Images in stone like those on Easter Island are part of our historical legacy, but were they inspired by creatures from other planets? This gripping book examines the many myths and legends about the ancient past, searching for and finding facts about fascinating sites that include Stonehenge and the lost cities of Tiahuanaco and El Dorado.
Why do aircraft and ships seem to disappear in the Bermuda Triangle? Since the time of Christopher Columbus there have been reports of strange sightings and vessels lost while traveling through the Devils Triangle. Are the legends make-believe, or is there something sinister waiting in the waters of the Bermuda Triangle?
A government is a group of people who provide rules and authority for the society they serve. Readers will learn that there are many different kinds of governments. Examples of governments around the world frame a discussion of why it is important that citizens have a say in who governs them and the decisions that get made. Activities encourage further discussion.
Values are the things we believe in, that make us active and positive parts of our communities. Helping people in need is an important value that teaches us to be respectful, to empathize with others, and problem-solve. Readers will learn the value of helping others—and asking for help when they need it—at home, at school, and in their communities.
In the search for oil and gas, we have drilled deep beneath the ocean’s surface and the ground to tap into the energy wells trapped there. Today, we need more energy than ever before in our history, but the oil and gas fields may soon dry up. One option being considered is fracking. Rock is fractured underground in order to reach deposits. Discover how people use fracking to harness the before-unreachable supplies of gas and oil beneath Earth’s surface, the challenges of this form of mining, and the controversies surrounding it.
Laughter is a universal language. Using jokes, puns, riddles, fantastic images, rhymes, and more, this book examines humor around the world. Readers will learn how humor is shaped by language and culture and how being a "cultural insider" can help you understand humor in another language or country.
Vampire jokes, insect humor…we often make fun of the things that creep us out. This cringe-worthy book examines how our funny bones are sometimes tweaked by fright. Using jokes, puns, riddles, and rhymes, readers will learn how to harness their own fears and slay them with jokes.
This timely and important title examines the motivations, events, and effects of the terrorist practice of taking hostages. From political bargaining throughout history to current activity by the terrorist group ISIS, readers will consider the reasons that groups engage in hostage taking and learn about the effects it has on victims and their larger communities. Taking the stance of a global citizen, readers will debate whether hostage takers should be negotiated with and how hostage taking could be prevented. Using case studies, debate sidebars, and critical thinking questions, Hostage Takers allows readers to critically explore the media’s coverage of terrorism and hostage situations, exposing them to differing perspectives on how best to deal with these threats now and in the future.
The role of bodyguard or "close protection officer" is highly misunderstood. In action films threats are obvious: ski-mask wearing gunmen fire at the client from a speeding black Suburban. In real life, threats may be harder to assess. If a crowd of unarmed protesters pushes towards the client and blocks access to the client's car and the building he is being escorted to, this poses a threat. The client is caught outside of the two "safe zones" (car and building). However bodyguards have no legal right to use force in a public place unless they or the client is being attacked. The bodyguards will call the police, but they may not arrive for ten to twenty minutes. This interesting new book examines the different types of bodyguard: police, military and civilian; their training; typical roles; the equipment they use; weapons; bodyguards and the law; evasive driving; and life as a bodyguard.
For centuries, falling water has been used in parts of the world to create energy to run grinding stones at mills and irrigation systems for crops. This interesting book shows how the use of this “clean” form of energy, called hydroelectricity, is being expanded to help us build a more sustainable future. Discover how other forms of water-based energy, such as energy from ocean waves and tides, are being harnessed and used to help create electricity to power our homes, offices, and factories.
In this inspired title, readers will discover the elements graphic designers use, such as colors, shapes, fonts, and perspective, to convey their messages. Creative and engaging maker projects help readers use these same elements to create their own graphic design works. “Makers and Shakers” sidebars introduce readers to some of the most innovative graphic designers and their work.
Game design requires many skills including imagination, problem solving, communication, and teamwork. These characteristics make it a natural fit for the Maker movement. From board games to video games, this exciting title introduces readers to the essential basics of game design including game components and systems, prototype design, play testing, and the steps in the iterative design process. “Makers and Shakers” sidebars introduce readers to some of the world’s greatest game designers and innovators. The title also includes engaging, step-by-step Maker projects to put their game design skills to work.
