Fifteen-year-old Laurel Mawston has just moved to the Mississippi River town of New Madrid with her parents and brother when disaster strikes. A series of terrible earthquakes devastate New Madrid and the land around it, tearing up trees and altering rivers, wrecking houses, and injuring or killing people and animals. Laurel and her family find themselves living outdoors, working to save their animals and their home. Through weeks of hardship, Laurel discovers that challenges can bring people together in unexpected ways. Join Laurel as she relates this exciting and touching story of adventure, newfound love, and courage during a little-known episode of American history.

From Jay Feldmen comes an enlightening work about how the most powerful earthquakes in the history of America united the Indians in one last desperate rebellion, reversed the Mississippi River, revealed a seamy murder in the Jefferson family, and altered the course of the War of 1812. On December 15, 1811, two of Thomas Jefferson's nephews murdered a slave in cold blood and put his body parts into a roaring fire. The evidence would have been destroyed but for a rare act of God—or, as some believed, of the Indian chief Tecumseh. That same day, the Mississippi River's first steamboat, piloted by Nicholas Roosevelt, powered itself toward New Orleans on its maiden voyage. The sky grew hazy and red, and jolts of electricity flashed in the air. A prophecy by Tecumseh was about to be fulfilled. He had warned reluctant warrior-tribes that he would stamp his feet and bring down their houses. Sure enough, between December 16, 1811, and late April 1812, a catastrophic series of earthquakes shook the Mississippi River Valley. Of the more than 2,000 tremors that rumbled across the land during this time, three would have measured nearly or greater than 8.0 on the not-yet-devised Richter Scale. Centered in what is now the bootheel region of Missouri, the New Madrid earthquakes were felt as far away as Canada; New York; New Orleans; Washington, DC; and the western part of the Missouri River. A million and a half square miles were affected as the earth's surface remained in a state of constant motion for nearly four months. Towns were destroyed, an eighteen-mile-long by five-mile-wide lake was created, and even the Mississippi River temporarily ran backwards. The quakes uncovered Jefferson's nephews' cruelty and changed the course of the War of 1812 as well as the future of the new republic. In When the Mississippi Ran Backwards, Jay Feldman expertly weaves together the story of the slave murder, the steamboat, Tecumseh, and the war, and brings a forgotten period back to vivid life. Tecumseh's widely believed prophecy, seemingly fulfilled, hastened an unprecedented alliance among southern and northern tribes, who joined the British in a disastrous fight against the U.S. government. By the end of the war, the continental United States was secure against Britain, France, and Spain; the Indians had lost many lives and much land; and Jefferson's nephews were exposed as murderers. The steamboat, which survived the earthquake, was sunk. When the Mississippi Ran Backwards sheds light on this now-obscure yet pivotal period between the Revolutionary and Civil wars, uncovering the era's dramatic geophysical, political, and military upheavals. Feldman paints a vivid picture of how these powerful earthquakes made an impact on every aspect of frontier life—and why similar catastrophic quakes are guaranteed to recur. When the Mississippi Ran Backwards is popular history at its best.

Young people who feel marginalized due to physical differences or disabilities may benefit from discovering fictional characters who face similar difficulties. This unique bibliography surveys the field of children's and young adult literature published since 1990, identifying 200 quality books that deal with a wide range of contemporary health and self-image topics. Coverage includes physical handicaps, Autism, burns, scars, and disfigurement, obesity and anorexia, speech disorders, skin color, and basic issues of popularity and fitting in. The literature covered here includes picture books, chapter books for middle school readers, and young adult novels spanning different genres, such as mysteries, historical fiction, and poetry. Annotations provide brief plot synopses, full bibliographic information, publishers' age-level suggestions, and subject key words. This resource is perfect for obtaining information about authors, titles, and age levels of books on particular subjects, or to determine the subject of a particular book. Four indexes-Title, Author, Subject, and Age Level-facilitate easy reference for all users and readers.

Follows the adventures of Minn, a three-legged snapping turtle, as she slowly makes her way from her birthplace at the headwaters of the Mississippi River to the mouth of river on the Gulf of Mexico.

In 'The Greatest Adventure Books of All Time - Jules Verne Collection', readers can delve into a mesmerizing collection of adventurous stories that transport them to far-off lands and deep into the sea. Jules Verne's literary style is characterized by his descriptive language and meticulous attention to detail, creating immersive worlds that captivate the imagination. These classic tales not only entertain but also provide valuable insights into the time period and scientific advancements of the 19th century. Verne's works have withstood the test of time and continue to inspire readers of all ages. Each story offers a unique blend of excitement, suspense, and wonder that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages. This collection is a must-read for anyone seeking thrilling adventures and thought-provoking narratives. Jules Verne, a visionary writer ahead of his time, drew inspiration from the technological advancements and explorations of his era. His deep fascination with science and exploration is evident in his works, which often predicted future inventions and discoveries. Verne's passion for adventure and discovery shines through in his writing, making him a pioneer of the science fiction genre. His enduring legacy continues to influence countless authors and filmmakers to this day. I highly recommend 'The Greatest Adventure Books of All Time - Jules Verne Collection' to anyone who enjoys immersive, adventurous tales that push the boundaries of imagination. Verne's timeless stories are sure to captivate readers and leave them yearning for their own thrilling journeys beyond the confines of reality.