Happy Birthday J. K. Rowling

Enslow Publishers has two titles for your middle school/high school student on Ms. Rowling. The first, written for the middle school student, is an unauthorized biography. The second, geared toward the high school student, discusses censorship, and the Harry Potter books in particular.

Today would have been Henry Ford's birthday

Henry Ford Genius Behind the Affordable Car
Author: Jeff C. Young
ISBN-13: 978-1-59845-053-8

Publication Year: 2007
Interest Level: Grades 5-up
Page Count: 128

In this addition to the Inventors Who Changed the World series, author Jeff C. Young chronicles the life of Henry Ford—inventor, businessman, and philanthropist. Most well-known for his Model T automobile and the assembly line, readers soon learn that Ford's antiwar efforts during WWII almost landed him on the ballot for president.

Today would have been Emily Bronte's birthday

A Student's Guide to The Brontë Sisters
Author: Naomi Pasachoff
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3267-5

Publication Year: 2009
Interest Level: Grades 6-up
Page Count: 160

Although originally published nearly 200 years ago, the works of the Brontë sisters continue to be read and reread today. Twenty-first-century readers are engaged by such issues as the vulnerability of children, the role of education in civilizing members of society, the mysteries of love, and women’s independence. That Jane Eyre remains a beloved novel and Wuthering Heights an admired one today is due at least in part to the passionate intensity of their authors' writing. In short, these books convey basic truths about human experience that are as meaningful in our day as they were in the mid-nineteenth century.

Happy Birthday Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger From Superstar to Governor
Author: Sally Lee
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2625-4
Publication Year: 2006
Interest Level: Grades 6-up
Page Count: 128

Arnold Schwarzenegger was only fifteen years old when he made up his mind: "I wanted to do something special," he said, "to be recognized as the best." Schwarzenegger set his sights on becoming the top bodybuilder in the world, and after that—a rich and famous movie star. He never doubted his ability to reach his goals. In 2003, the popular action hero aimed his ambition and energy in another direction: politics. As governor of the richest and most populous state in the country, Schwarzenegger has faced his biggest challenges yet.

On this day in history

On July 28, 1868, the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing due process and the equal protection of the laws to former slaves, was declared in effect.

Today would have been the birthday of Pink Floyd's Rick Wright

Rick Wright was an English pianist, keyboardist, vocalist, and songwriter, best known for his career with Pink Floyd. He sang background and occasionally lead vocals, as well as wrote significant parts of music for some of Pink Floyd's albums.

Happy Birthday Alex Rodriguez

For the elementary school reader, Super Sports Star Alex Rodriguez is a good choice. Enslow also has a new reluctant reader title that was just published. Baseball's Top 10 Home Run Hitters includes a chapter on Alex Rodriguez.

Ready, Set, Cheer!

Were you ever a cheerleader? Is anyone in your family involved with competitive cheer? Do you have friends or acquaintances whose kids spend hours practicing for the cheer squad?

Chances are good that you can answer "yes." According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, over 64,000 girls joined "competitive spirit squads" in the past academic year. The figure suggests that cheerleading remains a bedrock school activity, regardless of a school’s location, size, or funding.

Cheerleading has evolved from its traditional associations with pompoms into an engaging, demanding sport, as author Lisa Mullarkey notes in Enslow Publishers’ new, four-book "Ready, Set, Cheer!" collection.

Each 48-page title in Mullarkey’s series explores aspects of competitive cheer, from the sport’s basics to challenging stunts. The books feature age-appropriate vocabulary (Guided Reading Level M), engaging type styles, and a reader-friendly design. Carefully chosen photographs illustrate the cheer techniques’ physical look. A "Words to Know" section, additional reading suggestions, and a brief list of topically appropriate websites add educational value to the books.

If you have a child trying out for a cheer team, or is simply curious about cheerleading, this Enslow Publishers’ series offers an excellent, readable means to explore this sport. Go Enslow!

Happy Birthday (one day late) to Mick Jagger!

Enslow has just published a new biography on The Rolling Stones.


