The Maya civilization thrived in southeastern Mexico and northern Central America for thousands of years. Its culture was known for its impressive stone buildings and pyramid temples, as well as developments in astronomy and mathematics. But what was it like to live there during the height of this civilization? Explore life in a farming village that faces a devastating volcanic eruption. Assume power in a city-state at risk of plunging into war with a rival community. Work as a scribe duri...

A massive tsunami caused by the strongest earthquake to ever hit Japan triggered the world's worst nuclear crisis since the Chernobyl accident 25 years earlier. The monster waves that crashed into the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant in March 2011 killed 15,000 people and caused nuclear reactor meltdowns that threatened the lives of thousands more. The waves receded long ago, but the devastating effects of the nuclear accident still linger.

Far in the future, Earth’s oceans have risen. Coastlines have changed to create new islands far from shore. Even worse, Earth has been invaded by aliens known as the Hunters. They are masters of camouflage and enjoy hunting down humans and other creatures for sport. On the island of Humanhattan, one family is ready to make the dangerous trip to the safety of the government Fortress. But when Rio and his friend, Ani, are separated from their parents, they have to rely on their wits and quic...

Betsy Ross made many flags during the American Revolution, but did she sew the first flag? Infographics, leveled text, and primary sources help readers follow the fact and fiction found in this tale of stars and stripes.

Imagine traveling a river through time. You float by Native Americans trapping beaver and pass boats full of European settlers. You spy waterwheels turning and factories buzzing with activity. Finally modern cities crowd the banks. Dive into this book, and learn about the changing lives of people in the Hudson River Valley.

On point historical photographs combined with strong narration bring the saga of the Woolworth lunch counter sit-ins in the early 1960s to life. Readers will learn about the four brave college students who started it all, as well as the many who came after. These events changed the world. The photographer who took the photographs shown in this book is now in his 90s, but he agreed to an exclusive interview for this book.

Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Latino, Nuestras Voces shares inspiring Latino stories. In the summer of 1493, eleven-year-old Cocuyo is eager to find her place within her Taíno community on the island of Quisqueya. But in less than a year, her home, her family and friends, and her daily life will be forever changed by the arrival of Europeans. As Cocuyo learns more and more about the strangers who arrive by sea—...

Many know Paul Revere by the infamous words, “The British are coming!” But did he really say that? Primary sources and infographics help readers learn the facts and the fiction behind Paul Revere’s midnight ride.

Some of the most important American products and ideas have been developed by people born outside the United States. They have influenced every part of U.S. culture, from what people wear and drive to how they stay healthy, how they communicate with each other, and what they do for fun. Meet 25 immigrants who have led the way with life-saving inventions, by opening up sports to women and people of color, and so much more.

On the planet Terranu, two families have established a research base to look for extraterrestrial life. One day four young friends spot a watery tentacle slither out of the nearby river—and a pair of eyes watching from across the water! Soon the two families meet the planet’s natives, but they aren’t pleased by the humans’ presence. The aliens challenge them to a contest. If the humans win, they can stay on Terranu. But if they lose, they must leave immediately. It’s up to the young friend...

The final match of the 2001 U.S. Open featuring tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams was groundbreaking. It was first time siblings had squared off in the final match for more than 100 years. And it was the first time both players were black. The photo of the smiling Williams sisters holding their trophies after the tennis match appeared in newspapers around the globe. It captured two athletes who fought, and would continue to fight, for a place for women and African-Americans in tennis ...

To the untrained eye, Photo 51 was simply a grainy black and white image of dark marks scattered in a rough cross shape. But to the eye of a trained scientist, it was a clear portrait of a DNA fiber taken with X-rays. And to young scientists James Watson and Francis Crick, it confirmed their guess of deoxyribonucleic acid's structure. In 1953 the pair was racing toward solving the mystery of DNA's structure before other scientists could beat them to it. They and others believed that findin...