Caitlind Alexander is the author of over 60 books for children, including the Jamie and Kendall Broderick Mystery series, the 14 Fun Facts and 101 Fun Facts series, the Wonderful World of Animals Series, and the Miss Jones series.
She lives in California where she loves to visit historic places and learn about new things. She also loves to travel and has been all over the world.
Our Heroes in History series introduces early readers to heroes in American history. Some are well known, such as Ben Franklin. Others are much less known, such as Rebecca Motte. This series is aimed at second graders (ages 6-8).
What is a scorpion? Scorpions are small animals that crawl around on the ground. They have big pinchers and a stinging tail. They can be very scary. The smallest scorpions are very tiny. They are less than a half inch (10 mm) long. That is about the size of your smallest fingernail. The biggest scorpions can grow to be over eight inches (21 cm) long. Find out more about this amazing animal. RL 3.6
The Liberty Bell is the iconic symbol of American freedom, but it was actually made for a different purpose. The original wasn't even made in America! Do you know: Where was the original Liberty Bell made? When did it get the name Liberty Bell? How did it get cracked? When was it last rung? Find out. Amaze your family and friends with these fun facts. Ages 8+ RL: 6.9
Cats are small, furry mammals. They have a round body with four legs. They also have a long, thin tail. The tail of a cat can be as long as its body. This book is a shorter version of our popular “Cats: Our Furry Friends" and is for early readers. With 1405 easy to read words, young children can experience for themselves the joy of learning about the cat. Ages 5-8 RL: 1.6
What is a porcupine? Porcupines are small animals that are part of the rodent family. That is the same family that rats and mice are a part of. Porcupines are brown or black. Some look yellowish or reddish. They can also be white. Many porcupines have quills that have black and white stripes. This can help them be seen in the dark.Learn about porcupines in this 15-minute book. Reading level: 3.8
What is a cat? Cats are small, furry mammals. They have a round body with four legs. Most cats weigh between eight and eleven pounds (4 to 5 kg). They are about nine to ten inches (23 to 25 cm) high at the shoulder. They are about 18 to 20 inches (46 to 51 cm) from their nose to the tip of their tail. About 12 inches (30 cm) of this is tail. That means their tail is longer than their body. RL: 3.4
James Monroe sat on the river bank. He had his knees pulled up close. His arms were held tight against his chest to try and keep the cold out.
The rain came down in drizzles, but the night kept getting colder. It wasn't just the cold that was a problem. Eighteen year old James was tired and hungry. All the men around him were. They had been fighting for days. They were fighting for freedom. RL: 2
You may have heard about the Pilgrims from the time you were a small child. You may have heard how they sailed to America on a ship called the Mayflower. But how much do you really know about the Mayflower? Here are some fun facts you may not know. Do you know: How long was the Mayflower? Where on the ship did the Pilgrims sleep? Find out more in this fun book. Reading Level: 6.3
In 1812 the British and American armies went to war. They fought over the rights of ships at sea. The war had been going on for two long years when this story takes place. It was September of 1814 in Scituate (say skit-you-ate) Massachusetts. The town was small. Most of the people in the town made their living by fishing. Find out how two girls stop the British Army in this 15-minute book. RL: 2.6
Giant squid are strange looking animals. They are a long tube with a head and arms sticking out the front. They are also big. A giant squid can be 60 feet (18.3 metres) long from its tail to the tip of its longest arms. It can weigh more than 1,000 pounds (454 kg). That is a HUGE animal! Learn what a giant squid looks like, where it lives, what it eats, who are its enemies, and more. RL: 3.4
Life in the early 1800s was very different than it is today. If you had been born in America 200 years ago, you would have had much more work to do, much less free time, fewer toys and clothes, and no internet or even computers! Life was much simpler then, but it was also a lot harder. How much do you know about what life was like back then? Here are some fun facts. Reading Level: 6.3
A monarch butterfly is one of the biggest butterflies in North America. It can be as big as a five-year-old child's hand. It has orange wings with black stripes. There are also tiny white dots around the edge of the wings. This book is a shortened version of our popular “Monarch Butterflies: Magnificent Fliers" and is intended for beginning readers. 1033 easy to read words, Reading Level: 2.2
You may have eaten a turkey. But what do you know about them? Turkeys might surprise you. Let me tell you about them.
