December: Nonfiction

"Welcome to the disaster zone where blundering bodies lead to the downfall of all who enter. Catch up with the famous philosopher who was killed by laughing, the Austrian mayor who experienced death by beard, and the polite astronomer who crossed his legs for just a little too long. What else might you expect from disastrous deaths?"--

Explores global traditions surrounding birthdays, including cake, parties, and decorations. Additional features to aid comprehension include a table of contents, a phonetic glossary, informative captions, detailed maps, sources for further research, an index, and introductions to the author and illustrator.

If you were a bullfrog, you could have as many as 20,000 siblings, and you wouldn't have a problem eating them! Readers will love learning about these cold-blooded amphibians through the 20 most odd and interesting facts about their adaptations, life cycle, behaviors, and more. Carefully selected photographs support the accessible text and display bullfrogs in their native habitats. Beneficial graphic organizers help summarize the most essential information about bullfrogs for budding herpetologists.

Softly floating flakes of snow seem a bit magical, but real science is behind this chilly precipitation. Your readers will learn about the formation of snow through the accessible text of this inviting volume. They'll learn how snow is important to plants and animals. Arresting photographs that include up-close images of snowflakes accompany clearly explained science-related concepts. A "Did You Know?" section adds further interest to the narrative.

Nermal is determined to beat Cheesequest 7: Attack of the Cheddar Zombies no matter what. But when an online friend offers to help Nermal win in exchange for his user info and password, Arlene and Garfield decide to call in Dr. Cybrina, online security expert. Join Garfield and friends as they learn about who to trust and what to share online.

Who wouldn't be thrilled to see a real, live dinosaur, like those in Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park? Readers find out if it is possible to bring extinct animals back to life. This book delves into the science behind attempts to revive extinct species through processes such as cloning and genetic engineering, and compares actual with fictional efforts. It looks at how scientists have gone about trying to revive extinct species, such as the quagga, woolly mammoth, and passenger pigeon. It also considers the ethics and the ecological effects of trying to revive an extinct species and introduce it to a modern-day ecosystem.

"Nine Q&As on dogs answer elementary inquiries about behavior, body language, and communication. Engaging questions and research-based answers satisfy young animal lovers' curiosity about canine pets. A Stay Curious! feature encourages further learning and models media literacy skills. Includes simple infographics, glossary and index"--

Introduced in 2009, Minecraft(tm) has become an enormous success with gaming kids and adults. Users love exploring and building within Minecraft's mind-bogglingly large environments. This game allows users to practice STEM skills while having fun. One of its greatest strengths is its ability to teach coding principles with "redstone" blocks. These blocks can be used to make exciting machines and devices in Minecraft's virtual world. With this volume, readers will learn the logic and technology behind coding with Minecraft(tm). Photographs, diagrams, sidebars, and a graphic organizer help reinforce basic coding concepts.

Adjectives help tell us more,/Like narrow street or favorite store./Hilly, chilly, fast, and fun,/undercooked and overdone. In this 20th anniversary edition of Hairy, Scary, Ordinary, author Brian Cleary and illustrator Jenya Prosmitsky provide numerous examples of amazing adjectives. The text's playful rhymes combine with fun illustrations to build understanding of how this part of speech is used. New Try It! features, updated back matter, and a fresh font make these editions extra special.

Since the early 1600s, telescopes have helped us examine the stars. Early telescopes used two glass lenses to focus light. Today, we use mirrors in the same way as glass, but mirrors are lighter and easier to make than lenses. To see dim objects that are far away, these mirrors must be very large. They're much larger than the average hobbyist telescope. With this volume, readers will learn about the components of a telescope and the role each component plays. They will read about different types of telescopes and the objects that each can help them see in great detail.

What is dandruff made of? Why do we burp? What causes bad breath? These and dozens of other intriguing-but-gross bodily questions are answered in this 'Eew!'-inducing book. Additional features to aid comprehension include a table of contents, a phonetic glossary, sources for further research, an index, and an introduction to the author and illustrator.

From helping homeless pets to assisting injured wildlife, there are many ways to volunteer with animals. Some people help scientists track wild animal populations, while others help zoos teach people about the importance of conservation. Volunteering for Animal Welfare examines different volunteer opportunities and how to get involved.

