Most people want to live in a world free of garbage. But the amount of stuff people throw away each day clogs landfills. Burned garbage pollutes the environment, harming it for present and future populations on Earth. Recycling can help. But people need to know how to go about this important practice to ensure that objects placed in recycling bins are being used to make new products. Part of the Making a Difference series, Getting Smart About Recycling tells readers about the many ways the...

Giving one’s time to an important cause can be a positive experience for everyone involved. Research has shown that volunteering makes people feel good. It can also help them develop new friendships. It can even have positive effects on their health. Even more important, the work that volunteers perform can also make a big difference in other people’s lives. Many charities depend on the work of volunteers. Part of the Making a Difference series, Volunteering, Donating Your Time for Importa...

One of the most effective ways a person can help others is by collecting money for an important cause. One person alone cannot fund the research needed to cure cancer. But that one person can encourage numerous other people to donate to cancer research. Some people fundraise for established charities, such as the American Heart Association or the Humane Society of the United States. Other people fundraise on a local level, collecting money for people who need food or a place to live. Whate...

One of the best ways young people can make a difference in the world around them is getting involved in school government. Student councils offer young people the chance to serve in such roles as student body president, treasurer, or secretary. Running for these offices offers students valuable experience in how real-life governments work. It can also provide young people with a way to make meaningful contributions to their schools through fundraising, organizing events to raise school spi...

Animal shelters and rescue groups in the United States help millions of homeless animals each year. Foster families help these organizations accomplish this important job by taking some of these pets into their homes. By providing dogs, cats, and other animals with loving care until each one finds a permanent home, fosters make a meaningful difference in the lives of these pets. Part of the Making a Difference series, Fostering Animals tells readers about the fostering process, including t...

Readers say: "Ancient Egypt comes to life in this thrilling mystery""Intriguing, vivid historical mystery""You'll feel like you're there""Exciting, educational, engaging""Five stars"The Eyes of Pharaoh, 1177 BC: During the reign of Pharaoh Ramses the Third, Seshta, a 13-year-old dancer in the Temple of Hathor, dreams of becoming a famous entertainer. Horus, the brother of her heart, is content as a toymaker's apprentice. Reya, at 16, has joined Egypt...

Having the guidance of another person can be a great help in learning almost anything. Mentors are people who spend time with others to share their knowledge and experience in a particular part of life. Some mentors are adults. But these important helpers can also be younger people. Teen mentors may work with younger kids. There are also peer mentors who work with people their own age. Part of the Making a Difference series, Mentoring, Guiding Young People on Their Path to Greatness explor...

When the Mayan king dies, young Eveningstar finds herself at war with the evil high priest trying to take over.Eveningstar Macaw lives in a glorious Mayan city in the ninth century. When the king falls ill and dies, the city begins to crumble. An evil high priest, Great Skull Zero, orders the sacrifice of those who might become king, including Eveningstar’s beloved brother. Suspicious of the High Priest’s motives, Eveningstar attempts to save her brother, thus beco...

A fun and informative introduction to the earth science happening beneath our feet, packed with hands-on science experiments and STEM research projects that help readers ages 12 to 15 discover the amazing world of geology!Did you know that minerals were necessary for the beginning of life? Or that geothermal power could provide all the energy the world needs? Planet Earth is our home, but how much do you really know about the world beneath your feet? Ro...

The Genie’s Gift is a lighthearted action novel set in the Middle East of the 15th century. It draws on the fantastic creatures and culture of The Arabian Nights.Thirteen-year-old Anise, shy and timid, dreads marrying the man her father chooses for her. Her aunt tells her about the Genie Shakayak, the giver of the Gift of Sweet Speech. He lives high atop Mount Quaf, many weeks’ journey across a barren desert. The way is barred by a dozen dangers a...

Jaguar Paw finally finds some kids who just want to play the game.

A boy reluctantly ventures out into the pouring rain with his dad to move frogs to safety.