The Rolling Stones NEW!The Greatest Rock Band
Author: Heather Miller
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3231-6
Publication Year: 2010
Interest Level: Grades 5-up
Page Count: 112

The Rolling Stones were exactly what thousands of fans had been waiting for. Now that the band had found its fans and the fans had latched onto the band, nothing could stop the momentum of the Rolling Stones! Read about the history and band members of the Rolling Stones.
Binding: Library
Subject(s): Biography, Music, Bands
Dewey #: 782.42166092
Trim Size: 6 1/2 x 9 1/4

Enslow's got something new coming soon!

Stay Tuned!

Happy Birthday Daniel Radcliffe!

Daniel Radcliffe Film and Stage Star
Author: Stephanie Watson
State Affiliation of Author:
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3209-5
Publication Year: 2009
Interest Level: Grades 5-9
Page Count: 48

Daniel Radcliffe may not be a wizard, but he has put quite a spell on his fans. He became an instant celebrity at the age of eleven when he won the role of everybody’s favorite boy wizard, Harry Potter. Radcliffe is proving he’s more than a teen heartthrob—he’s a talented actor whose career has just begun! This fun-to-read book offers juicy quotes, personal stories, and accessible features such as a timeline and glossary.

Today is S.E. Hinton's birthday

S.E. Hinton Author of The Outsiders
Author: Marylou Morano Kjelle
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2720-6

Publication Year: 2007
Interest Level: Grades 6-up
Page Count: 112

The publication of The Outsiders forty years ago turned the young adult publishing industry upside down, and it hasn’t been the same since. Bored with the benign themes common to teenage literature at the time, S.E. Hinton, a teenager herself, set out to write a novel that contained all the gritty realism that surrounded her at Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Praised, condemned and in some cases even banned, The Outsiders, opened a new genre of realistic young adult fiction, and paved the way for the authors read and loved by young people today. In addition, Hinton went on to write many more critically acclaimed young adult novels, as well as branch into picture books, middle grade chapter books, and books for adults.

New crafts series from Enslow!

Five new titles in the Fun Adventure Crafts series just arrived. These titles are great for grades K–3. In each book, all of the projects combine to create one full scene, and are simple enough to make without a lot of parental help. A class group might work together to create the full scene, with each individual student responsible for a different craft.

By the way, these titles are also available in paperback!

Three NJ towns issue shark warnings to swimmers

Swimmers at three of New Jersey's beaches were recently warned about two sharks seen swimming close to the shoreline.

Interested in sharks? Read Discover Sharks, a middle school-level book. The book has great details about different sharks (including the great white, the mako, and the hammerhead) as well as their characteristics. Did you know that sharks can't swim backwards? Did you know that they are darker on their top side than the bottom side?

This series also has books on bugs, big cats, and snakes.

Today would have been Ida B. Wells-Barnett's birthday

This civil rights activist did not back down from anyone. For the elementary market, Enslow has a 32 page biography. For the middle school market, a 128 page book is available.

LeBron James announces where he is going at 9pm tonight!

Lebron James is scheduled to make his announcement on where he will play next season outside of the Boys and Girls Club in Greenwich, Conn.

To read more about the special tonight, click here

Enslow Publishers publishes a book called LeBron James: King On and Off the Court

Today would have been Satchel Paige's 104th birthday

Satchel Paige The Best Arm in Baseball, Revised Edition
Author: Patricia McKissack, Fredrick McKissack
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-1699-6
Publication Year: 2002
Interest Level: Grades 1-4
Page Count: 32

“You’re born with speed, but you can get the control,” said Satchel Paige. After more than twenty years pitching fast balls, Leroy “Satchel” Paige crossed the color line in baseball. As the first black pitcher in the American League, 42-year-old Paige was past the prime of most ballplayers. But the crowds still packed the stands to witness his famed shutouts and no-hitters. In an inspiring account, the McKissacks describe the hardships and hard work that created this pitching genius.

Stephenie Meyer's "Eclipse" comes to theatres today!

The long-awaited third installment in the Twilight saga is released today in theatres: Eclipse

Check out Enslow Publishers' biography of Stephenie Meyer to read all about her life and how she started the hit saga.


