Houghton Mifflin Online Leveled Books

A visit to the nation?s capital isn?t complete without a tour of the home of America?s fi rst president: George Washington. On the ?journey? to Mount Vernon, the reader is regaled with tidbits of Washington?s past?his life as a surveyor, military leader, patriot, president, and ?scientist of farming.? ?First in war. First in peace. First in the hearts of his countrymen.? He was, indeed, the ?father of our country.

What do Hubble, ISS, Landsat, and a 2018 goal to build outposts on the moon have in common? NASA, America?s National Aeronautics and Space Administration! Dedicated to space exploration that benefits Americans and the world, NASA works alone and with other nations to unlock the secrets of the universe.

Along the coast of North Carolina, the islands known as the Outer Banks have many identities: site of a vanished colony, pirate lair of the legendary Blackbeard, haven for beach-loving vacationers, test site for the Wright Brothers, shipwreck graveyard, horse sanctuary, national seashore, and hurricane barrier. The islands have it all!.

More than 2,000 years ago, a king named Asoka turned from war to peace after seeing thousands of his people killed and injured during a battle. He became a Buddhist and taught peace by following a nonviolent lifestyle and displaying laws about respecting all life on beautifully carved pillars throughout his kingdom.

Ellie Mannette loved drums, but he struggled to play in his homeland of Trinidad, where drummers were considered troublemakers.

The major trade route between China and western countries, the Silk Road stretched over 5,000 miles and served as a main trade route for about 1,000 years. Its travelers faced adversities such as bandits, harsh weather, and lack of provisions. However, the Silk Road also linked cultures and provided an essential route for commerce.

The Inca empire began to grow and prosper in 1438 under the rule of Pachacuti and, later, his son. By 1527, the Inca were rich and powerful. When grandsons took over in 1527, they fought over land and the civil war weakened the country. One had the other killed. In 1535, Spaniard Pizarro invaded, killed thousands, and claimed the land for Spain.

Son of King Philip II of ancient Macedonia, Alexander learned from the best: his father, uncles, and Aristotle. At age 20, he became king when his father was murdered. Ambitious, confident, Alexander led his army to victory against the Persians. Both respected and feared, it is no wonder this eventual King of Asia was known as ?the Great.?.

The ancient Romans created an incredible number of innovations. The most famous piece of Roman architecture is the Colosseum. Its unique design features over 80 doorways. The democracy of the United States is based on ancient Roman government. The people of ancient Rome influenced the lives of people around the world.

Led by the ?Greats,? Cyrus and Darius, a small tribe of Persians built an empire that extended from Egypt into India. Ruthless in punishing enemies and dissenters, just and tolerant in dealings with subjects and the conquered, leaders gained the loyalty of citizens, the respect of foes, and 230 years of a legacy that few cultures have surpassed.