“Books give a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.”
—Plato
The Wildlife Watching Encyclopedia
(Encyclopedias – Abdo Reference/ABDO, August 2023)
The Wildlife Watching Encyclopedia establishes the basics of finding and identifying wildlife, including where to go, looking for tracks, and listening for calls. Alongside text that describes animal behavior and habitat, readers will learn the importance of respecting wildlife and how to prepare for a successful and safe wildlife watching adventure.
Grassland Biomes
(Kids Core/ABDO, August 2023)
Grasslands are complex, biodiverse biomes found on dry, inner parts of every continent except Antarctica. This book explores the different types of grasslands, and the plants, animals, and climate that there. It also looks at the key role that fire plays in maintaining grasslands. Features include infographics, a glossary, and additional resources.
The Climate Crisis in the Northeast (The Climate Crisis in America)
(Focus Readers/North Star Editions, August 2023)
The climate crisis is already impacting weather across the US. This book examines the typical climate of the Northeast region, how climate change is affecting it, and ways the region can fight against and adapt to the climate emergency. It also features sidebars, a special feature, quiz questions, a glossary, and additional resources. Reading level grades 3-5 and interest levels of grades 4-7.
Hydroelectric Power (Power of Energy)
(Stride, January 2023)
Introduces readers to one form of clean energy – hydroelectric power. Readers learn how hydroelectric power is used today and how it might be used in the future, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of this energy source. Additional features include a table of contents, infographics to help readers learn more about the topic, sidebars, Fast Facts, critical thinking questions, a phonetic glossary, an index, and sources for further research.
Solar Power (Power of Energy)
(Stride, January 2023)
Introduces readers to another form of clean energy – solar. Readers learn how solar power is used today and how it might be used in the future, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of this energy source. Additional features include a table of contents, infographics to help readers learn more about the topic, sidebars, Fast Facts, critical thinking questions, a phonetic glossary, an index, and sources for further research.
PICTURE BOOK SCIENCE SERIES: Biome Explorers
(Nomad Press, August 2022)
Take a journey to Earth’s major biomes with picture book science! The books in this series explore five different biomes: water, deserts, forests, grasslands, and tundra. Each one is a unique journey, inviting readers to listen to the hoof-steps of millions of wildebeests on the African savanna, to snorkel among coral reefs and sea turtles in the ocean, to watch guanacos find water in Chile’s Atacama Desert, to explore the highest layers of a rainforest on a canopy walkway, and to climb a mountain to the alpine tundra of Colorado. The books include layered text with additional information, a glossary and an activity. Click here for more information on each individual book.
Working Together to Survive (Animal Survival)
(Kids Core/ABDO, August 2022)
Cooperation can be key to survival. Working Together to Survive covers how animals work with other animals, and even other species, to get food, stay safe, and thrive. Easy-to-read text, vivid images, and helpful back matter give readers a clear look at this subject. Features include a table of contents, infographics, a glossary, additional resources, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards.
Fleeing to Survive (Animal Survival)
(Kids Core/ABDO, August 2022)
Speed is key to escaping predators. Fleeing to Survive covers how a variety of animals flee, whether it’s on land or in the air or water. Easy-to-read text, vivid images, and helpful back matter give readers a clear look at this subject. Features include a table of contents, infographics, a glossary, additional resources, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards.
Colorado (Core Library of US States)
(Core Library/ABDO, August 2022)
From catching stunning views in Rocky Mountain National Park to cheering on a favorite sports team in Denver, there’s a lot to see and do in Colorado! Colorado introduces this western state’s history, geography, climate, economy, people, and places. Easy-to-read text, vivid images, and helpful back matter give readers a clear look at this subject. Features include a table of contents, infographics, a glossary, additional resources, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards.
Investigating Plastic Pollution (Investigating Pollution)
(Wonder Publishing, August 2022)
More and more we hear about the growing problem of plastic pollution on both land and in the water. Investigating Plastic Pollution introduces readers to what plastic pollution is, the consequences of this type of pollution, and what people are doing to help. Additional features include a table of contents, a Fast Facts page, a STEM project, a phonetic glossary, ways for readers to help, an index, an introduction to the author, and sources for further research.
