Four score and seven years ago . . .” begins Abraham Lincoln's beautiful speech commemorating the three-day battle that turned the tide of the Civil War. The South had been winning up to this point. So how did Union troops stop General Robert E. Lee's invasion of the North? With black-and-illustrations throughout, this turning point in history is brought vividly to life.

In 1848, gold was discovered in California, attracting over 300,000 people from all over the world, some who struck it rich and many more who didn't. Hear the stories about the gold-seeking "forty-niners!" With black-and white illustrations and sixteen pages of photos, a nugget from history is brought to life!

Abigail Adams was a strong woman far ahead of her time. She urged her husband, President John Adams, to "remember the ladies" and despite having no formal education herself, she later advocated for equal education in public schools for both boys and girls. She was also the first First Lady to live in the White House! This biography tells the story of Abigail Adams and her role in America's Revolutionary War

A Tennessee country girl with big dreams
A world-famous singer, actress, and author
The creator of Imagination Library, which has given over sixty million books to kids

Born in a little cabin in Tennessee, Dolly Parton always dreamed big, and she was right to! She wrote her first song at age five and became a country music star by the time she was in her early twenties. Of course, her success didn’t stop there. Dolly Parton is also an actress, author, businesswoman, and philanthropist whose “Imagination Library” reading initiative reaches children throughout the US, Canada, and the UK. There is simply no one like Dolly Parton!

At 800-feet long, the Hindenburg was the largest airship ever built--just slightly smaller than the Titanic! Also of a disastrous end, the zeppelin burst into flame as spectators watched it attempt to land in Lakehurst, New Jersey on May 6, 1937. In under a minute, the Hindenburg was gone, people jumping from windows to escape. However, only 62 of the 97 crew members and passengers onboard survived. The exact cause of the disaster is still unknown and remains a fascinating historical mystery perfect for this series.

A girl who loved to tap-dance
A brilliant reporter who dares to speak the truth
A world-famous women’s rights champion


As a field reporter in the 1960s, Gloria Steinem worked hard to dig up important stories. She went undercover to expose the grim realities of gender inequality in America. As her message continued to grow, she became the spokeswoman of the women’s liberation movement and created the feminist publication, Ms. magazine. Steinem continues to speak and write about women and women’s roles in media and politics.

Born the eighth of seventeen children in Philadelphia, Betsy Ross lived in a time when the American colonies were yearning for independence from British rule. Ross worked as a seamstress and was eager to contribute to the cause, making tents and repairing uniforms when the colonies declared war. By 1779 she was filling cartridges for the Continental Army. Did she sew the first flag? That's up for debate, but Who Was Betsy Ross? tells the story of a fierce patriot who certainly helped create the flag of a new nation.

Though much of his early life remains a mystery, Blackbeard most likely began his life as Edward Teach in the sailing port of Bristol, England. He began his career as a hired British sailor during Queen Anne's War. He eventually settled in the Bahamas under Captain Benjamin Hornigold who taught the young sailor to go "a-pirating." Soon enough, Blackbeard was commanding his own fleet and stealing ships around the Caribbean and up and down the Eastern seaboard. Known for his thick, black beard and fearsome reputation, the legend of Blackbeard has influenced pirate legend and lore for over 300 years. Series Overview: A series of illustrated biographies for young readers featuring significant historical figures, including artists, scientists, and world leaders

What would you do with a billion dollars? This question gets a definitive answer from billionaire Richard Branson: do everything! Born into a wealthy family in London, Branson suffered from dyslexia and was a poor student. Still, his knack for business started early with a successful parakeet-breeding enterprise at age 11. The charismatic entrepreneur launched his first major business, Virgin Records, at age 22 and spent the next few decades building the Virgin group that now includes more than 400 companies. Known for his eccentric lifestyle and trillion-watt smile, Branson's hot air balloon flights, innovative leadership, and world record attempts have made him an instantly-recognizable global icon.

It was world-famous sculptor Gutzon Borglum's dream to carve sixty-foot-high likenesses of four presidents on a granite cliff in South Dakota. Does that sound like a wacky idea? Many at the time thought so. Borglum faced a lot of opposition and problems at every turn; the blasting and carving carried out through the years of the Great Depression when funding for anything was hard to come by. Yet Mount Rushmore now draws almost three million visitors to the Black Hills every year. This is an entertaining chronicle of one man's magnificent obsession, which even today sparks controversy.

When Alexander was a boy in ancient Macedon, he already had grand ambitions. He complained that his father, the great king of Macedon, wasn't leaving anything for him to conquer! This, of course, was not the case. King Alexander went on to control most of the known world of the time. His victories won him many supporters, but they also earned him enemies. This easy-to-read biography offers a fascinating look at the life of Alexander and the world he lived in.

