In My Own Words

by Connie Roop, Peter Roop (Editor)

Many towering figures are credited with shaping the course of American history. For each of these celebrated lives, there were countless others -- writing the real story of America. In My Own Words introduces young readers to these lesser-known Americans and their stories. This exciting series reveals the tales of four ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances through their personal writings. Readers will be amused by the sly Yankee humor that Revolutionary War soldier Joseph Plumb Martin brings to his stirring account of the war for independence. The thrilling writings of John Wesley Powell -- the first white man to explore the Grand Canyon -- allow readers to sense the profound awe Powell and his crew felt discovering the Canyon's natural wonders, as well as the dangers and hardships they faced daily.

64 pages, Library Binding

About the author

Peter Roop, a Wisconsin State Teacher of the Year, has been bringing books and children together for over 30 years. He has written extensively for Cricket and Cobblestone Magazines. He currently writes and speaks full-time. Last year he visited 10 states and talked with over 10,000 students! Connie Roop, a high school environmental science teacher, is a recipient of the Women Leaders in Education Award from the American Association of University Women and a Kohl Education Foundation Award for Exceptional Teaching. Last Year Connie visited four states and shared her writing experiences with 5,000 students..

Together, Connie and Peter have written 100 children's books ranging from historical fiction to nonfiction. Seven of their books are "Reading Rainbow" books, including Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie, a Feature Book. Their books have received recognition from the National Association of Science Teachers, National Council of Teachers of English, the Children's Book Council, and the American Library Association. They have presented over 800 workshops for students, educators and writers in 26 states as well as Europe, Africa and Asia.