Showcases a variety of natural phenomena to give readers a taste of what nature has to offer. This book introduces the reader to four phenomena: frozen ice bubbles, colorful lakes, sailing stones, and lenticular clouds. The book explains what each phenomenon is, how and why it forms, and where and when viewers can see it.
Showcases the awe-inspiring and sometimes dangerous phenomenon of waterspouts. This book introduces the reader to different types of waterspouts, explains how and why they form, and details where and when they are most likely to occur.
Showcases the powerful and sometimes dangerous phenomenon of thunderstorms. This book introduces the reader to thunderstorms, explains how and why they happen, and details where and when they are most likely to occur.
They may not be cute and cuddly, but what they lack in looks, they make up for in recycling superpowers. This title from our Nature's (Secret) Superheroes series delves into the powerful effect vultures have on their environment. From preventing the spread of diseases to reducing greenhouse gases, learn how these underappreciated and often misunderstood environmental superheroes work to keep their ecosystems going strong.
Break down the science of stinging animals in this hi-lo scaffolded text. This title layers decoding strategies with comprehension skills to ensure students can access the text as they build content knowledge. With Weird Animal Science: The Breakdown, older readers can explore the science of animals while building foundational reading skills, acquiring vocabulary, and gaining fluency.
They may be small, but native bees prove that you don't have to "bee" big to make a big difference. Delve into the powerful effect native bees have on their environment. From bringing blooms to deserts to providing food for people and wildlife, learn how these underappreciated buzzy pollinators work as environmental superheroes to keep their ecosystems going strong.
Freshwater mussels don’t get as much attention as cute furry animals, but they’re more than just shells sitting at the bottom of a stream. Delve into the powerful effect mollusks have on their environment. From fighting pollution to signaling the alarm when things have gone wrong with a waterway, learn how these underappreciated and often overlooked environmental superheroes work to keep their ecosystems going strong.
Despite their beloved status, elephants remain a threatened species, and their impact on the world around them goes far beyond their thunderous steps. Delve into the powerful effect elephants have on their environment. From planting trees, to bringing water to all, learn how these underappreciated gentle giants work as environmental superheroes to keep their ecosystems going strong.
Once hunted to the brink of extinction, and to this day considered a nuisance by some, beavers have incredible underwater abilities that would put even Aquaman to shame. Learn how these underappreciated and once almost extinct environmental superheroes work to keep their ecosystems going strong.
Many people find bats to be scary, but a world without bats is much scarier. This title from our Nature's (Secret) Superheroes series delves into the powerful effect bats have on their environment. From controlling insect populations to preventing the spread of diseases, learn how these underappreciated and often misunderstood environmental superheroes work to keep their ecosystems going strong.
A cloud of ash rises above a volcano. Suddenly, volcanic lightning flashes through the blackness. This hi/lo title about volcanic lightning will excite readers who love the thrill of nature. Leveled text includes exciting information about what volcanic lightning is, folklore behind this natural mystery, and what scientists have come to understand about this phenomenon. Fun facts provide additional information throughout the book. Special features describe a related phenomenon, a notable sighting, and more!
Stones dot a dry lakebed. Each one is followed by a wandering trail left in the dirt. Did the stones move? This hi/lo title uncovers the mystery behind sailing stones. Readers will discover what sailing stones are, some of the first explanations of the phenomenon, and what truths scientists have uncovered. Profiles of notable sightings give specific examples of the history of sailing stones. A diagram provides a visual explanation of how the stones move.
A wind blows sand down a dune. A loud sound fills the air. It is a singing sand dune! This title explores the many sounds, the history, and the science behind singing sand dunes. The carefully leveled text includes high-interest content and photos. Interesting features dive into a related phenomenon, a past explanation, and more. Fun facts give readers even more to learn. This title will have readers singing its praises!
Fairy rings are circles of fungi growth. Many cultures have created folklore to explain these creations of nature. Although we understand them today, they continue to be a whimsical phenomenon. This hi/lo title explains what fairy rings are, details their history, and explores the science behind how they form. Special features detail a related phenomenon, a notable sighting, and a past explanation. A diagram highlights the stages of mushroom growth. Readers will also find fun facts throughout the text that provide additional interesting information about fairy rings.