Even as a kid, everyone thought Jeff Kinney was talented. People loved his drawings, and when he went to college, his comic strip Igdoof was so popular that it spread to other universities! Still, Jeff faced challenges. His cartoons were rejected by syndicates that claimed his art was unprofessional. Then, an idea struck: Jeff would write a journal from the perspective of a child, illustrated with doodles just like a kid might do. And so, the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series was born--and it was a hit! In this biography, Jeff's brother, Patrick Kinney, provides a knowledgeable look at the life of this best-selling author/illustrator. From Jeff's childhood pranks to his job developing online games, kids will love the chance to learn more about the creator of the popular Wimpy Kid books.

On August 15, 1969, a music festival called "Woodstock" transformed one small dairy farm in upstate New York into a gathering place for over 400,000 young music fans. Concert-goers, called "hippies," traveled from all over the country to see their favorite musicians perform. Famous artists like The Grateful Dead played day and night in a celebration of peace, love, and happiness. Although Woodstock lasted only three days, the spirit of the festival has defined a generation and become a symbol of the "hippie life."

American Association of University Women Award for Juvenile Literature 2016 Nominee.

When the plans for the Eiffel Tower were first announced, many people hated the design of the future landmark, calling it ungainly and out of step with the beautiful stone buildings of the city. But once it went up for the World's Fair in 1889, the people of Paris quickly fell in love with the tower. Today it seems impossible to imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower, which greets millions of visitors each year who climb up its wrought-iron stairs, ride its glass elevators, and enjoy the wonderful views of the city spread out below it.

The Galapagos Islands are a chain of volcanic islands located on either side of the equator in the Pacific Ocean. The isolated location of the islands has allowed a vast number of species to develop that are original to each island, such as the blue-footed booby, the marine iguana, and of course, the giant Galapagos tortoise, which may live to be over one hundred years old. Studied by Charles Darwin during his historic voyage on the HMS Beagle, the island life contributed to his groundbreaking theory of evolution. Today the islands area popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Splat underestimates his little sister Flo's ability to ace Plank's obstacle course in this hilarious I Can Read story from the New York Times bestselling author Rob Scotton.

Splat the Cat never wanted to hang out with his little sister, Flo. After all, she was into ballet. But his opinion changes when Flo dominates Plank's obstacle course. Whoa! Her strength, her balance, her speed! Will Splat be able to catch up? And will Splat sign up for ballet?

Splat the Cat and Obstacle Course is a Guided Reading Level K and a Level Two I Can Read book, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the engaging stories, longer sentences, and language play of Level Two books are proven to help kids take their next steps toward reading success.

Paperback / 32ページ

ラダーシリーズは、使用する単語を限定して、やさしい英語で書き改められた多読に最適な英文リーダーです。
巻末にはワードリストが付属、辞書なしでどこでも読書が楽しめます。
自分にぴったりの1冊が選べるから、自分に合ったペースで英語と付き合えます。

使用語彙1000語 / TOEICテスト300～400点 / 英検4級以上

「昔々あるところに、おじいさんとおばあさんが住んでいました……」日本に伝わる昔話を簡単な英語を使って表現。 誰もが知っている物語だから、英語がすらすら頭に入ります。桃太郎、鶴の恩返し、カチカチ山、花咲かじいさん、一寸法師の5編を収録。

ラダーシリーズは、使用する単語を限定して、やさしい英語で書き改められた多読に最適な英文リーダーです。
巻末にはワードリストが付属、辞書なしでどこでも読書が楽しめます。
自分にぴったりの1冊が選べるから、自分に合ったペースで英語と付き合えます。

使用語彙1000語 / TOEICテスト300点以上 / 英検4級以上

屏風に描かれた虎を捕まえてほしい、と殿様は一休さんを試そうとしますが、一休さんは得意のとんちを使って殿様をやり込めてしまいます。 クラゲにきもをとられそうになった猿も、機転を利かせて間一髪で助かります。英語で読んでも楽しく、思わず笑ってしまう日本の昔話13編を収録しました。

ラダーシリーズは、使用する単語を限定して、やさしい英語で書き改められた多読に最適な英文リーダーです。
巻末にはワードリストが付属、辞書なしでどこでも読書が楽しめます。
自分にぴったりの1冊が選べるから、自分に合ったペースで英語と付き合えます。

使用語彙1000語 / TOEICテスト300～400点 / 英検4級以上

2歳になっても言葉を発さず、10歳になるまでしゃべるのが不得意だったというアルベルト・アインシュタイン。 他の子どもたちと遊ぶより、独りで考えたり、空想したりすることを好む少年は、父からもらったコンパスの針が、 いつでも北を指すのを見たときに、自然界に興味を覚えたという。そのアインシュタインが20世紀以降すべての人の宇宙観をも変えてしまうほどの理論を見いだすとは誰が予想できただろうか。

ラダーシリーズは、使用する単語を限定して、やさしい英語で書き改められた多読に最適な英文リーダーです。
巻末にはワードリストが付属、辞書なしでどこでも読書が楽しめます。
自分にぴったりの1冊が選べるから、自分に合ったペースで英語と付き合えます。

