It's the most wonderful time of the year... It's December on Castle Street; the fairy lights are twinkling, snow has settled and the festive season is in full swing. For Carly, the owner of Carly's Cupcakes, it's the busiest time of year getting everyone's Christmas treats ready on time. However with her clumsy sister, Bethany, as a co-worker, it's proving a difficult task. They say you shouldn't mix work with family. Maybe they have a point... As...

The integration of baseball in 1947 had undeniable significance for the civil rights movement and American history. Thanks to Jackie Robinson, a barrier that had once been believed to be permanent was shattered-paving the way for scores of African Americans who wanted nothing more than to be granted the same rights as any other human being. In this book, renowned broadcaster Scott Simon reveals how Robinson's heroism brought the country face-to-face...

From The Louisiana Purchase Like many other major events in world history, the Louisiana Purchase is a fascinating mix of destiny and individual energy and creativity... Thomas Jefferson would have been less than human had he not claimed a major share of the credit. In a private letter ... the president, reviving a favorite metaphor, said he "very early saw" Louisiana was a "speck" that could turn into a "tornado." He added that the public never...

By their very nature, inventions change the status quo. The innovations highlighted in this book have done so in a most dramatic, memorable, or effective fashion. Through engaging narrative and accompanying images, this volume gives readers a deeper appreciation for the inventions that have made their lives easier, more aesthetically pleasing, or otherwise better.

There was a time when people assumed that the world was flat. Once an alternate theory was proposed, however, that conceit was challenged and, eventually, disproved. In short, theories and ideas can be potent agents of change-none more so than those that are extensively detailed in this book.

A preeminent historian examines World War II's turning point On June 6, 1944, Allied troops landed at five Normandy beaches, preceded by massive naval and air bombardments and paratroop drops inland. For the troops who landed, it was a hard struggle as German defenders tried, and failed, to drive them back into the sea. The intricate planning and many individual acts of valor that made the Normandy landings a success ultimately paid off: less than...