Lesson Planning in the Curriculum Center

Maps are essential tools for understanding the world around us. Learning to read maps - both printed and online - is a core skill that forms the basis of social studies. This book explores the many different types of maps available and discusses which are best for different applications.

See how a boy makes a map of his home showing fire escape routes. Simple text takes early readers step by step through the types of features a fire safety map needs to have.

Ever wonder which states are the cloudiest? Or what city gets the most snow? Climate maps can tell you. They show average weather conditions--in your neighborhood, around the world, or even on Mars! But how do you read a climate map? And how are these maps made? Read on to learn the details!

Come along as a girl maps her neighborhood to show her visiting grandmother where everything is. Simple text takes early readers step by step through the types of features a neighborhood map needs to have.

Discover the fun facts about the world and become a master of geography with this interactive trivia book from Jeopardy! champ and New York Times bestselling author Ken Jennings. With this Junior Genius Guide to maps and geography, you'll become an expert and wow your friends and teachers with clever facts: Did you know that the biggest desert in the world is actually covered in snow? Or that Christopher Columbus wasn't the first to think that the Earth was round? With great illustrations, cool trivia, and fun quizzes to test your knowledge, this guide will have you on your way to whiz-kid status in no time!

Maps are about far more than getting from a to b. Maps can help children understand and explore both their everyday environment and faraway places. With an appealing search-and-find technique, Follow That Map! is an interactive picture book that explains and demonstrates key mapping concepts. Kids will enjoy following Sally and her friends as they search for Max and Ollie, a mischievous dog and cat on the lam from the backyard. Sally and friends take an imaginative trip through the neighborhood, city and country, around the world and beyond. Kids can join in the search for Max and Ollie, who are hiding somewhere in every map. An activity at the end of the book shows children how to make a map of their bedroom.

How To Build Your Own Country is an interactive and totally original learning experience that shows kids how to build their very own country from scratch. This book, the only one of its kind, offers children the expertise and advice they'll need to plant their flag in the backyard, in the bedroom or online. Kids will be amazed to discover that anyone can do it. Nation-building advice is peppered with examples of events that have shaped countries throughout history, teaching young readers about government, elections, geography and global issues. Backed up with lots of amazing examples of real micronations - some established or ruled by kids - How to Build Your Own Country promises to inspire, entertain and inform young nation-builders. Want to build your very own country from scratch? It's easy: Step 1: Stake Out Your Identity ... with a flag, money and a national anthem. Learn how to put your country's name on the map. Step 2: Run the Country ... with a government, constitution, laws and an economy. Step 3: Meet the Neighbors ... and join other nations on the big issues that face the whole world, such as poverty, global warming, security and international aid. How To Build Your Own Country is part of CitizenKid: A collection of books that inform children about the world and inspire them to be better global citizens. AGES: 8-12

Maps, flags, and key information on North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, and much more.

Africa is brought to life in this imaginative look at the plants, animals, and people that make it such a fascinating continent. Studies of both traditional tribes and modern African cities showcase Africa's diversity, and authentic activities allow kids to dive into the rich culture by making a Maasai bivouac shelter, writing a fable in the African style, working as a field biologist, making a ritual elephant mask, and learning to tie an African Kanga dress. This cross-cultural study also shows kids what challenges Africa faces today while giving them a look at what it is like to live on this interesting continent.

In our closely connected global community, human and natural events on the other side of the world affect our lives at home. By providing readers with essential information about regions that no longer seem so remote, Continents of the World provides readers with essential information about and fosters a better understanding of our global neighbors. Each volume in the series focuses on one continent and gives readers an up-to-date and detailed look at its peoples and their diverse cultures and religions; its natural resources, environments, and wildlife; its varied economies; and its politics and strategic importance in the global community. Readers will learn about each continent's history, beginning with its earliest people, as well as the challenges and opportunities it faces in the twenty-first century. Each title features intriguing "fact files" on nearly every page and a wealth of maps, charts, and focus boxes that support and enhance the text. North America takes readers on a journey of discovery across this vast and varied continent, from the icy peaks of Alaska's Mount McKinley to the rain forests of Costa Rica, and from the "power" cities of New York and Washington, D.C., to the slower-paced islands of the eastern Caribbean. North America is home to one of the world's few remaining Communist countries as well as its sole remaining superpower. With its major influence on global economic and political affairs, the United States must balance its roles as the world's policeman and peacekeeper as it promotes freedom and democracy. In other parts of the continent, such as Mexico, Haiti, and Nicaragua, poverty and other basic quality-of-life concerns confront people who lack jobs, access to safe water, and adequate education and health care systems. Addressing these inequalities across the continent will be a major challenge in the future. Book jacket.