There are wild turkeys and tame turkeys. They are very different from each other. Wild turkeys look different from tame turkeys. Tame turkeys are brown or white.
Let your early reader find out about both wild and tame turkeys in this short 15-minute book. Reading level: 2.1
Earthquakes can be frightening occurrences. Suddenly the ground begins to shake. Things are thrown around and buildings come crashing to the ground.
Scientists have studied earthquakes for years and have discovered many things. How much do you know?
Amaze your family and friends with these fun facts. Ages 8+. RL: 6.2
A platypus is one of the strangest animals on Earth. There is no other animal like it. It looks like a beaver with a big duck bill on its face. It also has big fat paws. It is covered in soft fur. The fur keeps its skin from getting wet when it swims. With only 1135 easy to read words, young children can experience for themselves the joy of learning about the platypus. RL: 2.1
Icebergs can be fascinating. They are fresh water, floating islands of ice. Some of them are big enough to hold 100 football stadiums, or more. They can be a danger to passing ships and wildlife that gets trapped on them. They drift along with the currents, melting as they make their way toward warmer waters, and their slow death. Find out more about icebergs in this fun 15-minute book. RL: 6.4
Do you know the story of the Pilgrims? You may think the pilgrims came to America for religious freedom. While they were seeking religious freedom, that was only half the story. Here are some fun facts you may not know about the Pilgrim story. Do you know: Did the Pilgrims practice religious freedom? How did they pay for their passage to America? What does the word Pilgrim mean? And more. RL: 5.6
It was July, 1739. Sixteen-year-old Eliza Lucas sat by the fire. Eliza tried to work on her sewing, but it was hard. It was stormy outside. The wind was blowing hard and the rain slapped at the window. Eliza kept thinking about her plants. She was trying to grow indigo plants. If she could succeed, it would change South Carolina forever. Find out how in this 15-minute book. Reading level: 2.8
A hummingbird is a bird. It is a very small bird. Most of them are smaller than your hand. These birds are called hummingbirds because of the sound they make. Their wings beat so fast that it makes a humming sound. Many people like these birds. Let us learn more about them. Many hummingbirds have very bright feathers on their head and neck. These feathers shine in the light. Ages 5-8 Read. Lev:2.1
When 12-year-old Susan Pyle breaks her leg during the New Madrid earthquake, the doctor tells her parents that she cannot be moved. But the whole town is moving. Aftershocks are shaking down buildings, the earth is turning to quicksand, and the waters of the Mississippi River are rising. Her parents make the agonizing decision to leave her behind as they flee. Based on a true story. RL: 2.7
Often considered one of the greatest speeches given by a president, the Gettysburg Address is one of Abraham Lincoln's most well known speeches. Delivered on November 19, 1863, the speech was given at the dedication of the Soldier's National Cemetery in Gettysburg. Learn more about this iconic speech in this 15-minute book. Reading level: 6.5
How does an elephant hatch an egg? They don't sit on them! But without the help of elephants, there would be a lot fewer birds in Africa.
Find out how elephants impact their environment, and help birds to hatch eggs. This book is appropriate for early readers, or as a read-aloud book.
Ages Pre-K to 8.
Reading level: 1.9
Volcanoes have frightened man for thousands of years. Mountains spewing hot fire and ash have rained down destruction on cities, burning buildings and taking lives.
But volcanoes are not just a destructive force. They are also a constructive force. They help to form the Earth's crust and create new lands. Named for Vulcan, the Roman god of fire, volcanoes have interested scientists for many years.
Owls are birds. They have a round, bird-shaped body with many feathers. They also have two wings. Their wings are very big. Most owls are brown, tan and white. Some are all white or all brown. These colors help the owl blend into nature. This book is a shortened version of our popular “Owls: Silent Hunters of the Night" for beginning readers. Only 1360 easy words teach kids about the owl. RL:1.8
The United States flag is the emblem of our country, symbolizing the beginning of our country. Through the years the flag has changed many times, but its meaning has not. It stands for liberty, justice, freedom and honor. Do you know: Who designed the first flag (It wasn't Betsy Ross)?
