Between his time playing for Spain’s FC Barcelona team and his role on the Argentine national team, it’s surprising Lionel Messi has a life off the pitch. Yet, the most popular soccer legend of our time keeps a busy schedule that far exceeds his notable accomplishments on the field. Readers will find all the details of Messi’s life, including his early struggles with a growth hormone deficiency, his intense years of training as a teenager, and his launch into superstardom as a World Cup st...

Bursting volcanoes, cooling magma, crystals, and granite: this title covers everything igneous rock related. Written for a lower-elementary-level audience, the science behind the rock cycle and the formation of igneous rocks is presented in clear and easy-to-understand language. Special Think About It and Compare and Contrast sidebars provoke critical thinking skills in line with Common Core standards for the target grade levels. With special sections devoted to household uses of igneous r...

In this comprehensive volume dedicated to ancient Chinese civilization, upper elementarylevel readers will learn the different dynasties of ancient China, the memorable leaders that spearheaded them, and the lasting influences each period had on civilizations to follow. Readers will learn about the oldest examples of Chinese writing, which ruler was responsible for completing the Great Wall, and the cultural context in which Confucius became a prominent philosopher, among other fascinating...

In this Britannica guide to the human brain, the complex biology behind thought and sensation is explained in a way that is clear and comprehensive for lower elementary readers. Each part of the brain and its function is presented with diagrams and eye-catching images that help navigate the anatomy of the brain. Most important, Compare and Contrast and Think About It sidebars invite readers to connect ideas and make logical inferences based on the text—both key components of the Common Cor...

The Louisiana Purchase stands out in American history for a number of reasons. It was the largest acquisition of land in United States' history. It was also the first time a president obtained new territory by purchase. But, perhaps most important, it fueled the American drive for westward expansion-a powerful force in U.S. culture and politics for the remainder of the 19th century. This authoritative title presents that history in depth, contextualizing the Louisiana Purchase and examinin...

The world of mummies, pharaohs, and pyramids leaps off the pages of this upper elementary guide to ancient Egyptian civilization. Readers will discover the history and culture of ancient Egypt, from the earliest settlers of the Nile to the final dynasty of Antony and Cleopatra. Egypt’s most famous inventions—including papyrus, hieroglyphs, and the 365-day calendar—are presented along with facts about its pantheon of deities and highly organized class system. A final discussion of how moder...

It would be difficult to decide if the ancient Greeks are best known for their literature or mythology, for their philosophy or their government. On all fronts, ancient Greece paved the way for civilizations to come, making momentous contributions to humanity unmatched by other societies. This authoritative, upper elementary volume covers all aspects of Greek society, including daily life, deities and legends, and the political systems of Greek city-states. Important writers and thinkers r...

This comprehensive biography of one of history’s greatest composers will bring Beethoven back to life for contemporary young readers. In addition to a biographical treatment of his life, a thorough assessment is made of Beethoven’s musical stylings and developments—all in language suitable for upper-elementary-level readers. Eighteenth-century drawings coupled with modern photographs show readers Beethoven’s world as it was during his lifetime and as it is today. Vocabulary boxes reinforce...

The catalysts, major events, and consequences of one of history’s bloodiest revolutions are presented in a thrilling and academically rigorous way in this guide to the French Revolution. The stories of this historic episode’s key players are narrated, including the tales of such well-known characters as Marie Antoinette and Napoleon Bonaparte. There is a thorough treatment of France’s economy, government, and social life both before, during the various phases of, and after the Revolution. ...

Sitting Bull is an iconic figure in the history of Native American resistance to white settlement. This thorough lower-elementary-level biography paints the story of the famous Lakota chief's life. Sitting Bull's chronicle is presented in clear language, highlighting special terminology in pop-out Vocabulary Boxes. The text covers Sitting Bull's rise from a typical Lakota child to a fierce warrior chief and then contextualizes Sitting Bull's leadership within the history of U.S. advances o...

Influential lawyer, first lady of Arkansas and then the United States, senator for New York, and U.S. secretary of state—Hillary Clinton has been an influential figure in American politics for over three decades. This biography aimed at the lower elementary market presents Hillary’s achievements and policies in a simple, easy-to-grasp manner. If her history proves anything, she’ll remain a key political figure in the years to come. Hillary Clinton just released her memoir Hard Choices, and...

For nearly a century, big-screen tales of zombies have fascinated viewers, shambling their way from horror films to action thrillers and comedies. In recent years, there have even been news reports of real zombie-like behavior. But few know the truth behind Haitian folklore’s biggest contribution to global imagination. These pages get to the bottom of the origins of the zombie legend and its changes and development over time. The possible sources of “zombification,” including tropical drug...