Explore the evidence and opinions behind the headlines on climate change. In Shaping the Debate: Defining and Discussing Climate Change readers will learn about the science behind the causes and effects of Earth’s changing climate and understand the political context. Then, decide where YOU stand on this important issue.
“It’s a free country—I can say whatever I want!” Most Americans agree about the importance of free speech. But many don’t understand the scope and limitations of this treasured liberty. In Shaping the Debate: Defining and Discussing Free Speech, readers will learn about the history, complexities, and conflicts related to free speech rights, from flag-burning to the treatment of hate speech. Then, decide where YOU stand on this important issue.
What will the weather do today? In Science Masters: Weather Prediction, readers will learn about ways people have developed to predict the weather, from looking at the sky to running models on a computer. Temperature, pressure, and wind speed are among the factors that determine whether to look out for sunshine or a tornado. Weather prediction not only helps you plan your day, but it can also even save lives!
In Science Masters: Sounds Waves, readers will learn how sound travels and the many roles it plays in our world. Sound helps us communicate, but it can do so much more. You might be amazed at how powerful sound waves can be when they let us see into the human body or discover an ancient sunken ship. Squeak! Grrr! CRACK! Shhh! Our world is filled with sounds big and small, pleasant and annoying. But how is all that sound created and what can it do?
In Science Masters: Mixing and Measuring Matter, readers will discover how we measure matter and how it changes, mixes, and reacts. These reactions make life possible! What do a carrot and a kangaroo have in common? They’re made of matter, just like everything else in the universe!
In Science Masters: Light Waves, readers will learn about light waves and light’s properties and how people–and animals–manipulate light for their own purposes. A crack of lightning. The blue glow of a phone screen. A blinking firefly. The blazing sun. A camera’s rapid flash. No matter the source, light travels in waves, and it does so at a speed faster than anything else in the universe. But what is light, anyway, and how do we study it?
Some planets are cold, dark, and lifeless. Not Earth! Our world is full of light, heat, and motion. What makes the difference? Energy! Energy flows through growing plants and blowing winds. It powers your body and the machines you use each day. Discover how the sun's energy travels to Earth and how it is stored and used by living things. Learn why heat in our atmosphere is rising and what people can do to control it.
In Science Masters: Earth's Place in Space, readers will learn about Earth’s place in the Milky Way and the larger universe, and how humans are learning about the endless frontier of space. Living on a world as vast as Earth, it can be easy to forget that our planet is just a tiny speck in a massive universe filled with planets, moons, stars, asteroids, comets, dark matter, and maybe even alien life!
In Off-Road Vehicles: Military Vehicles, readers will salute the mechanical wonders of military vehicles! Explore the explosive firepower of tanks and the amazing mobility of amphibious carriers that transport troops from ship to shore. Meet the armored lifesavers that find and remove land mines.
In Off-Road Vehicles: Trucks, readers will discover how these versatile workhorses have become some of the best-selling vehicles. It includes facts about their powerful engines, their towing power, and their many uses on and off the highway. Hitch a ride into the cargo-carrying, load-towing world of trucks! Peek under the hood to learn why pickups pack a punch!
In Off-Road Vehicles: Dirt Bikes, readers will jump into the rip-roaring, hill-leaping world of dirt bikes! Discover the acrobatic abilities of these lightweight motorcycles. Meet the gravity-defying masters of motocross racing!
In Off-Road Vehicles: ATVs, readers will discover how these adaptable autos evolved from three to four wheels. Gear up for a journey into the mud-splashing, trailblazing world of all-terrain vehicles! Learn why these rugged runners are loved by farmers, hunters, and racers!
In Off-Road Vehicles: Jeeps, readers will discover how these off-road marvels began life as wheeled warriors and went on to become one of the world’s most popular sport utility vehicles. Buckle up for a thrilling trip into the world of jeeps! Learn about the jeep known as “Old Faithful,” a hero of World War II.
In Off-Road Vehicles: Amphibious Vehicles, readers will discover how these clever carriers navigate from water to land and back again. Splash into the wet and wondrous world of amphibious vehicles! Meet the awesome Amphicar and the “duck” that cruised into combat!
You are valuable! How to Deal: Feeling Good About You explores the ways that positive thoughts and a healthy body can make students feel good about themselves and discusses how excelling in school and volunteering can boost self-confidence. Common scenarios and practical advice will help readers embrace their talents and improve self-esteem.
Friends make life joyful! How to Deal: Understanding Friendship offers practical advice for meeting friends and creating close friendships. Readers will learn what makes a good friend, how to avoid common problems with friends, and how modern technology fits into friendship.
Have you ever lost someone you love? Does it seem impossible on some days to feel happy? You are not alone! After reading How to Deal: Coping with Loss and Grief, readers will learn what to expect as they journey through grief, including various coping strategies to help navigate through this difficult and confusing time
Do you see bullying at school? Do you have a “frenemy”? Want to do something to stop bullying or keep it from starting? In How to Deal: Bully Busters, readers will explore how they can shine a light on the way bullies think and work, understand the role of bystanders, and learn what everyone can do to shut bullying down.
Do you ever wonder if you are doing the right thing? Do your peers pressure you to do the wrong things? Maybe you get caught in dilemmas where it’s not clear what’s right. In How to Deal: Doing the Right Thing, readers will explore information that will help them understand all of these situations and make the best decisions for health and happiness.
Have you ever been so angry that you felt out of control? It’s difficult to remain calm and think rationally when you are really mad! In How to Deal: Anger Danger, readers will learn helpful techniques for controlling anger so it doesn’t control them.
In Dangerous Jobs: Smokejumpers, readers will dive into how smokejumpers are trained, what goes into a jump, and how they fight fires once they get there. Smokejumpers are highly trained, specialized firefighters who leap into danger. While other firefighters battle large-scale wildfires, smokejumpers are deployed to snuff out remote fires before they become a threat.
In Dangerous Jobs: Power Workers, readers will meet the people who risk their lives to bring electricity to homes and businesses around the world. Electric shock and explosions are just some of the daily dangers power workers face on the job.
In Dangerous Jobs: Search and Rescue, readers will learn how the heroic efforts of a few save the lives of many. What’s it like to work in the dangerous field of search and rescue? It all depends on where help is needed! Explore the differences between mountain and wilderness, cave, urban, and combat search and rescue.
In Dangerous Jobs: Logging, readers will learn how loggers face risks to harvest the wood we need. A logger makes the final cut. "Timber!" Loggers know to stand back and be careful. They face extreme danger every day as they travel through steep and rugged forests, fell huge trees, and handle sharp tools.
In Dangerous Jobs: Mountain Guides, readers will meet the people who risk their lives to help others have adventures on the highest peaks. For most people, climbing the largest mountains in the world is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. For mountain guides, it’s just another day at work!
