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.
Israel is a country with deep religious roots. It is considered the homeland of the Jewish people. In this book, young readers will be introduced to Israel’s devout people, historic landmarks, and foods that create an interesting and unique cultural heritage.
A country of open fields, Ireland is known for its agriculture. It is also known for its unique step dancing and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. This book teaches children about life in a country of lush green land and lively, laid-back people.
India is the place to find the stunning Taj Mahal and the world’s tallest peak, Mount Everest. Mount Everest rises nearly 5 miles into the sky! Children will learn all about India, a country known for mountains, curry, and the world’s second largest population.
For over a quarter century, Germany stood as a country divided. A huge concrete barrier known as the Berlin Wall physically divided the capital of Berlin. When the wall came down in 1989, Germany was reborn. Readers will learn what daily life is like today for the innovative and industrious people of Germany.
Egypt is one of the oldest countries in the world. People love to visit the ancient pyramids outside of Cairo, the capital of Egypt. Thousands of years ago, pharaohs ruled Egypt, and people mummified many pharaohs after they died. Students will read all about mummy museums, school and work life in Egypt, and how Egyptians use the Nile River in their daily lives. Blastoff! Series
Cuba is a group of several islands. Long ago, one of the islands was called Treasure Island because it was a home base for many Caribbean pirates. Young readers will learn about life in modern Cuba—the school system, the delicious food, and the vibrancy of Cuban culture.
America’s northern neighbor, Canada, is similar to the United States in many ways but also very different. Kids will learn about Canada’s diverse wildlife as well as some of its biggest cities such as Toronto and Vancouver. They will read about what school is like for kids in Canada, how people often speak both English and French, and how Canadians enjoy playing hockey.
Skaters race over the ice pushing the puck toward their opponent's goal. Started in Canada, ice hockey has spread all over the world. Children will read all about the history, equipment and rules of the game and learn who some of the stars are in today's professional leagues. Blastoff! Series
There are many different kinds of forests that have many different kinds of trees. Discover what trees are found in each kind of forest and how dead trees help young trees grow. Blastoff! Series
Elementary readers will follow the sequence of the process taken for building an airport, from the proposal, planning, and actual construction. A table of contents, glossary, books and websites, and an index are included.
Using the rhyming poetic structure of This is the House that Jack Built, author Yvonne Ng takes young readers on a cumulative path through the inner workings of a steam engine, from the big wheels rolling on the tracks all the way to the engineer driving the train.
A scout bee is searching for food for the hive, but finds building development where flowers used to be. She must avoid pesticides and swatting humans. Will she find any nectar for the hive? This narrative nonfiction title includes a range map, notes on how to help bees, further resources, and a glossary.
A mother Canada lynx is on the hunt for snowshoe hares to feed her litter of kittens. Deforestation and construction development have pushed prey away from this lynx’s home area. How far will she have to travel to find food? This narrative nonfiction title includes a range map, notes on how to help lynxes, further resources, and a glossary.
In this illustrated choose-your-own-ending book, Elizabeth witnesses John getting bullied. Will she stand by and let it happen, or will she stand up and help John? Readers make choices for Elizabeth and read what happens next, with each story path leading to different consequences. Includes four different endings and discussions questions.
In this illustrated choose-your-own-ending book, Ben is uncomfortable when he meets Aisha, a girl in a wheelchair. Will Ben make assumptions or find out more about her? Readers make choices for Ben and read what happens next, with each story path leading to different consequences. Includes four different endings and discussion questions.
In this illustrated choose-your-own-ending book, Kirsten is playing Hide-and-Go Seek with her sister. Will she follow the rules or cheat? Readers make choices for Kirsten and read what happens next, with each story path leading to different consequences. Includes four different endings and discussions questions.
In this illustrated choose-your-own-ending book, Margo must choose between cleaning her room or putting it off to do something fun. Readers make choices for Margo and read what happens next, with each story path leading to different consequences. Includes four different endings and discussion questions.
No one thought Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass would ever become friends. The former slave and the outspoken woman came from two different worlds. But they shared deep-seated beliefs in equality and the need to fight for it. Despite naysayers, hecklers, and even arsonists, Susan and Frederick became fast friends and worked together to change America.
In this nonfiction joyride, Bertha Benz and her sons drive across Germany in the world's first automobile. It's 1888 and Bertha Benz's husband, Karl, has invented the prototype Benz motorwagen. But the German government declares the vehicle illegal, and the church calls it the devil's work. Unbeknownst to her husband, Bertha steals away with her two sons and drives nearly one hundred miles to prove just how amazing the motorwagen is. Bertha's mechanical savvy gets the boys to Grandma's house safely, and the remarkable mother/son road trip reduces global concern about moving vehicles.
Did you know Band-Aids were invented by accident?! And that they weren't mass-produced until the Boy Scouts gave their seal of approval? 1920s cotton buyer Earle Dickson worked for Johnson & Johnson and had a klutzy wife who often cut herself. The son of a doctor, Earle set out to create an easier way for her to bandage her injuries. Band-Aids were born, but Earle's bosses at the pharmaceutical giant weren't convinced, and it wasn't until the Boy Scouts of America tested Earle's prototype that this ubiquitous household staple was made available to the public. Soon Band-Aids were selling like hotcakes, and the rest is boo-boo history.
A touching story about Japanese American children who corresponded with their beloved librarian while they were imprisoned in World War II internment camps. When Executive Order 9066 is enacted after the attack at Pearl Harbor, children's librarian Clara Breed's young Japanese American patrons are to be sent to prison camp. Before they are moved, Breed asks the children to write her letters and gives them books to take with them. Through the three years of their internment, the children correspond with Miss Breed, sharing their stories, providing feedback on books, and creating a record of their experiences. Using excerpts from children's letters held at the Japanese American National Museum, author Cynthia Grady presents a difficult subject with honesty and hope.
In this adaptation of The Princess and the Pea, Ma Sally cooks the best black-eyed peas in Charleston County, South Carolina. Her son, John, is a highly eligible bachelor, and three local women vie for his hand in marriage by attempting to cook as well as Ma. At the last minute, a surprise contestant named Princess arrives at the door. Princess and John are well-matched, but Princess has her own ideas. When told she has won John’s hand, she asks him to scrub the pots and pans before she'll give him an answer. Her answer, it turns out, is that she wants to spend some time getting to know John first. Backmatter includes an author’s note and a recipe for Princess’s Black-eyed Peas.
Epic stories showcasing fabulous art. This series following EPIC voyages and discoveries, retell the adventures in fictional style.
The Living Arts Library is specially designed to stimulate children's interest and imagination in all aspects of the international arts. The activity-based approach encourages readers to try for themselves a variety of skills and techniques.
