Joanne Mattern

Poland has gone through centuries of change. From monarchies and years under communist rule to today's free society, Polish culture and traditions have stayed strong. Through quick chapters and colorful photographs, young readers will explore the many aspects of Polish culture, including the government, geography, arts, sports, and food. This nation's rich history, presented through age-appropriate text and appealing sidebars, will excite young readers and pique their curiosity about life in this old and beautiful country.

Growing up in a poor, migrant family, Cesar Chavez knew how hard life could be. As a boy, he went to thirty different schools before finally having to drop out in eighth grade to help support his family. Chavez devoted his life to creating unions and demanding better working conditions for all farmworkers. This gripping biography traces Chavez's life, highlighting the triumphs and difficulties that he encountered. Sidebars and a timeline provide extra information that shows Chavez's importance to workers' movements in the United States and beyond.

Young explorers will learn about the dynamic history and culture of this Caribbean nation. Life in Haiti is both beautiful and difficult. In each short chapter, kids are introduced to a new aspect of Haitian life, from the languages, geography, and economy, to religions, sports, and arts. The colorful photographs and engaging sidebars that accompany the narrative will pique readers' interest as they learn about life in Haiti today.

You may know that some animals play like they're dead to avoid predators. Did you know that one animal mimics the sound of the baby of its prey? Some animals are really tricky

With age-appropriate text and large engaging photos young readers are shown how people go places on a subway. "Good to Know" facts give higher-level details.

Wedges were some of the first tools humans ever created Today, these simple machines are found all around, from doorstops to our own front teeth. Diagrams and simple text explain how wedges work, while experiments allow readers test the machines for themselves. Move through the history of wedges, from hand axes to handsaws, in this fascinating title for beginning readers.

Screws are more than just the tools that hold pieces of wood together. They drill holes, lift cars, and even pump water Students will learn about the functions of these amazing machines and put their knowledge to use with easy experiments. Diagrams provide visual explanations in this leveled title.

With age-appropriate text and large engaging photos young readers are shown how kids go places on a school bus. "Good to Know" facts give higher-level details.

With age-appropriate text and large engaging photos young readers are shown how people go places on an airplane. "Good to Know" facts give higher-level details.

Inclined planes have been around for thousands of years. They might have even helped Egyptians build the pyramids This low-level title explores the history and functions of these machines. It includes diagrams and simple experiments to show how inclined planes make our everyday lives easier.

Young readers will explore the history and culture of this unique eastern European country. For instance, Hungary is home to beautiful animals, including an array of butterflies that aren't found anywhere else on Earth, and amazing landforms like secret underground caves. From its days ruled by the Magyar tribes to today's modern government and bustling cities, Hungary is a land of warm and friendly people who love good food, art, music, and sports. Through fun sidebars and engaging facts, this book allows young readers to explore all that Hungary has to offer.

Young readers will explore the history and culture of this unique eastern European country. For instance, Hungary is home to beautiful animals, including an array of butterflies that aren't found anywhere else on Earth, and amazing landforms like secret underground caves. From its days ruled by the Magyar tribes to today's modern government and bustling cities, Hungary is a land of warm and friendly people who love good food, art, music, and sports. Through fun sidebars and engaging facts, this book allows young readers to explore all that Hungary has to offer.

Thailand is a country in Southeast Asia with many amazing sights. From high mountains to beautiful beaches to modern bustling cities, visitors will find a wealth of beauty in this ancient country. Through engaging photographs, fun sidebars, and quick facts, young readers will learn about every aspect of Thailand, from its history and politics to the country's arts, music, languages, and food. Readers will explore city streets and canals and find out how Thailand's people live, work, and enjoy life.

Without the sun, life could not exist on Earth. For animals, the sun provides light, warmth, and even food. This informative book explores the sun's role in animal life, from producing food to keeping animals warm and healthy, as well as how the sun affects animal behavior throughout the year. Through fascinating sidebars and NGSS-influenced activities, readers will learn about the sun in an engaging and hands-on way.

Hurricanes are some of the most powerful storms on Earth. These monsters in the sky produce high winds, lots of rain, terrible flooding, storm surges, and more. This book explores the science behind hurricanes. Readers will learn what natural forces cause them, how they form, and how they die out. They will also learn how scientists forecast and track hurricanes, technologies that are helping people predict and follow these storms better, and what people can do to prepare for a hurricane and stay safe when one hits.