Investigating Light Pollution (Investigating Pollution)
(Wonder Publishing, August 2022)
Light pollution is a growing problem in our modern world, affecting both the natural world and ourselves. Investigating Light Pollution introduces readers to what light pollution is, the consequences of this type of pollution, and what people are doing to help. Additional features include a table of contents, a Fast Facts page, a STEM project, a phonetic glossary, ways for readers to help, an index, an introduction to the author, and sources for further research.
Birdbrain: Are Birds Dumb? (Animal Idioms)
(Kids Core/ABDO, December 2021)
“Birdbrain” often describes an individual who is not very smart. Birdbrain: Are Birds Dumb? dives into bird characteristics and behavior to investigate if there is truth behind this common expression. Easy-to-read text, vivid images, and helpful back matter give readers a clear look at this subject. Features include a table of contents, infographics, a glossary, additional resources, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards.
Eagle-Eyed: Are Eagles Sharp-Sighted? (Animal Idioms)
(Kids Core/ABDO, December 2021)
“Eagle-eyed” often describes an individual who is sharp-sighted with an eye for detail. Eagle-Eyed: Are Eagles Sharp-Sighted? dives into eagle characteristics and behavior to investigate if there is truth behind this common expression. Easy-to-read text, vivid images, and helpful back matter give readers a clear look at this subject. Features include a table of contents, infographics, a glossary, additional resources, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards.
PICTURE BOOK SCIENCE SERIES: Space
(Nomad Press, March 2021)
Explore space with picture book science! The books in this series explain the origins of the earth, moon, stars, and sun, how they each evolved, how they affect human life, what the future may hold, and more. The books are narrated by the Universe and include two wise-cracking aliens that offer bits of trivia, new vocabulary, goofy or thoughtful questions, and puns. Each book ends with a glossary and an activity related to the text. Click here for information on each individual book.
Mammals (A Field Guide for Kids)
(ABDO, January 2021)
From narwhals and blue whales to koalas and Tasmanian devils, this field guide includes 100 mammals found throughout the world. Learn about the behaviors and appearance of each mammal, and how to spot them. The book includes vivid photos, an introduction, a glossary, additional resources, and an index.
PICTURE BOOK SCIENCE SERIES: Animal Adaptations
(Nomad Press, August 2020)
Animals have all kinds of marvelous, remarkable, fabulous, brilliant, and amazing adaptations. Each book in the series introduces unique adaptations of mammals, reptiles, fish, birds, and amphibians to engage children’s natural sense of wonder and inspire further investigation. Each book also includes layered text that allows for more in-depth discovery about some of nature’s most unique adaptations, as well as a glossary and an activity related to the text. Click here for information on each individual book.
“Through layered, mischievous illustrations and detailed back matter, the Picture Book Science series plies young readers with a ton of useful facts about how all sorts of animals have evolved to survive in their environments…classroom-friendly and fun, too.” Read the full review here. — Booklist
Animal Conservationists (Science Adventurers)
(ABDO, December 2019)
Around the world countless species are at risk, as a result of climate change, pollution, habitat destruction, invasive species, and more. There are also countless scientists working to find solutions and save species. In some cases this involves habitat protection and restoration. Breeding programs at zoos, aquariums, and sanctuaries also help to prevent extinctions and recover species’ populations. Species reintroduction is another approach, with the goal of preserving the ecological balance of ecosystems. Ever-improving technology is also employed to monitor species, collect data, analyze DNA, and more. This book celebrates the ongoing work of scientists on the front lines of animal conservation.
Crazy Contraptions: Build Rube Goldberg Machines that Swoop, Spin, Stack, and Swivel
(Nomad Press, October 2019)
Toppling dominoes, rolling marbles, racing balloon cars, object-launching catapults, and whizzing zip-lines are all elements used to build Rube Goldberg machines in Crazy Contraptions. The book introduces kids ages 9-12 (and beyond!) to the wacky machines designed by Goldberg, which use complicated and ridiculous chain reactions to accomplish very simple tasks. Then young engineers are invited to invent, design, create, and play as they make their own Rube Goldberg machines.