How many stars and stripes were on the Star Spangled Banner? Where does the name "Old Glory" come from? RL:6.8
"We will knock on your door when we are leaving so you can close up," the man in charge told Dicey. "You may go to bed now." Dicey hated the British. Dicey and her family wanted America to be free. It was 1780 and the Revolutionary war had been going on for four years. Now she had a chance to do something. She could be a spy! Find out what Dicey does in this exciting 15-minute book. RL: 2.5
Parrots come in many colors. They can be green, blue, yellow, red, black, or white. Many of them have three or four colors. There are many kinds of parrots.
The smallest ones are as long as your middle finger. They weigh less than two quarters. The biggest ones are as tall as a four year old boy! This book is a shorter version of “Parrots: Birds That Talk" and is for early readers. RL:1.9
The Minutemen were a big part of the Revolutionary War. They got their name because they could be ready to fight in a minute. But men were not the only ones who could fight. Here is the story of how Prudence Wright and her "Minute Women" captured a couple of British during the Revolutionary War. Find out more in this exciting 15-minute book. Reading Level: 2.5
It is used to show location in hundreds of movies and television shows. Showing an image of this one building immediately lets people know that something is happening in London, England. It is the clock tower, often called Big Ben by the people of the world. The tower took 34 years to build from the ashes of the fire that destroyed Parliament in 1834. Find out more in this 15-minute book. RL: 6.5
What is a Monarch Butterfly? A monarch butterfly has five stages of its life. First it is an egg. Then it hatches to become a larva. A larva looks like a tiny worm.
The larva grows into a caterpillar. The caterpillar then wraps itself in a green cocoon. When it comes out of the cocoon, it is a butterfly.
Find out more about this amazing animal in this 15-minute book. Reading level: 3.9 Ages 7-10
Ellis Island is America's most well-known immigration station. From 1892 to 1954 it processed over 12 million immigrants. Millions more were denied entry and sent back to their homelands. It quickly became known as the Island of Hope, and the Island of Tears. Here are some fun facts about this historic landmark. Amaze your family and friends with these fun facts. Reading Level: 6.9
Anacondas are snakes. They can be very BIG snakes. Like all snakes, they have a long, thin body. They have no feet or legs, and their skin is covered in scales. There are four different types of anacondas. The different kinds are different colors. Green anacondas are the biggest snakes in the world. Help kids learn about the huge anaconda snake in this exciting 15-minute book. Reading level: 3.9
Owls are birds. They have a round, bird-shaped body with feathers. They also have large wings. Their wings are very big for the size of their body. Most owls are brown, tan and white. Some of them are all white or all brown. These colors help the owl blend into nature. Learn what an owl looks like, where it lives, what it eats, who are its enemies, how babies are born, and other fun facts. RL: 2.9
A duck billed platypus is one of the strangest animals on Earth. There is no other animal like it. It looks like a beaver with a big duck bill on its face and big fat paws. A platypus is covered in fur. Their fur is soft. It is also waterproof. It keeps their skin from getting wet when they swim. Find out more about this amazing animal in this 15-minute book. Reading level: 3.4 Ages 7 to 10
It was June 28th, 1778. The Americans were at war with the British. On that day the American army was beside the Delaware River. They were at a place called Monmouth. Mary Hays was there too. Her husband William was a soldier. Most people called Mary "Molly". Find out how Molly helps the soldiers, and how she even acted like a soldier herself in this exciting 15-minute book. Reading level: 2.7
A parrot is a bird. Many parrots are very colorful birds. They can be green, blue, yellow, red, black, and white. Many of them have three or four colors. There are many different kinds of parrots. In fact, if you include all the birds in the parrot family, there are over 390 different kinds of parrots. Have children learn about parrots in this fun 15-minute book. Reading level: 3.1
Arlington Cemetery is one of our nation's most famous cemeteries. It is the final resting place for presidents, soldiers and heroes of our nation. But it was not always so. Arlington Cemetery has a storied past as a historic mansion home with large grounds, a civil war stronghold, and as a freedman's village. How much do you know about this National Cemetery? 14 Fun Facts with more info. RL: 6.9
Annie Oakley went from a life of poverty and abuse, to being one of the most famous women in the world. She made her own way, learning to fire guns like a man and perfecting her sharp shooting. When she joined Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, her fame spread. Finally she found happiness in both her personal and her professional life. Find out more about this woman who could outshoot any man. RL: 6.3