". . . a very well written book that will relate well to many young readers." –TriState Young Adult Book Review Committee, September 2009

". . . good for reluctant readers or for teens with an interest in a particular author." –VOYA, August 2009

On this day in 2007

The American bald eagle was removed from the endangered species list.

On this day in 1950

North Korea invaded South Korea initiating the Korean War.

On this day in 1876

Lt. Col. George A. Custer and his 7th Cavalry were wiped out by Sioux and Cheyenne Indians in the Battle of Little Big Horn in Montana.

Today is Joey Kramer's birthday

Joey Kramer, drummer for Aerosmith, is celebrating a birthday today. In September, Enslow will be publishing Aerosmith: Hard Rock Superstars. It will be available through vendors, bookstores, and online.

On this day in 1983

Astronaut Sally K. Ride became America's first woman in space as she and four colleagues blasted off aboard the space shuttle Challenger.

Today is Vivian Vande Velde's birthday

Vivian Vande Velde Author of Fantasy Fiction
Author: Candie Moonshower
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2964-4
Publication Year: 2009
Interest Level: Grades 6-up
Page Count: 128

Vivivan Vande Velde is the author of over thirty books for children and teenagers. Since her first novel, A Hidden Magic, Vande Velde has explored identity by developing characters that run counter to the norm—in an easy, humorous style that young readers find irresistible. Vande Velde finds inspiration in each new character she writes, and in the readers she meets on her travels. She has won numerous awards for her many books.

Here's our latest press release!

Enslow Publishers, Inc. Releases A Rainbow of Animals in One Money-Saving Paperback

On this day in 1928

Amelia Earhart began the flight that made her the first woman to successfully fly across the Atlantic Ocean.

On this day in 1967

The three-day Monterey International Pop Music Festival - which catapulted Jimi Hendrix, the Who and Janis Joplin to stardom - opened in northern California.

On this day in 1903

The Ford Motor Company was incorporated.

To learn more about Henry Ford, click here.

On this day in 1752

Benjamin Franklin experimented by flying a kite during a thunderstorm. The result was a little spark that showed the relationship between lightning and electricity.

Today is Donald Trump's birthday

Donald Trump From Real Estate to Reality TV
Author: Sara McIntosh Wooten
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2890-6

Publication Year: 2008
Interest Level: Grades 6-up
Page Count: 128

Before Donald Trump entered the world of television with his hit reality show, The Apprentice, he made a name for himself as a hard-driving real estate developer in New York City. From there he expanded his property interests to include casinos in Atlantic City and top-notch golf courses around the country. He has published a number of books about his life and insights on business, many of which have become best-sellers. This biography explores the successes, as well as the difficulties of Mr. Trump's life, as it introduces young adults to this interesting and controversial personality.

On this day in 1789

Captain William Bligh of the HMS Bounty arrived in Timor in a small boat.

On this day in 1864

Alois Alzheimer was born. He was a psychiatrist/pathologist, and in 1907 he wrote an article describing the disease that is named for him.

Happy Flag Day!

Today, June 14, 2010 is National Flag Day in the U.S.

Molly the Great from the series "Character Education with Molly the Great and Super Ben" knows how to respect the flag. Read about her lesson in Molly the Great Respects the Flag: A Book About Being a Good Citizen

Read more about Flag Day at http://www.nationalflagday.com/

To learn more about Betsy Ross, who sewed the first American Flag, click here

The Continental Army was founded by the Second Continental Congress for purposes of common defense.

This event is considered to be the birth of the United States Army.

The U.S. Army and Military Careers
Author: Earle Rice Jr.
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2699-5
Publication Year: 2006
Interest Level: Grades 5-up
Page Count: 128

From a ragtag collection of former colonial militia to the cutting-edge fighting force of the twenty-first century, the United States Army has always answered the call to serve its country. Today, its members are needed throughout the world to protect U.S. interests, provide humanitarian aid, and to maintain peace. The U.S. Army and Military Careers takes the reader inside this military branch’s history, describing its current operations and structure, exploring the career paths it offers, and spotlighting the equipment and the soldiers who keep America free.