America, with all its diversity, is not easily defined. David J. Smith's If America Were a Village takes a snapshot - past, present and future - to help define America for children. Using the same successful metaphor of the international bestseller If the World Were a Village, the book shrinks down America to a village of 100. The metaphor helps children easily understand American ethnic origins, religions, family profiles, occupations, wealth, belongings and more. Shelagh Armstrong's expansive illustrations imagine America as a classic, vibrant small town. Who are the people living in this vast and varied nation? Where did they come from? What are they like today? How do they compare with people in other countries? The book's simple statistical analysis provides a new way of learning about where people live in America, the state of their health, the shapes and sizes of families, what they use and more - forming a concise picture of a country. If America Were a Village is part of CitizenKid: A collection of books that inform children about the world and inspire them to be better global citizens. AUTHOR: David J. Smith is a classroom teacher with over 25 years experience teaching middle and high school English, geography and social studies. He achieved national recognition for his unique method of teaching seventh graders to draw maps of the entire world from memory, now published as a highly successful curriculum, "Mapping the World by Heart." In 1992, Smith won the U.S. Department of Education's "A+ for Breaking the Mold" Award for his work. Since 1992, he has been a full-time educational consultant, giving lectures and workshops on informational technologies, geography and global issues to teachers, parents, student groups and others throughout the United States and in Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America. Shelagh Armstrong graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Arts in studio arts and art history before studying Communication and Design at the Ontario College of Art and Design. She grew up with an awareness of the fine arts through her mother's love of the fine and editorial (Victorian) arts. Colour illustrations

- Correlated to the social studies curriculum- Maps, charts, and statistics- "Fact File" and "In Focus" boxes

Ideal for reports and correlated to the social studies curriculum, World in Focus is a new, up-to-the-minute series providing a comprehensive view of countries around the world. the twelve titles currently in print are part of a 24-volume set that covers each country's history, peoples, government, economy and trade, geography and resources, lifestyle and culture, foreign policy, key current issues, and role in the world today. Maps, charts, graphs, tables, and time lines teach students how to understand information presented in a variety of formats.

Traveling to a foreign country and learning how other people live can be fun, as well as educational. Through authoritative, easy-to-read text and stunning photographs that beautifully capture the spirit of each country, this exciting series invites young readers to explore the world. South Korea is a country with one of the newest and strongest industrial economies in the world. Join this voyage of discovery and take a closer look at the lives of the South Korean people and the land of celadon pottery, taekwondo, and kimchi.

Strategically located at the heart of south-central Asia, Afghanistan is a landlocked country, home to breathtaking landscapes and a diverse group of peoples. Throughout its long history, the country has been a battleground on which empires and armies have fought for regional control. From the violent sport of buzkashi to soaring, colorful kites, from the migratory Kochis to the resilient mujahedin guerrillas, and from the peaceful reign of Zahir Shah to the harsh but brief Taliban regime, this book showcases a nation seeking a stable future that is free from political oppression and war. Book jacket.

Saudi Arabia is a young kingdom with an ancient legacy. King Abd al-Aziz brought the divided land into one entity in 1932. His family, the Al Saud, named the country and still rules it today. Every year millions of Muslims travel across the Saudi Arabian border to Mecca, the sacred city of Islam and the birthplace of its holy prophet, Muhammad. As custodian of key Islamic traditions, Saudi Arabia enjoys a leading status among its Muslim neighbors. But as the world's largest single exporter of oil, it also has forged relationships with the United States and other powerful countries of the West. Saudi Arabia's divided loyalties have created an unsteady international balance that is a continual source of concern and speculation. Book jacket.

Australia, Antarctica, and the Pacific takes readers on a journey "down under" to a region full of contrasts, from the frozen continent at the South Pole, to the "red desert" of central Australia, and to the volcanic and coral islands of tropical Oceania. Long a destination for intrepid travelers, this region has suffered from the greedy exploitation of its rich natural resources, often leading to severely damaged landscapes and threats to the survival of its island nations' unique species. Although Australia is a highly industrialized nation with a prosperous economy and is a full partner in international affairs, Oceania's development is constrained by its size, limited resources, and distance from markets. The opportunities for this region's nations must be inclusive enough to improve the lives of indigenous peoples while safeguarding fragile island environments and dealing with the threat of an expanding hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica. Book jacket.

The Melanesians, Polynesians, and Micronesians are the indigenous people of the Pacific. Migrating from Southeast Asia in one of the greatest navigational feats of history, the people of the Pacific developed a rich cultural and spiritual life that, despite oppression from Western colonial powers, persists today.

- Correlated to the social studies curriculum- Maps, charts, and statistics- "Fact File" and "In Focus" boxes

Washington is known for being rainy, but readers may be surprised to learn that there is a rain forest in Washington. Your students will get to take a look at the Space Needle, Mt. Rainier, and Puget Sound, and many other sights and symbols of Washington State.

At the first annual "states party," Virginia and Idaho hatch a plan to swap spots so each can see another part of the country. Before the party is over, all the states decide to switch places. In the beginning, every state is happy in its new location. But soon things start to go wrong. Florida, who switches spots with Minnesota, is freezing in the frosty northern climate, and Minnesota hasn't brought sunscreen and is getting an awful sunburn. Will the states ever unscramble themselves and return to their proper places? Packed with madcap humor and whimsical illustrations, this quirky story--starring all fifty states--is chock-full of introductory facts and silly antics that will make learning geography as much fun as taking a vacation. This title has Common Core connections.

As little Manu watches, his older brothers prepare for a great journey to find a new island, far away under a distant star. Manu hides in the canoe, and when he is discovered, it's too late to turn back. "Make yourself useful," his brothers tell him. But what possible use can gentle Manu be when a great storm hits? It is commonly thought that Hawaii was settled by people from the Marquesas Islands who traveled more than 2,000 miles in double-hulled canoes, relying on the stars, clouds, ocean currents, and seabirds to find their way. This tale highlights the glories of these seafaring people as well as the love and cooperation that allowed them to undertake such incredible voyages. The year 1998 marks the hundredth anniversary of the annexation by the United States of the Hawaiian Islands, a sad time for the Polynesian natives, for they lost both their land and their sovereignty.

Provides a brief overview of the state of Washington, covering information about state facts, important events, and famous people.

