The COVID-19 pandemic put a spotlight on the problems and flaws in the way we live in modern cities and communities. This useful book analyzes why some cities and countries suffered more than others by the harms inflicted by the pandemic. By exploring historical and contemporary pandemics, we can learn how cities and countries can assess their vulnerabilities and find ways to reduce the risk to citizens in future pandemics.
When people boarded the Diamond Princess cruise ship in February 2020, they had no idea their luxury vacation would turn into a nightmare of quarantine, sickness, and death. Using real examples of living through the pandemic, this fascinating book gives an overall inside look at how much changed and how quickly during COVID-19--the first major pandemic since 1918. A useful timeline will help readers keep track of the major events during the pandemic.
Never having faced such a challenge, governments were mostly slow to respond at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Then came groundbreaking science, historically swift vaccines, and economic stimulus packages to try to keep the virus under control and ease the burden of faltering economies. This detailed book examines the unprecedented challenges brought about by the pandemic, and how governments and people have coped.
"If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants." This fascinating biography details the life and achievements of Sir Isaac Newton, a scientist and mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of physics. Newton's groundbreaking theory of gravity and the Laws of Motion proved a great leap forward in science and changed the world's understanding of the forces at work on Earth and in space.
"All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered: the goal is to discover them." This fascinating biography details the life and achievements of Galileo Galilei, an artist and scientist who made significant contributions to so many fields of science that he is known as the "father of modern science." Galileo developed the process of investigation of the natural world, called the scientific method, that the world's scientists still follow today.
"Animals that are better adapted to their environment tend to survive and have more offspring." He named this idea natural selection. This fascinating biography details the life and achievements of Charles Darwin, a scientist who made significant contributions to the field of natural history. Darwin's groundbreaking Theory of Evolution changed the world's understanding of how animal species grow and change over generations.
"The important thing is to not stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." This fascinating biography details the life and achievements of Albert Einstein, a scientist and mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of physics. Einstein's famous Theory of Relativity changed the world's understanding of space and created a whole new kind of science to study - cosmology.
Discover the courageous stories of elite Black athletes who battled prejudice and exclusion to become heroes and champions in their sport. Some have used their platform to bring attention to global, social, economic, and health issues. Others brought glory and fame to their countries. Read about such heroes in sports as boxer Muhammad Ali, tennis great Serena Williams, sprinter Usain Bolt, gymnast Simone Biles, and many more.
The act of segregation was a common thread woven throughout the world, directed at people of color. It takes great courage to stand up against racial injustice and many Black leaders sacrificed their lives to demand equality. Read about men and women who worked on behalf of all people of color including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Barack Obama, the founders of Black Lives Matter Alicia Garza, Opal Tometi, Patrisse Cullors, and many more.
What better way is there to preserve the human spirit of a people than through artistic expression? This book celebrates the stories of Black artists who paved the way for people of color in and out of the arts to be their true selves. Read about men and women who have broken barriers in literature and the performing and visual arts including writer Toni Morrison, jazz pianist Oscar Peterson, rapper Common, artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, actor Lupia Nyong'o, and many more.
Read about the men and women who have improved our lives through science including Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, astronaut Mae Jemison, inventor George Washington Carver, psychologists Kenneth and Mamie Clark, and many more.
Understanding Christianity covers the history of Christianity and how the religion has evolved and expanded. Readers learn about its branches, church services, and world contributions. This title also discusses challenges that have arisen as Christians interact with people of other faiths. Features include a glossary, references, websites, source notes, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Essential Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.
Jen Conrad has a life many dream of. She’s a popular model and comes from a famous Hollywood family, but soon, her life starts to crumble. Wrongfully accused of murder, Jen is hounded by reporters and tabloids. All she wants is peace and quiet. That’s what she hopes to find while staying at her grandmother’s beach house. Yet even there, danger lurks. Jen soon discovers that the people closest to her may be in trouble. Can she protect her family, or will she lose them and herself?