To read more about Crazy Contraptions, read my guest blog on Unleashing Readers. Click here for the Contraptions Classroom Guide and the Contraptions Nomad Newsletter. Happy creating!
Race to Renewable Energy (Great Races)
(MOMENTUM – A Child’s World, August 2019)
In the face of global warming and climate change as a result of burning fossil fuels, the race to develop renewable energy is on. These sources of clean energy include solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, and hydroelectric power. Renewable energy can help to create a sustainable energy future; it can meet energy needs while not harming the environment. In addition, the renewable energy industry is creating jobs and boosting economies.
Race to Discover Energy Independence (Great Races)
(MOMENTUM – A Child’s World, August 2019)
As the demand for electricity and automobiles increased in the 20th century, the world became dependent on oil. In the United States, much of that oil came from foreign countries. But since two separate energy crises in the 1970s, the U.S. has raced to become energy independent so it does not have to rely on other countries for energy. That race has included the search for domestic oil and gas, and the development of renewable energy.
Biodiversity: Explore the Diversity of Life on Earth
(Nomad Press, March 2019)
***This book is one of the Booklist editors’ Top 10 Books on the Environment & Sustainability for Youth 2020! It also earned a starred review from Booklist and is a Junior Library Guild selection.
From the tallest tree to the smallest microbe, Earth is home to more than 1.5 million known species of plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, and microorganisms. And scientists estimate there could be millions, if not billions, more that have not yet been identified!
Biodiversity introduces kids to the evolution of life on Earth, beginning with the first single-celled organisms that emerged 3.8 billion years ago to the complex, multi-celled organisms that exist today and make up the tree of life. Biodiversity is found everywhere on the planet—on land, in the water, and even in extreme environments such as ice and volcanoes. There are actually entire microbiomes beneath our feet, in puddles, and even in our belly buttons (really, it’s true)!
Click here for the Biodiversity Classroom Guide and the Biodiversity Nomad Newsletter.
12 Worst Fires of All Time (All-Time Worst Disasters)
(12-Story Library, 2019)
This book is one in a series of 8 on disasters .Learn about 12 of the worst fires in human history, their causes, and their effects. It also includes tips on how to prepare for a fire and to stay safe.
The 12 Worst Floods of All Time (All-Time Worst Disasters)
(12-Story Library, 2019)
This book is one in a series of 8 on disasters. Learn about 12 of the worst floods in human history, their causes, and their effects. It also includes tips on how to prepare for a flood and to stay safe.
Islands (Landforms)
(North Star Editions, 2018)
As part of a series about landforms, this book explores the amazing world of islands. It takes readers to different islands on Earth and explains how islands form and change. Readers will also learn about the animals and plants that live on thrive on them.
Deserts (Landforms)
(North Star Editions, 2018)
As one book in a series about landforms, this book explores the fascinating deserts around the world. Readers will learn how deserts form and how they change over time, and about the plants and animals adapted to living there.
Extinction: What Happened to the Dinosaurs, Mastodons, and Dodo Birds?
(Nomad Press, 2017)
In Earth’s 4.5-billion-year history, over 5 billion species have gone extinct. In Extinction: What Happened to the Dinosaurs, Mastodons, and Dodo Birds? explore the mysteries of extinction on the planet – past, present, and future. Paleontologists, geologists, and other scientists follow clues left behind in rocks to determine the reasons for extinction. This scientific detective work is particularly focused on the five mass extinctions that have occurred on Earth, events which killed over 75% of species at one time. Extinction then explores the role that humans have had in extinction since the dawn of man, and whether humans are responsible for initiating a sixth mass extinction.
Click here for the Extinction Classroom Guide and the Extinction Nomad Newsletter.
Bringing Back Our Wetlands (Conservation Success Stories)
(ABDO Publishing Group, 2017)
Wetlands were historically viewed as wastelands, areas to be avoided, drained for development or agriculture, or used as dumping grounds. Pollution and fragmentation have also impacted wetlands. As a result, by 1990 more than half of the wetlands in the lower 48 states had been destroyed; worldwide wetland losses are estimated at 60%. Yet as people began to understand the enormous value of wetlands, conservation efforts were launched. Across the country conservation projects are underway in national parks, in agricultural areas, along shorelines, and more. This book celebrates the protection, restoration, and construction efforts of those people and groups, and looks toward a future of conservation in an effort to preserve wetlands’ critical role in the environment.
