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Featured books by

Rosalyn Schanzer

Rosalyn Schanzer makes history and its "actors" come to life between the pages of her books. Thoroughly researched, clearly documented, and engagingly presented, Schanzer finds the drama, story, and humor in individuals and history. Meet John Smith, Davy Crockett, Charles Darwin and others — all in these lively and unique books.

Davy Crockett Saves the World
Davy Crockett Saves the World
By: Rosalyn Schanzer
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Every word in this book is true; that is, of course, "unless it's false." Outrageous stories about this larger-than-life guy were inspired by the Crockett almanacs and are retold here with verve and laugh-out-loud humor in words and pictures.

George vs. George: The American Revolution as Seen By Both Sides
George vs. George: The American Revolution as Seen By Both Sides
By: Rosalyn Schanzer
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

The Georges most prominent in early America — England's George III and America’s George Washington — had much in common even though their politics put them on opposite sides of the issue of independence as well as the Atlantic. Serious information about the men, their struggles, and the times in which they lived is conveyed in an engaging format and light touch that tells of the birth of the United States.

Gold Fever!: Tales from the California Gold Rush
Gold Fever!: Tales from the California Gold Rush
By: Rosalyn Schanzer
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

In the mid-19th century, the carpenter who found a nugget of gold in a river near Sutter's mill had no idea that this would begin a rush to the West. Authentic voices from journals and other original sources are seamlessly incorporated in the generously illustrated, engaging, and informative book.

How Ben Franklin Stole the Lightning
How Ben Franklin Stole the Lightning
By: Rosalyn Schanzer
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Benjamin Franklin was amazing. He was a musician, a printer, a cartoonist, a shopkeeper, an inventor and more. He figured out how to solve many problems – including how to steal lightening from the sky to prevent it from starting fires in Colonial towns. Conversational text and lighthearted illustrations introduce this early American hero to a new generation.

How We Crossed the West: The Adventures of Lewis and Clark
How We Crossed the West: The Adventures of Lewis and Clark
By: Rosalyn Schanzer
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

The Lewis and Clark expedition was well-documented by the explorers themselves; their travels and revelations have been compressed and illustrated for a thorough, informative, and fully sourced look at this momentous journey.

John Smith Escapes Again!
John Smith Escapes Again!
By: Rosalyn Schanzer
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

John Smith was a key figure in early American history. His adventurous life and exploits (including his association with Pocahontas) are revealed through a series of exciting escapes well told with well-researched, rousing illustrations.

The Old Chisholm Trail
The Old Chisholm Trail
By: Rosalyn Schanzer
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Travel back in time with a bunch of cowpokes and their cattle from Texas all the way to Kansas on the old Chisholm Trail. Cartoon-like illustration and surprisingly informative language of a traditional folksong blend laughter and learning as the tale unfolds — with or without the tune (though music is included).

What Darwin Saw: The Journey that Changed the World
What Darwin Saw: The Journey that Changed the World
By: Rosalyn Schanzer
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Young Charles Darwin's voyages on the Beagle are presented in meticulously detailed (and documented) illustrations and text in an accessible but sophisticated format. Art and readable narrative combine seamlessly for a look at the individual and the information his work revealed.

Witches
Witches
By: Rosalyn Schanzer
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

A riveting, highly readable, and well-documented history of 17th century Massachusetts and the hysteria that overtook Salem Village is illustrated with scratchboard illustrations that not only evoke the period but its mysteriousness.

Interested in wonderful interviews with tween and teen authors? Hop on over to our sister site, AdLit.org, and browse the library.

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