This book explores the Southern home front during the Civil War.

The first car with a gas engine had only three wheels. What were early cars like and who made them? Find out about the first electric car, the first car race, Henry Fords Model T, and more.

The piano has not been around as long as some instruments, such as the flute and drum. But it is perhaps the most popular instrument of all. About 21 million Americans play the piano! This title is richly illustrated with large photographs, maps, and a STEM activity that provides simple instructions to help children make their own instrument. Pianos is a reading journey that inspires and stimulates learning exploration.

Did you know that archaeologists discovered a flute more than 40,000 years old in a cave in Germany? That makes the flute one of the oldest instruments in the world. Flutes are still played and enjoyed. Its high, clear notes soar. This title is richly illustrated with large photographs, maps, and a STEM activity that provides simple instructions to help children make their own instrument. Flutes is a reading journey that inspires and stimulates learning exploration.

Did you know that archaeologists found an elephant skin drum more than 30,000 years old in ice in Antarctica? This makes the drum one of the oldest musical instruments used by humans. This title is richly illustrated with large photographs, maps, and a STEM activity that provides simple instructions to help children make their own instrument. Drums is a reading journey that inspires and stimulates learning exploration.

Did you know that archaeologists discovered two trumpets in King Tut’s tomb in Egypt? That makes the trumpet one of the oldest instruments in the world. Trumpets thrill us with strong clear notes. This title is richly illustrated with large photographs, maps, and a STEM activity that provides simple instructions to help children make their own instrument. Trumpets is a reading journey that inspires and stimulates learning exploration.

Anthropologists believe that the oldest musical instrument is the human voice. There is no culture, no matter how primitive or remote, that does not sing. People can sing high and low notes, and with great emotion. This title is richly illustrated with large photographs, maps, and a STEM activity that provides simple instructions to help children make their own instrument. Voices is a reading journey that inspires and stimulates learning exploration. Also includes an activity to help child...

Did you know that archeologists found statues and carvings of an instrument like the guitar in Iran that date back 3,500-4,000 years? People around the world love to play and listen to the guitar. This title is richly illustrated with large photographs, maps, and a STEM activity that provides simple instructions to help children make their own instrument. Guitars is a reading journey that inspires and stimulates learning exploration.

Butterflies are the rock stars of the insect world. They are beautiful. They glide through the air, looking elegant and regal. Photographers like to snap pictures of them. The press gives special coverage to the famous Monarch butterfly. Butterflies are adored by all. These flying insects play an important role in the life cycle of plants. They are pollinators, and many are native to America. Butterflies help plants to grow many of the flowers you love to see and smell. Native Pollinators ...

Moths are fuzzier and fatter than their butterfly cousins. A lot of moths are brown and dull looking. Butterflies get songs and poems written about them. Hardly anyone swoons over moths. But moths deserve our respect and attention. Moths are pollinators, and many are native to America. While most insect pollinators work during the day, moths take the night shift. They visit flowers that bloom under the light of the moon. Moths play a vital role in the life cycle of plants. Some are beautif...

Flies get no respect. People shoo them. They swat them. They use bug spray to kill them. But the next time you see a fly, think twice before you strike. Flies can be annoying but helpful too. They are pollinators. Pollinators help plants produce the fruits and vegetables we love to eat. Flies pollinate pears, strawberries, and even cacao, the nut used to make chocolate. Flies work hard for us—and they do it for free! Native Pollinators: Flies is a good place to start to learn about these h...

In science fiction, deflector shields protect ships, bases, and even planets from enemy attack. How could a protective space that absorbs energy from weapons be created? Scientists have some ideas, which include using lasers. Discover the science and technology behind what it would take to make a real-life deflector shield!