The sudden arrival of a "harbor wave" in a crowded seaport has terrified coastal residents for centuries. Tsunamis are among the deadliest natural catastrophes, in some cases killing thousands of people in a matter of minutes. Readers will learn how tsunamis develop, what kinds of damage they cause, and how scientists are using warning systems to give people more time to flee disaster. Some of the deadliest tsunamis in history, including the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, are also discussed.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has thrilled National Football League fans with his "miracle plays," completing seemingly impossible passes in clutch situations. While success or failure in those instances can hinge on any of countless factors, a breeze, a player's unexpected arm movement, a deflection, Rodgers's Hail Mary passes seem to connect more often than those of other passers. There is a good reason for it. Behind the "miracles" is Rodgers's steady zeal in practice and ...

Since ancient times, people have envisioned the possibility of space travel. Spaceflight finally became a reality after many centuries of scientific study on two fronts: astronomy and flight. Theories about the solar system were proposed, tested, and revised. Instruments for examining the night skies were invented and improved. Flight was accomplished as a result of countless experiments—some of them deadly. This resource traces space exploration—one of the most exciting pursuits in histor...

Fatty foods are worrisome to health professionals and consumers alike, and for good reason. Obesity rates are alarming, and people of all ages struggle to control their weight. Many fail to understand, though, that fats are necessary for growth and for maintaining healthy bodies. They cushion and protect vital organs and store reserves of energy. This volume explains for young children both the positive and negative aspects of fat-containing foods. It differentiates the types of fats peopl...

Amelia Earhart was queen of the skies at a time when airplanes dazzled the imagination. She was adventurous and daring. Earhart became the first woman pilot to cross the Atlantic Ocean, and she did it solo. She flew across the United States and returned, alone. She soloed halfway across the Pacific. She set many flying records but none of that satisfied Earhart. In May 1937, she and her navigator took off from California on her final, epic flight. Their destination: around the world. This ...

Millions of people are calorie-conscious. They measure the number of estimated calories contained in their meals primarily because they wish to lose weight or avoid gaining it. But many of these people miss the big picture, the fact that regular exercise is as important as caloric discipline. This book explains the ins and outs of calories for young children. It describes the sources of calories, daily calorie needs, the meaning of "empty" calories, and the problems that can result if some...

The "bard of Avon," as he is remembered, earned popularity and fortune during his lifetime more than four hundred years ago. Today, William Shakespeare is more famous than ever. He wrote or cowrote thirty-eight stage comedies, tragedies, and historical dramas. He also penned many romantic poems. Some of the world's best-known literary quotations come from his writings. Young readers will discover why many historians consider him the greatest playwright of all time.

Carbohydrates are the body's primary energy providers. Written for young children, this book discusses the main forms of carbs, how they are created, and why they are important. It explains the differences between simple and complex carbohydrates and between monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides. It details how carbs are broken down in the digestive system into units small enough to be distributed through the bloodstream, absorbed by cells, and converted into energy. Other su...

Medicines unquestionably save lives and improve health and the quality of life. On rare occasions, they also harm and kill those who take them. Lab scientists around the world experiment with new medications to combat illnesses and to relieve pain and stress. Sometimes, even when they are used properly, the medicines' effects are not entirely good. Drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regularly are found to produce unforeseen and dangerous, sometimes deadly, side effects...

There is nothing like the emotions athletes feel in victory and defeat. Sports coverage provides a similar rush for the media professionals who witness the action and make it real for their audiences. In this volume, readers learn about the exciting careers of sportswriters, announcers, and the dedicated professionals who work away from the public eye, outlining the skills and preparation that these jobs require. Print and broadcast employers need workers talented and trained in writing an...

Alcohol is the most commonly used and abused drug among teens in the U.S. Young people who binge drink are more likely to experience academic and social problems, physical illnesses, risky sexual activity, car crashes, and accidental injuries. Alcohol poisoning, which can cause unconsciousness or even death, brings many underage drinkers to the emergency room each year. This book explains the health problem clearly and arms teens to make smart choices about alcohol.

Most young drivers have one goal in mind when they think of getting their own vehicle: freedom. Car ownership is one of life's joys as well as one of its major financial investments. This candid volume offers readers a step-by-step approach for how to choose the best car to suit their needs and how best to plan, research, and budget for the purchase. In today's economically challenging times, students require an opportunity to learn about money management as well as car facts, the choices ...