Ever wonder where chocolate came from? We have the Mayan king Kukulk n to thank. Kukulk n is more than a king--he is also a god. One day he brings his people an amazing gift: a chocolate tree But there is just one problem. Kukulk n's brother, Night Jaguar, doesn't want regular people to have chocolate. He thinks only gods should eat the tempting treat. Will Night Jaguar prevail? Or will the Mayans get to keep their chocolate tree?

A long time ago, before the Plains region of the United States was divided up into states such as Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming, this land was home to American Indians. Twenty-eight unique Indian nations built homes and gathered food in the Plains. They spoke distinct languages, set up political systems, and made art. They used the natural resources available in their region in order to thrive.

- The Wichita lived in houses made of grass. From the outside, they looked like giant haystacks.
- Omaha and Ponca people wore caps made from eagleskin.
- Lakota men carved flutes to play songs for the girls they hoped to marry.

Many American Indians still live in the Plains region. Explore the history of these various nations and find out how their culture is still alive today.

Who were the first people to call the southeastern United States home? Long before Europeans came to the region, American Indian nations lived off the rich and varied land. These peoples had different languages, governments, and cultures. Their traditions and heritage were shaped by the climate and terrain of the American Southeast.

- The Caddo traveled in canoes made from the wood of cypress trees.
- The Seminole wove baskets from sweetgrass and dyed them with berries, nuts, and roots.
- The Cherokee danced with rattles made of turtle shell strapped to their legs in what is called a stomp dance.

Twenty-first century American Indians still call the Southeast home. Find out what these groups have in common and what makes each nation unique.

When Spanish explorers came to the Southwest region of the United States in the 1600s, they found over 20,000 American Indians already living in the region. These American Indians were part of many different nations. They had their own languages and cultures, and they had developed ways to survive in the desert landscape.

- Pueblo people lived in permanent villages made of adobe brick.
- The Hopi had fifty different ways to cook and eat corn.
- The Navajo created colorful pictures from sand, cornmeal, and pollen.

Many American Indians still live in the Southwest. They make traditional jewelry, use their native languages, and run tourism programs at the Grand Canyon. Find out more about the history and culture of the native peoples of the Southwest.

As a successful former slave, Clara Brown used her money to help other freed slaves get a new start in life. In 1859 Clara bought her own freedom and headed west to Colorado to find her daughter, who was sold when she was just a little girl. Clara didn't find her daughter there, but she did get rich. The people she helped became her family, and she became known as Aunt Clara Brown.

Mexico is a long way from Kalamazoo--and not just in terms of miles. Almost-thirteen-year-old Hayley Flynn is spending six months with her eccentric grandmother in the rural mountain town of San Miguel while her recently separated parents work things out. For Hayley, life in Mexico is surprisingly exciting--exotic birds, beautiful butterflies, holidays, colorful fiestas, and new friends like Lili.

But there are also difficult lessons to be learned. Poverty and unemployment send Lili's father and other men from the village to work in Michigan, sending money back home to their anxious families. Meanwhile, Hayley is on the lookout for la fantasma (the ghost) that is said to haunt her grandma's house.

Linda Lowery creates an affectionate portrait of a small town in Mexico and its people in this warm, humorous story of self-discovery. With a captivating plot and relatable protagonist, readers will be engaged on every page.

The Day of the Dead is a special holiday celebrated in many places like Mexico and parts of the United States to honor people who have died. It's celebrated between October 31 and November 2 and there are costumes, but no one says, trick-or-treat. There is candy, but this candy is shaped like coffins and skeletons. People picnic in cemeteries, go to parades, set off fireworks, and bake special breads and meals to remember friends and family members who have died.

Encourage understanding of diverse cultures. Featuring full-page illustrations, these beautiful editions look at the history and customs associated with various holidays and present early readers with high-interest offerings.

This New York Times best-selling children's picture book takes kids along the spooky path of trick-or-treating -- alphabetically Apples dunked in caramel goo, Bats out playing peekaboo, Cats come creeping, black and lean. Trick or treat--it's Halloween The rhyming cadence and striking collage-style art in bold colors are sure to be a hit with little trick-or-treaters everywhere.

On January 20, 1986, church bells rang in New York City, world leaders gathered in Atlanta, and thousands paraded in Chicago. It was the first annual celebration of a new national holiday. People all over the United States were remembering Martin Luther King, Jr., a man who dreamed of peace, equality, and freedom for all people.

Encourage understanding of diverse cultures. Featuring full-page illustrations, these beautiful editions look at the history and customs associated with various holidays and present early readers with high-interest offerings.

This biography for new readers tells Pablo Picasso's story by describing the evolution of his art--from his Blue Period to his Rose Period to cubism. As a child in Spain, Picasso drew pigeons, bullfights, and guitars. When he left home, he painted people who were poor and lonely like he was. During his Rose Period in Paris, he painted happy pictures. Young readers can follow the most significant events of Picasso's life told in an engaging story format, as they're represented in his art.