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Frozen in Time: What Ice Cores Can Tell Us About Climate Change (Books for a Better Earth)
by Carmella Van VleetA dazzling introduction to paleoclimatology for kids, connecting the methods that scientists use to study our climate history with future climate change solutions.Believe it or not, ice isn&’t always just frozen water. In fact, most of the ice covering our planet contains thousands of years' worth of information about our atmosphere. This ice is made up of a lot more than snow—it has soot, volcanic ash, gasses, and other substances that affect the climate. And if we drill a piece of that ice? We get a frozen time capsule, courtesy of Earth. In this exhilarating middle grade nonfiction book by a former educator, kids are immersed in the field of paleoclimatology. Readers go along on an ice core expedition, run through each step in the collecting and transporting process, review the fascinating components of an ice core, and explore the specialized labs where scientists examine them.But these pieces of our planet are more than just cool records. By preserving and studying these frosty collections of climate history, we can learn from previous patterns and better protect our planet in the future. The final chapter focuses on ice as a key tool in the fight against climate change.With crystal-clear explanations and an engaging, kid friendly tone, the book features 15+ full-color photographs, diagrams, interviews with paleoclimatologists, a glossary of terms, and simple experiments for budding scientists at home. Books for a Better Earth are designed to inspire children to become active, knowledgeable participants in caring for the planet they live on.A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Light and Air
by Mindy Nichols WendellIt's 1935, and tuberculosis is ravaging the nation. Everyone is afraid of this deadly respiratory illness. But what happens when you actually have it?When Halle and her mother both come down with TB, they are shunned—and then they are sent to the J.N. Adam Tuberculosis Hospital: far from home, far from family, far from the world.Tucked away in the woods of upstate New York, the hospital is a closed and quiet place. But it is not, Halle learns, a prison. Free of her worried and difficult father for the first time in her life, she slowly discovers joy, family, and the healing power of honey on the children's ward, where the girls on the floor become her confidantes and sisters. But when Mama suffers a lung hemorrhage, their entire future—and recovery—is thrown into question....Light and Air deals tenderly and insightfully with isolation, quarantine, found family, and illness. Set in the fully realized world of a 1930s hospital, it offers a tender glimpse into a historical epidemic that has become more relatable than ever due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As Halle tries to warm her father&’s coldness and learns to trust the girls and women of the hospital, and as she and her mother battle a disease that once paralyzed the country, a profound message of strength, hope, and healing emerges.A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Not the Worst Friend in the World
by Anne RellihanCan Lou Bennett keep a secret? She&’ll do just about anything to prove herself to her new friend—and the best friend she betrayed—in this debut novel that is a modern-day Harriet the Spy with high emotional stakes.It&’s the thirty-fourth day of sixth grade at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School in Missouri, and eleven-year-old Lou wishes she could rewind time. Lou wants to go back to the ninth day of sixth grade—the day before she fought with her best friend Francie and said the terrible, horrible things she can&’t unsay. Or better yet, she would go back to fifth grade when Francie was still the Old Francie. Then the new girl, Cece Clark-Duncan, passes Lou a mysterious note. It says she was kidnapped. (!) If Lou can help Cece, maybe she can prove she&’s not the world&’s worst friend. But as observant Lou uncovers the complicated truth about Cece&’s family, she starts to panic. Can she help Cece without hurting her? Or will Lou end up losing another friend instead?Anchored by an outstanding voice and a page-turning mystery, this remarkable debut novel honors the powerful middle school friendships that can both break and heal a tender eleven-year-old heart. Perfect for fans of Fish in a Tree and My Jasper June.
