Joan Axelrod-Contrada

For lovable Zeke the Weather Geek, can a disappointing birthday surprise turn out to be just what saves the day - and prove he has what it takes to be a Weather Warrior? With a weather station in his yard and a weather journal in his pocket, it's no wonder Zeke Abramovich is called Zeke the Weather Geek. It's a nickname he's proud of. But what he really wants is to be a Weather Warrior, which can only happen if he wins Miss Li's Winter Photo Contest. Except none of his perfect photo ideas have panned out. And on top of that, his birthday surprise is a pet lizard, not the Saint Bernard puppy he's been dreaming about. Zeke's Mood Meter plummets to negative 100 degrees. But things may be looking up. A major blizzard is on the way With all that snow, Zeke is sure get a prize-winning photo and Weather Warrior status, right? Along with a hilarious plot and an endearing cast of diverse characters, this fun opening title of a new early chapter book by Joan Axelrod-Contrada and Ann Malaspina, has loads of standout STEAM content on the science of weather. Topics covered, both within the story and in lively between-chapter information segments, include snow and how it's formed, other types of winter precipitation, the water cycle, meteorology, blizzards and climate change. Along with a glossary of weather words and selected sources, the book includes instructions for an experiment, tips on keeping a weather journal and ideas for action to fight climate change. The high-energy, black-and-white art by Paula J. Becker on every spread brings Zeke, and real-world science, to humorous life.

More wild and wacky weather is in the forecast in the latest installment of this STEAM-centered series. Zeke and his friends have "spring fever" and are excited about the temperature rising, but Zeke's Mood Meter starts to wobble when he notices cracks in the river ice. If the ice melts too quickly, it could turn into a flood When Zeke's favorite meteorologist, Freeze Jones, invites him to join his crew of Weather Watchers, Zeke hopes that will give him the inside scoop on the flood watch. Meanwhile, everyone at school is too focused on the spring play to worry about the potential spring flood. Can Zeke keep his teacher happy while still being an ace Weather Watcher? This is the second book in an early chapter book series starring the lovable Zeke and a diverse cast of his friends and schoolmates. Page-turning adventure is paired with loads of information on the science of weather, both within the story and in informational spreads tucked between chapters. Topics covered include the spring weather cycle, wind jet streams, types of floods, ice jams, flood safety and climate change's influence on flooding. There's also a glossary of weather words and instructions for building a rain gauge at the back of the book. Playful illustrations add humor to the story and help explain the scientific concepts. This is a terrific resource for Earth science classes.

Millions of Americans struggle with poverty every day. The United States prides itself on being the land of opportunity, yet many disagree about why so many Americans have struggled to meet their basic needs. This book looks at the challenges surrounding poverty in America today, and explores the legal, political, social, and economic solutions, including food stamps, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, that have been proposed to remedy the problem. Readers will gain an in-depth understanding of the many factors causing poverty and of how governments and communities can do their part to help those in need. Full-color images and sidebars support this compelling narrative.

Millions of Americans struggle with poverty every day. The United States prides itself on being the land of opportunity, yet many disagree about why so many Americans have struggled to meet their basic needs. This book looks at the challenges surrounding poverty in America today, and explores the legal, political, social, and economic solutions, including food stamps, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, that have been proposed to remedy the problem. Readers will gain an in-depth understanding of the many factors causing poverty and of how governments and communities can do their part to help those in need. Full-color images and sidebars support this compelling narrative.

Visit some of the spookiest houses around the world. Prepare to be scared as you visit haunted mansions and ghostly residence.

Zombies have no control of their own minds. Some of the world's tiniest organisms are parasites turning their hosts into zombies, controlling their behavior. Readers will learn all about these creatures and the real-life zombies they are making.

Zombies have no control over their own minds. Some insects and other creepy crawlies have the power to turn other animals into zombies, controlling their behavior. Readers will learn all about these creatures and the real-life zombies they are making.

Would you rather swim with a great white shark or a venomous jellyfish? In this fun-filled nonfiction book, young science fans test their decision-making skills with more than a dozen outrageous animal questions From scary to gross to just plain silly, each question generates discussion and promotes critical thinking. Partnered with full-color photographs and engaging, easy-to-read facts, this book invites readers to make informed decisions while prompting independent research. Perfect for soon-to-be scientists and adults alike.

Explores a wide range of topics related to poverty in America, including the main causes of poverty, its impact on education, health, and government, state and federal programs to help poor families, and more.

Discusses the effects of drug abuse on society.