Explore the heart-pounding excitement as mountain bikers race over rugged terrain. Students will learn the difference between cross-country and downhill mountain biking, the technology behind the bikes and equipment, and how mountain bikers stay safe while having fun.
Street skateboarders use railings, benches, and curbs to do tricks. Eager readers will explore the development of street style skateboarding from the 1950s to today. They will also learn about the equipment needed to safely skateboard and the competitions in which pros compete.
Snocross racers drive snowmobiles through courses with sharp turns and huge jumps. Young readers will learn about the sport, snowmobiles, the safety equipment required to race, and how the first few seconds of a race are critical if you want to win.
Supermoto combines the jumps of motocross with the speed of motorcycle racing. Readers will learn about how supermoto courses combine dirt and pavement, what equipment is needed to race, and the unique skills it takes to become a champion of supermoto.
Ever wondered what it takes to ride a wave? Young readers will find out in this introduction to surfing. They will read about the history of surfing, the equipment used to ride waves, and the ways surfers compete against each other.
Have you ever wondered how an Indy car can keep its grip on the track when traveling at 200 miles per hour? Readers will learn the history of Indy cars, Indy car technology, and how these race cars compete in long, grueling races.
Lowriders are more about appearance than speed or performance. They are more like works of art than cars. Kids will learn about the history of the lowrider craze and how it has changed over the years.
Pedal quickly to stay out in front of the pack! The fast-paced style of BMX racing makes it an exciting sport to watch or practice. Readers will explore the history of BMX racing, the tactics that help win a race, and how the popularity of the sport has grown over the last few years.
Big Air Skateboarding has grown in popularity since its invention by Danny Way in 2004. Skateboarders drop down from 60 or 80 feet and launch off huge ramps to do spins, grabs, and flips in the air. Kids will discover the history of the sport, the equipment used, and the safety precautions taken to make sure it remains a fun extreme sport!
The skill, balance, and precision needed to execute tricks on a BMX bike are astounding. Students will learn about the history of BMX freestyle, the equipment needed to participate, and the tricks riders do to win competitions.
Fly high into the air with this thrilling introduction to moto-x freestyle. Eager learners will discover the history of moto-x freestyle, the equipment needed to ride, the many daring tricks, and how competitions reward those who perform difficult tricks well.
Motocross racing has been growing in popularity since the 1950s. The technology and competitions have changed, but the fast-paced action has not. Students will learn about the history of motocross racing, the equipment required to race, and how competition works.
Kiteboarding is one of the fastest-growing extreme sports in the world. The excitement it offers brings new people to the sport every day. Readers will explore kite propulsion, kiteboarding equipment, and the many tricks that skilled kiteboarders perform while catching air.
Riders feel the wind as they reach incredible speeds flying down hills and launching over jumps. Young readers will explore the history of downhill BMX, learn about the equipment needed to compete, and find out how racers give it their all to win a race.
A medium-lift assault helicopter, CH-46 Sea Knights are used to deliver heavily armed troops into battle. They are also used on several other missions. Readers will learn about these large helicopters, how they work, and the many missions they perform for the United States Marine Corps.
Some people kickbox for exercise, while others kickbox against opponents to win competitions. It takes great skill and discipline to become an elite kickboxer. Students will learn about the basics of kickboxing, the equipment required to participate, and the training required to fight in the ring.
When there is danger in shallow water, Littoral Combat Ships are called into action. These ships can go in water too shallow for other ships of the United States Navy. Armed with high-tech weapons and carrying helicopters and other aircraft, Littoral Combat Ships can fight any threat. This title introduces the newest craft of the Navy and shows how the technology behind the ships has led to their early success.
Librarians lend and take care of books. Many years ago, the job of a librarian was simpler because librarians only took care of a few books and libraries were small. Most libraries today contain many books, magazines, computers, and other media equipment. Librarians today help people find information and show them new ways to find it.
Most motorcycles can go pretty fast. However, some are designed to reach incredibly fast speeds! Kids will read about the history of motorcycles, the technology behind the fastest bikes, and what the future holds for the world's fastest motorcycles.
Off-road motorcycles have features that make them safe to ride off the pavement. Students will learn about the variety of off-road motorcycles, the parts that allow them to tackle the tough terrain, and the sporting competitions that use off-road motorcycles.
Moctezuma was the most famous leader of the powerful Aztec empire. The Aztecs were expert warriors. Most of central Mexico was under their rule at one time. Moctezuma was elected as the ruler of the empire. He was a fair leader who believed in strictly following the laws. He ruled for 17 years until the fall of the Aztec empire.
Mansa Musa was the king of Mali. Located in western Africa, Mali became one of the largest empires during Musa's reign. He helped his empire grow in size and culture by encouraging arts, literature, and architecture. He improved trade with the Arab and opened up other trade routes. During Musa's reign, he made Mali a powerful and wealthy state.
Hammurabi was a king of Babylon, but he wanted to rule the entire area of Mesopotamia. After only five years of being king, Hammurabi reached his goal. During his reign, Hammurabi did many things to improve and influence both the culture and government of Mesopotamia.
Confucius was a philosopher who devoted his life to relieving the suffering he saw. His philosophy stressed the natural order of a moral, just, society. After his death, his followers shared his teachings, influencing future generations.
Socrates was an ancient Greek philosopher who helped shape Greek beliefs. Socrates believed his purpose in life was to gain wisdom and find the truth by asking questions. Socrates made many people over his methods of teaching. He was arrested and sentenced to death. But, many of Socrates's ideas and beliefs can still be found today.