When Fay and her family move into a new house, strange occurrences start happening all around them. Convinced the house is haunted, Fay wonders if the creepy room in the basement holds the answers. Adding to the mystery is the shadowy figure who keeps watching her. Fay is determined to figure out who it is. Then she can focus on making new friends and playing basketball. That’s hard to do when random items keep going missing from the house. Is an intruder to blame? Or is it something other-worldly? As she works to uncover the secrets around her, Fay learns more about herself and true friendship than she ever imagined possible.
After a difficult childhood, Chris Gardner promised he would be a good father. He also vowed to become successful. When he found himself homeless as a single dad, Gardner didn’t give up. Instead, the Navy veteran put all his energy into becoming a stockbroker and building a happy life. Today Gardner inspires people to keep reaching for their dreams.
People have been constructing tall buildings for thousands of years, for many different reasons. Castle walls kept people safe. Utility towers transmit TV and cell-phone signals. Observatories give people a bird’s-eye view of the world. Beautiful buildings stand out in the crowd. Skyscrapers provide housing for a lot of people. There are some good reasons for building up, and a few bad ones as well. With a growing global population, we will need more and more space to live, learn and work in. But what does that mean for the health of the planet? Can we do it sustainably? Tall buildings may be part of the answer.
For more than 150 years, thousands of Indigenous children were taken from their families and sent to residential schools across Canada. Artist Carey Newman created the Witness Blanket to make sure that history is never forgotten. The Blanket is a living work of art—a collection of hundreds of objects from those schools. It includes everything from photos, bricks, hockey skates, graduation certificates, dolls and piano keys to braids of hair. Behind every piece is a story. And behind every story is a residential school Survivor, including Carey's father. This book is a collection of truths about what happened at those schools, but it's also a beacon of hope and a step on the journey toward reconciliation.
Legends and folklore developed over time that warned of powerful curses placed on those who would disturb a mummy's tomb. They might even come back to life to curse you! In this guide you'll find fascinating facts about how the Egyptians made mummies, where in the world different forms of mummification are practiced, how fascinated Europeans had mummy unwrapping parties in the 1800s, mummies in popular culture, and related undead creatures. Downloadable Teacher Notes available.
Bigfoot is known by many names--Sasquach, Yeti, Yowie, and more. The information in this guide comes from legends in different parts of the world where sightings of hairy apemen are said to have taken place. Fascinating facts include how to tell if a bigfoot is nearby, where in the world they are thought to exist, reported sightings, and bigfoot in popular culture. Downloadable Teacher Notes available.
First reported in Puerto Rico in 1995, the chupacabra is a newcomer to the cryptid family. The information in this guide comes from reported events of livestock being sucked of their blood in different places around the world. Fascinating facts include theories these hellhounds are of an alien or military origin, where in the world they are thought to exist, reported sightings, and chupacabras in popular culture. Downloadable Teacher Notes available.
Pakistan is a country of stunning and diverse landscapes that include mountains, deserts, lush forests, plateaus, and raging rivers. Read all about the country's land and resources, the importance of the Indus River, and the impact of colonization by Europeans, as well as daily life and culture today for people across Pakistan. Free downloadable Teacher's Guide available.
Ghana's landscape includes the large northern savannah, rain forests, and the coastal region, which is small but contains the largest cities. Read all about the country's land and resources, the early trading empire, and the impact of colonization by Europeans, as well as daily life and culture today for people across Ghana. Free downloadable Teacher's Guide available.
Chile is a long narrow strip of land running half the length of South America and bordered on either side by the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains. Read all about the country's land and resources, the mineral-rich Atacama Desert, and the impact of colonization by Europeans, as well as daily life and culture today for people across Chile. Free downloadable Teacher's Guide available.
Australia's varied landscapes--from deserts and forests to the stunning Great Barrier Reef--are as diverse as its unique wildlife. Read all about the country's land and resources, the Aboriginal people, and the impact of colonization by Europeans, as well as daily life and culture today for people across Australia. Free downloadable Teacher's Guide available.
When his cousin struggled in school, Salman “Sal” Khan decided to help. Since they couldn’t get together, Khan tutored her by computer. Soon he posted lessons online for others too. Seeing the need for online learning, he started the Khan Academy. Through the academy, Khan continues his quest to provide a world-class education to anyone who wants one.