Free My Name Is Not Alexander by Jennifer Fosberry

men who changed the world
    THEODORE “TEDDY” ROOSEVELT (1858–1919):

    Teddy Roosevelt was born in New York City to a wealthy family. As a boy Teddy was often sick. With his father’s help, he worked to improve his body by doing exercises and playing sports. He put all his effort and enthusiasm into everything he did. As an adult he had many government jobs, including police commissioner. He often walked dangerous streets to meet police officers and the people they protected to learn what needed to be done to keep everyone safe. During the Spanish-American War he raised a volunteer group of fighters known as the “Rough Riders.” He led this brave group in an attack straight up San Juan Hill and became famous for his leadership and daring. Teddy was eventually elected vice president to President William McKinley. When McKinley was assassinated, Teddy became the 26th president of the United States. As president he worked hard to save beautiful natural areas of the United States as open parks for everyone to enjoy. Teddy loved to hunt and be outdoors. One of his most famous hunting trips was in Mississippi. He was unable to shoot anything, so his guides tied an old bear to a tree to give him an easy shot. Teddy thought this was awful and refused. The event was all over the news and a toy maker made a stuffed toy bear in his honor. “Teddy” Bears have been favorite toys of children ever since.
    A PRESIDENT is a person elected to lead the country.
    THOMAS ALVA EDISON (1847–1931)

    Thomas Alva Edison was a famous inventor. He was a curious kid and his experiments often got him into trouble. One time he accidently set his father’s barn on fire. His teacher did not think he was very smart because he did not pay attention in class and he asked so many questions. His mother took him out of school and taught him at home. Thomas eventually worked at a telegraph company before he started his own company to make devices. He built a large lab and was called “the Wizard” of Menlo Park, New Jersey. His lab tried more than 3,000 kinds of materials before using baked carbon thread to make the very first light bulb. Thomas invented many things besides the light bulb, including the phonograph (record player), the first movie camera and projector, a cement mixer, a copying machine, and a battery. He holds a record number of 1,093 patents for his inventions. After Thomas died, everyone turned off their lights (including the Statue of Liberty) on the night of his funeral to honor his most famous invention.
    An INVENTOR is a person who comes up with ideas for new things and then tries to make them work.
    CHIEF JOSEPH (1840–1904):

    Chief Joseph was the leader of the Nez Percé Native American tribe of Northwest Oregon. The U.S. government wanted the tribe to leave their home in the Wallowa Valley and move to a small reservation in Idaho. The Nez Percé did not want to leave, but Chief Joseph thought it would be better than to fight with the powerful U.S. Army. But some of the younger tribesmen were angry at the government and joined a raid that killed several U.S. soldiers. Chief Joseph knew this would be seen as an act of war and decided to escape to Canada with his tribe. For over four months they traveled about 1,600 miles with the U.S. Army in pursuit They were finally trapped during the Battle of Bear Paw, only 40 miles from the Canadian border. After five days in the bitter cold and the loss of many warriors, Chief Joseph negotiated with the army to let his people return home and surrendered with a famous speech. He said, “I am tired; my heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.” The government sent the Nez Percé to reservations in Kansas and Oklahoma. Many died before the tribe was finally allowed to return to the Wallowa Valley ten years later. Chief Joseph remained the leader of his people and spoke about the unjust treatment of Native Americans and how he hoped for free and