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch (Ecological Disasters)
(ABDO Publishing Company, 2017)
Every year 9 million tons of plastic trash ends up in the world’s oceans. In places where rotating ocean currents create giant whirlpools, the debris becomes concentrated in one area. In the North Pacific Ocean, this concentrated area of debris is called the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. This book explores the reality of marine debris, its causes, and the effects it has on marine habitats, marine species, and on humans. Growing awareness of the issue has led many individuals, organizations, and governments to take action to improve the situation through a combination of prevention and clean up.
The California Drought (Ecological Disasters)
(ABDO Publishing Company, 2017)
Historically, drought in California is nothing new. However, the one that began in 2012 was one of the worst in a thousand years. This book explores the both the natural and human causes of California’s latest drought, including climate change, over-consumption, pollution, and over-allocation. It also discusses the impact the drought has on agriculture, urban areas, and the environment. In the face of this devastating drought, however, there are steps that both individuals and governments can take to save water now and to ensure water use is sustainable into the future.
Online Identity
(ABDO Publishing Company, 2016)
The virtual world offers limitless possibilities as to where one can go, who they can interact with, the communities they belong to, the amount of entertainment and information they have access to, and more. Yet everything one does online leaves a footprint – a digital one that builds one’s online identity. And while the online identity is a virtual construction, it nonetheless impacts and is impacted by one’s real world identity. At issue, then, is what this means for privacy, relationships, communication, and the self. This book traces the evolution of this second self, how to manage the persona put forward in the digital world, how that persona affects the real world self, and how to protect both.
Information Literacy in the Digital Age
(ABDO Publishing Company, 2016)
As the amount of information grows exponentially every day, information literacy is becoming both increasingly complex and important. Information literacy in the digital age means being able to successfully acquire, evaluate, and select information available from print, digital, primary, and other sources. As such, on October 1, 2009, President Obama declared October as National Information Literacy Awareness Month: “National Information Literacy Awareness Month highlights the need for all Americans to be adept in the skills necessary to effectively navigate the Information Age.” Information Literacy in the Digital Age takes a look at the new face of information in the 21st century, how to find and evaluate it, and the ethics and responsibilities surrounding digital information.
The Clintons
(ABDO Publishing Company, 2016)
This title, part of the series America’s Great Political Families, traces the Clinton family history, their influence, their scandals, their contributions, and their legacy in the United States. It explores the roots of the family’s political involvement back to both Hillary and Bill’s high school experiences, through their activism at Yale and all the way to the White House and beyond. Chelsea Clinton has also emerged as an integral part of the Clinton legacy, in Hillary’s run for the White House, and in the work of the Clinton Foundation which seeks to help people worldwide to improve health; address issues facing women and children; to increase economic opportunities for those in need; and to take action against environmental issues.
Eating Local
(Lerner Publishing Group, 2016)
Consumers are increasingly looking for food that is grown locally, not only to reduce food miles (the number of miles food travels from farm to plate), but also to find food that is more nutritious, fresh, and sustainable than current factory farming methods. More and more, people are getting to know the farmer who grew their produce or raised their cow through an expanding number of farmers’ markets, community supported agriculture programs, and co-ops. The movement has even extended to restaurants with farm-to-table meals, school lunches, and prison programs. The goal of the movement is to inspire healthy eating while also maintaining a healthy planet.
Asking Questions About Food Advertising
(Cherry Lake Publishing, 2015)
Media messages are everywhere in the modern world. This book, part of the series Asking Questions about Media, allows the reader to understand how food advertisements are constructed in order to influence consumer purchases. In addition, it teaches readers how to deconstruct the messages in order to better understand them and to make informed food choices.
How the Toilet Changed History
(ABDO Publishing Company, 2015)
From the communal toilets of Roman baths, to the modern, high-tech contraptions produced in Japan, the toilet is indeed an invention that has changed history. This book traces the evolution of the toilet and sanitation systems through time, and also explores some of the current efforts to provide toilets and proper sanitation to the 35% of the world’s population without.
