In Astronaut, readers will learn about what an astronaut does to explore space. Text written in simple sentences that help develop word recognition and improve reading skills.
On the eastern plains of Taiwan, a young girl and her mother pick wild greens before a rainstorm drenches them and their garden. When she goes to pull at the roots of a spiky, stalky weed, she learns that the plant is not what it seems. A lyrical story that shows young readers how to appreciate the bounty of nature and the beauty of identity. Chinese and Pinyin translations are included in pages and backmatter features additional information on the indigenous Amis people of Taiwan. An Own Voices, Own Stories award winner and Junior Library Guild Selection.
One little bunny spends a merry day with a special loved one, baking, wrapping, playing, and preparing for Christmas. When family and friends arrive it's time for carols and hot cocoa around the fire. This sweet, cozy story reminds readers that the joy in the holiday season is being with the ones we love.
Mardy and Olaus Murie fell in love in--and with--Alaska. Then set out on an adventure across the Arctic for Olaus's work as a biologist, encountering the beauty and danger of the wilds along the way. They learned from Indigenous communities to appreciate the interconnectedness of all living creatures and understood that the way humans were moving in on wild land was threatening the natural world. So they shifted the focus of their work to conservation, fighting to protect the land and animals--and lobbying for the creation of what finally became the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, nine thousand square miles of protected land! Mardy and Olaus's story of passion and hard work will inspire all readers to fan their spark of purpose into flame. Backmatter includes additional information on Mardy and Olaus, their legacy, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and more.
Each season has its own qualities that set it apart. Winter, with its stark-white crust of snow, turns even a mundane scene into a sparkling fairyland. Spring, along with her many shades of green, brings a promise of new beginnings. Summer gifts us with long, lazy days of endless blue skies and the scent of freshly mown grass. But fall has a magic, a secret, all its own. It offers a kaleidoscope of textures, smells, and colors. But what's behind those glorious colors we see among the treetops and upon the leaf-covered ground? Are leaves more than what they seem? Through engaging text and charming artwork, young readers are invited to explore how and why leaves change color. And perhaps, after fall's secret is revealed, we learn something about ourselves and our own distinct beauty. Back matter delves into the science behind photosynthesis.
In 1873, at the age of 21, Jan Ernst Matzeliger immigrated to America, having left all that was familiar behind in South America. He arrived with hopes and dreams of a bright future in this new country. Though Jan had no formal training, he was highly skillful with tools and machinery, having worked in his father's mechanic shops. But no one wanted to hire a Black immigrant who didn't speak English. Yet Jan didn't give up. He finally got a job at a shoe factory. As Jan learned the process and craft of shoemaking, he envisioned a new machine, a lasting machine, that would help produce more shoes more efficiently. People scoffed at Jan's idea, telling him it wasn't possible. But he wasn't deterred. Despite many obstacles, after years of planning, drawing, and experimenting, Jan is finally ready to demonstrate his lasting machine. And his invention will change the shoe industry forever. The little-known story of Jan Matzeliger and his machine comes to life for young readers.
The morning before Diez y Seis de Septiembre, Gloria's Papa wakes up with laryngitis. A disaster! The festivities cannot start without a loud grito to kick the party off--and a Hernandez has always yelled the grito for as long as anyone can remember. When Gloria offers her own grito--and Papa backs her up--the mayor has to agree. But what has she done?! How will she find the courage to yell the grito with the heart it needs? Gloria needs some help from her community and her Papa to find her voice.
During a light rain, a child dozes on a sandy ocean-side beach, snuggling in her mother's arms. But while the sand beneath her is soft and still, there's a whirlwind of activity in the sea next to her. The waves roll back and forth to shore, while beneath them a busy underwater world is teeming with life. As the girl sleeps, she dreams of participating in that world. Through lyrical text, award-winning science writer Suzanne Slade (June Almeida, Virus Detective! The Woman Who Discovered the First Human Coronavirus) takes young readers on an exploration of our oceans and the many creatures and ecosystems found there, from migrating whales to elusive eels to the colorful coral reefs. Back matter includes science facts, as well as a reminder of why we need to be good stewards of the world's oceans. This companion title to The Universe and You illustrates once again that our natural world is full of wonders just waiting to be explored.
There once was a little red chair. Languishing in an antique shop window, the little chair longed to be part of a family. One day a little girl named Mia knew it was just the right chair for her. So Mia and her mother take the little chair home. With new red upholstery and its brightly polished wheels, the little red chair becomes the perfect companion for Mia. She snuggles in it on cold winter nights. She daydreams in it on bright sunny days. And it's the perfect throne for Mia on her birthday. But as Mia gets older, she spends less and less time with the little red chair. She's busy with school and friends and other things. One day, it's time for Mia to leave for a new life. Eventually, the little red chair is packed up and moved to a corner in the attic. Please don't leave me, the little chair says. But no one comes. Seasons come and go; years and years pass by. Will anyone rescue the little red chair?
It's the early 1970s in America and change is in the air. Women are marching in support of the Equal Rights Amendment. It's a time of self-expression and social change. Jillian Parker loves math; it's her favorite subject and she is good at it. So when it's time for the fourth graders to select their after-school clubs, she knows exactly what she'll choose. But when Jillian goes to sign her name on the Math Club sign-up sheet, she is met with snickering and jeers. A girl in the boys' club? Shouldn't she be in Cooking Club, instead? Jillian knows she's smart, but maybe she's not smart enough. Maybe they are right, and she doesn't belong. She's just one girl. But after hearing about the discrimination experienced by her mother and other women, Jillian realizes that maybe what is needed is for just one girl to step forward. A new entry in the Tales of Young Americans series.
