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.
A country and a continent, Australia is home to bizarre wildlife such as platypuses, emus, and wombats. Australia also boasts the Great Barrier Reef that stretches more than 1,400 miles across its northeastern coast! Hop down under in this low-level title to learn more about a truly unique continent.
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!
Japan is a nation made up of many islands in the western Pacific Ocean. Over 100 million people live in this small nation of islands. Many live in the countryside, but millions live in crowded cities like Tokyo. Students will learn about the physical features of the landscape and surrounding waters as well as the cultural aspects of the Japanese from old traditions to modern everyday life. Blastoff! Series
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 one of the many Chinese languages! Blastoff! Series
The vice president is second-in-command to the president of the United States! This important leader has many duties, including taking over the role of the president! In this book, beginning readers will discover what this important job is all about through leveled text and interesting photos. Special features highlight how the vice president works with other branches of government, outline the requirements for the job, and ask readers a question.
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!
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!
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the land! The nine Supreme Court justices study the Constitution to make sure laws are fair. Their rulings guide all other courts throughout the United States. In this title, leveled text and interesting photos introduce beginning readers to the nation’s highest court. Added features show how the branches of government work together, outline the requirements for the job, and ask readers to answer a thought-provoking question.
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!
Order up! This title for beginning readers follows servers as they speed from table to table to keep their customers happy. Leveled text and engaging photos introduces readers to where servers work, what they do, and the skills they need to be successful. Special features call server gear and a picture glossary defines important words in this book about some of the community’s busiest helpers!
The Senate is a part of Congress that has 100 members. Every state elects two senators to represent its people. In this title, leveled text and matching photos show beginning readers what the Senate is, what Senators do, and why these congresspeople have such an important job. Added features show how the branches of government work together, outline the requirements for the job, and ask readers to answer a thought-provoking question.
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!
Extra, extra! Read all about it in this informative book about the important work of reporters. Leveled text explores the daily work of newspaper and television reporters, while vibrant photos show these community helpers at work. Readers will learn what reporters do, where they work, and what skills make a good reporter. A unique feature highlights reporter gear and a picture glossary illustrates important terms.
The president is the leader of the United States! This person is tasked with making important decisions for the nation. In this text, leveled text and relevant photos introduce beginning readers to the basics about the duties of this civil servant. Special features include a job requirements graphic, a chart showing the branches of government, and a question for readers to consider.
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!
Time for a journey to the Philippines! This tropical nation is made up of more than 7,000 islands. These beautiful islands are filled with lush rain forests, rugged mountains, and sandy coasts. In this fact-filled title, leveled text and vibrant photos introduce the country’s landscape, wildlife, traditions, day-to-day life, and more. Special features show off famous landmarks, introduce native animals, and introduce readers to delicious recipes and fun activities. Readers will soon be ready to pack their bags for a visit to the beautiful Philippines!
Petra is Jordan’s most famous place. This city carved in stone is also one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world! In this fact-filled title, readers will go on a journey to the 2,000-year-old city. Leveled text and engaging photos will introduce the history of Petra, from how and why it was built to what it’s used for today. Additional features, including a map, a timeline, a comparison graphic, and a pop culture connection, further highlight why Petra is one of the modern wonders of the world!
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!
High in the Andes Mountains of Peru, a mysterious ruin preserves the story of the Inca people. Machu Picchu holds more than 200 ancient structures, each built with intricately carved stones that have lasted centuries! The leveled text and fascinating photos in this title introduce readers to the purpose, building, and current uses of Machu Picchu. A map, a timeline, a comparison graphic, and other special features help further highlight what makes this place a modern wonder of the world!