Come soar across Alaska's extraordinary landscape and see its wonders through the eyes of our national emblem, the bald eagle. Alaska is our biggest state, but it is also one of the least populated, making it an enormous span of natural wonders and astonishing wilderness. This unique place is home to the tallest mountain, the most active volcanoes, and the largest land mammals in North America. See hundred-pound salmon, two-ton walruses, and thundering herds of caribou. Take wing through mountains covered with glaciers, fly under the cover of lush rain forests, and circle over barren Arctic tundras.

Did you know that eastern Tennessee was once the country of Franklin? Or that there are more species of mammals in Montana than in any other state? These are among the interesting facts found in this informative history and reference book. Gain important new insights to American history. Readers will follow the birth of the United States from the first colony to become a part of the new nation in 1787 to the last territory to be admitted to the Union 172 years later. Along the way, young readers will be introduced to the wide array of native peoples populating the continent and the explorers who helped open the way to westward expansion of the growing nation. And students of history will gain new insights into the Civil War that broke the young nation apart. TIME For Kids ? Our 50 United States makes a connection between what readers want to know and what they need to know to be successful as young learners and citizens. It's time to celebrate what makes our nation strong.

The train of states is rolling by -- rush to the window and watch it go! The very first car? The very first state: Delaware, of course, followed by Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia ... fifty in all. The caboose? Washington, D.C.! Look closely! What do you see? State birds, state flowers, state trees ... forty-three presidents! Can you find them all? Can you spot the flags, heroes, animals, and landmarks adorning the train of states? Clickety clack, clickety clack. Rush out the door, rush to the track. Where is the train going? Come along! Over the prairie, over the mountains, down a green valley, and into a billowing tent. It's time for a party -- it's time to celebrate the fifty states!

The next exciting entry in the Blackbirch line of high-interest, visually based, full-color references! The Blackbirch Kid's Visual Reference of the United States presents fact-filled pages, packed with eyepopping maps, charts, graphs, and photos for every state in the country. Each section includes the state flag, vital statistics at a glance, a graphic bar that shows size and population of each state relative to the other fourty-nine, a locator map and a detailed map of the state. Information on geography, state history, population, ethnic groups, natural resources, famous natives, and much more. A special all-visual section also highlights the top state record holders--in areas such as climate, population, size, agricultural production--with graphics, maps, and bar graphs. The perfect resource for report writers and curious browsers alike.

Rachel has been chosen to ride a bike in Riverdale's parade! There's only one problem--she doesn't know how. But she's determined to learn! She and her dad go all over Riverdale to prepare for the big day--from the bank to the bike shop. How is Rachel's town similar to and different from other towns? Come along and see what makes Riverdale worth celebrating!

Everyone dreams of visiting the big city, with its bright lights, tall buildings, and millions and millions of people. One lucky girl named Izzy climbs in her stroller and rides through all the hustle and bustle, impressed by the sheer magnitude of everything she sees. Wow! City! is based on Izzy's real-life escapade, as page after page she is quoted verbatim. (Izzy was just learning to speak at the time.) Every illustration captures the grandeur, energy, and exuberance of Izzy's great adventure with her dad, in a book children will quickly learn by heart and ask to read over and over and over.

After learning about urban visionary Jane Jacobs, seven-year-old Lucia takes a closer look at what makes her city neighborhood special. Is it the park where people jog, play with their dogs and practice Tai Chi? The shops along the main street? Or the yards with their pretty flowers and trees? Oh, it must be the Portuguese cultural festival, Senhor Da Pedra! It's all of these things and more, including Lucia's neighbours! Illustrating the many ways people work together to make their communities vibrant and beautiful, IN LUCIA'S NEIGHBORHOOD will inspire readers to join the performance of "the ballet of the good city sidewalk" in their own neighbourhoods. AGES: 3-7 AUTHOR: Together, Pat Shewchuk and Marek Colek are Tin Can Forest, the 2011 Joe Shuster Award-winning team behind the comic book BABA YAGA AND THE WOLF, and creators of the internationally celebrated animated short film "Montrose Avenue," on which IN LUCIA'S NEIGHBORHOOD is based. Localism, environmentalism, the urban environment and Slavic folk culture inform and inspire their personal projects. Pat and Marek have also worked as directors and designers of animation for broadcasters, including Cartoon Network, Teletoon and PBS. They live in Lucia's neighbourhood, among stacks of books and art-filled walls. ILLUSTRATIONS: Colour

Every large city is filled with sights and sounds and lots and lots of words. But have you ever looked at the city itself? At the shapes created by wood, concrete, metal and paint? A keen eye and a little inspiration are all it takes to discover a hidden alphabet among the architecture of a bustling metropolis. The City ABC Book features dramatic black-and-white photographs of urban landscapes with hidden letters boldly highlighted in red. Children will be inspired to take a second look at the world around them as their powers of observation are enhanced, and their imaginations are allowed to soar.

How do the world's most important cities reflect the culture and geography of a place?

All the jump-roping, rollerskating, skyscraping excitement of city life is packed into this pulsating collection of poems selected by Jane Yolen. Poems by Langston Hughes, Jane Yolen, Rachel Field, and others capture the rush and rumble, toss and tumble of taxis and trains, pigeons and parks, sidewalks, and street cleaners. Ken Condon's bold illustrations evoke the gritty passion of the urban scene. Young readers will delight in this irresistible anthology that crackles with energy and zest.

