Judy Thorpe

Only a fraction of the world's population has ventured to the planet's poles. Even fewer live in those frigid environments permanently. However, the Arctic and Antarctica return huge rewards to those who brave their relentless cold. From stunning auroras to the incredible wildlife, this volume uncovers the challenges and beauty of life in these extreme environments. Readers learn how scientists study the poles, understand the impact of climate change, and explore the cultures and survival strategies of people who live near these frozen frontiers. Full-color photographs and intriguing sidebars bring Earth's polar regions to life.

What is a fish? Many people may be surprised to find that this is a difficult question to answer. This volume investigates the incredible diversity of the aquatic lifeforms we call fish, from colorful coral reef dwellers to the deep-sea giants that lurk in the ocean's darkest depths. Through the age-appropriate main text, enhanced with vivid full-color photographs and in-depth sidebars, readers learn about the habitats, characteristics, and environmental role of various fish species, inspiring students to protect the oceans and their incredible inhabitants.

Although bears are well-known and generally beloved animals, they are often highly misunderstood. For example, many people believe an encounter with any bear will result in certain death, but bears of all species rarely attack humans. From the powerful grizzlies of North America to the elusive South American spectacled bear, this volume explores the habitats, behaviors, and conservation efforts surrounding the world's eight bear species. The engaging main text, augmented with stunning full-color photos and fascinating fact boxes, shines a spotlight on the lives of these amazing creatures.

What is a fish? Many people may be surprised to find that this is a difficult question to answer. This volume investigates the incredible diversity of the aquatic lifeforms we call fish, from colorful coral reef dwellers to the deep-sea giants that lurk in the ocean's darkest depths. Through the age-appropriate main text, enhanced with vivid full-color photographs and in-depth sidebars, readers learn about the habitats, characteristics, and environmental role of various fish species, inspiring students to protect the oceans and their incredible inhabitants.

Although bears are well-known and generally beloved animals, they are often highly misunderstood. For example, many people believe an encounter with any bear will result in certain death, but bears of all species rarely attack humans. From the powerful grizzlies of North America to the elusive South American spectacled bear, this volume explores the habitats, behaviors, and conservation efforts surrounding the world's eight bear species. The engaging main text, augmented with stunning full-color photos and fascinating fact boxes, shines a spotlight on the lives of these amazing creatures.

Only a fraction of the world's population has ventured to the planet's poles. Even fewer live in those frigid environments permanently. However, the Arctic and Antarctica return huge rewards to those who brave their relentless cold. From stunning auroras to the incredible wildlife, this volume uncovers the challenges and beauty of life in these extreme environments. Readers learn how scientists study the poles, understand the impact of climate change, and explore the cultures and survival strategies of people who live near these frozen frontiers. Full-color photographs and intriguing sidebars bring Earth's polar regions to life.

Against all odds, life has sprung up in nearly every corner of our planet. Ocean trenches may be inhospitable to humans, but resilient sea creatures have adapted to the intense darkness and crushing pressure at the bottom of the ocean. Young readers explore the groundbreaking technologies used to explore these underwater worlds, the unique life-forms that defy the odds, and the geological forces that have shaped these extreme habitats. Stunning full-color photographs and informative graphic organizers reveal the hidden wonders of some of Earth's most extreme and unexplored places.

Against all odds, life has sprung up in nearly every corner of our planet. Ocean trenches may be inhospitable to humans, but resilient sea creatures have adapted to the intense darkness and crushing pressure at the bottom of the ocean. Young readers explore the groundbreaking technologies used to explore these underwater worlds, the unique life-forms that defy the odds, and the geological forces that have shaped these extreme habitats. Stunning full-color photographs and informative graphic organizers reveal the hidden wonders of some of Earth's most extreme and unexplored places.

The archipelago nation of Indonesia is famous for its emerald jungles, azure seas, and vibrant cultures. Readers discover the ancient wonders of Borobudur, the mystical traditions of Bali, and the country's struggle for independence from the Dutch. From the towering volcanoes of Sumatra to the intricate art of batik, this volume explores Indonesia's kaleidoscope of landscapes, traditions, and people. The accessible main text, augmented with stunning full-color photographs and fascinating sidebars, illuminates the beauty and complexity of Indonesia. A list of age-appropriate books, websites, and videos provides a jumping-off point for students to embark on their own adventures of discovery.

