"[In this biography, author Gary Paulsen portrays a series of life-altering moments from his turbulent childhood.] If not for his summer escape from a shockingly neglectful Chicago upbringing to a North Woods homestead at age five, there never would have been a Hatchet. Without the encouragement of the librarian who handed him his first book at age thirteen, he may never have become a reader. And without his desperate teenage enlistment in the Army,...

"As World War II comes to a close, the United States and the Soviet Union emerge as the two greatest world powers on extreme opposites of the political spectrum. After the United States showed its hand with the atomic bomb in Hiroshima, the Soviets refuse to be left behind. With communism sweeping the globe, the two nations begin a neck-and-neck competition to build even more destructive bombs and conquer the Space Race. In their battle for dominance,...

Series consultant and author Mark Mussari takes readers on a journey from the beginnings of rock and roll and the nascent youth culture of the 1950s and 1960s through the materialistic years of the 1980s into the still-being-defined early twenty-first century. In this fascinating book, this record of the ever-changing world of American culture is highlighted with a fabulous variety of photographs from the last six decades.

Is constant access to technology safe for children? Should driverless vehicles replace human-controlled cars? Every day, we hear arguments about technology issues in the media. This book gives readers the tools to make sense of and evaluate some of these arguments. Using three relatable and accessible technology-related examples, this book introduces readers to the parts of an effective argument and prompts them to use the knowledge they have gained...

Violent chariot races, evil emperors, and murderous weapons. This stirring volume delves deep into the dark, violent history of one of the world's most important ancient cultures. With vivid language and compelling photographs and illustrations, young readers will discover the disgusting habits and brutal traditions of this former empire, experiencing history in an exciting and engaging way.

Should animals be kept in zoos? Is it okay to use animals for entertainment in circuses or rodeos? Every day, we hear arguments about animal issues in the media. This book gives readers the tools to make sense of and evaluate some of these arguments. Using three relatable and accessible animal-related examples, this book introduces readers to the parts of an effective argument and prompts them to use the knowledge they have gained to evaluate the...

Some commodities command massive economic, social, and political influence. This title examines the business around tobacco, a popular but much-debated luxury item. It explores the history of tobacco use, how tobacco's impact on human health came to be understood, and future trends for the industry. Features include essential facts, a glossary, selected bibliography, websites, source notes, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated...

How was the solar system created? Why are the Sun and Moon the same size in the sky? These are just some of the questions answered in this exciting book about our seemingly endless solar system. Readers will love the problem-solving focus that makes space exploration an adventure in innovation.

In twelve dioramic scenes, discover how warships have changed from the sail and oar power of ancient Greek triremes and 19th century ships of the line to iron warships of the early 20th century and today's modern aircraft carriers and stealth missile destroyers.

From the early human-powered submarines of the American Civil War to the U-boats of both world wars and the modern nuclear-powered missile platforms of the Cold War, twelve dioramic scenes reveal how submarines have become one of the most dangerous weapons of war.