The Selkie's Daughter
by Linda BrennanA richly imagined fantasy set in Nova Scotia where a young girl—part selkie, part human—must save her family.I am human upon dry land. I swim as selkie on the sea.Brigit knows all the old songs and legends by heart: of Neve, the daughter of the sea god; of the warrior Finn MacCool; and of people who are not quite human. But Brigit knows the truth. It&’s evident in the webbing between her fingers–webbing that must be cut. She&’s the daughter of a selkie. A truth she must keep secret from everyone.But someone in her village is killing young seals. Angering the king of the selkie clan, who vows revenge. A curse that will bring storm, sickness, and death. To protect those she loves, Brigit must find a way to Sule Skerrie, the land of selkies, to confront the Great Selkie and protect the young seals from harm.Like sitting by a warm fireplace, The Selkie&’s Daughter is an imaginative fantasy, steeped in Celtic mythology and rich with detail. Perfect for fans of mermaids and Studio Ghibli-esque stories.A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
The Supernatural Files of CJ Delaney
by Carol WilliamsPossessed dogs, missing livestock, cloaked figures . . . CJ Delaney's summer vacation just got really weird.When a boring old skatepark opening becomes the scene of a something truly strange, CJ Delaney can&’t believe her luck. This is just the kind of big story she&’s dreamed of breaking for the town's local paper. With best friend Parker in tow, CJ is determined to get to the bottom of everything and save the town from evil. Isn&’t this what summer vacation is for? But when all answers point to someone close, CJ stands not only to lose her byline but the scariest thing of all—the people and pet she loves.With a strong, snappy voice and a warm sense of humor, The Supernatural Files of CJ Delaney is a fast-paced middle grade mystery (with just the right amount of hair-raising thrills) that begs to be read cover-to-cover in one sitting. This debut from Carol Williams shines with love for its characters, college-town setting, and belief in the power of the written word.
Bunnybirds #1
by Natalie LinnPrincess Aster must leave home to discover why her people are disappearing—even if it means journeying over the rim of the world itself—in this animal fantasy graphic novel perfect for fans of blockbuster series like Warriors and Wings of Fire.The Bunny who worries is heavy and slow. To fly with the flock, one must learn to let go.Be content and with joy! Lay fears to rest: the bunny who smiles suits the bunny flock best.In Princess Aster&’s world, Bunnybirds live in contented isolation, keeping themselves detached from the world in order to practice magic and receive prophetic visions. Nothing is ever wrong, and no one is ever angry. . . even as Aster&’s people seem to be slowly disappearing. But when her father is next to go, her goal is as definite and unclouded as her heart: she&’s going to rescue him, no matter how.To find her people, she must leave the royal Home Tree and travel to the Court of Dragons—and then across sea flats, through deserts, and over the rim of the world itself—to find out what&’s happened, with only the exiled bunnybird thief Carlin and the lackadaisical centipede-dog Feet for company. The further Aster travels from home, the more questions she has: Are the Bunnybirds truly as happy as they say? And if they aren&’t, can she let go of age-old traditions in order to rescue her friends?A sweet but sweeping graphic novel adventure, Bunnybirds offers readers a richly imagined animal world full of magic, danger, and excitement.
Fire Escape: How Animals and Plants Survive Wildfires (Books for a Better Earth)
by Jessica StremerA timely middle grade nonfiction overview of the incredible ways animals detect, respond, and adapt to wildfires, as well as how climate change is affecting the frequency and severity of these devastating events in nature.Goats and beavers. Drones and parachutes. Pinecones and beetles. What do they have in common? Believe it or not, they are all crucial tools in fighting, preventing, and adapting to wildfires!These vicious fires are spreading faster and burning hotter than at any other time in history. Ongoing droughts, warming weather, and a history of poor forest management have extended the traditional wildfire season beyond the summer months. It is a matter of life and death for wildlife worldwide.This breathtaking nonfiction book focuses on unique angles to a hot topic, including injury rehabilitation efforts, species that use wildfires to their advantage, how to help area repopulation, and the animals that help to prevent/fight wildfires. A riveting, kid friendly text is accompanied by stunning woodcut illustrations and full-color photographs, as well as extensive back matter with glossary, sources, and index.Books for a Better Earth are designed to inspire children to become active, knowledgeable participants in caring for the planet they live on.A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Mama's Chicken and Dumplings