Jollof rice, suya, fufu, and other iconic dishes featured in this volume take readers on a vibrant journey through the diverse flavors and captivating stories that define West Africa. Through engaging fact boxes and vivid full-color photographs, students uncover the cultural significance and regional variations that have propelled West African food into the global spotlight. An easy-to-follow recipe allows readers to bring West African food off the page and into their kitchens, while a list of age-appropriate books and websites provides a starting point for further independent research.

Jollof rice, suya, fufu, and other iconic dishes featured in this volume take readers on a vibrant journey through the diverse flavors and captivating stories that define West Africa. Through engaging fact boxes and vivid full-color photographs, students uncover the cultural significance and regional variations that have propelled West African food into the global spotlight. An easy-to-follow recipe allows readers to bring West African food off the page and into their kitchens, while a list of age-appropriate books and websites provides a starting point for further independent research.

To this day, Sitting Bull is remembered for his unwavering dedication to his people, the Lakota Sioux. Renowned for his bravery, Sitting Bull distinguished himself as a great warrior from an early age. He was also a spiritual leader to his people, and his visions gave them strength and hope. Historical black-and-white photographs bring the life story of this remarkable hero to life for young readers. A list of books and websites also provides a jumping-off point for further research.

Every living thing on the planet is comprised of cells. Even the smallest bacterium or virus is made up of one cell. By studying the cells of various living things, scientists can learn how to keep people healthy, how to treat disease, and even how to enhance crop growth and nutrition. This volume takes an in-depth look at the ways cells differ among various organisms and how they function. Eye-catching graphic organizers and informative fact boxes give young readers information that is crucial to understanding how the environment affects their body and provides an early foundation for future careers.

Every living thing on the planet is comprised of cells. Even the smallest bacterium or virus is made up of one cell. By studying the cells of various living things, scientists can learn how to keep people healthy, how to treat disease, and even how to enhance crop growth and nutrition. This volume takes an in-depth look at the ways cells differ among various organisms and how they function. Eye-catching graphic organizers and informative fact boxes give young readers information that is crucial to understanding how the environment affects their body and provides an early foundation for future careers.

War is horrifying, and it is also an unfortunate fact of life. When war is not at our doorstep, it is tempting to turn off the news so we do not have to see the sad reality unfolding in distant countries. However, when we choose to ignore what is happening around the world, we have no opportunity to help those affected by violence or work to create change. This volume utilizes age-appropriate text and informative fact boxes to introduce readers to the concept of war--not to frighten or upset them, but to empower them to help.

War is horrifying, and it is also an unfortunate fact of life. When war is not at our doorstep, it is tempting to turn off the news so we do not have to see the sad reality unfolding in distant countries. However, when we choose to ignore what is happening around the world, we have no opportunity to help those affected by violence or work to create change. This volume utilizes age-appropriate text and informative fact boxes to introduce readers to the concept of war--not to frighten or upset them, but to empower them to help.

When it is time for local, state, and presidential elections, it is difficult for children to avoid political ads and conversations around them. It is likely that many kids are unsure of the point of it all. Gaining a better understanding of why people hold campaigns is an important part of becoming an active citizen. With the help of engaging fact boxes, full-color photographs, and a detailed narrative, readers learn what political campaigns are and how they affect average citizens. They'll survey various outcomes, reviewing the whole point of the process itself. A list of ways to get more involved fosters a spirit of age-appropriate political activism.

When it is time for local, state, and presidential elections, it is difficult for children to avoid political ads and conversations around them. It is likely that many kids are unsure of the point of it all. Gaining a better understanding of why people hold campaigns is an important part of becoming an active citizen. With the help of engaging fact boxes, full-color photographs, and a detailed narrative, readers learn what political campaigns are and how they affect average citizens. They'll survey various outcomes, reviewing the whole point of the process itself. A list of ways to get more involved fosters a spirit of age-appropriate political activism.