Benjamin Franklin grew up as the son of a tradesman. Benjamin resisted learning his father’s business and reluctantly became apprenticed to his older brother. He learned the printing business quickly, but ran away as a teen to Philadelphia. There, he opened his own print shop, met and married his wife, and began inventing many useful items. Benjamin proved to be very helpful to the government, representing the United States abroad in his later years. RL5-001. 

There are many Native American Indian legends about the end of the earth and the effect man is having on the environment. Each tribe has its own time line and sees different signs indicating the end of the world. One common theme exists: that man is destroying the earth with his buildings, pesticides, and disregard for nature. In this script, Grandfather tells his three grandchildren about his concerns for the future and about the cleansing that Breathmaker will bring to the earth. RL5-002.

Jackson's parents work for the circus. During dinner with his circus friends, Jackson and his parents discuss some famous clowns and the contributions they have made throughout history in both the world and the United States. RL 5-003.

When Benjamin Woodfield's miserable wife dies, he looks forward to starting a new life with Phillipa Weston. But Kathryn returns as a ghost, insisting that he never remarry. When he finally tells Phillipa that he can't marry her because he is haunted, she confesses that she is haunted by a dead suitor. They decide to confront the ghosts, but the confrontation becomes unnecessary after the two ghosts meet and decide to elope! This story is liberally adapted from a short story by Sabine Baring-Gould (1834-1924), entitled "A Happy Release." RL5.-004

Once Elizabeth Freeman learns that Massachusetts had passed a declaration of independence, she asks her owner to grant her freedom. He refuses. After being injured by the mistress of the house, Elizabeth enlists help from a sympathetic neighbor. He takes Elizabeth and her daughter in and helps Elizabeth gain her independence. RL5-005.

The Seminoles left the Creek tribe, settling in Florida. Because Florida was under Spanish rule, many black slaves escaped to Florida to join them. After Spain sold Florida to the United States, the whites wanted the rich land. The Seminoles fought back, but finally agreed to moved to a reservation in Oklahoma. Once again, they struggled with broken promises, finally seeking refuge in Mexico. RL5-006.

It’s Christmas Eve, and Jenny and her daughter are spending the night on the street. They meet a stranger and Jenny tells him how they lost everything in a fire. The next morning, Jenny wakes and discovers that the man has given her another chance to pull her life together. Will she use the opportunity he has given her? RL5-007.

In this adaptation of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale, a young man named Hans makes several trades as he travels home to see his mother. Soon he has nothing to show for his seven years of hard work. Despite his losses, Hans finds something to be grateful for at every stage. RL5-008.

When a group of fairy tale characters meet for their annual summer reunion picnic, they discuss their various businesses, gossip about friends, and plan to meet again at Cinderella's Fall Ball. RL5-009.

When Agnes, later to be known as Mother Teresa, was a young woman, she heard missionaries speak. They inspired her to become a nun and help people in India. She taught in a school, where she soon became a beloved principal. Eventually she left the school to form a new order of nuns to help poor and disadvantaged people. Although her work was recognized by many, she remained devoted to the care of the sick and the poor. RL5-010.

It’s January and the students in Mr. Vargas’ class are discussing their holiday. When Mr. Vargas asks them if they have any New Year’s resolutions, they explore what that means. The students spend the rest of the week studying how different cultures observe New Year’s. Then they share what they have learned and their resolutions. RL5-011.

In this Maori tale, the heavens and earth are devoted to each other, with the heavens hovering above the earth. Their children decide to separate them, and Tané kicks the heavens up high. He cloaks his father in a red coat and gathers stars for a mantle of night. But the heavens and earth continue to grieve for each other. Finally, the heavens declare their love for the earth, nourishing all who live on it. RL5-012.

Born with a twisted foot, Sue turns her slue-foot to her advantage, using it to pick up peas, brush her teeth while reading, and ride a catfish. Pecos Bill courts her and they have a fine wedding, with a cake so big that Paul Bunyan's ox has to pull it in a wagon. Sue insists on riding Pecos Bill's cantankerous horse Widow Maker, and Pecos Bill reluctantly lets her. When the horse starts bucking and kicking, they bounce right up to the moon on her bustle. Instead of permanently landing on the moon, Sue uses her wits and slue-foot to save herself. RL5.-013.

When King Edward IV died, his twelve-year-old son, Edward, was destined to inherit the throne. But Richard of Gloucester killed the boys' guardian and imprisoned both of King Edward's children in the Tower of London. He convinced a popular preacher, Dr. Robert Shaw, to spread rumors about the family. Eventually, he convinced the Parliament to proclaim him king. Before leaving London to tour the country, he gave directions to the boys' keeper to care for them, but before long the boys were smothered. Their bodies disappeared, leaving behind a mystery as to their killer and the disposal of their bodies. This mystery fascinates historians. RL5-014.