IT was 1814. Fifty British soldiers holding flaming poles surrounded a large house in Washington, DC. All at once, they hurled the poles into the house's windows. Within seconds, the majestic home was in flames. The fire spread, destroying almost everything inside. If not for the heavy rain from a powerful thunderstorm later that day, the White House might have been burned to the ground. Look inside to read the fascinating story of this iconic American...

Provides an overview of the Taj Mahal, discussing topics such as its history, architects and designers, structural aspects, and similar structures around the world.

Traces the history of the grand temple to the goddess Athena which has sat atop the Acropolis above Athens, Greece since 432 BC.

Traces the history of the Liberty Bell, including information about the use of bells in colonial America, statistics about this particular bell, legends surrounding it, and its importance as an American symbol.

"Readers will learn about the Eiffel Tower, the beloved and iconic symbol of Paris, France, and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. Set up for the World's Fair in 1889, the Eiffel Tower 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"--

"Two hundred Americans held off more than two thousand soldiers of the Mexican Army for twelve days before defeat. Only two Texans survived. The siege was a crucial turning point in the Texas Revolution, and led to the creation of the Republic of Texas. How many kids even knew there was a Republic of Texas? Now they will! With 80 black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a sixteen-page black-and-white photo insert, young readers will relive the...

"The Tower of London holds almost a thousand years' worth of secrets! The Tower of London draws more than 2 million visitors a year! Almost 1,000 years old and first built by William the Conqueror in 1066, the tower has been a fortress, a palace, a zoo, and an exhibit site for the amazing Crown Jewels. But the tower's reputation as a prison is probably what accounts for its popularity! Two young princes in the time of King Richard III were never again...