Valerie Bodden

An introduction to the ways that authors develop fictional characters. Novel and short story excerpts and analysis help to explain how to create effective characters and dialogue.

A biography of Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh, examining his contributions to the Post-Impressionist style and his early death, as well as many of his greatest paintings.

A historical account of John F. Kennedy's assassination, including the events leading up to it, the people involved, conspiracy theories surrounding his death, and the lingering aftermath.

A historical account of the Arab Spring, including the events leading up to the string of protests, the people involved, the conditions of political instability, and the lingering aftermath.

A look at the causes and global effects of the terror attacks carried out in the United States on September 11, 2001, which set in motion the events of the War on Terror and hunt for al Qaeda.

A history of the people and events that influenced the North American Indian tribe known as the Sioux or Dakota, including warrior Crazy Horse and conflicts such as the U. S. Dakota War."

A history of the people and events that influenced the North American Indian tribe known as the Cherokee, including chief John Ross and conflicts surrounding the Trail of Tears.

An elementary introduction to the physics involved in the sport of baseball, including scientific concepts such as momentum and trajectory, and actions such as pitching and batting.

An elementary exploration of rhyme and rhythm in poetry, introducing syllables, rhyme schemes, and sonnets as well as poets such as Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Includes a writing exercise.

An in-depth look at the people and policies behind the government agency known as the Fed, from its founding in 1913 to the controversies and challenges it faces today.

A look at the causes and global effects of the 1969 moon landing, which led to further space exploration and eventually encouraged international cooperation rather than competition.

An early reader's introduction to the connections between the grains food group and staying healthy, benefits of grains such as cereal, nutritional concepts such as fiber, and recipe instructions.

An elementary introduction to the life, work, and popularity of Taylor Lautner, an American actor known for his roles in such hit movies as the Twilight saga and Abduction.

An elementary introduction to the lives, work, and popularity of One Direction, a British pop group formed on the TV singing contest The X Factor known for such songs as What Makes You Beautiful.

A basic introduction to dragonflies, examining where they live, how they grow, what they eat, and the unique traits that help to define them, such as their ability to maneuver in flight. Some of our world's most intriguing animals are among its creepiest. Creepy Creatures looks into the microscope, combs through fur, and investigates the outdoors to spotlight six more mini-beasts that scurry, fly, or jump. Each book matches clear text with up-close (and often startling) photos to give young readers an easy-to-follow introduction to the featured creature's body, growth process, behavior, food sources, and common habitats. Each title concludes with an activity that emphasizes the animal's defining physical characteristics.

A basic introduction to grasshoppers, examining where they live, how they grow, what they eat, and the unique traits that help to define them, such as the males' ability to "sing." Some of our world's most intriguing animals are among its creepiest. Creepy Creatures looks into the microscope, combs through fur, and investigates the outdoors to spotlight six more mini-beasts that scurry, fly, or jump. Each book matches clear text with up-close (and often startling) photos to give young readers an easy-to-follow introduction to the featured creature's body, growth process, behavior, food sources, and common habitats. Each title concludes with an activity that emphasizes the animal's defining physical characteristics.

An approachable guide to help master and apply the writing, speaking, and listening skills involved in conducting research projects, composing arguments, and conveying results.