by Dionna L. MannGrowing up in segregated 1930&’s Charlottesville, ten-year-old Allie is determined to find a man for her mama to marry— but not just any man will do!Allie&’s life with Mama isn&’t bad, but she knows it could be better if Mama would find someone to marry. Allie&’s worst enemy, her NOT-friend Gwen, has a daddy, and Allie wants someone like that—someone to fix things when they break, someone who likes to sing, and has a kind-smile. So Allie makes a plan—her super secret Man-For-Mama plan. She has a list of candidates with a clear top choice: Mr. Johnson, who owns the antique store. Best of all, Mr. Johnson went to school with Mama, and he wants to get reacquainted! The battle&’s half won, and Allie is sure that when he tries Mama&’s yummy chicken and dumplings, he&’ll be head over heels. But someone else is interested in Mama: Mr. Coles, Allie&’s teacher, who&’s also Gwen&’s uncle! Mama can&’t marry him—no way is Allie going to be related to Gwen. On top of it all, Allie&’s best friend is moving to Chicago; Allie keeps getting in trouble; and everyone seems to think she&’s jealous of Gwen, for some reason. Nothing is going how she planned, but Allie is determined to get things back on track toward the life she knows she and Mama both deserve. . . even if Mama doesn&’t agree yet.A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Once They See You: 13 Stories to Shiver and Shock
by Josh AllenThere&’s no escaping these deliciously creepy tales of everyday horror, perfect for fans of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.Once you open this book, you&’re doomed . . . Cursed to stay up late, savoring every line of these terrifying stories. Go ahead and try to resist. The Night Things won&’t let you get far.Master storyteller Josh Allen, hailed as the &“heir-apparent to Alvin Schwartz,&” brings thirteen nightmare scenarios to life in this page-turning collection. From a shiny abandoned bike, to an innocent classroom icebreaker, to a piano recital that requires unusual sacrifices, there&’s no end to the shocking twists on everyday reality.In Allen&’s wondrous world, which looks an awful like our own, danger waits behind every doorway . . . even in the most ordinary places. Kids eager for age-appropriate horror will relish every thrill and chill.Eerie illustrations by award-winning artist Sarah Coleman accompany the stories, packaged in a stunning hardcover edition complete with a glow-in-the-dark jacket. Readers will sleep with one eye open!Don't miss the author and illustrator's other creepy collections: Out to Get You and Only If You Dare.
The (Mostly) True Story of Cleopatra's Needle
by Dan GutmanFrom the author of the My Weird School books, an adventure story that spans centuries and continents.In Central Park, New York, stands Cleopatra&’s Needle. But what do you know about? Did you know that thousands of people worked in 1461 BCE to build it? Then hundreds more moved it, and erected it in Alexandria, where it stood for 3,000 years? So how did a monolith weighing over 200 tons get moved all the way to New York City—and in the 19th Century, no less? In this historical fiction account by bestselling author Dan Gutman, five kids who watched the Needle at each phase of its history recount the daring story of how something that seemed to be impossible –and that nearly ended in disaster—finally succeeded against all odds. Including photos, diagrams, and illustrations, this book will leave history lovers and fans of problem solving astounded at all that was accomplished. And best of all, it will leave middle grade readers feeling they&’ve just watched a really good movie—they&’ll hardly even realize they were reading.A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
The Ghost Rules
by Adam RosenbaumTwelve-year-old Elwood McGee never asked to have &“ghost-sight,&” and it involves a lot more drool-dodging than he expected. Ghosts are the WORST—and they're all over the place in this sharp-witted middle grade debut novel.Did you know that ghosts love coffee? They&’re not trying to be scary. They&’re just deprived of an appropriate amount of caffeine! They also bump into things by accident, are occasionally nosy, and get a little nervous when they&’re seen by the living. Elwood McGee knows these ghost facts because he&’s one of those rare people with the gift of ghost-sight. And it turns out ghosts are everywhere! Especially in the small Tennessee town where Elwood and his family had to move following the death of his big brother Noah, which Elwood thinks was his fault. Once Elwood figures out he can see ghosts, he becomes single-mindedly determined to use his powers to see Noah and talk to him once last time. With the help of two girls who live on his street, Elwood embarks on a journey through the surprisingly funny world of ghosts and faces the realities of letting go. At once hilarious and heart wrenching, Adam Rosenbaum makes his middle grade debut with a supernaturalish novel about grief that&’s perfect for fans of Gordon Korman and Dan Gutman.A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
The Last Apple Tree