ALA Best Book for Young Adults ∙ School Library Journal Best Book ∙ Publishers Weekly Best Book ∙ IRA/CBC Children's Choice ∙ NCTE Notable Children's Book in the Language Arts A Vietnamese girl plants six lima beans in a Cleveland vacant lot. Looking down on the immigrant-filled neighborhood, a Romanian woman watches suspiciously. A school janitor gets involved, then a Guatemalan family. Then muscle-bound Curtis, trying to win back Lateesha. Pregnant Maricela. Amir from India. A sense of community sprouts and spreads.  Newbery-winning author Paul Fleischman uses thirteen speakers to bring to life a community garden's founding and first year. The book's short length, diverse cast, and suitability for adults as well as children have led it to be used in countless one-book reads in schools and in cities across the country. Seedfolks has been drawn upon to teach tolerance, read in ESL classes, promoted by urban gardeners, and performed in schools and on stages from South Africa to Broadway. The book's many tributaries--from the author's immigrant grandfather to his adoption of two brothers from Mexico--are detailed in his forthcoming memoir, No Map, Great Trip: A Young Writer's Road to Page One. "The size of this slim volume belies the profound message of hope it contains."  --Christian Science Monitor And don't miss Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices, the Newbery Medal-winning poetry collection!

Alarms ring, birds sing. Traffic cops twirl, street sweepers swirl! It's morning in the city! This colorful picture book brings the sounds, sights and rhythms of the busy city to life. Its zingy text and zippy pictures make it perfect for very young children as well as for children beginning to read on their own. Awards and honors for Wake Up, City: Bank Street College, Best Books of the Year

"Swish! Kerplop! Blam!" As the city wakes up, revs up, then works up to a real racket, it makes its own medley of sounds.

Ben and Jody may be miles apart, but they are two of a kind. Ben is a country kid. He lives on a quiet farm, where he wakes to the peaceful sounds of cows mooing and birds chirping. Jody is a city kid. She lives in an apartment building, where her mornings begin with honking horns and wailing sirens. Their lives are nothing alike--or are they?

A city is streets crossing, fire trucks, bridges, sirens, great towers of stone, and one red geranium on a windowsill. A tribute to New York City for the very young by a distinguished poet In this evocative collection of poems about the uniqueness and diversity of the city of New York, savor the beauty of Manhattan from spring through winter. Visit the pocket parks, the sky-high buildings, the bustling streets and celebrate the Fourth of July on the banks of the rivers that surround the city. This tribute by a talented poet and playwright is brought to life in detailed, vibrant illustrations.

Award-winning photojournalist Zoran Milich captures a world of words in the simplicity of big, bold signs. As young children discover the thirty colorful photographs in City Signs, they will delight in seeing people and places that are a part of their everyday world. With that delight comes the growing recognition of the words that are all around them --- and the exhilarating discovery that they can READ!

First published in 1990, this survival guide has helped countless young people labeled "learning disabled"--and the adults who care about them. Meanwhile, laws have changed and technology has advanced.This revised and updated edition retains the best of the original edition: the warmth, affirmation, and solid information kids need to know they're smart and can learn, they just learn differently. It answers the many questions they have, like "Why is it hard for kids with LD to learn?" and "What happens when you grow up?" It explains what LD means (and doesn't mean); defines different kinds of LD; describes what happens in LD programs; helps kids deal with sad, hurt, and angry feelings; suggests ways to get along better in school and at home; and inspires young people to set goals and plan for the future. Includes resources for parents and teachers.

Once upon a time, children couldn't borrow library books. Reading wasn't all that important for children, many thought. Luckily Miss Anne Carroll Moore thought otherwise! This is the true story of how Miss Moore created the first children's room at the New York Public Library, a bright, warm room filled with artwork, window seats, and most important of all, borrowing privileges to the world's best children's books in many different languages. AGES: 6-9 AUTHOR: Jan Pinborough is the managing editor of a children's magazine called Friend. This is her first children's book. She lives in Utah. Visit www.janpinborough.com andwww.missmoorethoughtotherwise.com. Debby Atwell is the acclaimed illustrator of many books, including Barn, Pearl and River. She lives in Maine, close to Miss Moore's childhood home. ILLUSTRATIONS: Colour

Is there such a thing as a "normal" family? Is one family better than another? Of course the answer to these questions is no, but children are often led to believe otherwise. Young people need to understand and appreciate that when it comes to families, they are all different! One of the world's most influential and loved authors of educational children's books, Dr. Sol Gordon has created an uplifting book for young people age four and older who are curious about just what it means to be part of a family. Some children, he explains, live with both parents, while others live with one or with step- or foster parents. Nowadays, we also find children being reared by aunts, uncles, or grandparents, as well as same-sex couples. The variety of possibilities is rich in its diversity. Separations, divorce, abuse, neglect, and sibling rivalries are an unfortunate part of life, but, Gordon emphasizes, they are not the child's fault. While the many illustrations show a variety of family situations to stimulate awareness and acceptance, the text places importance on children knowing they are loved by their family members-whomever they may be-and that no one's family is perfect. But children can play a very special and important role in making their home a happier one: "It's up to you to be the best person you can be and doing well in school will help you to be a better adult, or parent, when you grow up," Gordon says.

