Rhoda Blumberg

In 1841, rescued by an American whaler after a terrible shipwreck leaves him and his four companions castaways on a remote island, fourteen-year-old Manjiro learns new laws and customs as he becomes the first Japanese person to set foot in the United States.

Relates the adventures of York, a slave and "body servant" to William Clark, who journeyed west with the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804-1806.

Discusses the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 and the political maneuverings of Napoleon and Jefferson that made it possible.

With his friend and trainer Matthew Scott, Jumbo, the giant African elephant, leaves his home at the London Zoo and becomes part of the P.T. Barnum circus.

Introduces the physical characteristics, habits, and natural environment of different varieties of sharks.

Describes witches and witchcraft in history and in fiction from ancient times up to the modern resurgence of the "witch business."

Discusses fire fighting techniques and equipment and explains some different kinds of fires.

Describes an odd assortment of creatures such as myna birds, boa constrictors, ferrets, and llamas, that make fascinating pets.