Scientists estimate that about 500,000 detectable earthquakes shake the earth each year. But the majority of them go unnoticed, as most register at the bottom of the 8.0+ magnitude scale. In this hi-lo title, kids will learn how to react to the dangerous quakes that can be felt.
Ayla loves climbing. But she prefers to climb indoors, with all her safety harnesses in place and soft mats to land on. Her climbing partner and best friend, Lissy, is much more adventurous and loves the outdoors. When Lissy starts hanging out with Carlos, the new thrill-seeking guy in town, Ayla wants to keep an eye on her and finds herself tagging along on a weekend climbing trip up Black Dog Mountain. But things go very wrong when Lissy and her dad, the only adult in the group, are badly injured high on the side of the mountain. Suddenly the risks of climbing become very real. Ayla and Carlos need to figure out how to get help, and every decision they make could have catastrophic consequences.
According to Mattel, eight Hot Wheels are sold every second. So what is the secret behind the toy cars’ appeal? In this biography of a brand, growing readers will learn why the production of Hot Wheels has stayed strong since the cars' first release in the 1960s.
The elegant houses of the wealthy may hold more than just expensive things. Some are said to be home to ghosts! Reluctant readers will love reading the famous ghost stories from lavish locales in this spooky book.
As the “Queen of Dairy”, DQ captures the hearts and bellies of ice cream lovers worldwide. Dairy Queen began by selling soft serve ice cream cones with a curl on top. Soon, malts, shakes, banana splits, and more treats were added to the menu. Today, DQ has more than 6,000 stores that offer a variety of items, from thick Blizzards to crispy Chicken Strip Baskets. Readers will enjoy learning about Dairy Queen's history in this flavorful title for eager minds.
Secrecy is of the utmost importance in completing reconnaissance missions. Soldiers must be experts with binoculars. They move swiftly and silently to gather information about enemy weapons, territories, and operations. Learn more about the speed and intelligence of these stealthy men and women in this leveled text for beginning and reluctant readers.
Tornadoes are the most violent storms on Earth! Their twisting winds flatten houses and uproot trees in minutes. Young readers find out how to tell if a tornado is on its way, where to go, and how to stay safe in this high-interest title.
Every fire has three ingredients: heat, fuel, and oxygen. And when these ingredients mix inside a house or in a forest, they are often a recipe for danger. This survival guide for young readers calls out the causes of fires and how to best escape the smoke and flames.
The force of an avalanche coming down a mountain is powerful. It can create winds strong enough to smash houses. Some avalanches can reach speeds of 200 miles per hour! In this book, young readers will discover how to predict sliding snow, ice, and rock before it buries them.
Presidents of the United States might get some creepy houseguests during their time at the White House—former presidents! Find out which presidents have been sighted haunting their old home and what their unfinished business might be in this high-interest title for young readers.
Jane has no interest in boys. Her mom, Sherry, has brought home so many creeps over the years that Jane has decided to focus for the next five years on her studies. Her best friend, the boy-crazy Kiara, is obsessed with online quizzes and convinces Jane to help her create a questionnaire that will determine whether muscular Liam or Omar with the cute eyes is her true soul mate. Their friendship is tested when the answers come back with a surprising third option, the quiet and awkward Javier. Jane fails to reveal the results, which leads to some heated words being exchanged and long-held resentments (and possible secret crushes) being revealed. One of the besties will have to swallow her pride to make the first move and try to repair the damage.
Even though he's secretly terrified of deep water, and all the scary things that swim below, Tate wants to shake his boring reputation, and he agrees to travel with his class up the Amazon River to help build a village school. He has his fingers and toes crossed that he won't see any giant snakes or hungry piranhas. But there are even scarier things than anacondas lurking in the jungles of South America, and Tate soon learns of the legend of El Tunchi, a vengeful spirit that terrorizes those who harm the rainforest. When creepy things start happening and Tate keeps hearing El Tunchi's haunting whistle, he's sure the group must have angered someone. Or something. He and his friends need to figure out a way to make amends and get out of the jungle alive.
On the grassy Pampas of Uruguay, gauchos carry on a history of the South American cowboy. But these rugged ranchers are just one part of the country’s rich culture. In this title, young learners can read about the people, animals, and daily life of this small yet proud nation.
Some sailors come back to land full of ghost stories about cursed crews or flaming ships. But do they truly sail the seas? Or are they just tricks of the mind? Find out for yourself in this high-interest book for reluctant readers.
Although the Detroit Lions haven’t had much luck in championships, they show courage and spirit on the field. They have produced some amazing star power, including Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders! An interesting fact is that the Detroit Lions have hosted a game every Thanksgiving Day since 1934, with the exception of the years during WWII. Young readers will enjoy learning more about the Detroit Lions in this fascinating title.
A wrong turn on a hike can quickly become a dangerous situation. Do you know what to do if a cougar is following you, or what berries are safe to eat? Sharpen your wilderness survival skills and become prepared for anything with this book for young readers.
Peacekeepers are dedicated to creating and maintaining peace in areas previously torn apart by conflict. They provide training, and advise leaders on how best to improve the safety of their people. Though peacekeepers often work after conflicts have been resolved, danger still lurks in dark corners. Struggling readers will be fascinated to learn about the honorable work conducted in military peacekeeping missions.
Barbie is popular enough to be recognized by her first name alone. But does Barbie have a last name? In this book, fluent readers can find the answer to that question while discovering other interesting information about Barbie. The famous doll's life story is on full display in this title.
Sea turtle hatchlings have a triathlon of sorts to complete immediately after hatching. First, they dig themselves out of the sand. Next, they race down the beach. Lastly, they swim as fast as possible to deep water. Independent readers will celebrate this book's baby-focused survival stories.
Who’s that knocking on your hotel room door? Is it room service or a ghostly visitor? Guests have recounted strange occurrences likes these during their stays at some hotels. This title introduces reluctant readers to some of these haunted encounters with unwanted hotel guests.
Alien robots from the planet Cybertron, Transformers characters have a fascinating backstory. They also have the special ability to alter their form for battle, morphing into weapons and machines. Advancing readers will be intrigued to learn more about how the Transformers brand has changed over the years.
Airplanes, ships, helicopters, and more! Troop transport missions are all about moving soldiers. The record for most troops moved by ship occurred in 1943. The RMS Queen Mary transported more than 15,000 troops from the U.S. to Europe in a single trip! Clear the landing pad for this exciting, low-level read!
As the company who brought you Rugrats, SpongeBob SquarePants, iCarly, and other loved shows, Nickelodeon has earned its rank as one of the top-rated cable networks in history. Originally called Pinwheel, this entertainment business has come a long way from dumping green slime on show contestants to earning an Academy Award for Rango, a feature film. Young readers will channel their minds to discovering more about Nickelodeon in this fun title.
All the food you eat, whether it's an apple or a steak or a chocolate-coated cricket, has a story. Let's Eat uncovers the secret lives of our groceries, exploring alternative and sometimes bizarre farm technology and touring gardens up high on corporate rooftops and down low in military-style bunkers beneath city streets. Packed with interesting and sometimes startling facts on agriculture around the world, Let's Eat reveals everything from the size of the biggest farm in the world to how many pesticides are in a single grape to which insect people prefer to eat.
Tsunamis make headlines around the world for their damage and destruction. What should you do if a killer wave is coming your way? Learn about tsunami preparations and procedures in this instructive title.