Ben's philosophy of life is that there are two categories of things that happen, the all-right stuff and the not-all-right stuff. Ben has always lived with just his dad, Mitch, which definitely falls into the all-right category. When Mitch meets Casey and they decide to get married, that turns out to be all right, too. Then Mitch and Casey decide to adopt a baby from China, and Ben isn't sure which category the whole baby thing is going to fit into. After the baby comes home (it's all right), Casey and Mitch announce that the four of them - as a family - are going on vacation with Casey's family. All twenty-three of them! Ben is sure this will not be all right!   How eleven-year-old Ben finds his place in a crazy-big family makes this a funny novel about family and what it means to be a part of one.

Grandpa Max explains to Ollie the ways their relatives are connected.

Some children live with their mothers and fathers. Others have stepparents or live with just one parent. Still others live with grandparents or foster parents who chose them specially. But all children all around the world, are part of families--big and small, loving, sharing, and caring for one another. This look at all kinds of families from all over the world helps young children begin to think about families they belong to, as it gives them a glimpse into the rich variety of world cultures.

This fun and fascinating treasury features all kinds of families and their lives together. Each spread showcases one aspect of home life-from houses and holidays, to schools and pets, to feelings and family trees. Ros Asquith's humorous illustrations perfectly complement a charming text from the acclaimed Mary Hoffman; kids will love poring over these pages again and again. A celebration of the diverse fabric of kith and kin the world over, The Great Big Book of Families is a great big treat for every family to share.

Family is important, but who's in a family? Why, the people who love you the most!This equal opportunity, open-minded picture book has no preconceptions about what makes a family a family. There's even equal time given to some of children's favorite animal families. With warm and inviting jewel-tone illustrations, this is a great book for that long talk with a little person on your lap. From the Trade Paperback edition.

In both English and Spanish, the author shares special moments and traditions from her childhood growing up in Kingsville, Texas, near the border of Mexico.

Award-winning author Barbara Kerley has written a charming, heartwarming book about parent and child togetherness worldwide. You and Me Together is ideal for reading aloud with children to explain and reinforce the bond between moms, dads, and kids everywhere. The pages are illustrated with gorgeous imagery from National Geographic's stunning archive, capturing the universal bond between children and parents across the cultures of our diverse world. The text takes a themed look at cultures around the world. A map shows the location of each photograph and helps the reader connect to each place. Everywhere these wonderful images take us, children and parents are seen sharing the simple activities and joys that add together to forge the universal family of mankind. National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources. Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.  From the Trade Paperback edition.

A girl tells how her mother decided to become a single parent and traveled overseas to adopt her and describes their happy life as a family.

A poetic recounting of how the birth of a child changes the lives of the parents.

From pat-a-cake to storytime, from bathtub splashes to bedtime lullabies, twins keep mommies and daddies very busy! Twins need double bottles and twice the swing pushes, have double the runny noses and take twice the patience. But they also bring twice the smiles, give twice as many kisses, play twice the peek-a-boos, and make each day twice as fun! Perfect for toddlers, new parents, or twins of any age, Charlotte Doyle's cheerful rhymes and Julia Gorton's vivid illustrations show us a day in the life of two adorable twins. Illustrated by Julia Gordon.

You will always be the first... A touching tribute to baby's early milestones -- those unforgettable moments that will always be cherished. From first smiles to first cuddles and even to that first kiss, here's a loving ode to every child's -- and parent's -- momentous "firsts."

Color photographs show grandparents of different ages, ethnic groups, shapes, and sizes sharing happy times with grandchildren.

"Grandpa, Bibi, Yeye and Grann . . . This striking album captures the intergenerational relationships between children and grandparents around the world. The brief text and striking photographs bring their joy and affection into focus. Includes a touching foreword by Archbishop Desmond Tutu."

Jose is not sure what to expect when his grandmother from Mexico moves in...except that he will certainly have to change his ways. What he discovers is that he doesn't mind one bit. Abuelita is full of surprises! She is full of life!

Whether they live on the same block or on opposite sides of the world, kids and grandparents can make memories and bridge the generation gap with this fun-filled activity book created just for them! Children will enjoy learning the games their grandparents played (remember cat's cradle?), and grandparents will get a kick out of the gifts they receive from their grandkids. Together they can research the family tree, make a birdfeeder, plant a garden or create their own memory book. Regardless of which activity they choose, they will treasure the time they spend together.

Growing up on their midwestern farm, Mary, Mabel, and Molly can see to the flat horizon in all directions. "What this place needs is a tree", they decide, and so they plant a tiny elm. Over the years as the sisters grow up, marry, and have children of their own, their elm grows with them, weaving itself into the fabric of their lives. When the tree finally succumbs to disease, three new sisters -- their great-granddaughters -- are there to plant a new tree so the story can begin again. Author Norma Sommerdorf heard this story from the real Mary, her mother's cousin, while workmen were cutting down the old elm. Her simple, poetic retelling, joined with Erika Weihs's evocative folkstyle paintings, celebrates and continues the life of the tree, and the family it belonged to.

Why was I adopted? What was it like where I was born? How did you find me? Children have many questions about adoption. With a perceptive text and dynamic photographs, the creators of this book demystify adoption for young children and celebrate the joy that comes with adding to a family.

Beneath the streets of London, Paris, New York, and other cities lie massive, underground worlds of tunnels and trains, transporting millions of people. Undergound railways, or subways, are an engineering marvel. But why were they built? And how? Imagine city streets packed with horse-drawn stages, carriages, wagons, and trolleys --and people. Follow Larry Dane Brimner's high-speed tour of the early subways, from London, where Marc Isambard Brunel solved the problem of tunneling by watchinga shipworm at work, to New York City, where Alfred Ely Beach built a secret subway under Broadway. Neil Waldman's realistic illustrations compliment this amazing story and bring to life the early days when subways were first imagined and constructed. Grab your token! Hop on! The train is ready to leave the station.