by Claudia MillsWhen feuding neighbors Sonnet and Zeke are paired up for a class project, they unearth a secret that could uproot Sonnet&’s family—or allow it to finally heal and grow.Twelve-year-old Sonnet&’s family has just moved across the country to live with her grandfather after her nana dies. Gramps&’s once-impressive apple orchard has been razed for a housing development, with only one heirloom tree left. Sonnet doesn&’t want to think about how Gramps and his tree are both growing old—she just wants everything to be okay.Sonnet is not okay with her neighbor, Zeke, a boy her age who gets on her bad side and stays there when he tries to choose her grandpa to interview for an oral history assignment. Zeke irks Sonnet with his prying questions, bringing out the sad side of Gramps she&’d rather not see. Meanwhile, Sonnet joins the Green Club at school and without talking to Zeke about it, she asks his activist father to speak at the Arbor Day assembly—a collision of worlds that Zeke wanted more than anything to avoid. But when the interviews uncover a buried tragedy that concerns Sonnet's mother, and an emergency forces Sonnet and Zeke to cooperate again, Sonnet learns not just to accept Zeke as he is, but also that sometimes forgetting isn't the solution—even when remembering seems harder.Award-winning author Claudia Mills brings enormous compassion and depth to this novel of unlikely friendship and generational memory.A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Wildlife Crossings of Hope: Connecting Creatures Around the Globe (Books for a Better Earth)
by Teddi Lynn ChichesterWe all need safe places to live and safe paths to travel. Animals, too.Meet the people who are stitching the planet's habitats back together.Let&’s explore together how scientists, engineers, and lots of everyday people are working to make sure that the wildlife so essential to Earth&’s health and beauty continues to freely move through the landscapes, waterways, and skylines of this richly inhabited planet. Combining first-person reporting with research and stunning two-color art from illustrator Jamie Green, Wildlife Crossings of Hope takes a personal, in-depth look at wildlife crossings, corridor projects, and dam removal efforts around the world, from an underpass for elephants in Kenya to the Un-Dam the Klamath movement in the U.S. to the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, which extends from southern Mexico to Panama. Above all, this is a book that invites young people to think of themselves and wildlife as part of one community that urgently needs restoration and protection. Back matter includes actions for kids to take, a complete listing of the scientific names of all creatures discussed, source notes, a bibliography, an index, and more. Books for a Better Earth™ are designed to inspire children to become active, knowledgeable participants in caring for the planet they live on.A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Sustainable Structures: 15 Eco-Conscious Buildings Around the World (Books for a Better Earth)
by Kate McMillanA stunning illustrated overview of &“green&” architecture on every continent, packed full of cool STEAM facts and fascinating details.From a waste collection site built entirely from recycled materials, to a school designed to float during flood season in Bangladesh, this dazzling book highlights innovative and sustainably built structures around the world. Did you know that &“woodscrapers,&” or skyscrapers made of wood, can reduce construction waste? How about that termite mounds have served as inspiration for temperature control systems? And believe it or not… there&’s a research station built on skis in Antarctica.Pairing a kid friendly, conversational approach with spectacularly detailed art, Kate McMillan dissects the design of 15 eco-friendly buildings worldwide. The extraordinary structures fall into five categories, each emphasizing a key element of sustainable design: 1) local materials, 2) adaptability, 3) sustainable construction, 4) clean energy, and 5) optimized space. Readers of all ages will love poring over the precise, colorful illustrations and informative close ups featured on eye catching double-page spreads. Perfect for budding architects and engineers, this book is a work of art!Books for a Better Earth™ are designed to inspire children to become active, knowledgeable participants in caring for the planet they live on.A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Library Girl
by Polly HorvathAfter living in the public library for the last eleven years, Essie must learn to adapt to a world that&’s not as perfect as the stories she&’s grown up with in this heartfelt middle grade novel from Newbery Honor author Polly Horvath.Essie has grown up in the public library, raised in secret by the four librarians who found her abandoned as a baby in the children&’s department. With four mothers and miles of books to read, Essie has always been very happy living there. But now that she is eleven, Essie longs for a little more freedom . . . and maybe a friend her own age. She seems to get her wish when her moms let her go by herself to the mall. On her second trip there, she meets G.E., a mysterious boy who looks so much like her she can&’t help but think they may be twins. Maybe he was raised by four dads in the appliance section of the department store. Maybe his story is intertwined with hers, and their happy ending is as one big family. But as she gets to know G.E. better, she learns that nothing is as simple as it seems in her stories—not even her own past.With her signature warmth and offbeat humor, Newbery Honor author Polly Horvath invites book lovers to sit back in their own library nooks and check out a whimsical adventure perfect for readers trying to find their place in the world.