Grasslands are lands dominated by grasses, rather than large shrubs or trees. There are two main types of grasslands--tropical and temperate. Grasslands are the most widespread biome on land, covering one-fifth of the land surface. Directly or indirectly, grasses provide a very large proportion of human food--either through cultivated cereal grains such as wheat or oats, or by providing food for both wild and domestic animals that are eaten, such as deer or cattle.

From BASE jumping and cliff diving to extreme ironing and camel wrestling, it's a wide world of risky sports. Some of us might wonder, "What's wrong with those people?," but those who dabble in such activities tend to shrug off the danger. In this book you will meet some seemingly crazy, out-of-this-world people who'll risk everything for fun. Why do they do it? Because they can! The Ultimate Danger series provides a front-row seat to the world's most perilous jobs and hobbies, places and events, and bugs and beasties. Lavishly illustrated and packed with fascinating facts and compelling anecdotes, these six volumes will quench the thirst of even the most thrill-seeking readers.

"Explore the regions of the world's oceans known for their intertidal zones and learn about the life forms that dwell there. First-person accounts from scientists answer important questions about tide pool ecosystems"--Provided by publisher.

The original Star-Spangled Banner that flew over Fort McHenry, Baltimore, in 1814 and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words that would become the national anthem of the United States is the showpiece of the Smithsonian! In this lively nonfiction book, young readers will read about the story behind the flag, the song, and how the Smithsonian cares for this most precious national treasure. Three cheers for the red-white-and-blue in this Smithsonian nonfiction reader! The original Star-Spangled Banner that flew over Fort McHenry, Baltimore, in 1814 and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words that would become the national anthem of the United States is the showpiece of the Smithsonian! In this lively nonfiction book, young readers will read about the story behind the flag, the song, and how the Smithsonian cares for this most precious national treasure.

Part of an award-winning book series for children, this is the ultimate guide to our magnificent solar system and the astronauts who explore it. An entertaining, educational adventure for young readers. Engage the senses through vivid deep-space photography, cutaways and illustrations, quiz questions, and quirky fun facts. It's the perfect book for any kid who can't get enough of outer space!

"Father, is all of the world a refugee camp?" Young Kalia has never known life beyond the fences of the Ban Vinai Refugee Camp. The Thai camp holds many thousands of Hmong families who fled in the aftermath of the little-known Secret War in Laos that was waged during America's Vietnam War. For Kalia and her cousins, life isn't always easy, but they still find ways to play, racing with chickens and riding a beloved pet dog. Just four years old, Kalia is still figuring out her place in the world. When she asks what is beyond the fence, at first her father has no answers for her. But on the following day, he leads her to the tallest tree in the camp and, secure in her father's arms, Kalia sees the spread of a world beyond. Kao Kalia Yang's sensitive prose and Rachel Wada's evocative illustrations bring to life this tender true story of the love between a father and a daughter.

Discover history with American Girl®. Step into key moments from America's history with the American Girl BeForever(tm) characters in American Girl: The Story of America. Travel back in time-from the 1750s to the groovy '70s. Find out how the Nez Perce tribe lived, what it was like to grow up on the wild frontier, how girls helped the war effort during WWII, and much more. Fascinating facts are paired with historically accurate items from the American Girl Doll collections to illustrate important eras in American history. Young readers will engage with history as they meet each character and discover her incredible story. © 2016 American Girl. All rights reserved. American Girl and associated trademarks are owned by and used under license from American Girl.

For decades, the blasts and howls of the electric guitar have been some of the defining sounds of popular music. But more than a century of effort and innovation had to happen before this instrument went electric. Learn about the master craftspeople who created the guitar as we know it, the inventors who figured out how to send guitar notes through amplifiers and give the guitar a bigger sound, and the musicians whose legendary playing put it at the center of rock 'n' roll.

Explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math through fun projects inspired by Aladdin. Send Aladdin zooming down a zip line, mix up some molten lava, create a moving magnetic carpet, and so much more! Projects include supporting photos and step-by-step instructions. STEAM Takeaway features provide additional curricular connections to these maker projects.

You don't have to be a scientist to discover and delight in silly (and gross) science facts about the human body, including how virtual reality tricks your brain, why we burp, and more!

Almost everyone has experienced a rainstorm or snowstorm at some time. They can be annoying or inconvenient. Sometimes, rain, snow, and wind produce storms that wreak havoc and turn deadly. Readers of this intriguing book will learn about powerful storms such as hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, thunderstorms, hail, and ice storms, as well as the trail of destruction and death they leave in their wake. Absorbing, age-appropriate text highlights important elementary science concepts, while vivid photographs convey key concepts. Captions, fact boxes, and a graphic organizer also enrich the main text.

