A group of tourists crowds into a dusty room with brightly painted walls. They have entered King Tut’s tomb! Priceless artifacts once filled every chamber of the tomb. Now they are in museums across the world, carrying on King Tut’s legacy thousands of years after his death! This high-interest title uses vivid photographs, timelines, graphs, and profiles of important discoveries to introduce readers to the fascinating world of this ancient Egyptian ruler.
A few vents open, then suddenly, a blast shoots from the Earth! Lava races from the vents and ash covers the sky. There is no way to stop a supervolcano! In this high-interest title, find out what the world may look like if a supervolcano erupts. Young readers can discover the likelihood of it happening in the future and learn about the most active volcanic spots around the world. A historical sidebar takes a look back at a past eruption, and a visual feature follows the possible chain of events in this explosive title about supervolcano eruptions!
A tall wave speeds towards shore. As it approaches, it grows even bigger. A tsunami is near! These huge ocean waves cause immense destruction. But how do they form? Can they be prevented? This low-level text answers those questions and more using engaging text, vibrant photos, and descriptive photo labels. Additional features such as a map, a formation diagram, an intensity scale, and a tsunami profile give readers an even closer look at this natural disaster!
A volcano explodes to life! Lava shoots into the air. A plume of smoke and ash is visible for miles around. But why did the volcano erupt? This low-level title uses engaging text and colorful photos to bring readers up close to these powerful natural disasters. Readers will learn why volcanoes erupt, what damage they cause, and how eruptions are predicted. Special features including a map, an eruption diagram, an eruption severity chart, and a profile of a recent volcanic eruption enrich the reading experience in this explosive title!
Batten down the hatches! A hurricane is on the move. These powerful storms start in the ocean, but they quickly make their way to the coast. Their winds turn debris into dangerous projectiles. Their rains cause flooding in low-lying areas. But can this damage be prevented? This low-level title introduces readers to hurricanes, including how they form, how meteorologists predict them, and what damage they cause to affected areas. Special features such as a map, a formation diagram, and a Saffir-Simpson scale chart bring readers right into the eye of the hurricane!
Whipping wind blows snow into tall drifts across the road. Will cars be able to pass? This dilemma is just one effect of the powerful storms discussed in this low-level title. Engaging text and vibrant photos combine to tell readers how blizzards form, how they are forecast, and what damage they can cause. Special features such as a map, a formation diagram, a windchill chart, and a notable blizzard profile add to readers’ understanding of this brutal natural disaster.
Dark clouds form overhead. Strong winds blow debris across the yard, and a loud, droning siren pierces the air. Time to seek shelter: a tornado has been spotted! This low-level title introduces readers to the power of tornadoes, including engaging text and photos to show the destructive strength of these natural disasters. Special features including a Tornado Alley map, a tornado formation diagram, and an Enhanced Fujita scale will blow readers away!
The world starts shaking. Cups and plates rattle in cupboards. Books fall off of shelves. It’s an earthquake! These natural disasters do billions of dollars worth of damage every year. But scientists still cannot predict them. This low-level text introduces how earthquakes form, the damage they cause, and how their damage can be prevented. Special features such as a map, a formation diagram, and a Richter scale chart introduce the key concepts of these powerful disasters to young readers.
Although its the second smallest continent on Earth, Europe has the third largest population. Rich in history, literature, and art, European culture has been a far-reaching influence all over the globe. Give students the opportunity to discover how Europe stands out in this fascinating title!
The word Croatoan carved onto a post and the letters “CRO” scratched onto a tree. What do these two clues reveal about Roanoke’s missing English colonists? Interested students can sort through possible answers in this read that begins as a history lesson and ends as an unsolved mystery.
Most people in Pripyat never expected the day to come when they’d have to flee for their lives. The Soviet Union boasted about the safety of the nuclear city. But in 1986, one of the town’s nuclear reactors exploded and released deadly radiation. This title explains the Chernobyl accident for curious readers.
The wild reputation of Bodie was unmatched in the Old West. The California gold-mining town attracted a rough crowd. Bodie had gamblers, drinkers, gunslingers, and robbers all after riches. This high-interest children’s title includes a wealth of information about the gold rush that once made Bodie a “get rich” destination.
The city in the clouds, Machu Picchu, has an air of mystery surrounding it. Historians know the site belonged to the Inca Empire, but they do not know much else. In this book, reluctant readers will explore possible reasons why Machu Picchu was first built and, in time, abandoned.
Craco’s historical happenings hint at a curse. The town faced a plague, then war, then earthquakes and landslides. In the end, the natural disasters dealt the final blow, causing Craco to physically collapse. In this book, young readers will discover a medieval town that eventually lost its uphill battle for survival.
Hashima, Japan’s sea walls give it the appearance of a ship lost at sea. This look is the reason for the Battleship Island nickname. In this title, reluctant readers will also see Battleship Island as a time capsule. Pieces from the past will point to the deserted island’s coal-mining boom time.
Considered the Holy Land for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Israel is a sacred place that holds a rich history. This small country is filled to the brim with diverse cultures and varied landscapes. Readers will discover all that Israel has to offer in this exciting title.
For over a quarter century, Germany stood as a country divided. A huge concrete barrier known as the Berlin Wall physically divided the capital of Berlin. When the wall came down in 1989, Germany was reborn. Readers will learn what daily life is like today for the innovative and industrious people of Germany. Blastoff! Series
Take a trip to the mountains of Southeast Asia and discover the culture of Laos! This diverse country is home to many ethnic groups and more than 80 languages. Students will learn about Lao food, rare animals, and favorite traditions in this informative book.
Being stranded on a desert island is a classic survival situation of countless books, movies, and cartoons. But would you know where to find water or how make fire if it happened to you? Young readers can learn these skills and more in this high-interest title of ultimate survival.
Lying along the sparkling waters of the Adriatic Sea is the hidden gem of Croatia. From its craggy coast and cascading waterfalls to its delicate lace-making and fast-paced kolo dance, this country is full of natural and cultural beauty. Learn how Croatia’s varied history has shaped it into the independent nation it is today in this title for eager students.
Tsunamis make headlines around the world for their damage and destruction. What should you do if a killer wave is coming your way? Learn about tsunami preparations and procedures in this instructive title.
The Arctic Ocean is the smallest ocean in the world. Located on the North Pole, it touches Asia, Europe, and North America. For many months, the sun does not rise over the Arctic, and when summer arrives, the ice barely melts! Young readers will enjoy finding out more about this unfamiliar ocean and its impact on the world.
This introduction to Australia explores the geography and culture of this country.
The United Arab Emirates is a country of achievements. The world's largest skyscraper, busiest international airport, and most robust set of manmade islands make the UAE a popular travel and business destination. Beyond such feats, ethnic diversity abounds in the UAE, with citizens of Asian, Indian, Iranian, Arab, and Western descent. Learn why so many have come to call the United Arab Emirates home in this fascinating read for curious students.
Anchored between Costa Rica and Colombia, the small country of Panama flourishes with activity. Colorful festivals, a city rain forest full of animals, and the busy Panama Canal are big factors in Panama's healthy economy. Discover the history behind one of Latin America's most prosperous nations in this title for young readers.
