For as long as he can remember, Matt has wanted to play basketball. Now, as he tries out for the team at his new middle school, he realizes that the easy days of elementary ball are over and that this is a much more serious game. Dealing with a hard-driving coach, competitive teammates and his own insecurities in a new school, Matt needs to call on all his skills, both on and off the court, to make the team and keep his head above water. When he is involved, albeit unwittingly, in tagging a store with racist graffiti, Matt finds himself in more trouble than he bargained for. And when he fights back against an aggressive teammate and is threatened with suspension from the team, he learns that it is not only game-time decisions that count, but also the choices made after the crowd has gone home and the gym is silent.
Nuclear energy, with the potential to provide vast amounts of power, is a controversial topic. The science, history, and the controversy are explained here.
Examines the 12 most amazing facts about the dropping of the atomic bombs in World War II. Full-color spreads provide information about the event’s critical moments, key players, and lasting effects paired with interesting sidebars, questions to consider, and a timeline.
The country's "addiction" to oil is described and alternative energy potential from hydrogen is discussed.
This books describes the process used to develop transportation methods and describes the ways each STEAM field is involved in the process.
Among the millions of stories ever told, the tales of the legendary explorer Marco Polo are the most renowned. Listen as an old-time scribe tells his curious young neighbor about stories that are worth remembering.
A historical account of the Arab Spring, including the events leading up to the string of protests, the people involved, the conditions of political instability, and the lingering aftermath.
A historical account of John F. Kennedy’s assassination, including the events leading up to it, the people involved, conspiracy theories surrounding his death, and the lingering aftermath.
A historical account of the end of the Cold War, including the events that sparked conflict and led to peace, the competition for global ideological supremacy, and the lingering aftermath.
A historical account of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, including the events leading up to that day, the people involved, the monumental rescue and recovery efforts, and the lingering aftermath.
A historical account of the Great Recession, including the causes of the economic downturn, the role played by the Federal Reserve and other government offices, and the lingering aftermath.
Amidst a complicated history of mistreatment by and distrust of the American government, the Navajo people—especially bilingual code talkers—helped the Allies win World War II.
An examination of the monarchic form of government, including its basic ideologies and structure, its best-known leaders throughout history, and countries affected by its system of rule.
A biography of German-born composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, examining his European travels and interest in opera, as well as some of his greatest compositions.
A biography of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, examining his design influence and development of the Prairie School style, as well as some of his most famous structures.
A biography of Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh, examining his contributions to the Post-Impressionist style and his early death, as well as many of his greatest paintings.
A biography of Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo, examining his masterful commissions and papal relationships, as well as some of his most enduring works.
A historical survey of the United States presidency, from its beginnings to current issues, including its role as executive and influential presidents such as Andrew Jackson.
A historical survey of state and local governments, including the role and responsibilities each has in its community and influential mayors, governors, and others.
A historical survey of the United States Senate, from its beginnings to current issues, including its role in Congress and influential senators such as Daniel Webster and Hillary Clinton.
A historical survey of the United States Supreme Court, from its beginnings to present decisions, including its judicial role and influential justices such as Earl Warren.
A historical survey of the United States House of Representatives, from its beginnings to present struggles, including its role in Congress and influential members.
A historical survey of the presidential cabinet, from its beginnings to current structure, including its executive role and influential members such as Salmon P. Chase.
With prompting questions and historical background, an early reader comes face to face with famous works of Modern art and is encouraged to identify images and consider different meanings.
With prompting questions and historical background, an early reader comes face to face with famous works of Romantic art and is encouraged to identify feelings and consider dreamlike subjects.