The history and achievements of aviation.

Full-color photos. Dramatic cutaway photos of engines, brakes, and other moving parts are among the intriguing captioned illustrations in this comprehensive overview of the history, development, workings, and far-reaching impact of motor vehicles.  

Experience the thrill of traveling by rail with stunning photographs of passenger trains from around the globe. Take a trip through the colorful history of passenger trains--and along those tracks where passenger rail still thrives. Learn how passenger trains developed from the Baltimore & Ohio's horse-drawn, stagecoach-like cars to France's trendsetting TGVs, the world's fastest trains. Discover the magic of sitting in a dome car, sleeping in a Pullman, dining on rails, and riding such grand trains as the Canadian, among the world's finest.

Change. Who needs it? We do! Mr. John Slack, the keeper of a tavern beside a rutted dirt road in the early 1800s, thought things were just fine the way they were. So did Lucius Stockton, who ran the National Road Stage Company in the mid 1800s. So too, did the owners of the railroads when the first model T appeared in 1908. Yet with each new innovation, Americans were able to move around the country more quickly, efficiently, and comfortably. Connie Wooldridge offers an informative, yet light-hearted look at how the dirt roads of the early 1800s evolved into the present-day U.S. highway system. Richard Walz's gorgeous paintings capture both the broad sweep and the individual impact of change and progress.

From cars and trains to planes and boats, people all around the world have developed diverse means and methods of travel. In this fascinating exploration of transportation, Gail Gibbons employs her signature, colorful artwork and accessible text to explain transportation choices to young readers. Vehicles of many kinds are clearly detailed, as are transportation-related facts and concepts such as carpooling and commuting. For young readers on the go, this book is a must-have!

A new book from the team of Marthe Jocelyn and Tom Slaughter, Which Way? is an invitation to explore and understand the concepts we see every day in the signs around us. Navigating the world involves many decisions. How do we know which way to go? Will we pedal or drive? Do we need a map? Will we detour to see the scenery? This colorful book takes the reader along the right path; introducing road signs, directions, stoplights, and common sights that are part of any journey.

Provides an introduction to the history and development of the automobile and explains how an automobile works. Includes information on Henry Ford and other inventors who helped influence the invention of the automobile.

The world is full of houses. Big houses and little houses. Houses that stay in one place and houses that move from place to place. Some houses are made of wood or stone; others are made from mud or straw. But all of them are made for families to live in.

How sod houses were built and lived in.

Describes various parts of a home and their functions and several different kinds of dwellings, with instructions for making a teepee, a mud house, a garden, a floor plan, model furniture, and more.

How does the environment and climate influence the homes people build?

Having worked construction for many years, author and illustrator Maxwell Newhouse shows young readers step-by-step how houses are built in this captivating picture book. From drawing up the plans to excavating the site to laying the foundation, the unique and colorful paintings move through the seasons as Max builds the house of his dreams. Watch the framing crew as they build a floor frame to hold the house, raise the walls into place, and make the roof frame. See them install the windows and doors, bricklayers build the outside walls with bricks and mortar, and roofers nail the shingles into place. Follow the plumber as he puts in the water lines, the electrician as he installs the wiring, and the drywaller as he places wallboard on the inside walls. Along come the tile setter, floor layer, cabinetmaker, and painter, who all do their part to make Max’s house beautiful as his mischievous little dog romps through the pages. Finally, when the property has been landscaped with plants, trees, grass, and stones, Max moves into his beloved new home. With a list of all the trades and a description of what they do, The House That Max Built is a must-have for any child with a natural curiosity and a passion to build things

ANew York Times Book ReviewEditors' Choice Winner of the 2013Boston Globe Horn Book Award for Best Picture Book AKirkus Reviews Best Book of 2013 ANew York Times Book ReviewNotable Children's Book of 2013 In this unique construction book for kids who love tools and trucks, readers join a girl and her family as they pack up their old house in town and set out to build a new one in the country. Mom and Dad are going to make the new house themselves, from the ground up. From empty lot to finished home, every stage of their year-and-a-half-long building project is here. And at every step their lucky kids are watching and getting their hands dirty, in page after page brimming with machines, vehicles, and all kinds of house-making activities! As he imagines it through the eyes of his older sister,Building Our Houseis Jonathan Bean's retelling of his own family's true experience, and includes an afterword with photographs from the author's collection.

Step into unique homes from around the world and discover the many fascinating ways in which people live and have lived. If you lived in the mountains of southern Spain, your bedroom might be carved out of a mountain. If you lived in a village in South Africa, the outside of your house might tell the story of your family. And if you lived in a floating green house in the Netherlands, you could rotate your house to watch both the sunrise and sunset. With intricate bas-relief collages, Giles Laroche uncovers the reason why each home was constructed the way in which it was, then lets us imagine what it would be like to live in homes so different from our own. Showing the tremendous variety of dwellings worldwide--log cabins, houses on stilts, cave dwellings, boathouses, and yurts--this book addresses why each house is build the way that it is. Reasons--such as blending into the landscape, confusing invaders, being able to travel with one's home, using whatever materials are at hand--are as varied as the homes themselves. List of Houses included: * Chalet, based on chalets built in the Austrian Alps. * Pueblo, Taos, New Mexico * Connected barn, based on connected barns common in northern New England. * Cave dwelling, Guadix, Andalucia, Spain * Palafitos (house on stilts), Chiloe Island, Chile * Palazzo Dario, Venice, Italy * Chateau La Brede, Bordeaux, France * Tulou, Hangkeng village, Yongding, China * Half-timbered houses, Miltenberg am Main, Germany * Greek island village houses, Astipalaia Island, Greece * Decorated houses of Ndebele, Pretoria, Transvaal, South Africa * Yurt, based on yurts in Mongolia and other parts of central Asia. * Airstream trailer, USA * Floating house, Middleburg, the Netherlands * Tree house, USA AUTHOR: Giles Laroche lives in Salem, Massachusetts. His amazing paper relief art has illustrated many children's books. This is his first book for Houghton Mifflin. Colour throughout