In this highly visual title, readers will find out where fashion trends originate, learn about cutting-edge technologies such as digital prints and smart clothing, and discover how to use up-cycling to create original fashion statements. They will also learn about choosing patterns and textiles, and be instructed on how to do design techniques such as basic sewing, beading, and stenciling. The book includes several imaginative Maker projects to inspire readers to create works of fashion art.
Pounding hooves, the roar of the crowds, muscles tightening, and then - the leap! Experience the excitement and thrill of competitive Steeplechase in the latest book in the Horsing Around series, Steeplechase. You too can be a champion!
In 1974, an inventor named Victor Wouk became a man who could be described as ahead of his time. He had developed a prototype for the hybrid, a car that would become the most credible and commercially successful alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles.
There are no second places in aerial combat. Fighter pilots have perhaps the most dangerous job of all pilots - engaging other aircraft in order to shoot them down, or flying over enemy territory to drop bombs. Learning to master flying such a complex jet is only part of the job. Ultimately, a fighter jet is no more than a weapons platform, and the pilot must be better than his or her rivals in using the jet's weapons. This book will examine what it takes to become a fighter pilot; what the job is like; the jets and equipment required; and what its like to fly at twice the speed of sound in pursuit of an enemy.
Are you longing to mount up and hit the trail? Trail Riding, the latest book in the Horsing Around series, explores the sport of competitive trail riding from head to tail. Learn the tips, the tricks, the rules and rides -- and most importantly, how to finish - a winner.
Hold on to your cowboy hats and prepare for a wild read! In this book, you'll learn all about the bucking horses, lively livestock, and daring riders of the rodeo world. You'll read about roping, riding, racing, wrestling, and more! You'll also discover the breeds of rodeo horses, how riders handle and care for their animals, and how cattle herding became a rough-and-tumble sport.
Cross Country and Endurance takes readers into the world of cross country and endurance competitions, which test the stamina, riding, and jumping abilities of the horse and rider. The text is clear and easy to read, providing both history and rules of the sport. Exciting, engaging photographs and informative diagrams accompany the text.
For kids into music, this title can’t be beat! From inspiring profiles of key Maker musicians, to learning the components of different musical instruments, readers will discover how music works in harmony with the Maker movement. Several maker projects give readers opportunities to build their own instruments.
In this engaging title, readers interested in animation will learn about the history of this art in motion, and discover who the world’s greatest animators have been and how they came to create their inspiring works. The book includes several imaginative Maker projects to inspire readers to create their own animation. They will be encouraged to choose the style of animation they wish to create and experiment with it to change it into a form that suits their ideas and concepts.
Joshua Wong was born in Hong Kong less than one year before China took back control of the city from the United Kingdom. While the handover was peaceful, Hong Kong’s citizens lost their right to fully democratic elections. Joshua's leadership as an activist came to international attention in 2014, during pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. The protest became known as the Umbrella Movement. Although Joshua and his student organization called Scholarism promoted peaceful protest, he was jailed for his participation. Undiscouraged, Joshua continues to advocate for full and free elections in Hong Kong. He has been the subject of a documentary called Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower, and has been recognized for his work with many awards including TIME magazine’s 25 Most Influential Teens.
A competitive swimmer in Syria, Yusra Mardini never let go of her Olympic dream, even when civil war made it too difficult to train in her country. In 2016, she was allowed to compete in the Rio Olympics as part of a special team for refugees. This was only months after making a daring crossing of the Mediterranean Sea in a sinking boat that she helped tow to shore. Dozens of lives were saved on the voyage. Still training, Mardini also acts as a spokesperson and educator for the United Nations High Commission on Refugees.
American gymnast Simone Biles wowed the world at the 2016 Rio Olympics by winning four gold medals. The first female gymnast to earn three consecutive all-around titles, Biles has been listed on TIME magazine's list of 100 Most Influential People, authored a book on her life, and won an ESPY award for best female athlete in 2017. Her determination carried her through an unstable home life as a young child to become someone who wants to inspire others to lead a healthy and happy lifestyle.
American teenager Zuriel Oduwole tries to live by the quote: “If your dreams don’t scare you, then they’re not big enough.” A filmmaker, public speaker, and writer, Zuriel has interviewed dozens of world leaders and pushed them to promote the education of girls around the world. Founder of the Dream Up, Speak Up, Stand Up organization, Zuriel teaches citizen filmmaking to kids around the world, speaks out on gender equality at major world forums, and makes world leaders accountable for supporting girls’ education initiatives.