Everything You Need to Know About Acne (Need to Know Library)
by Jennifer CeaserDescribes the different types of acne, their causes, treatment, and prevention.
La Salle: Claiming The Mississippi River For France (The Library Of Explorers And Exploration Series)
by Simone PaymentRene-Robert Cavalier, Sieur de La Salle devoted his life to the discovery and exploration of the Mississippi River. He believed that the great river would provide him with an easier route to China, where he could find valuable silks and spices. His revised goal was to create a French empire in North America that would stretch from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. This book follows La Salle on his tireless expeditions and teaches readers the value of persistence even when no one else believes in the cause.
Samuel de Champlain: Explorer of the Great Lakes Region and Founder of Quebec (The Library of Explorers and Exploration)
by Josepha ShermanChamplain s search for fruitful areas of the New World to colonize for France is the foundation for this biography. An accomplished cartographer, author, and navigator, Champlain created some of the most valuable maps of the New World. He eventually discovered the lake that bears his name and founded the Canadian city of Quebec. Richly illustrated with the explorer s own drawings, maps, and words, this title brings Champlain s world to life.
Argentina: A Primary Source Cultural Guide
by Theodore Link Rose MccarthyArgentina boasts pristine deserts, sprawling beaches, rich plains, and hilly forests. The rugged Andes Mountains are home to a preserved colonial city, archaeological sites, wildlife refuges, subtropical forests, and desert canyons. Readers will revel in the excitement of soccer, the romance of tango, the glory of folklore, and the mystery of ancient cultures. They will also learn about the generations of dictatorial rule, revolving-door governments, corruption, tax evasion, and misguided financial policies that have created political and economic problems that Argentines have been unable to shake.
Jesse James: Western Bank Robber
by Kathleen CollinsIn 1862, Jesse James and his brother Frank joined a band of rebels. Four years later, they were joined by Cole Younger, and they became known as the James Gang. They committed robbery and murder in many states, but after they robbed a bank in Missouri, the legends about the gang became popular. Though some thought of the James Gang as heroes who stole from the rich and gave to the poor, eventually Jesse James was killed for reward money. This fast-paced and interesting account is made all-the-more exciting by the use of primary source images.
Wild Bill Hickok: Legend of the American Wild West
by Larissa PhillipsJames Butler Wild Bill Hickok's antics as a gunslinger, spy, and abolitionist were part fact and part fiction. The famed sharpshooter, lawman, and Wild West showman lived during a time of unprecedented westward expansion, economic, development, and civil unrest. Providing information on the Civil War and the Underground Railroad, this easy-to-read book uses primary source images that reflect the life of a true American adventurer.
Crispus Attucks: Hero of the Boston Massacre
by Anne BeierThis book introduces the life of Crispus Attucks, a former slave who died in the Boston Massacre, a fight between the British and American colonists that occurred before the American Revolution.
Alexander Hamilton's Economic Plan: Solving Problems In America's New Economy (Primary Sources Of Life In The New American Nation Ser.)
by Ryan P. RandolphAlexander Hamilton's Economic Plan: Solving Problems in America's New Economy
The Whiskey Rebellion: An Early Challenge To America's New Government (Life In The New American Nation)
by Katy SchielWhen Congress enacted a 25 percent excise tax on domestically produced distilled spirits, grain growers and distillers were irate. Especially upset were the small producers of alcohol who began to organize an opposition. When mobs organized an opposition, a tax collector was tarred and feathered and another had his home burned. Shots were exchanged. President Washington called upon the rebels to disperse, but his pleas were ignored. A force of nearly 13,000 men was raised and quelled the opposition, which quickly faded away.
Oil, Steel, and Railroads: America's Big Businesses in the Late 1800s (America's Industrial Society in the 19th Century Ser.)
by Jesse JarnowExamines the history of business in the United States during the 1800s, discussing the growth of railroads, and the innovations in the oil and steel industries.