Even More Fascinating True Stories for the Whole Family (Book 3)

By Graham Hodson

Designed to captivate readers from age 8 to 108, this 3rd book in the series is a gateway to a world where the past comes alive, offering a further 31 brand new stories of intrigue, courage, and wonder that are waiting to enlighten, entertain, and inspire.

 

Every story is vividly brought to life with a beautiful full-color illustration.

 

However, "Even More Fascinating True Stories for the Whole Family" is more than a book; it's an adventure that spans the globe, featuring men and women who have left a lasting impact on our world. From scientists who made ground-breaking discoveries to people who changed the course of history to musicians who helped shape popular culture, and many, many more, these stories showcase the best of the human spirit.

 

Prepare to be amazed, inspired, and delighted as you explore these true stories and find yourself on a journey that celebrates the diversity of human experience, highlighting moments of triumph, acts of bravery, and flashes of brilliance. It is an invitation to explore the richness of our shared heritage, to marvel at the tapestry of human achievement, and to discover the stories that connect us all across time and culture.

 

The stories in this book include:

 

The Attack on Pearl Harbor  

The Colossus of Rhodes        

Morse Code    

The Construction and Significance of the Panama Canal

J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter          

The Great Pyramid of Giza    

Kellogg's         

The Lighthouse of Alexandria

Elvis Presley   

The Great Wall of China        

The Story of Penicillin

Christ the Redeemer  

The American Civil War        

The Roman Colosseum         

Venus and Serena Williams  

The Taj Mahal

Beatrix Potter

The Statue of Zeus at Olympia          

Genghis Khan

William Shakespeare 

The Discovery of Insulin       

Oskar Schindler         

Photography  

The British Empire    

Braille

The Death of Diana, Princess of Wales         

Nikola Tesla   

9/11    

Winston Churchill     

The Renaissance Era 

The Beatles    

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rockwood Publishing
• Release date: Apr 12, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224782703

Book preview

Introduction

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Welcome to the third installment in our series of Fascinating True Stories for the Whole Family, where we continue our remarkable journey through the corridors of history, uncovering tales that have captivated, challenged, and changed the course of human existence. This volume invites you to dive even deeper into the wellspring of our shared past, discovering hidden gems and shining new light on familiar narratives.

In this collection, we traverse broader landscapes and dive into stories not just of individuals who have left their indelible marks on history, but also of communities, movements, and phenomena that have collectively shaped our world. From the quiet writings of literature with words that captured our hearts, to the loud triumphs of major revolutions that echoed around the globe, each story is a testament to the multifaceted nature of humanity's journey.

Even More Fascinating True Stories for the Whole Family is an ode to the spirit of discovery, an acknowledgment of the struggles that have led to progress, and a celebration of the myriad cultures that enrich our planet. It is an appreciation that history is not made by individuals alone but by collective action, shared dreams, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge.

As you embark on this new journey, you will be reminded of the power of unity and the beauty of diversity. You'll discover how the past, with all its complexities and contradictions, continues to illuminate our present and shape our future.

Each chapter serves as a bridge connecting generations, fostering understanding, and inspiring a sense of wonder about what lies ahead.

So prepare to be moved by the resilience of the human spirit, and to be awed by the ingenuity and bravery that define our story. This book is not just a collection of tales from yesteryear; it is a beacon of inspiration, offering lessons of courage, perseverance, and hope that resonate today and into the future.

Turn the pages with anticipation, for within them lies the continuation of our extraordinary human saga, inviting you to rediscover the world anew. Even More Fascinating True Stories for the Whole Family promises a journey that will enrich, educate, and excite the minds and hearts of all who embark upon it.

The Attack on Pearl Harbor

The story of Pearl Harbor, a pivotal moment in the 20th century, is marked by shock, tragedy, and the dramatic alteration of the course of world events. On the morning of December 7, 1941, the United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, was the site of a surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service. This attack not only devastated the U.S. Pacific Fleet but also irrevocably changed the United States' stance on global affairs, drawing the nation into World War II.

Pearl Harbor's story begins in the context of increasing tensions between the United States and Japan. In the early 20th century, Japan embarked on a path of military expansion in Asia, fueled by imperial ambitions and the desire for economic resources. The U.S., concerned about Japan's aggression in China and Southeast Asia and its implications for American interests, imposed economic sanctions and trade embargoes on Japan, particularly oil exports, which were crucial to the Japanese war effort.

Japan, viewing these actions as crippling to its expansionist agenda, began planning a preemptive strike against the United States to neutralize its Pacific forces, thereby giving Japan free rein in Asia. The target was Pearl Harbor, home to the U.S. Pacific Fleet and a symbol of American naval power in the Pacific.

The plan, conceived by Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, involved a powerful carrier strike force under the command of Vice Admiral Chuichi Nagumo. It was a risky operation, requiring absolute secrecy and precise execution. On the morning of December 7, the Japanese fleet, having stealthily crossed the Pacific Ocean, launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.

At approximately 7:55 AM, the first wave of Japanese planes, including torpedo bombers, dive bombers, and fighters, descended on the harbor. The attack caught the U.S. forces completely off guard. American soldiers and sailors scrambled to their battle stations, but for many, it was too late. The Japanese planes targeted battleships, airfields, and other military installations, unleashing destruction with shocking efficiency.

The USS Arizona suffered the most catastrophic hit when a bomb detonated in her forward ammunition magazine, causing the ship to explode and sink, killing 1,177 of her crew. Other battleships, including the USS Oklahoma, USS West Virginia, and USS California, were also severely damaged or sunk. In total, the attack destroyed or damaged 20 American naval vessels, including eight battleships, and over 300 airplanes. More than 2,400 Americans were killed, and another 1,000 were wounded.

The attack on Pearl Harbor lasted less than two hours, but its impact was monumental. On December 8, President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed a joint session of Congress, declaring December 7 as a date which will live in infamy. The speech galvanized American sentiment against Japan, and on that day, the United States declared war on Japan, officially entering World War II. Shortly afterwards, Germany and Italy declared war on the United States, solidifying the global scope of the conflict.

The attack on Pearl Harbor marked a significant turning point in American and world history. It not only represented a tragic loss of life but also signified the end of American isolationism and the beginning of the country's role as a major global power. The events of that day and their aftermath shaped the geopolitical landscape for decades to come and left an indelible mark on American and world memory. Pearl Harbor stands as a poignant reminder of the perils of unpreparedness and the unpredictable nature of international conflicts.

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The Colossus of Rhodes

The Colossus of Rhodes, a towering symbol of triumph and ingenuity, stands as one of the most celebrated wonders of the ancient world. Erected in the city of Rhodes in Greece, this gigantic statue was not only an architectural marvel but also a testament to the resilience and ambition of the people who built it.

Historical Context: The story of the Colossus begins with a siege. In 305 BC, Rhodes was besieged by Demetrius Poliorcetes, who sought