Jeanne Nagle

Readers will learn all about how different animal groups forage for food, creating various food chains that allow diverse creatures to thrive. From very good eyesight or hearing to sharp claws and steel-trap jaws, carnivores are made to hunt. Herbivores, meanwhile, have special teeth and even extra stomachs to help them feed on plant life. Each animal is built in a way that best helps it find and eat the food it needs to live.

For anyone, riding a bike can be a great way to get some exercise and fresh air. But some riders want a thrilling, pulse-pumping ride, whether it's through the woods and over the rocks on a mountain bike or navigating track-based obstacles in bicycle motocross, or BMX. This book captures the excitement and rush of extreme biking, from its California origins to today's X Games and Olympics. Readers will explore some of the biggest names in extreme biking and learn about exciting and challenging races. They will also learn about the bikes, gear, styles, stunts, and lingo associated with this speedy sport.

For anyone, riding a bike can be a great way to get some exercise and fresh air. But some riders want a thrilling, pulse-pumping ride, whether it's through the woods and over the rocks on a mountain bike or navigating track-based obstacles in bicycle motocross, or BMX. This book captures the excitement and rush of extreme biking, from its California origins to today's X Games and Olympics. Readers will explore some of the biggest names in extreme biking and learn about exciting and challenging races. They will also learn about the bikes, gear, styles, stunts, and lingo associated with this speedy sport.

Hear "abominable" and you may well think disgusting, detestable, disagreeable. Hear "snowman" and you think adorable. But put the two words together--Abominable Snowman--and you get a mystery. In this page-turner, students will read about people who claim to have seen the creature--even to have preserved body parts. Yikes. Other people and groups included in this book aim to debunk what they see as baseless myths. Readers will learn about both views of the Abominable Snowman as well as other legendary beasts in this provocative and riveting account. They can then come to their own conclusions.

In this comprehensive volume dedicated to ancient Chinese civilization, upper elementary-level readers will learn the different dynasties of ancient China, the memorable leaders that spearheaded them, and the lasting influences each period had on civilizations to follow. Readers will learn about the oldest examples of Chinese writing, which ruler was responsible for completing the Great Wall, and the cultural context in which Confucius became a prominent philosopher, among other fascinating details. These ancient Chinese contributions constitute only a few of the aspects of ancient China waiting to be discovered.

Scratch is a unique programming language based in graphical interface, rather than written code, making it more accessible to younger users. It has been widely popular since its introduction in 2007. Programming and the core concepts of computer interface are a necessity to students in today's world. In order to succeed in college and find a job, a student needs to know more than the basics. This volume provides a thorough history of Scratch and how it can be used to launch a career or simply an idea.

Alice is one of several programming environments that use prewritten code to help get beginners started with coding. This animated overview discusses Alice's history and development, why it was created, and how it has made programming fun and easy for novice coders. Readers will learn how to access and start using Alice, its requirements, and its strengths and weaknesses. Examples of the terms and commands give readers an idea of what to expect when using Alice. Examples of projects created using Alice will encourage readers to try it out for themselves.

Delta Force is the most secret Special Forces group in the US military. Delta Force has been part of many conflicts all over the world including Grenada and Iraq. Readers will explore the unit's fascinating history as an extraordinary antiterrorism fighting force. Live-action images of Delta Force operators in training will enhance fascinating facts about covert missions and military life. Exciting sidebars offer even more thrilling content to engage young readers.

This resource investigates the top cultural and anthropological reasons why we practice the art of tattooing and proudly display them. Beyond fad, cosmetic, or individual reasons, readers learn about the roles of tattoos in religion, ritual, cultural identity, and more. Further, this book offers readers information that could influence their own opinions about tattoos and the decision to get one.

Horses are hard workers. They have been used for transportation and farming for hundreds of years, but they can also do much more. Readers will learn the many jobs horses perform and see photographs of these industrious mammals at work. Horses help police officers, ranchers, and polo players. They can be used for therapy, entertainment, and even guiding the blind. Readers will learn all about these important jobs that are accomplished by our hoofed friends.

According to the most recent federal census, there are around 777,000 same-sex couples living in the United States. Individual states decide whether to award legal status to same-sex partnerships. Married couples enjoy certain legal, religious, and societal benefits that are exclusive to this institution. Students learn about the history of marriage, the legal ramifications, and what's at stake in this fascinating topic and debate. Additional information is provided on civil unions and domestic partnerships. This thoughtful book provides an overview of the challenges and what the future may hold for this highly controversial issue.