Koestler smile. He knew that Erasmus had influenced Luther's thinking. He also believed both men were trying to serve God according to the Scriptures. Young Gerhard Koestler lived in Germany in the 1500s. He inherited money and a castle when his rich parents died. After a series of adventures and narrow escapes, Gerhard arrived in Basel, Switzerland, where he was able to live in the same house as Erasmus. Although Erasmus' enemies accused him of agreeing with Martin Luther, Erasmus said that the Bible was his guide.

The Phantom Tollbooth is becoming a classic along the lines of Alice in Wonderland. This highly acclaimed modern tale begins with Milo, a typical bored kid with a room full of toys and nothing to do. Don't you "love" it when your kids whine, "I'm bored! I have nothing to do!" Well, Milo receives a magical tollbooth, and since he has nothing better to do, he drives through it with his toy car...and into an amazing, hilarious adventure. Masterful puns and witticisms are found throughout the book, making it a fun read-aloud. One funny is example is when Milo meets half a kid (since the average family has 2.5 kids). The book not only has a great, exciting story line, it's full of idioms, expressions, and plays on words - teaching a lesson in language arts as well.

The Trail of Tears (A Step Into Reading, Step 5 Book)is based on the true story of the Trail of Tears. After losing the fight to keep their land in the 19th century, the Cherokee Nation is led on the heartbreaking and torturous Trail of Tears by Chief John Ross. Young readers learn about this epic true tale of friendships, hopes, fears and dreams.

A Polish family in the Middle Ages guards a great secret treasure and a boy's memory of an earlier trumpeter of Krakow makes it possible for him to save his father.