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Hard as Nails... Series
Wanna focus on history's tough, real-life superheroes? Illustrated in cartoons with a touch of jest and moxie (and a bit of blood--but not gore), this secular series highlights the key points of famous "hard as nails" historical figures or events. Some books also include a fun quiz or activity; all include an index, timeline, glossary and further research suggestions. For each of the 25 people/events covered per book, you'll get important details (with a surprising variety in vocabulary and somewhat challenging reading), while a fun "hardometer" ranks each one according to cunning, courage, survival skill and ruthlessness. Neil Armstrong and Ashoka the Great tie with an 8.5; Medea gets a 9.5 (and rightly so). The series emphasizes a wide range of real (some legendary), ancient and modern, famous and not so famous, global characters (not just Westerners here). I think some kids may even stage contests, pitting heroes against another to see who'll win "Top Nail." 64 pgs, pb. ~ Ruth