"Despite everything, I believe that people are really good at heart" - Anne Frank

Anne Frank was born 81 years ago today. Her life has lived on through many works, and notably her diaries that were published by her father after her death.

Frank is featured in Enslow's new series True Stories of Teens in the Holocaust. She is prodomently featured in Hidden Teens, Hidden Lives and on the cover of the book.

Thousands of Jews went into hiding during the Holocaust. Barns, trapdoors, bunkers, secret attics, forged identity papers, and fake names became tools for survival. Author Linda Jacobs Altman uses primary sources to detail the stories of many Jews who went into hiding to survive the Nazi's planned extermination of Europe's Jews.

Inspiring Quotes to Celebrate Anne Frank's Birthday

On this day in history

Janis Joplin debuted on stage at the Avalon ballroom in San Francisco.

Curriculum Connections newsletter and the World Cup

School Library Journal's Curriculum Connections newsletter talks about the World Cup and features soccer books. One of Enslow's titles, David Beckham: Gifted and Giving Soccer Star is mentioned.

Enslow also has other new books on soccer. Soccer Skills is great for learning how to play the game, including practice tips and building social skills.

Goal! Science Projects with Soccer is another terrific book for students, making learning physics fun.

Happy Birthday Sasha Obama

Celebrating the Obama Family in Pictures captures the many exciting moments of the family, before and after they moved into the White House.

On this day in 2008

Ken Griffey Jr. of the Cincinnati Reds became the sixth player in baseball history to hit 600 home runs.

Today would have been Les Paul's birthday

Electric Guitar Man The Genius of Les Paul
Author: Edwin Brit Wyckoff
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2847-0

Publication Year: 2008
Interest Level: Grades 3-4
Page Count: 32

Without the electronic guitar invented by Les Paul, music would never have been the same. In this biography of Paul's life and career, Edwin Brit Wyckoff shares how the rambunctious boy from Waukesha, Wisconsin, was propelled to stardom by his unrivaled playing ability and technological prowess. Revered by generations of musicians and fans, Paul and his inventions have forever changed the way music is produced, recorded, and enjoyed.

Happy Birthday Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp Movie Megastar
Author: Jill Menkes Kushner
State Affiliation of Author: NJ
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3567-6

Publication Year: 2009
Interest Level: Grades 5-9
Page Count: 48

Did you know that Johnny Depp once worked as a telemarketer trying to sell ballpoint pens? This lively biography summarizes Depp's life from his childhood, to his love of music, and his acting career. This fun-to-read book offers quotes, personal stories, and accessible features such as a timeline and glossary.

Today is Kanye West's birthday

Kanye West Hip-Hop Star
Author: Gretchen Weicker
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3214-9

Publication Year: 2009
Interest Level: Grades 5-9
Page Count: 48

Kanye West has never been the typical rapper or hip-hop artist. While other rappers are known for their baggy clothes and graphic lyrics, West uses his music to pay tribute to his mother, fight injustice in the world, and spread a positive message. With preppy clothes, honest lyrics, and a trademark teddy bear, West has built his success by breaking the mold.

Today is Allen Iverson's birthday

Allen Iverson Never Give Up
Author: John Albert Torres
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2174-7

Publication Year: 2004
Interest Level: Grades 5-up
Page Count: 104

Chronicling the life and career of basketball star Allen Iverson, whose will and determination helped him overcome a background of poverty and violence to become one of the greatest basketball players in the world today. With his lightning-fast speed and acrobatic ball-handling skills, Iverson has helped transform the Philadelphia 76ers into championship contenders. He has led the NBA in scoring twice in the last six years and won both the All-Star Game and regular season MVP awards in 2001.

Possible tornado in Dundee, MI

While driving home from visiting family yesterday, I drove past the Cabela's in Dundee, MI. I had seen on the news (earlier in the morning) that a possible tornado had damaged Cabela's. Seeing the damage was eerie (to be honest, I did not see any damage to Cabela's, but I did see damage to the building next door). Granted, I was driving, and there was a lot of traffic trying to get off the highway at that exit, so I could not get a really good look, but what I saw made me think it might have been a tornado. The roof of the water park next to Cabela's was damaged (and missing in some places). Made me want to get into the office and start looking through Enslow's Tornadoes book and learn more.

