It was more than 50 years ago when the U.S. Air Force put in a request. It wanted a lighter fighter jet. Soon the F-16 Falcon was born. And it is still going strong today. The plane known by pilots as the “Viper” is being used around the world by friends of America. Part of the America’s Fighter Jets series: the F-16 Fighting Falcon places readers in the cockpit. It teaches them all about this incredible aircraft. and why it has been a mainstay in the U.S. arsenal for a half-century.

The U.S. Air Force wanted an upgrade. It wanted a better fighter jet. One that could stay hidden from the enemy. One that could attack and destroy. One that could defend itself. One that could keep pilots safe. Keep U.S. ground troops safe. Keep Americans safe. Keep the world safe. A jet fighter that all friendly nations could use. This book is all about that aircraft. Part of the America’s Fighter Jets series: F-35A Lightning II puts readers into the sky with the jet. This fun book gives ...

America’s Fighter Jets: the 15-E Strike Eagle zooms readers through the history of this fascinating aircraft. It explains what the plane’s nickname “Mudhens” could do and how they were used by the U.S. Air Force and why the U.S. sold them to other countries.

Part of the America’s Fighter Jets series: F-22 Raptor takes the reader flying high into the sky with this iconic jet. This fun and informative book tells readers all about the aircraft and why the United States had to stop making them.

The well-educated son of an Italian family, Verrazzano settled in Dieppe, France, as a young man. This explains why his historic explorations of the coast of eastern North America were undertaken in the name of the French king. During his 1524 journey, Verrazzano recorded a detailed account of the places he visited, one that would prove a key source of information about North America. Readers will also learn about Verrazzano's later journey to Brazil and his final journey, in 1528, which e...

Helicopters have done it all! They have rescued wounded soldiers. They have carried men into battle. They have searched for enemy submarines. They have destroyed dangerous mines. The sound of helicopter rotors cutting through the sky has brought relief to American troops. Read all about the history and future of military helicopters in this exciting book.

Choosing just one animal mascot to represent the country of Australia is difficult! The marsupial contenders alone include the kangaroo, koala, and wombat. Then there are the predator options like the dingo and saltwater crocodile. After learning all about Australia in this title, fluent readers just might make a mascot pick!

This enlightening book leads readers though the history of ancient China, up to and through its decline, including how power was centralized within the Zhou royal house and aristocratic families that ruled their individual territories. This resource explains the Spring and Autumn periods, as well as Confucius’s influence, and the positive and negative aspects of the Qin Dynasty. Readers will be captivated by the ebb and flow of rulers, the excitement of peasant revolts, and rebellions that...

For many high school graduates, college is a way to get ahead, but going to college is not the only way for young adults to succeed. Many people choose to enter the workforce after high school to start earning money and gaining experience right away. These motivated young workers can have rewarding jobs without ever having to earn a 4-year college degree. If you're interested in sports and don't know that you want to—or can—go to college, a career as a referee may be right for you. Young p...

“The U.S. Navy and Marines have flown F/A-18E/Fs on attack or defense missions over Iraq and Afghanistan. They have helped keep American soldiers and their country safe. And they have done so for about 40 years. Part of the America’s Fighter Jets series: F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet takes readers on a mission. That mission is to learn all about this amazing jet.”

The perseverance of Lindsey Vonn is inspiring. This engrossing narrative describes how Vonn overcame the estrangement from her father, numerous debilitating injuries, and difficult personal relationships to blossom into arguably the greatest World Cup alpine skier of all time. Readers understand the importance of setting goals, as Vonn did at age eight when she wrote of her desire to win Olympic gold. They learn as well about the need to battle through every obstacle in life to reach those...

They hover over rivers and lakes and valleys and railroad tracks and even parts of oceans. They can be beautiful and they can be ugly. But most of all, they need to be safe. They are the bridges of the United States. And more than 50,000 of them are in poor condition. Read all about American bridges in need of repair in this book. Learn about the ones that have collapsed and the ones that remain open despite remaining in bad shape. The interesting stories here gives readers a tour of bridg...