Did you know that many things in our world were designed using engineering? Engineers design things such as cars, alarm clocks, and pencils to make our lives safer and easier. Learn more in How Engineering Affects Our Everyday Lives, a title in the What Engineers Do series.

Those who really love fishing might want to consider fishing as a career. The fishing industry has a variety of jobs for people who want to work outdoors on the ocean or other bodies of water where fish are abundant. If you have a seafaring background, you might consider being a professional fisherman or boat captain. If a day out on the lake or ocean is your idea of the best day ever, consider being a charter boat captain. You might even want to be a fishing guide and take groups out to fly fish on the open waters of America's great rivers.

With hundreds of millions of players around the world, Fortnite is the video game sensation that has taken the world by storm. Its unique design combines the construction and problem solving of games like Minecraft with competitive online battles. In this book, readers will learn all about the creation of this incredible game, from how it was first conceived to how its developers are continuing to tweak and improve it today. Includes table of contents, author biography, sidebars, glossary, index, and informative backmatter.

Human modification of the environment always carries a risk of accident and folly. Explore the causes and consequences of the nuclear meltdown on Three Mile Island, Pennsylvania in 1979. Guided by compelling questions such as, "What led to this disaster?," "Who was impacted by it?," and "What changed in its aftermath?" the interdisciplinary content blends social studies and science. Ultimately, it pushes students to consider how humans can meet their need for resources in a safe, sustainable way. Books include table of contents, index, glossary, author biography, and timeline.

Archaeology is the scientific study of human activity through material remains such as artifacts. Archaeologists are the scientists who conduct this study. Archaeologists help us understand human history and our place in the world. But what exactly does a career in archaeology entail? In this informative text, readers will learn the answer to this question. They'll read about prominent archaeologists, discover digging and extraction techniques, and learn about how artifacts are analyzed. This book combines high-interest subject matter with curricular concepts.

The Bronze Age was a time of growth. Chapters cover how people used bronze to make tools and weapons, how empires grew in Mesopotamia and China, how writing appeared in several cultures, how complex social structures gave rise to rules and laws, and how religion, science, and medicine all grew. Then the Bronze Age collapsed, and researchers still don't know exactly what happened. Each chapter includes attention-grabbing photos and fascinating facts. Sidebars go deeper, and prompts invite readers to think for themselves. A Timeline of the Bronze Age gives a big-picture view of the era.

"A detailed chronology of developmental milestones drives this life study of giraffes, including their habitats, physical features, and conservation measures taken to protect these towering land animals"--

Baseball is not only ""America's pastime,"" it's also a game that's enjoyed by people of all ages around the world. Invented in the mid-1800s, baseball has a long, rich history. The focus of this guide is to teach readers the basics of baseball while reinforcing the concept of teamwork. Readers are encouraged to try this team sport, and the text suggests several ways for them to take part in the game. Color photographs of kids playing baseball are sure to draw in readers and add to their reading experience.

The video game industry isn't slowing down. It's only finding new ways and platforms from which to engage users. Even the youngest elementary students now often have experience with some kinds of video games! Nonetheless, the vocabulary used to talk about video games can seem foreign and extensive. Readers are introduced to the essential terms gamers use in this helpful book. Definitions are written at-level for young readers and word games throughout the book aid in comprehension and memory.

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced many changes into children's lives. Staying Healthy give readers the tools they need to reduce risk for themselves and their families. Actionable suggestions help young readers adapt and cope as we navigate the current outbreak. This book includes science content, based on current CDC recommendations, as well as social emotional content to help with personal wellness and development of empathy. All books in the 21st Century Junior Library encourage readers to think critically and creatively, and use their problem-solving skills. Book includes table of contents, sidebars, glossary, index, and author biography.

"Do you want to go on a treasure hunt? Its not just for pirates. Lets go geocaching! Follow along with Rory Racoon as you learn the ins and outs of searching in the great outdoors for caches hidden high and low"--

"The Pentagon is a globally-recognized symbol of American military strength. The attacks on September 11, while horrific and unimaginable, were highly symbolic in nature. Striking at the core of American vitality, 5 men affiliated with al-Qaeda flew a high-jacked commercial airplane into the west side of the Pentagon. Now to remark the tragedy is the Pentagon Memorial, which contains one bench for each of the 184 victims. This book investigates the attack, providing a chronology of the events leading up to it. Readers are given a thorough analysis of the ideology that motivated it, detailed descriptions of the attack itself, subsequent investigations, and the enduring impact and consequences."