Today would have been the birthday of Gwendolyn Brooks

Gwendolyn Brooks ''Poetry Is Life Distilled''
Author: Christine M. Hill
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2292-8

Publication Year: 2005
Interest Level: Grades 6-up
Page Count: 128

For Gwendolyn Brooks, writing was vital to life—"like breathing or eating," she said. Brooks cast her poets’ eye on the daily struggles of ordinary African-Americans and told the truth about racism and urban poverty. In 1950, Brooks became the first black writer to win a Pulitzer Prize. As the civil rights movement evolved, so did Brooks’s own views. Her work grew sharper with black pride and solidarity. Brooks’s career spanned more than fifty years, and her poetry appeals to people from all walks of life. This vividly drawn life story will fascinate Brooks’s fans and entice other readers to discover her poetry.

New Orleans- Katrina and the Oil Spill

Over the long weekend I was fortunate enough to visit New Orleans. I had never been there before and really enjoyed the city and all of its culture! From Bourbon St. and the French Quarter, to eating po boys uptown, it was a great experience.

It is hard to believe Hurricane Katrina hit the area 5 years ago. I thought I would blog about our book, Hurricane Katrina Strikes the Gulf Coast. You can find more information about it here: http://www.enslow.com/displayitem.asp?type=1&item=1931

But today there is a different enviromental tragedy going on in the Gulf. Enslow is actually coming out with a book this fall about oil spills, so keep an eye out for it this fall! It is called Smog, Oil Spills, Sewage, and More.

Today is Ron Wood's Birthday

Coming this fall, Enslow will publish a book on The Rolling Stones. Keep an eye out for it!

Today would have been Jim Thorpe's birthday

Jim Thorpe "There's No Such Thing as 'Can't'"
Author: Michael A. Schuman
State Affiliation of Author: NH
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3021-3

Publication Year: 2009
Interest Level: Grades 5-up
Page Count: 128

American Indian Jim Thorpe made great feats a routine during his athletic career, winning gold medals in the Olympics and playing professional baseball and football. Although he faced bitter racism during his life, Thorpe continued to excel. When he received his gold medal for the decathlon in the 1912 Olympics, the King of Sweden proclaimed him the "greatest athlete in the world." Author Michael A. Schuman relates this American's exciting story, including the revocation and ultimate return of his gold medals, using interviews with Jim Thorpe's son and daughter as part of his research.

Today would have been Wild Bill Hickok's birthday

Wild Bill Hickok, Revised Edition
Author: Carl R. Green, William R. Sanford
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3177-7

Publication Year: 2008
Interest Level: Grades 5-9
Page Count: 48

A Civil War hero, Army scout, lawman, showman and guide—Wild Bill Hickok's life seems too exciting to be true. However, his shootouts with rowdy cowboys and his life-or-death fight with a grizzly bear were real! This Wild West hero is truly legendary.

Today would have been Dorothea Lange's birthday

Dorothea Lange A Life in Pictures
Author: Laura Baskes Litwin
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2697-1

Publication Year: 2007
Interest Level: Grades 6-up
Page Count: 128

Dorothea Lange was an influential American photographer and photojournalist. Lange is best known for her Depression-era work, which gave a face to the widespread human suffering that was taking place across the country at that time. Lange's work during this period, in addition to her later work, would profoundly influence the development of documentary photography.

Today would have been Igor Sikorsky's birthday

Coming in the fall, Enslow will add a biography of Igor Sikorsky to it's list. This biography, part of our Genius at Work! Great Inventor Biographies series, is geared toward grades 3–4.

On this day in history

Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross.

Known as "the Angel of the Battlefield" during the American Civil War, author Mary Dodson Wade explores the life of Clara Barton in this biography for beginning readers. Read about Barton's early jobs as a teacher and in a government office, and how she created the American Red Cross.

For middle school readers, Don Nardo explores the life of Clara Barton, from her days as a ground-breaking teacher to her creation of the American Red Cross.

