Heather Moore Niver

Bats--eek Many people are afraid of these swooping nighttime flyers, but this book reverses that reputation to show readers how important bats really are. Readers will learn about different kinds of bats, including their anatomy, habitat, and behavior. The book will focus on the ways bats help us, from eating disease-carrying mosquitos to pollinating plants. Color photographs bring these beneficial bats to life, as readers learn about how bats are in danger and how humans can help. "Creature Clue" fact boxes and a graphic organizer supplement the main text to give readers a well-rounded learning experience.

For a long time, aviation experts and pilots thought aircraft couldn't fly faster than the speed of sound. They believed there was a point where the plane and pilot would just explode They called it the sound barrier. In 1947, Chuck Yeager proved that to be untrue, and in 2012, a skydiver broke the sound barrier without a plane to fly in From the challenges of airplane technology to daredevil parachutists, the story of breaking the sound barrier is one that will have readers on the edge of their seat. Full-color images and detailed sidebars take history to new heights.

When we look up at the night sky you can see millions of stars, but what do you think we could see in space if we left Earth? If we could hop into a special ship and blast off, traveling billions of miles away from Earth, we'd see the Milky Way galaxy. In this book, readers take an incredible journey through that galaxy, exploring the universe and learning how it was formed and what will one day happen to these enormous groups of stars. From mysterious dark matter to the black holes at the center of galaxies, readers will also dive into the mysteries of the universe scientists have spent years trying to decipher.

It has been said that good things come in small packages. Such is the case with Arduino. Using the Arduino programming language, users operate microcontrollers, which are essentially mini-computers that trigger physical systems such as lights and motors. This book introduces readers to one of the most popular programming platforms, taking computing beyond the computer. This narrative covers the particulars of Arduino's hardware and software, its capabilities, pros and cons of the platform, and examples of the creativity its use engenders.

Computer programming can be intimidating for anyone, particularly a beginner. Making that task a bit easier is Ruby, an open-source programming language that is becoming increasingly popular among middle school and high school students. Readers are introduced to the many facets of Ruby, including the language's history, the basics of operation, and implementation of the system's application framework, Ruby on Rails. Discussions of less than optimal aspects of the system and user concerns ensure that the coverage is well-rounded. The accessible narrative is as easy to understand as Ruby itself.

The many streams and rivers that are part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed provide the freshwater that helps make the bay such a unique ecosystem. The brackish waters are home to lots of plants and animals that are a factor in keeping the bay healthy. However, the tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay can also have negative effects on the health of the bay if the water they feed to the bay is polluted. Readers will learn about the interconnectedness of the bay watershed as well as the importance of this estuary's tributaries. Including a map of the key rivers flowing into the Chesapeake Bay, the main content will engage readers with the conservation conversation surrounding the bay in addition to its geography. Vivid photographs and detailed sidebars will further draw readers into the growing region surrounding the Chesapeake Bay.

Ostriches are funny-looking birds with their long legs and huge, popping eyes. But don't get too close. An ostrich's huge talons are sharp enough to kill a lion. Ostriches also eat anything they can find, such as rocks, buttons, and even alarm clocks Though these animals are increasingly raised on ranches, they're not domesticated, and should never be kept as pets. Readers will love learning about these odd, record-breaking birds.

Countless statutes, sculptures, and structures have been built to celebrate important moments and people in US history. However, some US monuments are structures build before the United States was even a country, and others are landforms produced by natural forces thousands of years ago. The dazzling photographs in this volume are sure to teach and tantalize readers. Age-appropriate text is paired with graphic organizers to help readers get the most from this entertaining guide to US monuments.

The Declaration of Independence is one of the most famous letters in human history. Thomas Jefferson and the other Founding Fathers created this important document to announce their freedom from England. It was one of the driving forces that sparked the Revolutionary War and lead to the formation of the United States. But there's so much more to learn about this historic document that isn't in typical history books. The age-appropriate text in this book is paired with little-known fun facts, fascinating photographs and illustrations, and helpful graphic organizers to show just how interesting this pivotal document really is.

This title offers authoritative and comprehensive information for any young person looking to forge their way into the construction industry but doesn't know where to start. Readers are first introduced to the general areas of construction such as working with stone, metal, large machines, and architecture tools and software. They are then given the specific jobs within each area, such as stonemason, welder, crane operator, carpenter, electrician, contractor, and civil engineer, among others. The text highlights benefits and obstacles of each trade, as well as the job outlook. This information is designed to give readers a clear and comprehensive education in potential opportunities in area. With each chapter covering the general fields of construction and then focusing in on the specific jobs, this book serves as a reliable roadmap for any young person who is interested in a job in construction.

Aircraft carriers are truly impressive cities at sea. Their monstrous size alone can fill visitors with awe. However, the people who live on carriers and the jobs they do every day are just as extraordinary. Pilots who land jets with precision, engineers who piece together weapons, and technicians who fuel vehicles in the midst of dangerous situations are just some of the heroes of the navy highlighted in this book.

Networks are comprised of people who want to support one another. In this sincere narrative, young women get a practical resource for forming, building, and maintaining networks, whether in terms of finding a job, internship, gym, or Web designer. Readers learn about informal and formal networks, comfort and professional networks, and how to build, nurture, and share their networks. This straightforward volume provides young women with the tools to use their networks for reaching their goals in volunteering, applying to college, starting a business, or finding a job in the community or online. Ten Great Questions to Ask a Mentor and intriguing sidebars such as creating "the elevator pitch" or staying organized add to the book's appeal.

Sharks are one of nature's fiercest predators. Sharks also don't have any bones, and they can lose up to 30,000 teeth in a lifetime. Sharks have to keep swimming all the time in order to keep breathing. Inside this book, readers will discover these and many more fun sharks facts. Amazing photographs of nature's deadliest creatures in the wild are sure to thrill readers of all ages.

Many kinds of very friendly dolphins live in warm waters all around the world. In fact, dolphins are one of the few types of wild animals that seem to like being with people. Even the "killer whale," the largest of all dolphins, is often tame and friendly around people. Inside, readers will learn many more fun facts about dolphins while seeing vibrant photographs of them in their aquatic homes.

From the Sting Ray to the AstroVette, Corvettes have made an indelible impression on the world of cars. With stunning photographs and fast, fun facts, this book introduces readers to one of the best-known sports cars ever made. Budding car enthusiasts learn more about why so many 'Vettes are zooming around today.