"As the clock ticks down, the quarterback looks for an open receiver. The offensive line holds back the opposing team's strong defense, but they can't give the QB time forever. The wide receiver breaks away and the QB launches the ball. Touchdown! A good football team needs skill, practice, and a little bit of STEM. Explore the science, technology, engineering, and math behind the game of football. Sports and STEM? Score!"--

The United Kingdom's status as a world power dates back hundreds of years. With an empire that once spanned the globe, British influence over global economics and diplomacy shaped the histories of North America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Today, the United Kingdom remains a key world power, exerting influence over international affairs. In recent years, governmental decisions about economic policy and diplomatic and military intervention around the world have prompted conflict among citizens and residents. The future of the United Kingdom's participation in the European Union came under debate as the 2010s progressed, and the ensuing Brexit referendum and negotiations have thrown the fate of the United Kingdom's constituency countries into doubt. This book will help you understand the rich history of the United Kingdom and how that history has shaped its current government, policy, and place in world affairs.

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It Is believed that dogs were the first animals to live with people as pets and service animals. Some dog breeds can be trained to act as guides for people who are visually impaired. Discover more in Dog, one of the titles in the My Favorite Pet v-i.i-.This series introduces young readers to the responsibilities of pet ownership, includes tips on how to properly care for different pets, and provides compelling animal facts. This is an AV2 media enhanced book. A unique book code printed on page 2 unlocks your interactive eBook. This book comes alive with videos, audio, weblinks, slideshows, activities, and much more. Book jacket.

"Phobia" is a word that's thrown around a lot in everyday conversation, but it's often used incorrectly. A phobia is a strong, irrational fear of an object or a situation, one that often causes great anxiety. This sensitive and informative volume is a useful guide for readers who may be grappling with a phobia or who know someone who is. In the carefully researched explanations, readers will learn what may cause phobias and how they're diagnosed and treated. They'll learn about the many professionals who can offer help and hope to those afflicted with phobias.

The coronavirus pandemic brought the world to a standstill. Billions of lives were impacted as the deadly virus spread around the globe. In this title, reluctant readers will learn about the spread of the virus, the effects that it had, and the taken efforts to slow its spread. Special features show the timeline of events, a map of areas affected, and a list of items useful in protecting oneself from the coronavirus.

The White House is filled with the history of a nation. But you might be surprised by how much of this history comes from residents who never left . . . even after their own deaths! Among the most famous of these phantoms is Abraham Lincoln. Ever since the president's death, politicians and First Families alike have spotted the ghostly president around his former home. Find out more in this graphic thriller. Then, learn about other haunted houses.

The California gold rush of 1849 was a defining era in U.S. History. The discovery of gold led to a mass migration to the country's west coast not only from the East Coast, but from all over the world. Travellers thronged to the area in the hope of becoming rich, but the truth is, few did. Many more made a living selling goods and services to the gold miners. This volume is packed with fascinating primary sources that bring the gold rush into detailed focus. Readers will view and analyze numerous primary sources, including paintings, handwritten documents, political cartoons, photographs, and more. Sidebars encourage students to ask and answer questions about primary sources surrounding the gold rush.

Poseidon in the Gods and Goddesses of the Ancient World series explores the fascinating drama, love stories, and destruction in the myths surrounding the god of the sea. Book includes history, myths, and a family tree. Written with a high interest level to appeal to a more mature audience and a lower level of complexity with clear visuals to help struggling readers along. Considerate text includes tons of fascinating information and wild facts that will hold the readers' interest, allowing for successful mastery and comprehension. A table of contents, glossary with simplified pronunciations, and index all enhance comprehension.

As news media has moved past the requirement of using established, trusted sources, and as the cry of "fake news" is used for both false sources and facts that people dislike, it has become more difficult to know what to trust. With this informative book, readers will learn what clues and signs to watch for when reading, watching, or listening to news media. Useful tips will help them figure out when to look deeper on social media. Intriguing facts provide perspective to help them learn more about the role of the free press in society.