This is the wood that was hauled up to the branch that held the treehouse that Jack and Jill built. From hammering the first boards of wood to hanging the roof and the light, come follow along with Jack and Jill as they build a new treehouse! Pamela Duncan Edwards and Henry Cole's delightful cumulative read-aloud applauds busy young creators everywhere.

This wide-awake collection of 34 poems reveals the essential personalities of the household objects that surround us. When the sun rises in the opening poems, its light wakes up the objects that fill a toddler's day --a chilly bathroom floor in the morning "waits to greet/two sleepy feet," a vacuum cleaner in the afternoon "Roars over carpets/ zig zag zips/sucking up fuzz/through metal lips," a rocking chair in the evening: "Rocker, rocker/dear old soul/rock, rock, rock/but do not roll!" and a night-light at bedtime "Gladly glows/because he knows/he makes things safe/for eyes to close." With vivid three-dimensional artwork, Wake Up House! is as much fun to look at as it is to listen to and is sure to be a favorite for sharing--morning, noon, and night.

From the Northwest Territories of Canada as far southeast as Virginia in the United States, tree bark became indispensable to the everyday life of Native peoples. Simple to cut, light to carry, easy to work with, it was used for food, containers, clothing, and canoes. But nothing showed their skill, ingenuity, and inventiveness as the way bark was used to make shelters.

Richard Hammond has had a longstanding love affair, bordering on the obsessive some might say, with caravans. He has researched their origins and history, celebrity owners, the uses to which they have been put, their place in history, names, jargon, games with, things to do in, recipes to cook in, and future of. He also gives sound practical advice on how to use them to best advantage, race them (ensuring first they are of the nonstatic variety), and how to destroy them in interesting ways (of which he has much experience#151;80 or so at the last count). An essential guide for any owner or prospective owner or indeed anyone with even a passing interest in caravans, of whatever sex or age, or race, or inclination. Or even perhaps someone with apparently no interest in caravans who might have a previously latent interest aroused. Some even talk in hushed tones of a parallel universe, though he has no personal experience of this, yet. Anything is possible.

Annie does not want to move to a new place.Will an adorable puppy help change her mind?

The fog in Foggytown was so thick that people bumped into parking meters . . . and streetlamps . . . and each other! So Joey and Chloe's parents decide it's time to move. But Joey and Chloe love their house. And as it turns out, their house loves them . . . and has a very special and utterly fantastic way of taking matters into its own hands. Comic- and picture-book star Mark Siegel has spun a delightful and compelling fantasy for young picture book readers, illustrated in a unique style that combines elements of traditional picture book, comic, and animation art.

Carefully leveled text and fresh, vibrant photos engage young readers in learning about how veterinarians help animals and their community. Age-appropriate critical thinking questions and a photo glossary help build nonfiction learning skills.

Students will learn about the exciting aspects of a given job from the point of view of a professional in the field. Original, dynamic photographs illustrate text exactly to ensure young readers' comprehension.

The practice of medicine has changed greatly since the time of Hippocrates in 400 b.c., but the work of doctors and nurses has always been to alleviate suffering. This colorful, informative book explores the world of medical history, spanning the time from Roman physicians to modern-day surgeons, from Native American healers to district nurses.The colorful reenactments photographed especially for this book bring medical history to vivid life: a barber-surgeon from 1450 extracts a tooth, an Elizabethan housewife grinds medicinal herbs to treat wounds, a general practitioner from 1965 listens to her young patient's heart. Readers will learn about the long-used practice of bloodletting, the work of apothecaries and barber-surgeons, the development of anesthesia and vaccinations, the practice of quarantine to stop the spread of diseases, improvements in medical equipment, and much more. Filled with graphic details, this book is sure to be a hit with both science and history buffs.An excellent resource for browsing or doing research, A Doctor's Life also features a comprehensive time line and an index, a glossary of medical terms, and a list of places to visit. No library reference collection or classroom should be without it.Dr. Rod Storring is a consulting physician in London. He collaborated on this book with his eleven-year-old daughter, Nicola, who also hopes to become a doctor.

My American Government brings social studies to life through a series of fact-filled, exciting books that introduce students to how our government works. Engaging analogies provide insights into the origins and functions of government as well as offer a fresh perspective on the work done by the framers more than 200 years ago. Book jacket.

Ilene Cooper deftly moves through more than a century of U.S. history in order to highlight the most influential and diverse group of female leaders who opened doors for women in politics as well as in the nation as a whole. Some women featured include Margaret Chase Smith (the first woman elected to the Senate), Patsy Mink (the first woman of colour to serve in the House) and many present-day powerhouses like Nancy Pelosi and Hillary Clinton. This book is illustrated with fun and lively illustrations from Elizabeth Baddley as well as archival photographs. It also includes an index, a chart of all the women who have served in Congress and appendices that define key terms and governmental procedures such as how laws are created and how political parties work.