使用語彙1000語 / TOEICテスト300点以上 / 英検4級以上

ウェンディと弟2人の元にピーターパンという少年が現れた。 ピーターはいつまでも子どものままでいられるネバーランドという国に住んでいるという。 そこには、親とはぐれた子どもたち、妖精、人魚、インディアン、そしてフック率いる海賊一味もいた。 ネバーランドへ到着したウェンディ姉弟を待ち受けるものは……。そして、家で待つ両親のもとに戻ることができるだろうか。

ラダーシリーズは、使用する単語を限定して、やさしい英語で書き改められた多読に最適な英文リーダーです。
巻末にはワードリストが付属、辞書なしでどこでも読書が楽しめます。
自分にぴったりの1冊が選べるから、自分に合ったペースで英語と付き合えます。

使用語彙1000語 / TOEICテスト300～400点 / 英検4級以上

インド独立の父は、強い兵士でもなければ、王侯貴族、聖職者でもない。著名な医者でも科学者でもない。 常に貧しいものたちと暮らし、非暴力の信条を貫き通した人―それがマハトマ（偉大なる魂）、 または親しみを込めてバープー（父親）と呼ばれたガンジーその人である。 イギリスによるインド支配に抵抗し、ヒンドゥー教徒とイスラム教徒の融合を目指したガンジー。 何度も投獄され、そして断食をしながら闘い続け、ついにインド独立の夢を果たした。 そのガンジーの生誕の日、10月2日は国際非暴力デーとされている。

ラダーシリーズは、使用する単語を限定して、やさしい英語で書き改められた多読に最適な英文リーダーです。
巻末にはワードリストが付属、辞書なしでどこでも読書が楽しめます。
自分にぴったりの1冊が選べるから、自分に合ったペースで英語と付き合えます。

使用語彙1000語 / TOEICテスト300～400点 / 英検4級以上

森の中に置き去りにされた兄妹がお菓子の家を見つける「ヘンゼルとグレーテル」、みにくいかえるが実は王子だった「かえるの王子」、 欲深い人間の愚かさをユーモアで描く「漁師とおかみさん」のほか、ガラス瓶の中のお化け』『踊りぬいてぼろぼろになる靴』『糸くり三人女』 『勇ましいちびの仕立て屋』『金のがちょう』。グリム童話の中から不思議なメルヘン８篇を収録。
※本書はラダーシリーズ『グリム傑作童話集 （Grimms’ Fairy Tales）』と『グリム・クラシックス （Grimms’ Classics）』を元に再構成したものです。

ラダーシリーズは、使用する単語を限定して、やさしい英語で書き改められた多読に最適な英文リーダーです。
巻末にはワードリストが付属、辞書なしでどこでも読書が楽しめます。
自分にぴったりの1冊が選べるから、自分に合ったペースで英語と付き合えます。

使用語彙1000語 / TOEICテスト300～400点 / 英検4級以上

古代ギリシャの時代に生まれた物語。旅人に上着を脱がせるために争う『北風と太陽』、 「狼だ！」と叫んで誰にも信じてもらえなくなった『狼と少年』、ウサギとカメがかけ比べをした『ウサギとカメ』など、 現代にも伝わる教訓を含んだイソップの寓話を多数収録。短いエピソードの中に、ユーモアや風刺が凝縮されている。

ラダーシリーズは、使用する単語を限定して、やさしい英語で書き改められた多読に最適な英文リーダーです。
巻末にはワードリストが付属、辞書なしでどこでも読書が楽しめます。
自分にぴったりの1冊が選べるから、自分に合ったペースで英語と付き合えます。

使用語彙1000語 / TOEICテスト300～400点 / 英検4級以上

羊を追い、村でのどかに暮らしていたメロス。ある日、友人のいるシラクスの市を訪れたメロスは、活気を失い、 変わり果てた街の様子に驚く。人を信じることのできない王が、罪のない人々を恐怖に陥れていたのだ。 怒りに震えたメロスは人々を救うため、王のもとへと乗り込んでいく。邪悪を憎み、友を信じる若者たちの友情を描いた、 太宰治の代表的短編小説。

ラダーシリーズは、使用する単語を限定して、やさしい英語で書き改められた多読に最適な英文リーダーです。
巻末にはワードリストが付属、辞書なしでどこでも読書が楽しめます。
自分にぴったりの1冊が選べるから、自分に合ったペースで英語と付き合えます。

使用語彙1000語 / TOEICテスト300～400点 / 英検4級以上

ある日のこと、山里に棲むいたずら好きのごんぎつねは、兵十のうなぎを盗んで逃げます。 それは兵十が病気の母親のために用意した大切なものでした。そうと知ったごんぎつねは、小さな胸を痛めます。 大人にこそ読んでもらいたい新美南吉の名作童話。