This fun, fact-filled book for kids ages 6-9 is the ultimate guide to Ancient Egypt, from pharaohs to mummies. Entertaining and educating young readers through a combination of close-up images, quirky trivia facts, quiz questions, and fascinating tidbits, it's the perfect book for any kid who can't get enough of this remarkable civilization. How big was the Egyptian Empire? Why was the Nile so important? How were mummies made? Find out the answers to these questions and more in DKfindout! Ancient Egypt, which features photographs of artifacts and relics, as well as maps and illustrations depicting the structure of Egyptian society, from famous pharaohs to common farmers, and the extent of their civilization.

Fans of We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices will love meeting fourteen young activists who have stepped up to make change in their community and the United States. Mari Copeny demanded clean water in Flint. Jazz Jennings insisted, as a transgirl, on playing soccer with the girls' team. From Viridiana Sanchez Santos's quinceanera demonstration against anti-immigrant policy to Zach Wahls's moving declaration that his two moms and he were a family like any other, No Voice Too Small celebrates the young people who know how to be the change they seek. Fourteen poems honor these young activists. Featuring poems by Leslea Newman, Traci Sorell, and Nikki Grimes. Additional text goes into detail about each youth activist's life and how readers can get involved.

Explore 50 illustrated maps, each featuring state capitals, famous residents and key historical moments. Also includes a guide to the state flags and presidents of the USA.

"This high-interest history of the National Football League's Green Bay Packers highlights memorable games, summarizes seasonal triumphs and defeats, and features standout players such as Aaron Rodgers"--

Some animals look so alike, it's difficult to tell which is which! The Porpoise or Dolphin book in the Which Is Which? series helps readers discover the similarities and differences between porpoises and dolphins. Focused on 21st Century content, the Which Is Which? series encourages readers to ask questions, think more critically and creatively, and use their problem-solving skills. Book includes table of contents, sidebars, glossary, index, and author biography.

The Moon is Earth's only natural satellite. As the Moon orbits Earth, it appears to change shape as the part of it struck by the Sun's light changes. Learn more in Earth and the Moon, a title in the Space Systems: Stars and the Solar System series.

When earthquakes rocked Mexico in 2017, UNICEF brought drinking water and blankets. They also got children back to school. When wildfires raced through California in 2018, an MLB player and his teammates raised money for fire victims. Soon after Superstorm Sandy hit in 2012, an 11-year-old Florida boy designed a better sandbag. This book features 12 stories about making a difference when disaster strikes. Each chapter includes attention-grabbing photos and fascinating facts. Sidebars go beyond the basics, and prompts invite readers to think for themselves. A Ways You Can Help page offers suggestions anyone can try.

This book uses fables from around the world to help readers identify the conventions of this genre. Readers are guided through a series of writing tasks to learn how to incorporate these same conventions in their own writing.

In National Hockey League, readers will learn about notable players, the Stanley Cup, and the sport's exciting past and future. Includes informative sidebars, detailed infographics, vivid photos, and a glossary.

America is a complex tapestry of laws, from the local ones passed by your city council to national laws made by Congress. Sometimes Congress passes a law to build a program, such as the Affordable Care Act, and then hands some or all of its administration over to the states. Was it always like this? What happens when a state and the national government disagree? Readers find out how these issues have evolved since before the Constitution was signed.

What is the most thrilling play in football? Is it a receiver catching a long touchdown pass? Or could it be when a running back breaks through the line and outruns the defense to the end zone? Whichever play you choose, chances are there are STEM reasons behind those flashy moves, and this book explains it. STEM in Football looks at how STEM impacts the game, from broken tackles and perfect spirals to super safe helmets and high-tech stadiums.

Teens with gaming disorder play video games to an unhealthy degree, allowing the hobby to take over their lives. What Is Gaming Disorder? explores this disorder, how it affects teens, and the available treatment options.

More than 500 years ago, the Ojibwe settled on lands that makes up the states of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, as well as parts of southern Canada. The Ojibwe were a resourceful people who made the most of what the Great Lakes region had to offer them.

Math is all about data. It's essential to understand the questions it can answer for you and how to gather it. Readers will be especially interested to learn what a dragon does with data in the entertaining pages of this unique book. The narrative engagingly instructs on building math skills while sharing details about the mythology of these dreaded beasts. Stellar illustrations capture the imagination. Readers will be able to assess their understanding of the math concepts through word problems and other questions throughout the text.