A History Of California, Highlighting The Cities Of San Francisco And Los Angeles.

Takes the reader on an imaginary trip through California while offering information about the history and geography of the major cities and towns.

A brief history of California's different flags.

Sierra Madre, a suburban town in the Pasadena-Los Angeles orbit, has a distinct history. By contrast, Southern California's story is huge, varied, difficult to grasp. Examining the two together, and looking at how Sierra Madre has reflected regional and national experiences, brings new focus to the whole. Unlike histories of regions, states, and nations that must draw broad strokes at the expense of details about place--this work uses such references as windows onto larger meanings, taking readers beyond the local. Peeking out from behind intimate stories are big historical themes and epochs: the Industrial Revolution, Westward expansion, the role of illness in forming regional culture, Americanization policies of the Progressive Era, Japanese internment, and post-war development. Sierra Madre provides a sharp lens through which to interpret Southern California's intense allure, its history as a real estate deal, and its racial ambivalence. The context of a specific town--and the quest for a better life--lends fresh perspective that enlivens and deepens out understanding of the Southern California story.

"...evocative vignettes and inspiring stories from many of California's South Asian American citizens..." Paul Michael Taylor, Director, Asian Cultural History Program, Smithsonian Institution. At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, adventurous travelers left the Punjab in India to seek their fortune in California and beyond. Laboring in farms, fields and orchards for low wages while enduring racial discrimination, they strove to put down roots in their new home. Bhagat Singh Thind, an immigrant who served in the United States Army, had his citizenship granted and revoked twice before a 1936 law expanded naturalization to all World War I veterans, regardless of race. Dalip Singh Saund obtained a master's degree and doctorate in mathematics from UC Berkeley only to return to farming when no one would hire him. In 1956, Saund went on to become the first Asian elected to the U.S. Congress. Ethnic South Asians are now found in every trade and profession in the United States, including the Office of the Vice President. Descendants of the first Punjabi immigrants from Yuba City to the Imperial Valley still farm, adding to the rich tapestry of the Central Valley. Author Lea Terhune recounts the risks, setbacks and persistence of the people who achieved their American dreams.

This fun combination of original fable and factual information introduces young readers to the state of California through an entertaining and educational story based on the state symbols, history and geography. Take a trip through California as Griz, the grizzly bear searches for gold. Along the way Griz meets new friends and learns about the animals, plants, geography, and culture that make California a great state! In addition to the illustrated story, interesting and informative factual sidebars about the state are found throughout the book. A treasure-hunt map plots the journey and a cultural recipe is also included. This book ends with state facts at a glance, a reading comprehension quiz, and more things to see and do around California with a map showing the locations. This title is a great way to explore California in preparation for state reports or family vacations! Super Sandcastle is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.