Lola's family has an apple orchard and every year they sell hundreds of apple pies for customers' Thanksgiving tables. It's always a big job; so this year Lola is going to cook Thanksgiving dinner on her own to help out. She has a plan and a list. But Mom and Dad need her help making all the pies too. Lola's list keeps getting left behind and Thanksgiving arrives without crossing off a single thing. Luckily, aunts and uncles and cousins arrive ready to help the family prepare a Thanksgiving feast! Just…no apple pie, please! Includes an apple pie recipe.
A hangry bear goes on a rampage through a local fair--pushing friends aside, roaring, and generally doing all the nasty things we do when we're hungry. Finally, sweet Shrew identifies the problem and Hare conjures up a quick snack. Satisfied, and a little ashamed, Bear apologizes and insists on fixing the damage he's caused. Until Shrew gets a bit hangry herself… A funny, rhyming romp that introduces readers to phonics and decodable text.
K-pop comes from South Korea. That is one of many wonderful things this country has to offer! In this fact-filled title for young readers, leveled text and crisp photographs show off South Korea’s landscape, animals, customs, and traditions. Special features map the country, explore the language, highlight common animals, and show off favorite foods. The book ends with a two-page spread that puts important facts about South Korea in one place!
Fondue is one of Switzerland’s most popular foods! Raclette is another delicious cheese dish. Readers will discover this and more in this fact-filled title about Switzerland. Simple text and stunning photos guide readers through the country’s landscape, culture, and traditions. Special features map the country, highlight the language, show off favorite foods, and more. A detailed profile at the end of the book puts important statistics about Switzerland in one place.
Iran was once called Persia. This country is home to sandy deserts and two mountain ranges! In this title, readers will be taken on a journey through the landscape and culture of Iran. Leveled text and photos will guide readers as they discover important landforms, common animals, customary foods, and important traditions. Special features help map the country, show off common animals, and more. The book ends with two pages of important facts and statistics about this fascinating country.
Did you know that the Philippines sits in the Ring of Fire? Over 7,000 islands make up this country! In this book, readers explore this country’s animals, landscape, customs, and more. Vibrant photos and carefully leveled text combine with special features that map the country’s location, highlight the language, and show off common animals and favorite foods. The book ends with a two-page spread that puts important statistics about the Philippines in one place!
Scotland is known for its bagpipe music! But there is plenty more to learn about this beautiful country. In this title, readers will immerse themselves in the rolling hills and beautiful lakes of Scotland through leveled text and vibrant photos. The easy-to-read text explores the landscape, the daily lives of Scottish people, and more. Special features map the country, highlight common animals, and show off special cuisines. A fact spread at the end of the book puts important statistics about Scotland in one place!
Did you know that El Salvador is known for having many volcanoes? Its nickname is the Land of Volcanoes! In this fact-filled book, young readers will discover El Salvador through leveled text and vibrant photos. They will explore the country’s landscape, animals, and customs. Along the way, special features highlight an important landform, the country’s language, common animals, favorite foods, and more! The book concludes with a two-page spread that lists important facts about El Salvador in one place.
Belgium is one of the smallest countries in Europe. But this small country has a big reputation for its tasty chocolates and waffles! In this title, leveled text and bright photos will introduce readers to Belgium’s landscape, customs, daily life, and more. Special features highlight a famous landform, the language, animals, and more. Readers will enjoy exploring this fascinating country! The book ends with two pages of important statistics that highlight a famous person, the country’s flag, and more.
Columbia is one of the largest countries in South America! The capital of Bogotá sits on a beautiful plateau. Readers will be able to follow along through the deserts, mountains, and forests of Columbia in this fact-filled title. Leveled text and vibrant photos will encourage readers to explore the country’s landscape and animals as well as the daily lives of Columbians. Additional features will give readers a deeper glimpse into the landscape, animal life, foods, and language of this country.
Whooping cranes are the tallest birds in North America. They once flew across the continent in large flocks. But today the birds are endangered. In this leveled title, readers will learn about the threats these birds face. Special features highlight the range and status of whooping cranes, as well as the impact that humans have had on them. Vibrant photos showcase the ways that people are working to protect these rare birds!
Pangolins are mammals. But their bodies are covered in hard scales. In this leveled reader, engaging text teaches readers about the threats that these animals face, as well as the efforts underway to save them. Special features highlight the range and status of pangolins, as well as showcase their importance in the ecosystem. Vibrant photos bring these mammals to life on the page for readers to enjoy!
Whale sharks are the largest fish in the world. But these gentle giants are in danger. In this leveled title, readers will learn about the threats these massive sharks face, as well as the actions people are taking to help. Special features highlight the effects that humans have on the sharks, as well as the importance the sharks have to their ecosystems. Together, we can save the whale sharks!
Aye-ayes are strange-looking primates. They have big, yellow eyes and long, bony fingers. In this leveled title, readers will learn about the challenges these animals face and the efforts people take to save them. Special features highlight the range, importance, and conservation status of the primates. Vibrant photos bring aye-ayes to life on the page!
Feeling scared is far from fun. But it is an emotion we all experience sometimes. Young readers will learn what feeling scared means and what it looks like through leveled text and supporting photos. Special features provide support by revisiting main ideas from the text. A final feature asks readers to think about what makes them feel scared, providing a point of discussion at home and in school. A photo glossary provides support to help readers define unfamiliar words.
