The mention of Egypt immediately stirs up images of towering pyramids and powerful pharaohs, but there is so much more to discover! As young readers immerse themselves in this title, they will find a diverse land of deserts and fertile river plains, nomads and city-goers, and differing cultural norms and practices all while marveling over beautiful images of the people and landscape.
With two official languages and many different ethnic groups, Afghanistan is a diverse country with a rich and ancient history. Delicious food, thrilling sports, and festive celebrations are hallmarks of Afghani life, despite decades of war. This title introduces young readers to modern-day life and culture in this complex nation.
One of the easternmost countries in Africa, Somalia is called a nation of poets. Although Somalia did not have an official alphabet until 1972, spoken poetry has been around for centuries. In this title for young readers, learn about the storied past of a country working to overcome war.
Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America. Covered in thick forests, this tropical country was a part of the Spanish Empire for around 300 years. Become introduced to Nicaraguans and their way of life in this elementary title for young students.
Finland is covered in forests and boasts nearly 200,000 lakes! Finns value equality. It was the first country in Europe to grant voting rights to women. Young readers will love learning about this country where people regularly rest in heated saunas and the sun does not set for two months in the summer.
Moscow’s Red Square is a center of Russian history and culture. This book explores the physical and cultural geography of Russia, showing the reader what daily life is like in Russia and how Russians keep their cultural traditions alive in the modern world.
Take a trip to “The Land Down Under” and discover all of the unusual wildlife inhabiting the Outback! There are kangaroos, wild dogs called dingoes, and nearly 700 types of birds in Australia. This title will also take readers to the Great Barrier Reef and to some of the largest cities in Australia, showing kids the daily life and culture of Aussies.
Iraq gets a lot of bad publicity. People hear regularly about the country’s troubles without learning about its achievements. For example, you’ve maybe never heard that Iraqis invented the wheel, sailboat, and plow! This title takes young readers past news headlines to tell the full story of Iraq.
Choosing just one animal mascot to represent the country of Australia is difficult! The marsupial contenders alone include the kangaroo, koala, and wombat. Then there are the predator options like the dingo and saltwater crocodile. After learning all about Australia in this title, fluent readers just might make a mascot pick!
Brazil has a monopoly over about half of the South American landscape. The country covers more than 3 million square miles of the continent! In this snapshot of Brazil, young readers will especially enjoy touring the Amazon Rain Forest and the country’s other unique biomes.
O Canada! The opening words of the Canadian national anthem are a fitting exclamation for appreciating the country sometimes called the True North. Canada’s untouched wilderness, Arctic animals, and native peoples are all worthy of a shout-out. This read points out to capable young readers what makes Canada special.
One-fifth of all the people in the world call China home. This means Mandarin Chinese is the number one language when it comes to native speakers! In this look at a country rich in history and culture, young readers will learn a few main Mandarin characters and much more.
The beloved fictional Harry Potter calls England his home. Though his world is imaginary, it includes many of England’s actual landmarks. In this profile of the real England, kids will learn the facts about the European country that serves as the setting for many of their favorite stories.
Did you know that at first Parisians disliked the addition of the Eiffel Tower to their city? They thought the landmark, which is now France’s most famous, was ugly! This children’s title narrates a sightseeing trip around France. Readers can judge the beauty of the country’s landmarks and culture for themselves.
India has its very own Hollywood—the rhyming Bollywood! The thousands of Bollywood films that are released every year put the songs, dances, and colors of India in the spotlight. Upper-elementary students are invited to a special viewing of a country with a memorable flavor.
Two thousand years ago, Italy was known for its spectacles. Rome’s famous Colosseum hosted epic sports contests and gladiator fights. In this book, Italy is on display to engage fluent young readers. Kids will be especially amazed by ancient Italian architecture.
In the United States, a bow is most often taken by a performer at the end of a concert or play. But in Japan, a bow is the traditional gesture to greet another person. This country close-up teaches upper-elementary students Japanese customs and much more about the Asian island nation.
Mexico is a cactus capital. Giant cardon, the world’s tallest cactuses, grow in the Sonoran Desert. They reach heights up to 63 feet! And Mexicans also eat the stems of prickly pear cactuses like vegetables! This country profile takes kids south of the border to explore Mexico.
Russia is a rare transcontinental country, with its small western part belonging to Europe and its large eastern part belonging to Asia. The dividing line is the Ural Mountains. Fluent readers will see both sides of Russia and discover the cultural elements that unite all of its people.
Pack your bags—it’s time for a trip to South Africa! This nation, the southernmost on the African continent, is full of beautiful landscapes, fun activities, and interesting traditions. In this title, readers will see it all! Leveled text supported by engaging photos introduce all that South Africa has to offer. Added features introduce landmarks, wildlife, a famous person profile, a recipe, and more. This fun title shows readers just why this nation shines!
Stories tell about Sir Francis Drake and his famous voyage, but fewer tell about the real reason behind the trip: attacking and looting Spanish towns and ships! This high-interest graphic novel explores Drake’s pirate side, nicknamed El Draque, or the Dragon, by the Spanish. Stunning full-color illustrations detail the early days of Drake’s piracy through his knighthood from Queen Elizabeth herself. Maps, additional facts, and a timeline make this an engaging introduction to the Queen’s favorite pirate.
In 2019, Saudi Arabia opened its doors to more tourists than ever before. But what will travelers find when they visit? Through leveled text and vibrant photos, readers will find information on the country’s landscape, people, traditions, and more. Along the way, special features show off popular landmarks, highlight native animals, and introduce popular foods. Readers will walk away with a new appreciation for all that Saudia Arabia has to offer!
The world’s oldest bookstore still in operation opened in 1732. It is found in Portugal! This small country on the Iberian Peninsula has much to offer, from mountains to coastlines to rolling plains. Beyond the landscape, Portugal is a vibrant country with excellent food, fun activities, and exciting traditions. In this title, young readers will see it all! Vibrant photos support leveled text, and exciting special features—a landmark graphic, a recipe, a language feature, a cultural activity, and more—highlight exciting parts of life in Portugal. Readers will walk away with a solid understanding of life in this beautiful nation!
Known as the “Giant of Africa,” Nigeria is bursting with culture and life! Readers of this text will learn how millions of people, hundreds of languages, and a wealth of natural resources have made this country a powerhouse in Africa and the world. Features including a language sidebar, a cultural activity, and a traditional recipe allow readers to immerse themselves in Nigerian ways of life. This fact-filled title keeps students up-to-date on one of the fastest growing countries in the world!
Iceland is one of the happiest countries in the world! When you consider the island’s beautiful landscape and fun activities, it’s easy to see why. This title introduces young readers to everything Iceland has to offer. Fact-filled text and relevant photos highlight the basics of Iceland’s geography, climate, people, traditions, and more. Added features, such as a landmark sidebar, a famous person profile, and a recipe, further support the text.
