After she lost her arm in a shark attack, many were unsure whether Bethany Hamilton would ever surf again. But she set their fears to rest when she got back on her board only a few weeks later! Through detailed illustrations and engaging dialogue, this inspiring graphic nonfiction title tells the true story of the attack, from the shark’s first contact to Bethany’s return to the water. Actual quotes let Bethany tell the story in her own words, while a map and timeline add context to the incident.
Would you survive 76 days alone at sea? Steve Callahan did. In 1982, he was set adrift on a small rubber raft in the raging ocean. This graphic nonfiction title for young readers follows his journey. Detailed illustrations and captivating dialogue highlight how he battled storms, animals, hunger, and thirst to become a true sea survivor. Actual quotes help tell the story in Steve’s own words, while a map and timeline trace his journey. Readers will learn what it takes to battle the sea and live to tell the tale!
When the ice froze around his ship, explorer Ernest Shackleton knew his journey to Antarctica had become a fight for survival. This graphic nonfiction title tells the story of Shackleton’s survival through detailed illustrations and dialogue packed with historic quotes. Readers will learn how Shackleton led his entire crew to across the ice and sea while battling hunger, cold, and lack of shelter. The book concludes with a map and timeline that help readers trace Shackleton’s route to safety.
In 1943, Jan Baalsrud traversed the icy mountains and fjords of Nazi-occupied Norway. The journey was fraught with danger, but Baalsrud received plenty of help along the way. This graphic nonfiction title traces his treacherous voyage, including his interactions with the Nazis, his battle with the elements, and his journey to safety. Actual quotes bring history to the page, a map shows off Baalsrud’s route, and a timeline helps readers trace his path to survival.
A helicopter crash leaves three filmmakers stranded inside a Hawaiian volcano. Toxic fumes cloud the air, and hot lava is only steps away. How will they survive? This graphic nonfiction title tells the story of their ordeal through engaging dialogue and detailed illustrations. Actual quotes let the survivors tell the story in their own words, and a map and timeline help readers trace the men’s route to survival.
The nasutoceratops was an eye-catching dinosaur. It had two long horns and a large frill! In this book for young readers, vivid illustrations and engaging text take readers on a journey 75 million years in the past, when the nasutoceratops roamed. Special features call out the dinosaur’s size, diet, fossil locations, and more. A two-page spread ends the book by putting all of the dinosaur’s important facts in one place.
Venezuela may be home to a whistling ghost! El Sibón wanders the country, gathering bones for his collection. If you hear his whistle, run away! This is one of three creepy ghost stories introduced in this book about the haunted tales of South America. Additional features show off the origin of each story, introduce a possible explanation, and highlight another similar story from another part of the world.
Archaeopteryx first lived around 150 million years ago. This flying dinosaur is related to today’s birds! Eye-catching illustrations and engaging hi/lo text draw readers into this title about the lives and extinction of these amazing creatures. Special features illustrate the dinosaur’s favorite foods, while maps highlight fossil findings and show off what the world looked like when Archaeopteryx roamed. The book concludes with a two-page feature that puts all of this dinosaur’s stats in one place.
The brachiosaurus was a long-necked dinosaur. Its body measured nearly 100 feet long! Readers of this high-interest title will explore the lives of these giants through vivid illustrations and informative text. Special features highlight the dinosaur’s size, favorite foods, fossil locations, and more. An eye-catching two-page spread puts important facts about the dinosaur in one place.
The giganotosaurus was a fierce dinosaur. Its sharp, knife-like teeth easily tore apart prey! In this exciting title, eye-catching illustrations and engaging text combine to introduce the life and extinction of this ferocious dinosaur. Maps show off the dinosaur’s world and where its fossils have been found, while other features highlight its diet and size. The book concludes with a two-page spread that puts all of the dinosaur’s stats in one place.
Have you ever heard of the Aleya? These mysterious lights shine through the swamps of Bengal, India. Could they be ghosts? The Aleya are one of three ghost stories of Asia highlighted in this chilling title. Through engaging text and creepy images, readers will come face-to-face with ghostly spirits from around the continent. Maps show where each story is from, while other features highlight similar stories and possible explanations.
The Min-Min lights are mysterious orbs that float around the Australian Outback. Are they just a trick of light? Or are they something much more sinister? In this thrilling title, reluctant readers will explore this and other spine-tingling stories across Australia. Leveled text pair with atmospheric photos to draw readers in, and special features offer more detail about the origins of the tale, a similar story around the world, and a possible explanation.