Francis was nervous. He had a big job ahead of him. He was on a boat in the harbor at Baltimore. Here it was September 13, 1813 and the war of 1812 was still going on. Francis looked out into the harbor. It was filled with British ships. On one of those ships was a prisoner. The man's name was Dr. William Beanes. Find out how this adventure leads to the writing of our national anthem. RL: 2.7
Hummingbirds are very small birds. Most of them are only three to five inches long. These birds are called hummingbirds because of the sound they make. Their wings beat so fast that it makes a humming sound. Many people like these birds. Let us learn more about them. Learn what a hummingbird looks like, where it lives, what it eats, who are its enemies, how babies are born, and fun facts. RL: 3.2
It was October 16, 1780. Hannah Handy was in the field when they came. She had her head down, hoeing the crops. Suddenly her son screamed. He was supposed to be taking care of her infant daughter. Why was he screaming? Hannah looked up. What she saw made her blood run cold. Indians were coming out of her cabin. Find out how Hannah gets her children back, and more kids as well. RL 2.9
David Bushnell sat on the bank of the river. He kept scanning the water for signs of life. At first there was nothing. Then two curved metal pipes rose out of the water. They came toward him slowly. A moment later a large round tube appeared. The top of the tube flipped open. Out popped a young man's head. "I think it's going to work," the man said! Read about America's first submarine. RL: 2.8
Mount Rushmore is one of the largest sculptures in the world. Begun in 1927, the head of four presidents, Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and T. Roosevelt were carved into the face of a mountain. Mount Rushmore has become one of the most visited tourist attractions in the United States. It stands today as one of the enduring symbols of America. Here are some fun facts about this monument. RL:6.1
The presidents of the U. S. have served for over 227 years. During that time many things have happened within the office. Do you know: How many presidents were lawyers? What is the most popular first name for presidents? Name all the presidents who have not lived in the White House. How many presidents were wither born or died on July 4th? How many years was there no vice president? RL: 6.1
Margie stood by the river. She had a hard choice to make. A man had come to her mother. He had said that he was there to take Margie home. When he said home, he meant her other family. Margie thought about her other family. She had been born in 1696. Her father was a minister. Her mother kept a pioneer home. They had named her Eunice Williams. Read her story in this 15 minute book. RL: 2.7
"Oh Elizabeth, there is so much to do!" Penny said. "And I am worried. I do hope the other ladies are with us." Penelope Barker was often called Penny. She was at the home of her friend, Elizabeth King. They were there to get ready for a great tea party. And this tea party would be great. Penny hoped that it would help change life in America. Find out what happened in this 15-minute book RL: 2.6
"Are they going to kill us?" little Polly Craig asked. "They will try," Sarah answered. "But our men are strong." "Are they strong enough?" "Yes," Sarah answered with determination. It was August 16th, 1782. Sarah Boone Brooks and Polly Craig were seated in front of a small, one-room cabin in Bryan's Station. Find out how the women and girls saved Bryan Station. Reading level: 2.7
There are many amazing animals on Earth. Some are funny. Some are strange. This book will tell you about 7 fun animals. This is a set of 7 of our popular 15-Minute Books for early readers. It contains the full text and pictures from the following books: "Meet the Elephant", "Meet the Hippo", "Meet the Polar Bear", "Meet the Beaver", "Meet the Bat", "Meet the Spider", "Meet the Raccoon" RL: 2.1
There are many fascinating animals on Earth. Some are funny. Some are strange. This book will tell you about 7 animals. This is a set of seven of our popular 15-Minute Books for early readers. It contains the full text and pictures from the following books: "Meet the Tiger", "Meet the Giraffe", "Meet the Wolf", "Meet the Cougar", "Meet the Badger", "Meet the Reindeer", Meet the Rabbit". RL: 2.1
You have heard of Wilbur and Orville Wright. You know about their owning a bicycle shop. You know about them building and flying the first airplane. But here are some fun facts you may not know. Do you know: Who made the attempt at the first flight and what happened? Was the first flight at Kitty Hawk? Did Wilbur graduate from high school? Who taught Wilbur and Orville about inventing? And more.
Florence Nightingale went from being a rich child to the poorest conditions in war. Along the way she saved countless lives, changed the world of health care, created schools and trained countless nurses. She also wrote hundreds of books, and changed the way women and hospital patients were treated. Find out more about this founder of modern nursing in this short 15-minute children's bio. RL: 6.5