Today is Tony Stewart's birthday

Tony Stewart Rocket on the Racetrack
Author: Ryan Basen
State Affiliation of Author: NC
State Affiliation of Title: IN
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2998-9

Publication Year: 2008
Interest Level: Grades 5-9
Page Count: 128

Tony Stewart has won championships in sprint cars, indy cars, and stock cars. He currently races in NASCAR for Joe Gibbs Racing and captured the Nextel Cup championship in 2005. Today he is recognized as one of the biggest names in NASCAR and should continue to compile championships in the seasons to come.

Today would have been Dolley Madison's birthday

Dolley Madison: "The Enemy Cannot Frighten a Free People"
Author: Zachary Kent
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3356-6
Publication Year: 2010
Interest Level: Grades 5-up
Page Count: 128

As British soldiers marched toward Washington, D.C. on August 24, 1814, Dolley Madison bravely stayed at the White House waiting for her husband, President James Madison. Most residents had fled the city, but Dolley had to save important documents and valuables from the White House, including the famous painting of George Washington. Dolley left the city only hours before the British arrived. Dolley Madison had been a leading social and political figure in Washington for many years and helped to rebuild the American capital. Author Zachary Kent explores the life of this First Lady from her humble childhood to her legacy as a national hero.

Today would have been Lorraine Hansberry's birthday

A Reader's Guide to Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun
Author: Pamela Loos
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2830-2

Publication Year: 2008
Interest Level: Grades 9-12
Page Count: 128

Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun was a landmark play. In addition to being the first play by an African-American woman to appear on Broadway, it was also directed by an African-American man, Lloyd Richards, and all but one of the actors in the production were African-American. The play became the first African-American play to gain national acclaim and broke Broadway records.

Today is Kevin Garnett's birthday

Kevin Garnett All-Star On and Off the Court
Author: J Chris Roselius
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2863-0

Publication Year: 2007
Interest Level: Grades 5-up
Page Count: 128

Kevin Garnett is the star forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves of the National Basketball Association (NBA). In 1995, he became the first NBA player drafted out of high school in twenty years. In 2004, he was awarded the NBA Most Valuable Player Award. Off the court, Garnett has helped many charities, including a $1.2 million donation to Oprah's Angel Network to help with Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in 2005.

Today would have been Mathew Brady's birthday

Mathew Brady "The Camera Is the Eye of History"
Author: Don Nardo
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3023-7

Publication Year: 2008
Interest Level: Grades 5-up
Page Count: 128

Often considered the father of American photography, Brady developed new techniques and photographed many famous Americans like President Abraham Lincoln and General Ulysses S. Grant. He and his assistants also braved the battlefields and took many important photos during the Civil War. Some of the notable battlefields his operation recorded include Gettysburg and Antietam. Author Don Nardo explores Brady's life from the height of his success to the sad end of his life.

Today is Gary Paulsen's birthday

Gary Paulsen Voice of Adventure and Survival
Author: JoAnn Early Macken
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2721-3

Publication Year: 2007
Interest Level: Grades 6-up
Page Count: 104

In his long and prolific career, Gary Paulsen has authored hundreds of books, short stories, and magazine articles, as well as several plays. Drawing upon his own real-life experiences as an outdoorsman and traveler has helped Paulsen captivate countless readers, both young and old, with his stories. These readers find hope in his tales of adventure and survival.

Today would have been Edward Jenner's birthday

Edward Jenner Conqueror of Smallpox
Author: Ana María Rodríguez
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2504-2

Publication Year: 2006
Interest Level: Grades 5-up
Page Count: 128

In the eighteenth century, when Edward Jenner lived, people all over the world lived in fear of a disease called smallpox. Thanks to Jenner’s pioneering use of vaccination, the disease would eventually be eradicated. The last known case of smallpox was finally isolated in 1977. By 1980, the disease was declared completely eliminated. Edward Jenner’s work with smallpox opened a new era in medicine, providing hope for humanity by showing that diseases could be fought and eventually defeated.

On this day in 1804

The Lewis and Clark expedition left St. Louis to explore the Louisiana Territory.