With its roots in early 20th century, the Japanese art of Kodokan judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is noted for its submission grappling and ground fighting techniques. This book will give readers a different perspective of a sport that is often portrayed as brutal and violent in popular culture. Contrarily, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can be used for self-defense, exercise, and personal growth. This title provides step-by-step instructions with photo images of signature moves, and offers readers tips on...

Makerspaces are all about teaching through collaboration. This title grabs the attention of young people who are musically as well as technically inclined by showing them that they can make their own instruments—literally. Recent technologies such as 3-D printing and Arduino microcontrollers allow virtually anyone to make a fully functioning instrument. This resource shows young people exactly how to take advantage of the burgeoning makerspaces phenomenon with expert interviews and informa...

Prior to the existence of the Eighth Amendment, there was little to protect citizens of the English colonies from excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishments. The enduring freedoms guaranteed by this amendment are extremely important to all U.S. citizens. Readers will learn about the politicians who fought for the amendment’s passage. They will also learn about what life was like for Americans before the Eighth Amendment was passed, how the amendment’s elastic wordin...

This accessible and engaging book teaches young readers the fundamentals of Neptune, one of the most intriguing planets in our solar system. They will learn about Neptune’s physical features, it’s super storms that can reach 1,500 miles per hour, its ring system, the Voyager missions, and its status as one of the gas giants. Since the book includes images directly from NASA and with those taken by the Voyager missions themselves, readers can feel like they’re really there, traveling to the...

Mixed Martial Arts has just recently gained widespread popularity in American culture, but MMA has been around for many years. Muay Thai is just one of many disciplines of MMA. Originating in Thailand, the name loosely translates to "art of the eight limbs." Though it may appear violent to some from its depictions on TV, the fighting technique is greatly used for self-defense, exercise, and personal discipline. With a brief history and overview of Muay Thai, as well as step-by-st...

Outkast burst upon the national scene with their joyous, giddy, and insanely infections single “Hey Ya!” in 2003. Yet Outkast’s duo of Andre 3000 and Big Boi had been recording their unique and inimitable brand of hip-hop, spiced with tantalizing dashes of funk, soul, rock, pop, jazz, blues, and electronic music since 1992. In fact, the album from which “Hey Ya!” was drawn was Outkast’s fifth full-length record. The video for the song, as well as other videos made for subsequent cuts from ...

This mesmerizing volume illustrates patterns and symmetry through the consideration of famous optical artists, Islamic art, and the examination of prominent optical paintings. Includes photographs of Islamic mosques that illustrate tessellations, Maurit Escher's "Liberation," and an extensive glossary of shape terminology.

Stories have been a part of our lives since birth. Many parents were reading and recounting stories and tales to us before we could talk. This instructive volume explains what constitutes a work of fiction as well as why it's written in the first place, and highlights important terminology, such as conflict. Key examples feature famous fiction authors and their work, comparing and contrasting their styles, and highlighting some of the prominent features in fiction that literature has to of...

Most readers will recognize the name, but their information might be limited to Thomas Alva Edison's most famous inventions, including the light bulb, phonograph, and motion picture camera. This brief introductory biography introduces young readers to Edison's extraordinary life and brilliant mind. Beginning with his younger years, this book guides readers through his school and work experiences, highlighting his inspirations and other talents, such as salesmanship. An overview of his many...

The ninja’s air of mystery has intrigued people for centuries. As a result, these Japanese warriors have been immortalized in popular culture through film and fiction showcasing their stealthy ways and iconic black ensembles. Readers will find the real lives of ninjas revealed, such as how they originated and their training, tactics, and weapons. This enlightening book will help readers navigate through the murky waters of ninja myths and into the facts, such as how they worked together wi...

This title offers a curation of enthralling and educational opportunities for readers interested in studying and exploring the natural world. Internship and volunteer opportunities profiled include caring for plants, animals, and habitats as well as teaching about nature and the great outdoors. In addition to being an exciting introduction, this book is also practical, providing a roadmap for readers on where to search for opportunities and how to get a foot in the door.

The names Bill and Melinda Gates are often in the headlines, whether it's for the newest Microsoft innovation or, more recently, for their inspiring philanthropic donations and endeavors. This book offers young readers a lively, accessible overview of the lives of these high-profile leaders, including their formative years, their accomplishments, and their astounding but thoughtful charitable contributions. This biography introduces readers to the upbringing and personalities of both Bill ...