The Wild West was a lawless wilderness until settlers from America's crowded cities came looking for gold, land and a better way of life. But it was a long struggle to tame this hard country. Here are ten real-life stories from the Old West about the cowboys, outlaws and lawmen who lived and died by the speed of their wits.

Three hundred years ago, pirates ruled the oceans. Attacking and robbing the rich trading ships that crossed their paths, the most successful pirates acquired fabulous treasure and lived like kings. But a pirate's career was short and cruel. These stories tell a tale of hardship and brutality, bringing to life the flamboyant characters of the most famous pirate captains and the determination of the men who set out to capture them. Gripping and engaging for readers who prefer real life to fiction.

From Al Capone to Ned Kelly, you'll find some of history's most dangerous criminals lurking in these eleven thrilling stories. Explore the shadowy underworld of bank robbers, Mafia bosses, prison break-outs and more.

From shark attacks and blazing airships to exploding spacecraft and sinking submarines, find out what made the difference between life and death in these ten thrilling stories of survival. Gripping and engaging for readers who prefer real life to fiction.

Eight thrilling true stories of daring escapes. Contains tales of breakouts from infamous institutions such as Alcatraz and Devil's Island, and the risks the prisoners faced afterwards, including savage dogs, armed guards and shark-infested waters. Gripping and engaging for readers who prefer real life to fiction.

A gripping collection of true stories of exploration and danger over the icy wastelands of Antarctica. Contains true life stories from the fated expedition of Captain Scott to Ernest Shackleton's epic trek across the snow to save his stranded crew.

A thrilling collection of true stories about The Blitz of 1940 for modern young readers. Recounts the fascinating stories of ordinary Londoners who experienced the Blitz, including firefighters, fighter pilots and children evacuated far from their families. With internet links via Usborne Quicklinks to websites where readers can find out more about the Second World War. Published in association with the Imperial War Museum in London. Gripping and engaging for readers who prefer real life to fiction.

Ten thrilling stories of the First World War. Contains eye-witness accounts of some of World War One's most important events, from the epic naval battle of Jutland to the strange Christmas truce of 1914. Stories are illustrated with maps and line drawings and there are notes on sources and ideas for further reading. Gripping and engaging for readers who prefer real life to fiction.

Set sail across the seven seas with this gripping collection of real life maritime adventures. Perfect for reluctant readers and those who prefer fact to fiction.

Deserts are some of the wildest, most inhospitable places on earth, too dry for any but the toughest creatures to survive. But their harsh beauty and hidden secrets have inspired many quests and dreams – some brave, some desperate, and some foolhardy – as these eleven stories show...