Tamra B. Orr

Washington, D. C., 2008. Two sisters and their mother stand in the crowd to watch Barack Obama be sworn in as the 44th president of the United States. Aligned with curriculum standards, these narrative-nonfiction books also highlight key 21st Century content: Global Awareness, Media Literacy, and Civic Literacy. Thought-provoking content and hands-on activities encourage critical thinking. Book includes a table of contents, glossary of key words, index, author biography, sidebars, and timeline.

Washington, D. C., 1963: Two brothers travel all day to hear Martin Luther King Jr. speak. Aligned with curriculum standards, these narrative-nonfiction books also highlight key 21st Century content: Global Awareness, Media Literacy, and Civic Literacy. Thought-provoking content and hands-on activities encourage critical thinking. Book includes a table of contents, glossary of key words, index, author biography, sidebars, and timeline.

Houston, Texas, 1962. In the midst of the Space Race, a young girl and her family listen to President John F. Kennedy give a speech at Rice University. Aligned with curriculum standards, these narrative-nonfiction books also highlight key 21st Century content: Global Awareness, Media Literacy, and Civic Literacy. Thought-provoking content and hands-on activities encourage critical thinking. Book includes a table of contents, glossary of key words, index, author biography, sidebars, and timeline.

New York, New York, 2001: A young girl and her mother watch the television in horror as two airplanes strike the Twin Towers. Aligned with curriculum standards, these narrative-nonfiction books also highlight key 21st Century content: Global Awareness, Media Literacy, and Civic Literacy. Thought-provoking content and hands-on activities encourage critical thinking. Book includes a table of contents, glossary of key words, index, author biography, sidebars, and timeline.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, 1863: Still mourning from the loss of her brother at the Battle of Gettysburg, a young girl and her family listen to President Lincoln's address. Aligned with curriculum standards, these narrative-nonfiction books also highlight key 21st Century content: Global Awareness, Media Literacy, and Civic Literacy. Thought-provoking content and hands-on activities encourage critical thinking. Book includes a table of contents, glossary of key words, index, author biography, sidebars, and timeline.

All living things need air to survive. Air also protects Earth. Discover why air is an important part of nature

Different kinds of rocks are found on Earth. Many are found deep inside Earth. Discover why rocks are an important part of nature

Erosion changes Earth's natural features. It breaks down materials and can help make something new. Discover why erosion is an important part of nature

When you think of a construction site, you might picture bulldozers, workers in hard hats, and huge iron beams being shifted into place. You might not imagine robots, drones, and 3D printers, but they are becoming essential equipment on modern building sites. The field of construction is changing quickly as project managers rely more on interactive apps than blueprints, and on images from autonomous drones rather than hand drawn schematics. Your readers will explore how construction is merging with technology today, and what it means for a career tomorrow.

Groundbreakers and Game Changers

African Americans have fought in every major U. S. war, but even as they fought to defend their country, they also had to battle against prejudice simply because of the color of their skin. From the Buffalo Soldiers and Tuskegee Airmen of the past to today's soldiers and officers, African Americans have helped protect a country that has often failed to protect their civil rights. The bravery of these men and women is presented through detailed main text and sidebars that feature annotated quotes. Historical and contemporary images accompany the narrative and a comprehensive timeline of African American military milestones.

Imagine discovering new planets light years away or galaxies you never knew existed. Learn all about new and amazing space discoveries in these fun and engaging books reviewed by Smithsonian experts.

Imagine a worm that spits glue, a rat with vampire teeth, and a frog you can see through! These are just some of the amazing animals that have recently been discovered by scientists. Find out all about these fascinating creatures and many more through fun and engaging books reviewed by Smithsonian experts.

Imagine a fish without a face, drones exploring the ocean floor and underwater waterfalls! Learn all about these amazing underwater discoveries and many more in these fun and engaging books reviewed by Smithsonian experts.