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.
Many people claim to have experienced strange events when they were near-death. Some claim to have had an out-of-body experience. Others describe moving upward toward a white light. Students will learn about stories of near-death and how scientists have tried to verify or disprove those tales.
China, with over one billion people, is the most populated country in the world. China’s most famous tourist attraction is the Great Wall, which runs across about 5,000 miles of northern China. Rich with Chinese culture, this title explores Chinese food, holidays, and daily life. Eager readers will also get to challenge their tongues with a few common words from the unique Chinese language!
Have you ever seen something in the sky that you could not identify? You wouldn't be alone. Many people have reported seeing unidentified flying objects. Reports range from flying saucer sightings to stories of mysterious lights in the sky. Readers will discover the history of UFO sightings and the evidence both for and against their existence.
Could an ancient sea monster be living in a quiet lake in Northern Scotland? People have put forth pictures and videos of what they claim to be the Loch Ness Monster. Does the Loch Ness Monster exist? It will be up to the reader to decide in this title that shows the evidence and skepticism surrounding the Loch Ness Monster.
Spanning an area in the Atlantic Ocean between Bermuda, Puerto Rico, and the southern tip of Florida, the Bermuda Triangle has been a mystery for over a hundred years. Many ships and aircraft have been lost in its waters. Readers will learn about the many disappearances and the possible explanations for them, ranging from piracy to paranormal activity.
Many people claim to have seen ghosts. Some say they saw an apparition or heard noises in their home when they were alone. Others claim that a drop in temperature signaled a ghost's presence. Are these observations credible, or are they all made up? Readers will decide for themselves in this title that throws them into the middle of the mystery.
Have you ever felt your house was haunted? Many people have reported that ghosts or other paranormal creatures haunt their houses. Some claim to have seen objects move by themselves. Others say they have heard strange noises or voices in their homes. Can a house really be haunted by the paranormal? Let the students decide once they read about the evidence and doubts behind haunted houses.
There are many different kinds of extra-sensory perception. Some people claim they can see future events. Other people claim they can see far-off events in their mind. Students will judge for themselves in this introduction that provides information on the evidence and skepticism about ESP.
In 1967, two men caught a strange creature on film in the woods of Northern California. It looked like an ape, but it was very tall and walked upright like a man. Was this creature Bigfoot, or was it a man in costume? Readers will judge for themselves in this introduction to Bigfoot, learning about both the evidence and doubts surrounding the existence of this hairy creature.
Wolves are apex predators in their habitat, but that does not mean they don’t fear the awesome strength of a bull moose! This action-packed title looks at both animals to compare battle advantages and methods of attack. Features include size comparisons and stat-packed profiles, while a fight narrative wraps up the book. Who will be the victor today?
As the full moon approaches, its skin sprouts long hairs, its nose grows long, and its mouth fills with long fangs. Hunched and hungry, the werewolf howls at the shining moon! Today’s media have made werewolves popular characters, but these creatures have been featured in tales for many centuries. This mythical title explores the origins of werewolves and how they are portrayed through time. Special features visually highlight their world through a range map, timeline, and creature comparison.
Many people know that virtual reality is used in video games. But this cutting-edge technology is also used to train doctors, pilots, and more! This high-interest title introduces readers to the past, present, and future of virtual reality through engaging text and vibrant photos. A diagram shows off how virtual reality works, a pro/con comparison examines the technology of VR, and a graph explores how many people use this fascinating technology!
Vehicles can take us around the block or into outer space! In this hands-on title, step-by-step instructions help kids fold a variety of origami vehicles, from a monster truck to the Batmobile. Accompanying text presents facts about each one, while tips and tricks help kids turn from paper folders into paper engineers!
In the 1500s, people thought unicorn horns were poison antidotes. Many people spent a lot of money on what they thought were horns. But they were really buying narwhal tusks! This title explores the many myths surrounding unicorns. Leveled text and fun images help readers discover the creature’s abilities, history, and appearances in popular media. The mystery of these magical horned horses is further revealed through an origin map, a historical timeline, a pop culture connection, and more!
Have a troll problem? Ring church bells near their ears or lure them into a lightning storm. They will run away in terror! This title covers the legends of trolls and how these mythical creatures have transformed through history. Engaging text combines with interesting images to explore the creature’s history and characteristics. A narrative opening, historical timeline, range map, and more will captivate readers and have them wondering where their neighborhood trolls are hiding!
The Great Wall of China spans more than 10,000 miles! It was built over many centuries, and it remains one of the world’s most famous landmarks today. This title for young readers explores the Great Wall’s original purpose, how it was built, and how it’s used today. Leveled text and fascinating photos bring the structure to life, while a map, a timeline, a comparison graphic, and a pop culture connection offer additional information about each structure.
From mock naval battles to gruesome gladiator fights, the Colosseum has hosted some of the world’s most shocking showdowns. But why was this ancient amphitheater built, and how did it survive 2,000 years? What is it used for today? This title explores the answers to these questions and more through fact-filled text and fascinating photos that bring readers up close with ancient Rome. Special features include a map, a timeline, a comparison graphic, a pop culture connection, and more!
Are we there yet?! You’ve been in the car for hours. If only you could teleport to your destination. One day, it might be possible! Through leveled text and engaging photos, this title introduces readers to the exciting possibilities of teleportation. It highlights the use of teleportation in fiction, describes the science behind the superpower, and explores how teleportation may one day be possible! Additional features provide visual support to the text by profiling a popular superhero with the power, showing how teleportation would affect the human body, and more!
Agra, India, is home to one of the most famous monuments in the world. The Taj Mahal rises 240 feet over the city, its white marble dome visible from miles around! This title for young readers explores the history of the famous building, from how and why it was built to what it’s used for today. Leveled text and beautiful photos highlight the main points of the historic monument, and special features such as a map, a timeline, a comparison graphic, and a pop culture connect further showcase why the Taj Mahal is a wonder of the modern world!
