Between his time playing for Spain’s FC Barcelona team and his role on the Argentine national team, it’s surprising Lionel Messi has a life off the pitch. Yet, the most popular soccer legend of our time keeps a busy schedule that far exceeds his notable accomplishments on the field. Readers will find all the details of Messi’s life, including his early struggles with a growth hormone deficiency, his intense years of training as a teenager, and his launch into superstardom as a World Cup st...

Bursting volcanoes, cooling magma, crystals, and granite: this title covers everything igneous rock related. Written for a lower-elementary-level audience, the science behind the rock cycle and the formation of igneous rocks is presented in clear and easy-to-understand language. Special Think About It and Compare and Contrast sidebars provoke critical thinking skills in line with Common Core standards for the target grade levels. With special sections devoted to household uses of igneous r...

This comprehensive biography of one of history’s greatest composers will bring Beethoven back to life for contemporary young readers. In addition to a biographical treatment of his life, a thorough assessment is made of Beethoven’s musical stylings and developments—all in language suitable for upper-elementary-level readers. Eighteenth-century drawings coupled with modern photographs show readers Beethoven’s world as it was during his lifetime and as it is today. Vocabulary boxes reinforce...

For millennia, tales of lost civilizations have captivated humanity, and foremost among them is the legend of Atlantis. In this guide to Atlantis and other lost lands, readers will learn to sort through fact and fiction, learning about the historical origins of lost-city legends, the lessons they teach us, archaeological digs for the truth, and—perhaps closest to home—their place in popular culture. The main focus is on the tale of Atlantis, with sidebars that highlight similarly “lost” my...

In this lower elementarylevel guide to meteorology, both the science and basic premises of weather forecasting are explained in dynamic, full-color spreads. Readers are invited to examine the role of cause and effect in weather patterns and predict the possible consequences of specific weather events. Compare and Contrast boxes invite readers to relate different means of predicting weather phenomena, while Think About It boxes excite readers to return to the text and engage in critical thi...

The Louisiana Purchase stands out in American history for a number of reasons. It was the largest acquisition of land in United States' history. It was also the first time a president obtained new territory by purchase. But, perhaps most important, it fueled the American drive for westward expansion-a powerful force in U.S. culture and politics for the remainder of the 19th century. This authoritative title presents that history in depth, contextualizing the Louisiana Purchase and examinin...

It would be difficult to decide if the ancient Greeks are best known for their literature or mythology, for their philosophy or their government. On all fronts, ancient Greece paved the way for civilizations to come, making momentous contributions to humanity unmatched by other societies. This authoritative, upper elementary volume covers all aspects of Greek society, including daily life, deities and legends, and the political systems of Greek city-states. Important writers and thinkers r...

The exciting world of aerospace engineering is broken down in this lower-elementary-level title that presents everything aerospace in a well-organized format. The history of aerial navigation is covered, noting key milestones in flight and outer space exploration. Also covered are the crucial technologies humanity has gotten out of aerospace engineering such as weather satellites and GPS navigation. Think About It and Compare and Contrast sidebars invite readers to think critically beyond ...

In this engaging, informative title, the concepts of taxes and government funding are broken down in a way that early-elementary-level readers will understand and find captivating. The history of taxes is covered from ancient Rome through pre-Revolutionary America, as are the different types of taxes and how taxes are used in the United States today. “Think About It” boxes encourage readers to think critically about the topics discussed in the text and how taxes relate to their own lives. ...

For nearly a century, big-screen tales of zombies have fascinated viewers, shambling their way from horror films to action thrillers and comedies. In recent years, there have even been news reports of real zombie-like behavior. But few know the truth behind Haitian folklore’s biggest contribution to global imagination. These pages get to the bottom of the origins of the zombie legend and its changes and development over time. The possible sources of “zombification,” including tropical drug...

The catalysts, major events, and consequences of one of history’s bloodiest revolutions are presented in a thrilling and academically rigorous way in this guide to the French Revolution. The stories of this historic episode’s key players are narrated, including the tales of such well-known characters as Marie Antoinette and Napoleon Bonaparte. There is a thorough treatment of France’s economy, government, and social life both before, during the various phases of, and after the Revolution. ...

Influential lawyer, first lady of Arkansas and then the United States, senator for New York, and U.S. secretary of state—Hillary Clinton has been an influential figure in American politics for over three decades. This biography aimed at the lower elementary market presents Hillary’s achievements and policies in a simple, easy-to-grasp manner. If her history proves anything, she’ll remain a key political figure in the years to come. Hillary Clinton just released her memoir Hard Choices, and...