Waves approach a beach at night. As they crash upon the sand, a blue glow flickers throughout the water. The glowing waves are a dazzling sight to see! Readers will discover the wonder and beauty of glowing waves in this hi/lo title. Chapters describe this natural phenomenon, share the history of glowing waves, and explain how they occur. Special features include a notable sighting, an explanation diagram, and more.
The Nile River runs south to north through 11 African countries! This title welcomes readers to explore the Nile’s route through wetlands and the Savanna Desert all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. Vibrant photos and thoughtfully leveled text detail how the river formed, as well as its importance to the wildlife and humans around it. Special features provide in-depth descriptions of major events and human-made structures along the Nile River.
The Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia! It is known by different names as it flows through China. In this title, fluent readers will explore the river and its over 700 tributaries. Crisp photos show the landscape and wildlife supported by the Yangtze. Leveled text highlights the human history of the river and the present-day impact of people on its waters. Features add details about the river’s formation, cultural significance, and more.
Every year, millions of Hindus travel to the Ganges River. This title welcomes readers to explore this holy river’s spiritual and life-sustaining significance. Crisp photos show the river’s path, including major tributaries, confluences, and the delta. Leveled text highlights wildlife supported by the river. Features add details about the river’s formation and timeline. The title concludes by sharing the severe impact of humans on the Ganges and some ways people are working to protect the river.
The Mississippi River is a migration route for more than 325 bird species! In this title, readers will dive into the river’s history and its reach across much of the United States. The wildlife and land along the river’s path are brought to life in the leveled text and colorful photos. A story feature highlights Mark Twain’s work inspired by the river, and other features map the river’s path, highlight historic events, and more. The book concludes by sharing how humans affect the mighty Mississippi River.
The Amazon River has earned the nickname “river sea.” Some areas are so wide that people are unable to see from one riverbank to the other! In this title, engaging text and crisp photos immerse readers in the land, plants, and animals along the river’s path. A timeline feature highlights human events on and around the river. The book concludes with a focus on present-day human activity and how it affects the Amazon River.
The famous waltz “The Blue Danube,” was inspired by the Danube River! This fun fact and more are included in this title as readers learn about the river’s journey through ten European countries. Leveled text highlights the surrounding landscape and wildlife. Human history and present-day activity are also discussed, including major cities and environmental threats. Special features show the river’s cultural impact, highlight human-made structures, and more. Colorful photos share the unique beauty of the Danube River!
For Wolf, saving the planet means first saving his family from self-inflicted disaster. Wolf’s mother is obsessed with saving the world’s honeybees, so it’s not too surprising when she announces that she’s taking her Save the Bees show on the road—with the whole family. Wolf thinks it’s a terrible plan, and not just because he’ll have to wear a bee costume—in public. He likes his alternative school and hates the idea of missing weeks of classes. His teenage stepsister doesn’t want to leave her boyfriend, and one of his little half-sisters has stopped talking altogether, but Wolf’s mom doesn’t seem to notice. She’s convinced that the world is doomed unless ordinary people take extraordinary action.
This amazing part of the northeast Pacific Ocean is home to some of the planet's mightiest and most beloved residents: whales, sea lions, dolphins, orcas, sea otters and wild salmon. Filled with spectacular images of this largely unknown part of the world, the book also explores the uncertain future of the Great Bear Sea in this age of climate change, overfishing, pipelines and oil tankers. Can a rainforest full of rare spirit bears, fishing wolves and great grizzlies survive without a Great Bear Sea to feed and nourish it?
There are almost eight billion people alive today. Having that many people in the world puts pressure on both social and natural resources, and we have to ask ourselves difficult questions like, What is our fair share? And how do we share more equitably? Ours to Share starts by giving an overview of human population growth, from the time when there were only a few hundred thousand people until now. The book goes on to examine some of the inequities that happen between people when natural and social resources are stressed and provides examples of people who have found innovative ways to share more equitably with their neighbors.
Flynn hates the outdoors. Always has. He barely pays attention in his Outdoor Ed class. He doesn’t understand why anybody would want to go hiking or camping. But when he gets lost in the wilderness behind his parents’ friends’ house, it’s surprising what he remembers—insulate your clothes with leaves, eat snow to stay hydrated, build a shelter, eat lichen—and how hopelessly inept he is at survival techniques.
