Fishing for barracuda from a kayak in the Florida Keys. That's what Jim Webb thinks this resort vacation with his grandfather should be about. Except the dying resort owner holds the key to legend about a generations-old crime, a crime that is worth way too much to those who want the legend to be true. Webb soon discovers that what lurks in the sun, sand and shallow waters of the Keys is much more dangerous than a slashing game fish. And along the way, he learns an important truth about himself and his own past. In this exciting prequel to Devil’s Pass and Tin Soldier, the musically gifted and tenacious Webb finds himself caught in a dangerous mystery.
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.
Animals must choose carefully when picking a place to call home. If they move into the wrong neighborhood, danger can be lurking next door. In this title, young readers will tour prairie dog burrows, beaver lodges, chimpanzee nests, and other homes to learn about the importance of location.
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 leafy sea dragon and other masters of camouflage blend in so well with their surroundings that they become nearly invisible. Inflatable animals like the puffer fish blow up to the point of shapeshifting. Growing readers will discover how animal adaptations are much like superpowers.
It really seems like Dani's dad has gone around the bend. Ever since Dani's mother died of cancer, all her dad does is stand around on street corners with his crazy signs, proclaiming that processed foods mean the end of the world. The Food Freak, as he is known, has already scared away all of Dani's friends at her old school. But it's a new year, and Dani is at a new school in a different part of town. Maybe things will be better now. Dani just needs to keep her head down and avoid making any friends. That way, nobody will find out about her dad and his insane protests. The plan seems to be working fine until one day Dani meets a boy who helps her see things in a different light.
When the Gladiators basketball team's nasty coach finally gets turfed midseason, things couldn't possibly get worse. The team hasn't won a game yet, and morale is at rock bottom. Sameer, who announces the games and keeps score, and Vijay, the team mascot, have their hands full keeping the team's spirits up. When they get promoted to assistant coach and manager, can they help a small, unathletic, Shakespeare-quoting drama teacher coach the team to victory, or at least to dignity? Or will the courtside drama eclipse even the school play?
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.
Elle has come to Nashville to become a star. She has what it takes, but her agent and all the label executives want to change everything about her - her hair, her body, her clothes and, most important, her music. So Elle becomes a blond, sings about cookin' for her man and wears tiny shorts and revealing tank tops. Then a chance meeting with an established female songwriter makes Elle realize that she's paying too high a price for success. Billboard Express continues the story that began in Rock the Boat by Sigmund Brouwer.
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.
When Rennie's dad, the Major, goes overseas on assignment, he enlists his mother-in-law to babysit Rennie. Babysit! A guy who's about to turn fifteen! But Grandma is no surrogate drill sergeant. She has fun on her mind. That means ditching school and heading to avalanche country for a surprise ski trip. Nothing can ruin Rennie's vacation, not the lodge owner, who turns out to be Grandma's geriatric long-ago boyfriend, not the annoying backcountry guide or the crooked park ranger or the pushy businessman from Mumbai, not even the explosions. And definitely not the most beautiful girl in the world, whom he meets while stumbling onto a murder plot. In this hair-raising prequel to Close to the Heel and From the Dead, the loyal, smart and observant Rennie heads to avalanche country.
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.
Fourteen-year-old Taz knows one thing for sure: she's a perfect disaster in the kitchen. Every time she tries to cook, chaos ensues. After fires, toxins and more than one minor injury, Taz will be happy if she makes it through her food-science class in one piece. But when the class enters a competitive race for a coveted program and Taz is put in a group that expects to win, the pressure is on. As the competition heats up, Taz is desperate to hold her own and not let her team down.
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.
