Sara L Latta

A perfect biography for young readers, and a very inspiring story. Vivien Thomas worked hard to make a new way to help babies' hearts. Readers will learn about his life and the surgery he invented, and make their own stethoscope, too.

Explains how microbes live in and on our bodies, help make food, live in extreme environments, and even change history.

Most people can't imagine a car without windshield wipers. How would you possibly see during a snow storm or downpour? But there was a time when drivers had to wipe the windshield themselves to clear it of snow and rain. And boy did they get wet. Readers find out how Mary Anderson's smart thinking helped her get a patent for the Windshield Cleaning Device.

All bones tell a story, you just have to know how to read them. Forensic anthropologists can tell if found bones are from a human or an animal, are male or female, and how a person lived and died. Readers will discover the techniques forensic anthropologists are using to solve both modern and ancient crimes.

This book is a slam dunk for young readers. They may love to play basketball, but do they know who invented the game? Readers learn about James Naismith's life and the first basketball game ever played. Play a game that James Naismith played when he was a boy, too.

Doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals can help you feel better when you are sick. Robots can too. They check up on patients, help paralyzed people move again, and even perform surgery. Informational text, fascinating facts, and full-color images tell the story of how robots are helping transform medicine. A "Words to Know" feature helps students master new vocabulary. The book includes a hands-on activity that will help students understand...

How would you like to have a robot for a teacher? While robots will never replace human teachers, they are helping students learn in and out of the classroom. Informational text, fun facts, and full-color images about educational robots stimulate the curiosity of young readers. A "Words to Know" feature helps students master new vocabulary. This cutting-edge book includes a fun activity that will help students learn about programming and supports...

Many young people are tempted to take steroids because they believe they will become better athletes or be more attractive. This book explains why this is a dangerous belief. Author Sara L. Latta discusses steroids and performance-enhancing drugs, explaining their history, effect on the body, reasons for use, laws that control their use, and their use by amateur and professional athletes.

Mining can be a dirty and dangerous business. Some mines are difficult, if not impossible, for humans to reach. Enter our ever-evolving world of robotics. They help clean up mining disasters, drill into the ocean floor, and more. Young readers will "dig" the informational text, intriguing facts, and full-color images. A "Words to Know" feature helps students master new vocabulary. Mining Robots includes an activity that shows readers how to make their...

Most people love microwave popcorn or a warm snack from the microwave, but before 1975, homes did not have this great device. How did Percy Spencer go from a small town mill worker to the inventor of one of the most popular devices in the world? This book explains how Spencer's love of science and machines helped him achieve a patent for the microwave oven.