The B-52 Stratofortress has been in service for over fifty years. It is a model of consistency for long-range bombers. Readers will explore the technology behind the B-52, the weapons it carries, and the missions it is used to perform.
At $2.2 billion, the B-2 is the most expensive aircraft ever built. Its payload capacity and stealth technology make it very effective in combat. Students will learn about the cutting-edge technology that makes stealth missions possible and the well-trained pilots who carry them out.
Harrier Jump Jets play a major role in the United States Marine Corps. Their ability to vertically take off makes them very valuable. Young readers will explore the technology behind the AV-8B Harrier Jump Jet and learn about the missions it performs.
A Marine Expeditionary Unit is a small, quick reaction force used to immediately respond to any crisis. Readers will explore what makes up a unit, what tasks they often perform, and what tools and vehicles they use to accomplish their missions.
The United States Air Force uses B-1B Lancers as strategic bombers. A B-1B Lancer can carry over 125,000 pounds of bombs! Kids will discover the history of the Lancer, the technology behind it, and how it plays a vital role in the United States Air Force.
Pulleys are simple machines used to lift and move loads. Builders use pulley systems to lift tools or materials. Elevators use pulleys to move up and down. Kids will learn how pulleys make work easier and how they are often part of complex machines. Blastoff! Series
Levers are simple machines that make work easier. There are three different classes of levers. Students will learn what levers are, how the classes of levers differ, and how the construction of levers makes work easier. Blastoff! Series
Screws are simple machines used for many different jobs. The concept of a screw is used in snow blowers, drills, and presses. Kids will learn how screws work and how they are used in complex machines. Blastoff! Series
Wedges are simple machines used to split, lift, or hold an object in place. Children will discover how wedges perform jobs for people and how they make everyday life easier. Blastoff! Series
Ramps are simple machines used for work and play. Workers use them for easy loading and unloading. Skateboarders use them to do tricks. Readers will learn how ramps make work easier and how they are used in everyday life. Blastoff! Series
Get close to the battlefield in one of the most heavily armed gunships in the world. The AC-130 has enough firepower to take out enemy tanks and other armored vehicles. Learn about the history of the AC-130, its weapons and features, and how it supports ground troops in their missions.
We use wheels and axles several times every day. Young readers will learn how a wheel and axle work together, how they make work easier, and how they are used in larger, complex machines. Blastoff! Series
The United States Marine Corps uses the Super Cobra to support Marines and take out enemy vehicles. Loaded with missiles, guns, and rockets, the Super Cobra is a very efficient force on the battlefield. Readers will explore the history of the Super Cobra and how this attack helicopter helps the Marine Corps complete missions.
Named after two soldiers who won the Medal of Honor, the Stryker is an armored combat vehicle that serves many roles in the United States Army. Strykers can carry troops, guns, and missiles. They can also work as ambulances, fire trucks, and reconnaissance vehicles. Discover why the Stryker is going to be a mainstay in the Army for many years.
Great golfers mainly get eagles and birdies, meaning they shoot under par! This book introduces young readers to the game of golf. It explains the sport's basic rules, necessary equipment, early beginnings, and how to train to qualify for the professional tour. Blastoff! Series
The Sea Dragon is the largest and heaviest helicopter in the United States military. It can transport troops and haul cargo. It is also used to detect and blow up mines in dangerous waters. Read about the history of the Sea Dragon, the tools it uses to detect mines, and its role in keeping our waters safe.
The fastest salt flat racers can reach speeds over 750 miles per hour! Students will learn about the salt flats, the history of salt flat racing, and the technology behind some of the fastest land vehicles on Earth.
Shaun White is considered the face of snowboarding. He has won two Olympic gold medals by catching big air while doing difficult jumps and tricks. Children will discover how snowboarders carve down slopes and push the limits of gravity through several different kinds of competitions. Blastoff! Series
In the 1950s, Californians invented skateboarding so they could surf on land. Roller skate wheels were attached to flat boards. Young readers will learn all about the sport of skateboarding, from the equipment required to its evolution into an extreme sport. Blastoff! Series
The sport of volleyball requires aggressive intensity. The ball can travel at speeds up to 88 miles per hour! In this book, children will learn the basic rules of volleyball, the necessary equipment, and how to bump, set, spike, and dive their way to victory. Blastoff! Series
Custom design is the most important aspect of a chopper. The stretched out look allows for many cool styles. Students will explore the history of choppers, the features that make them unique, and how they are made.
Initially developed to provide close air support for ground vehicles and troops, the A-10 has become an extremely valuable tool for the United States Air Force. Students will discover its history, technology, and role in the Air Force today.
The Apache Helicopter is one of the most versatile vehicles in the military. Its powerful weaponry and maneuverability make it a formidable foe on the battlefield. Young readers will explore the technology that makes the Apache ideal for fighting on the front line.
The Midwestern United States was nicknamed "The Dust Bowl" in the 1930s because years of drought devastated the region. This book teaches why droughts happen, how they affect living things, and the importance of conserving water. Blastoff! Series
Winter winds blow snow at 35 miles per hour or more for at least three hours during a blizzard! Young readers will learn how blizzards form and why blizzard conditions temporarily shut down communities. Blastoff! Series
