John O'Mara – författare

Mongooses, with their long body, short legs, and pointy snouts, are cute furry animals, unless you''re an enemy. Then, it doesn''t matter how dangerous the situation, they aren''t afraid to fight. Mongooses are famous for going head-to-head with venomous king cobras and adders! Readers will discover the adaptations that equip mongooses for these battles, including lightning-quick reflexes and razor-sharp teeth. They''ll also learn some odd quirks about some mongoose species, such as how they crack open eggs by throwing them at rocks. A habitat map, graphic organizer, and photographs of mongooses in action will make readers feel like mongoose experts.

Red devil squid have a forbidding name for a reason. They can be pretty scary to their prey, ripping them apart with their incredibly sharp beak! Also called jumbo squid because of their size, these aggressive mollusks are effective predators with some terrifying body parts. An eye as large as a pool ball, eight arms with up to 200 suckers, and two very long barbed tentacles prepare red devil squid for the hunt in the deep, dark ocean. Readers will feel like marine biologists as they learn even more fascinating facts about these fierce and fascinating ocean beasts.

Wolverines are full of nasty surprises. Not only does this rough, tough predator have razor-sharp claws, incredibly strong jaws, and killer senses of smell and hearing, it can also release a very potent "stink bomb" to scare away its enemies! Wolverines spend most of their time trying to fill their bellies, though. These ferocious mammals are built to survive in their northern habitats. Readers will enjoy this entertaining account of wolverines in the wild, full of hair-raising facts and stunning action photographs.

The rights of a nation''s citizens are civil rights. In the 1950s and 1960s, black Americans organized a movement to demand these rights, including equal education, the right to vote, and many other freedoms. This significant and accessible volume takes readers through the key events of the movement, including its victories and disappointments. Central figures such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X are featured, and a timeline helps readers understand the movement''s progression.

The Great Depression was a terrible time in the United States. Americans had never known such hunger and poverty. This crisis lasted 10 years. What happened to cause this catastrophe, how it finally ended, and the lasting effects it had on the nation are all addressed in this invaluable look at a critical period in American history. Engaging and accessible text is supported by striking historical images and interesting fact boxes. A timeline summarizes and reinforces the most essential concepts.

A transcontinental railroad spanning the United States was once thought to be impossible. After a practical route was found, about 1,800 miles of track were laid from Nebraska to California in just 6 years. This railroad changed the nation, connecting the East and West Coast and making travel and communication easier than ever. Readers will be fascinated by the amazing tale of this railroad and the striking photographs that support this accessible narrative.

The rights of a nation''s citizens are civil rights. In the 1950s and 1960s, black Americans organized a movement to demand these rights, including equal education, the right to vote, and many other freedoms. This significant and accessible volume takes readers through the key events of the movement, including its victories and disappointments. Central figures such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X are featured, and a timeline helps readers understand the movement''s progression.

The Great Depression was a terrible time in the United States. Americans had never known such hunger and poverty. This crisis lasted 10 years. What happened to cause this catastrophe, how it finally ended, and the lasting effects it had on the nation are all addressed in this invaluable look at a critical period in American history. Engaging and accessible text is supported by striking historical images and interesting fact boxes. A timeline summarizes and reinforces the most essential concepts.

A transcontinental railroad spanning the United States was once thought to be impossible. After a practical route was found, about 1,800 miles of track were laid from Nebraska to California in just 6 years. This railroad changed the nation, connecting the East and West Coast and making travel and communication easier than ever. Readers will be fascinated by the amazing tale of this railroad and the striking photographs that support this accessible narrative.

Rainbows are those rare phenomena that make people stop and appreciate the beauty of nature. Why and how they appear are the high-interest topics of this accessible book. While readers will be captivated by beautiful color photographs of rainbows, they''ll also be intrigued by the properties of light that make such a display possible. A concluding diagram reinforces comprehension of the key concepts, which relate closely to elementary science curricula.

Rocks are everywhere. How they formed in the first place is a question we may have never asked, but it''s something we all should learn. With this engaging volume, budding geologists will come to appreciate Earth''s remarkable rock cycle and marvel at the processes that create, destroy, and reshape the landforms we know. Essential vocabulary terms, accessible explanations, and helpful diagrams make this a valuable book for every earth science collection.

When we''re checking thermometers to see what the temperature is outside, inside, or our own body temperature, we rarely think about what makes the thermometer function. This amazing, reliable invention is attributed to Galileo. Readers will learn about the first mercury thermometers and how they work and they''ll review the digital models they may be more familiar with today. Many important science concepts are presented along with beneficial photographs and images to support reading comprehension.

The Apache people have shown great determination and resourcefulness throughout their history, which extends long before the arrival of Europeans in America. This fascinating volume provides readers with a look at the rich culture of this native people, both past and present, including the significant events that changed their traditional way of life forever. Prominent Apache leaders Cochise and Geronimo are included in the well-researched narrative. Carefully selected photographs and maps emphasize essential ideas about Apache history.

With more than 800,000 people claiming Cherokee descent, the Cherokee nation is the most populous native group in the United States today. Readers will find out where the Cherokee settled and the traditions that united them as a people. They will survey what happened when European settlers arrived on Cherokee land, with a special focus on the infamous Trail of Tears and its repercussions. This valuable volume highlights the Cherokee people''s resilience in rebuilding and strengthening their culture on reservations and beyond.

The Cheyenne began as farmers in the Great Lakes area, but migrated to the Plains where they became nomadic hunters. This remarkable people has seen great hardship and conflict throughout their past, including a role in the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Yet, an irrepressible spirit helped the culture survive to modern times. This noteworthy book focuses on this important native culture of which thousands of descendants still live in the United States. The accessible narrative includes an overview of Cheyenne history, their traditions, and their way of life in modern times.

The Hopi people settled a village in A.D. 1050, which is still inhabited today. This fascinating native group managed to successfully farm and herd in the hot deserts of the Southwest. Many people are captivated with Hopi culture, which endures despite years of discrimination and intolerance. This sensitive volume shines light on Hopi traditions, with spotlights on ceremonies, rituals, housing, and clothing. Historic photographs, descriptive text, and interesting fact boxes aid readers in making connections to these extraordinary people.

The Mohawk were the easternmost peoples of the Haudenosaunee, or the Iroquois Confederacy. Like others in this group, they lived in longhouses of wood and bark and survived by hunting, fishing, and farming. This fact-filled book includes essential information about many aspects of Mohawk history, including treaties and wars, and Mohawk culture, such as language and clothing. Readers will learn about Mohawk people in modern history, such as their contribution to the construction of New York City. Historical images and fact boxes add further interest to the thought-provoking content.