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.
This graphic novel highlights significant events in United States history between the years 1830 and 1860.
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!
Which brilliant men and women have made ground-breaking scientific discoveries over the centuries? This series tracks the great scientific minds from all over the world - from the earliest geniuses who lived thousands of years ago to modern scientists who are advancing knowledge beyond our universe.
A brave adventurer and his colleague manage to escape a dangerous situation in the River Rapids. Set in a challenging environment, essential STEM skills come in handy.
A crunching sound awakens a husband and wife sailing to Hawaii. Water starts to rush into their boat. They watch from the life raft as it sinks in only 15 minutes. That is the beginning of William and Simonne Butler’s 66-day trial of survival on the ocean. Iron Will: Surviving the Sea tells the story of five shipwrecks, and what it took for the survivors to endure until they were rescued. From surviving in an air pocket in a sunken ship at the bottom of the ocean, to the longest solo survival at sea, readers will learn how these individuals persevered against all odds.
A group of friends plan a trip to explore the Amazon rainforest. They have a map and some supplies, but the jungle is thick with trees. There are very few paths. The friends realize that they are lost and no one knows where to look for them. That is the beginning of Loic Pillois and Guilhem Nayral’s dangerous adventure. Iron Will: Surviving the Jungle tells five shocking stories of being lost in the rainforest. The survivors faced deadly animals, like jaguars and poisonous spiders, and encountered dangerous terrain, with heavy rains, flooding, and waterfalls. But readers will learn how they each made it out alive, with little more than an iron will.
A woman is getting her gear ready for a day of skiing. It’s a beautiful day at the lodge and she is near the lockers setting up her ski boots. She hears a distant rumble, and the lodge is overtaken by an avalanche. This is the start of Anna Allen’s five-day ordeal of being trapped under snow and debris. Iron Will: Surviving the Mountain retells 5 stories of adventure and survival on cold, dangerous mountains around the world. Some people lost limbs, and others lost fingers and toes to the cold. Even the most prepared can become the mountain’s victim. But somehow, with grit and determination, these survivors didn’t lose their lives.
A man is driving through the Australian outback. His car breaks down, miles away from any help. He is surrounded by nothing but dry earth and bare trees, which offer very little shade. He knows he won’t make it if he tries to walk to a town. This is the beginning of Ricky Megee’s 71-day ordeal in the Australian wilderness. Iron Will: Surviving the Desert relates the experiences of five people alone in deserts around the world, and how they made it out alive. If the poisonous snakes and lizards don’t pose a major threat, the lack of water and high temperatures will. It takes a special will to survive to make it through such harsh a environment.
This book focuses on erosion and discusses the effects it has on the current landscape and the way it impacts Earth.
One of the most visited places in North America, Grand Canyon National Park is like an open window to Earth’s geologic history. The carving of the canyon’s walls by erosion left a cross-section of the Earth’s crust from millions and millions of years ago. See for yourself how grand and beautiful this gorgeous gorge really is.
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.
Welcome to the Czech Republic! There is much to see in this beautiful country, from the sprawling expanse of Bohemian Switzerland National Park to the cultural attractions in historic Prague. Through fact-filled text and colorful photos, this engaging title takes young readers on a journey to see it all! Readers will explore the country’s landscape, wildlife, traditions, and day-to-day life. Along the way, special features show off native animals, introduce popular foods, teach basic Czech phrases, and more. This title is sure to inspire readers to explore the world!
Get the facts about the dangers and devastation caused by tsunamis in 12 in-depth chapters that include the Ring of Fire, volcanoes and earthquakes, preparedness, and history’s worst tsunamis. Includes safety tips, statistics, sidebars, and critical thinking questions, plus editor-curated online resources for up-to-date information.
Get the facts about the dangers and destruction caused by tornadoes in 12 in-depth chapters that include tracking storms, the EF-Scale, Tornado Alley, and history’s deadliest twisters. Includes safety tips, statistics, sidebars, and critical thinking questions, plus editor-curated online resources for up-to-date information.
Get the facts about the dangers and destruction of thunder and lightning storms in 12 in-depth chapters that include supercells, tracking storms, myths, and unusual events like thundersnow and fire clouds. Includes safety tips, statistics, sidebars, and critical thinking questions, plus editor-curated online resources for up-to-date information.
Get the facts about the dangers and destruction caused by ice storms in 12 in-depth chapters that include freezing rain, forecasting, and harm to power lines, trees, and animals. Includes safety tips, statistics, sidebars, and critical thinking questions, plus editor-curated online resources for up-to-date information.
