"As a young working-class German immigrant, Levi Strauss left his family's dry goods business in New York City to journey out west for the California Gold Rush. Only Levi wasn't looking for gold--he wanted to provide the miners with sturdy clothes to wear while they worked in the dusty river beds. His solution? Blue jeans--pants made of strong denim fabric--which have become one of the most beloved and fashionable clothing items in the world"--

"The 21st Century Junior Library Women Innovators series highlights the contributions of women to STEM fields. Mary Anderson and Windshield Wipers examines the life of this important woman and her contributions to automotive technology. Sidebars encourage readers to engage in the material by asking deeper questions or conducting individual research. Full color photos, a glossary, and a listing of additional resources all enhance the learning experience."--...

"Shaquille O'Neal discovered his love of basketball while spending time in an afterschool program called the Boys & Girls Club of America. Standing over six feet tall by the time he turned eleven years old, Shaq--as he is affectionately known--continued to practice the game and stunned the country with his phenomenal skills. From leading his high-school team to its first-ever state title to becoming the first pick in the 1992 NBA Draft and going on...