China was one of the most advanced societies in the ancient world. Whether in medicine, the arts, or education, the Chinese far outpaced the Europeans. Although most people were peasants, society included a myriad of other jobs. It may sound like a great position, but being emperor had its downside. If you displeased the gods, you could be put to death. As a silk maker, you would be sworn to secrecy so foreigners wouldn't learn how to spin the precious...

REVOLUTION IS NOT A DINNER PARTY: This nonfiction companion to Ying Chang Compestine's novel explores life in China during Mao's Cultural Revolution in the 1970s. A CLOSER LOOK: Find out more about 1970's China––from foods and traditions, to medicine and marketing, as well as Mao's rise to power, the Red Guard, Barefoot Doctors, Chinese New Year, and origami. NONFICTION COMPANIONS: This series of 48-page books takes popular, grade-appropriate...

For thousands of years, the island nation of Japan remained proudly isolated, developing a culture with roots in ancient religions, rites, and beliefs. As time went on, the people began to take their place in the world, and that foundation of unity allowed them to have an influence far beyond their homeland. In this volume, travel back in time to meet the people who created that foundational culture, and see how their ways and beliefs were tested...

It is India, 1918, six months after the end of World War I, and Rosalind awaits the return of her father from the war. Rosalind is kept from boarding school in England at her mother's insistence. While her father has been at war, Rosalind sees the country slowly change. A man named Ghandi is coming to power, talking about nonviolence and independence from Britain. Rosalind longs to live the life that her heart tells her, not what her parents prescribe...

Southwest Asia and North Africa make up the multicultural, rich region we know as the Middle East. One of the most linguistically diverse regions of the world, with more than 60 languages spoken, the Middle East is home to many different cultures, traditions, and governments. This book explores the historical events, movements, and people who have shaped the region of Southwest Asia and North Africa. How have governments changed in this region? What...

South Asia might be a relatively small region, but it is home to more than one-fifth of the world's population. Over time, different ethnic groups, religions, colonialism, and trade have shaped the region. Readers will journey through history to take a close look at the distinctive governments of this region, and how they've changed over time. Explored are the historical events, movements, and people who have shaped the region. This learning experience...

Revered in Asian culture and remembered as an important historical figure, Sun Tzu is known for both his militaristic accomplishments and, notably, as the credited author of The Art of War. This title will allow students to learn about Tzu's unique views and philosophies on war, understand the historical importance of The Art of War, and discover how Sun Tzu's legacy has evolved and changed over time.

Although the compass was first invented by the Chinese about 2,500 years ago, it's gone on to help give direction to the entire world! The introduction of the compass lead to many other advancements in science and navigation, including reliable maps, the system of latitude and longitude, and GPS. You may even have a compass app on your phone! Readers will travel to ancient China to witness the invention of the compass as a fortune-telling item and...

Change has been constant in India over the millennia, but some things have remained the same throughout that time. Early India was a collection of smaller kingdoms across its vast landscape. The effects of Hinduism began then and were deep and lasting, continuing to the present day. The impact of Islam had a large effect on India, overshadowed only by the long colonization by Great Britain. All these events, touching the lives of the great and the...

Under the leadership of Genghis Khan, a confederation of nomadic farmers transformed into a powerful military force. This text demonstrations how an aggressive empire could have been established from such agrarian roots, inviting the reader to follow the rise of the Mongol Empire from its founding through its expansion into the Golden Horde in the West under the leadership of Batu and his successors and the Yuan Dynasty in the East under Kublai Khan....