Anne Bonny
(Mitchell Lane Publishers, 2015)
During the Golden Age of Piracy in the early 1700s, pirates ruled the Caribbean. They cut off trade routes and plundered merchant ships. Pirates made off with prizes of tobacco, fabrics, rum, weapons, food, and more. Of the several thousand pirates in the Caribbean in 1720, there were only two known women. One was Anne Bonny, a woman with a fierce temper and strong will. Dressed in men’s clothing, Bonny was known to wield a cutlass, carry a gun, run gunpowder, and take part in every part of an attack. Her story as a pirate sailing with Calico Jack is legendary.
A History of Art
(ABDO Publishing Company, 2015)
What is art? People know art when they see it, yet the definition of art, and what is considered great art, changes over time and across cultures. Part of the Essential Library of Cultural History, A History of Art traces the history of art from prehistoric cave paintings and sculptures to art in our modern world. Looking at major art movements through time, it also explores the origins and ever-changing definition of art in the Western World, and highlights pioneering artists, various media, and developments and innovations in art.
Internet Addiction
(ABDO Publishing Company, 2014)
Over the past several decades the Internet has become an integral part of everyday life. Today’s youth are digital natives, who have grown up not knowing a world without the Internet. Yet many people, children and adults alike, have become addicted. From gaming to texting to spending, Internet Addiction explores the always-on, always connected world we live in and the effects it has on our brains, our connections to others and more.
Bullying
(ABDO Publishing Company, 2014)
Bullying has become an issue in American schools. Part of the Essential Issues series, Bullying looks at the roles of the bully, the bullied and the bystander and the effects it has on each. It also explores current legislation, what schools can do to minimize bullying, and the importance of every child taking a stand.
Understanding Jordan Today
(Mitchell Lane Publishers, 2014)
Jordan is an ancient land with a modern attitude in the heart of the Middle East. Led by the Hashemite family, Jordan became an independent nation in 1946. The nation has been faced with many difficult challenges in the turbulent Middle East since then, yet remains “an oasis of stability.” Its people are open and welcoming. Their everyday lives are guided by the rich traditions of the past, but the nation itself has emerged as modern and progressive.
Understanding Lebanon Today
(Mitchell Lane Publishers, 2014)
Lebanon is a small country in the Middle East with a big personality. Since the time of the Phoenicians Lebanon has been at the crossroads of the East and West. Dozens of civilizations have controlled the region. They have left behind spectacular ruins that mark Lebanon’s past. Today Lebanon holds onto its rich, traditional culture yet it is very open-minded and progressive. At the heart of Lebanese culture are family, religion and food!
Animal Rights
(ABDO Publishing Company, 2014)
This title, part of the Essential Library for Social Change, follows the history of the animal rights movement in the United States. It includes key players, important moments and legislative battles which have ensued in pursuit of the humane treatment of animals, and the philosophical debate over the ultimate liberation of animal from human use.
Exploring Mountains
(ABDO Publishing Company, 2014)
Throughout history, people have always explored new frontiers. This book takes an in-depth look at the history of human exploration of mountains from the earliest climbers, to those who pioneered the Golden Age of Mountaineering, to modern climbers. It also traces the development of the technology and techniques that made the exploration of the worlds’ highest peaks possible.
Kids on the Move! Colorado
(Fixed Pin Publishing, 2012)
This handy guide will be your go-to resource when traveling through Colorado with children. It highlights kid-friendly activities in 40 towns and cities across the state. Each chapter includes:
- The Place to Go – the most strategic stop in town (based on kid-appeal, ease of access and amenities available)
- Other Parks – since options are always good
- Splash Spots – the ideal places for dipping a toe or kerplunking a rock
- Trails for Strollers and Little Folks – easily accessible, kid-friendly “hikes”
- Kid-Friendly Eateries – refueling stations for the hungry masses
- Things to do in Bad Weather – activities to get everyone out of the car, even if the weather isn’t cooperating
- More Info – including hospitals, grocery stores, libraries, visitor information centers, and additional activities