North America History

In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that schools had to allow Black students to attend previously all-white schools. On September 4, 1957, nine Black students were set to attend Little Rock Central High in Little Rock, Arkansas. But when they arrived, an angry mob of white people spat at them and hurled racist insults. They were also prevented from entering the school by the National Guard. After they were finally allowed in weeks later, they faced even more abuse from white students and staff.

So you want to be a Supreme Court justice? Find out the requirements, the roles and responsibilities, and how you can put yourself on the path to sitting on the highest court in the nation.

So you want to be a U.S. representative? Find out the requirements, the roles and responsibilities, and how you can put yourself on the path to becoming a member of Congress.

On September 16, 1965, Filipino and Mexican American migrant workers joined together to strike against the grape growers in Delano, California. The farmers left the fields to demand better wages and benefits. Led by Larry Itliong, Cesar Chavez, and Dolores Huerta, the two groups created a union called the United Farm Workers of America.

Elva Zona Heaster died in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, in January 1897. Her death was originally thought to be from natural causes. But when Zona's ghost began visiting her mother, the death began to look a lot more suspicious.

In 1786, the Massachusetts government was seizing farmers’ lands and throwing them in jail for unpaid debts and taxes. But many people couldn’t pay because they had not yet been paid for fighting in the Revolutionary War just a few years before. Frustrated by this treatment, Daniel Shays led upset citizens in an armed revolt. Although their rebellion was short lived, it made clear to America’s leaders that the young nation needed to change its laws, paving the way for the creation of the U.S. Constitution.

You probably know that the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education case was an important part of ending segregation in schools. But it wasn’t the only one. In 1947, Mendez v. Westminster helped end segregation in California’s schools. With key biographical information and related historical events, this Capstone Captivate book will uncover Mendez’s story and show how it connects to Brown v. Board of Education.

From music to art to poetry, creativity filled the air in the Fillmore District. The creativity and inclusion brought communities together—with no exceptions. Everyone was welcome, and everyone was accepted. In this beautiful story about the historical Fillmore District in San Francisco, author Rachel Werner touches on themes of inclusivity and culture.

In the late 1800s, newsboys—or “newsies”—were a critical part of the newspaper industry. They bought stacks of papers from newspaper publishers and then sold them on city streets for a small profit. But in 1898, William Randolph Hearst’s New York Journal and Joseph Pulitzer’s New York World raised the cost of 100 papers by 10 cents. The price increase cut into the newsboys’ profits, and by the summer of 1899 their frustration boiled over. They banded together and showed the world how activists of any age can use a strike.

Presidents’ Day celebrates the birthdays of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and all U.S. presidents. Some people go to parades, visit historical sites, or read books about presidents. Others dress up in costumes. Listeners will discover how a shared holiday can have multiple traditions and be celebrated in all sorts of ways.

This lyrical biography explores the life and art of Yoko Ono, from her childhood haiku to her avant-garde visual art and experimental music. An outcast throughout most of her life, and misunderstood by every group she was supposed to belong to, Yoko always followed her own unique vision to create art that was ahead of its time and would later be celebrated. Her focus remained on being an artist, even when the rest of world saw her only as the wife of John Lennon. Yoko Ono's moving story will inspire any young adult who has ever felt like an outsider.

Since our nation's birth, the Supreme Court has been the highest court in the United States. But until 1935, it didn't have a building of its own. Join a lawyer named Marta in The U.S. Supreme Court as she follows the court's long journey to its final home in Washington, D.C.

It’s 1787, and a handful of men are about to sign the United States Constitution. In a few minutes, a newly free country will have a set of rules made by the people, for the people. Join lawmaker James Madison as he picks up a pen and makes history.

Why do Americans love a bell that no longer rings? It is the Liberty Bell, and it once rang to announce the birth of a new country, the United States. Find out why Americans still treasure the bell, along with its famous crack.

How do Americans know that government papers are real? If you see an eagle holding a shield, and a pyramid with an eye above it, the papers are no fakes. Listen to Benjamin Franklin as he talks about the birth of the Great Seal in 1782 and why it's still so important to our country today.

From the early 1800s, American presidents and their families have called the White House home. But as secret service agent Keneesha explains, the White House is more than just a place to live; it's also the president's office and one of the country's greatest symbols of leadership.

The US Capitol houses both the Congress and Senate, but do you know its history? This building, which stands as a symbol of freedom and democracy, took more than 30 years to build. It has survived through wars, and has had many changes and additions. Join a tour guide and learn more about the US capitol.

The Lincoln Memorial honors Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States. It also stands today as a symbol of unity and freedom. Why does it stand for these things? Join a tour guide and learn more about the creation and importance of the Lincoln Memorial.

When was the first special forces unit established? What daring feats have taken place throughout history? This unique timeline of the US Army Ranger missions seizes the courage and drama these soldiers experienced. Follow along to learn more!

Ophelia DeVore boldly overcame tragedy and hardship to become the first Black model in the United States of America. She possessed grace, finesse, intelligence, natural beauty, and courage. Being the first black graduate of the Vogue Modeling School, she eventually became a powerful business mogul, an exuberant entrepreneur, and a respected leader in her field. Her story is unique because she redefined "beauty" in America. Throughout her life, she sought to prove to the world beauty could be found in every shade of color.