Using a town's mayoral election as a model, this lively introduction to voting covers every step in the process, from the start of the campaign all the way to the voting booth.There's even a recount! The cast of characters includes two dogs (and a cat), whose questions and comments mirror those of young readers and help to explain some of an election's more confusing aspects.Told with clarity and wit in Eileen Christelow's signature comic-book style and vetted by an expert in voter education, this look at how we choose our leaders turns an often daunting topic into an exciting narrative.Who would have guessed that learning about voting could be so much fun?A timeline of the history of voting in the United States, a glossary of words associated with voting, a discussion of American political parties, and a list of Internet resources are included.

Aimed at teens who want to know more about the day-to-day workings of the U.S. government, this unique blend of humor and information is a cross between a textbook and a satire. A crash course for understanding critical events in America and the world, it touches upon a variety of topics--historical and current--and explains how they unfolded and why they are important in the political and governmental arenas. Funny and intelligent writing, very reminiscent of the Daily Show, provides insight into the American electoral system, the world economy, the role religion plays in world conflicts, and America's place in world. The final chapter provides information about how to get involved. Authors will have a Web site dedicated to the book where information can be updated, teens can read more and find out ways to get involved, can join online discussions, and speak their minds about the issues.

Many of the political issues we struggle with today have their roots in the US Constitution. Husband-and-wife team Cynthia and Sanford Levinson take readers back to the creation of this historic document and discuss how contemporary problems were first introduced'then they offer possible solutions. Think Electoral College, gerrymandering, even the Senate. Many of us take these features in our system for granted. But they came about through haggling in an overheated room in 1787, and we're still experiencing the ramifications. Each chapter in this timely and thoughtful exploration of the Constitution's creation begins with a story'all but one of them true'that connects directly back to a section of the document that forms the basis of our society and government. From the award-winning team, Cynthia Levinson, children's book author, and Sanford Levinson, constitutional law scholar, Fault Lines in the Constitution will encourage exploration and discussion from young and old readers alike.

Discusses the history, writers, drafting, and impact of the United States Constitution.

"Fantastic. . . . If you don't find one of your favorite writers in this book, we'll be surprised." -- THE WASHINGTON POST Back matter includes source notes, notes on contributor, and an index.

Now in paperback, Lynne Cheney'sNew York Times bestselling illustrated history of how the Constitution came to be. "I am mortified beyond expression when I view the clouds which have spread over the brightest morn that ever dawned upon any country." --George Washington America had won the Revolution, but our troubles were far from over. The thirteen states were squabbling, the country could not pay its bills, and in Massachusetts farmers had taken up arms against the government. Was our country, which had fought so hard for its independence, going to survive? In May 1787 delegates from across the country--including George Washington, James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin--gathered in Philadelphia and, meeting over the course of a sweltering summer, created a new framework for governing: the Constitution of the United States. Their efforts turned a shaky alliance of states into a nation that would prosper and grow powerful, drawing its strength for centuries to come from "We the people" and inspiring hope for freedom around the world. Now in paperback for the first time, this richly illustrated tale of a crucial point in our nation's history will enthrall readers young and old.

This book describes the history of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

We all know what a politician looks like, right? They're old people who wear suits and make long, boring speeches full of indecipherable words. Not so fast! As The Art of the Possibleexplains, everyone is a politician -- even young people who aren't yet eligible to vote. We all have influence over how politics function. But what are politics, and why do we need them? This book answers the universal query in nine short chapters that explain everything from why we form societies and the basic types of governments to the power of public opinion, methods of rhetoric and the reasons why politicians "lie." Written in an accessible, conversational voice and packed with anecdotes and case studies from across history and around the world, this book helps foster independent thought and curiosity about how a government works -- or doesn't work. Readers will come away equipped with the knowledge they need to understand current events and elections, and maybe even be empowered to civic action themselves. Informational text features: table of contents, chapters, diagrams, sidebars, in-text definitions of key terms, glossary, index and sources

Provides an introduction to the United States Capitol building, including its history, designer, construction, reconstruction, location, and importance as a symbol of the United States. 

Welcome to our nation's Capital, home of American government, world-renowned museums, and famous memorials and monuments. Visit Apollo 11 at the Air and Space Museum, find out how Bills are printed at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and visit the Capitol Building and see where Congress meets, in this alphabetical tour from best-selling author Laura Krauss Melmed. Fascinating facts about historic people and places complement Melmed's lively, informative verse, and Frané Lessac captures the unique brilliance of the city with her detailed, accessible, folk-style artwork.

Election season is here and Monster is ready to vote! But why cast your ballot when you can run for president instead? With speeches, debates, and a soapbox or two, Monster's newest tale is a campaign encouraging kids to take a stand and fight for what they believe in.

Understand how and where the president fits into the structure of our government. Learn about his powers, how he is elected, and what his typical days are like. Historical background on the history of the office, and a look at the accomplishments of America's most notable presidents, offers additional perspective.

This new version of the Caldecott-winning classic by illustrator David Small and author Judith St. George is updated with current facts and new illustrations to include our forty-second president, George W. Bush. There are now three Georges in the catalog of presidential names, a Bush alongside the presidential family tree, and a new face on the endpaper portraiture. Hilariously illustrated by Small, this celebration by St. George shows us the foibles, quirks and humanity of forty-two men who have risen to one of the most powerful positions in the world. Perfect for this election year--and every year!