Do the spirits of gladiators still battle in Rome? Does a house in Spain really have ghostly faces imprinted on the floorboards? These are just two of the ghastly ghost stories from Europe that readers will learn about in this hi/lo title. Engaging text and images are sure to draw in reluctant readers, while additional features highlight a cultural connection, a possible explanation, and more!
In South Carolina, a man dressed in grey walks along the beach. Is it someone going for a stroll? Or could it be a ghostly omen that warns residents of an oncoming storm? In this title, reluctant readers will explore ghost stories of North America. Creepy images and engaging text pull readers in, and additional special features connect stories to different cultures, highlight scientific explanations, and show the origins of these frightening fables.
Two African hard hitters clash in the Nile! What would happen if a fierce Nile crocodile came face to face with a ferocious hippopotamus? This high-interest title introduces readers to the body parts and fighting moves that help each of these animals battle their foes. Special features highlight each animal’s size, bite force, and other stats. The book concludes with battle between the two creatures. Who will come out on top?
Polar bears are the top predators of the Arctic. Walruses are mighty beasts with many defenses. In a fight, which one would come out on top? Readers of this high-interest title will learn about the weapons and defenses of polar bears and walruses. Profiles cover each animal’s sizes and habitats, while other features highlight claw length and swim speed. A final narrative puts their weapons to the test. Who will be marked the mightiest in the Arctic?
In West Africa, the Iroko tree is known for its strong wood. But cutting it down may not be a good idea. The Yoruba people believe this could bring a curse! In this title for reluctant readers, engaging text and creepy images combine to tell three ghostly stories from the African continent. Maps highlight the origins of each story, while other features offer possible explanations and introduce a related story.
Australia’s territorial dingoes who rarely turn down a fight. But are they a match for the kicks and punches of kangaroos? This high-interest text weighs the advantages of these tough animals, introducing the body parts and special moves that would help them win in a battle. Profiles show off each animal’s size, and charts highlight their speed and jumping ability. Which of these fighters will be crowned Australia’s toughest?
In the jungles of Southeast Asia, king cobras strike their foes with deadly bites. But mongooses are equipped with a secret weapon! This high-interest title introduces readers to the body parts and fighting moves that king cobras and mongooses use to defeat their foes. Special features highlight each animal’s size and other statistics. The book concludes with an action-packed fight where only one animal can come out on top. Who will take home the prize?
Tornadoes move at speeds of up to 300 miles per hour. They can be deadly. On May 22, 2011, one such tornado touched down near the town of Joplin, Missouri. Readers will learn the details of the event and its aftermath in this hi/lo title. Special features such as a map and a scale help readers to understand exactly how devastating the Joplin tornado was.
On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted in Washington. The blast caused millions of dollars of damage and affected the lives of thousands. In this hi/lo text, reluctant readers will learn about eruption, from the events leading up to it to everything that followed. Special features highlight the areas affected by the blast, the timeline of events, and the ways in which the area has healed in the years since.
On January 12, 2010, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake rocked the country of Haiti. The damage trapped thousands of people under rubble and toppled more than 100,000 buildings. In this hi/lo text, reluctant readers will learn about the earthquake and its aftermath. Special features show a map of the areas affected, the shockwave of the earthquake, and a timeline of the events.
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina swept through the Gulf of Mexico, leaving destruction in its wake. Winds of 125 miles per hour and storm surges as high as 19 feet tall pounded coastlines, displacing millions of people from their homes. In this hi/lo title, reluctant readers will learn about the events of this disaster and its aftermath. Special features including a chart and a map show the extent of devastation caused by the hurricane.
On December 26, 2004, an enormous earthquake ripped through the Indian Ocean. This triggered a series of massive tsunami waves, some as high as 100 feet tall. In this hi/lo text, readers will learn about the events that caused the tsunami as well as the effects it had on the areas it struck. Features illustrate how a tsunami starts as well as how much destruction the tsunami caused.
Get ready for a taste of America’s Dairyland! In this fact-filled title, readers can discover what makes Wisconsin great, from its booming dairy industry to its beautiful natural areas. Features map out the state’s important cities and landforms, examine historical events, highlight inventions from the state, and introduce a native animal. Take a trip to Wisconsin with this fact-filled title!
