Robert Z. Cohen – författare

The land of Transylvania has a long and rich history. In the United States, it is most famous for being the setting of countless vampire books and films, most famously Bram Stoker’s novel. Featuring many full-color photographs of Transylvania and its people, this book brings readers inside the history, folk culture, religious rituals, and mythology of Transylvania. They will learn about how accounts of Transylvania inspired Bram Stoker, the link between Transylvanian vampire myths and Hollywood vampires, famous Transylvanians such as Bela Lugosi, and contemporary Transylvania’s growing tourist industry.

The characteristic barbless on this fish always give it away: it''s the majestic catfish. They come in all shapes and sizes, from the common bullhead to the giant Mekong cat of southeast Asia. This great resource is robust with technical information, including a summary of all indispensable bait and tackle, an explanation of the essential fisherman knots, and a discussion on safety. Captivating sidebars give a glimpse into the world of competitive noodling, which is catching giant catfish with your arm! The reader is also reminded that we share an ecosystem with this unique creature and we owe it to ourselves to take care of their habitats for future generations of fishermen.

With body piercing and tattooing becoming more popular and mainstream, many teens may think about engaging in these forms of body modification. An excellent resource for young people pondering a piercing or tattoo, this title presents some of the pros and cons they should consider. In an honest and engaging manner, the author presents important information teens need to protect their health, including how to identify a reputable studio, what to expect from the procedures, and how to do proper aftercare. Legal, social, and familial issues are explored, too, including the importance of discussing the decision with their parents and choosing tattoos or piercings they can live with throughout adulthood.

Located in what is today the Republic of Ghana, the Asante kingdom was one of the richest and most powerful empires in precolonial Africa. The author explores the fascinating history, important cultural symbols, key leaders, and achievements of the empire, which flourished from the seventeenth century to the nineteenth century. Readers learn about the Asante kingdom’s founding myths, ruling customs, and thriving capital at Kumasi, as well as its rich artistic and musical traditions. The text and glossary support readers in learning new social science vocabulary, as prescribed by the Common Core, and back matter resources facilitate further research.

The empire of Ghana was a wealthy trading empire in West Africa located south of the Sahara Desert. Made up of a federation of the Soninke people, its richest historical record spans from about 750 until 1076 CE, due to the writings of Arab travelers and geographers from that period. The author explains what we know about this mysterious and fascinating empire, whose main city Kumbi Saleh was a link on the Saharan trade routes. Readers learn about the traditions, beliefs, and lifestyle of the Soninke and other indigenous peoples, as well as the effects of contact with Islam.

The Holocaust''s atrocities and losses are foremost in most people''s minds, but this volume highlights the Jews who summoned the courage to stand up and fight. This compelling volume gives a history leading up to Holocaust and the terror inflicted by the Nazis during World War II. Captivating text teaches readers how these courageous people, young and old, used every available resource and risked their own lives for a chance to save the lives of their families, friends, and fellow Jews. Photographs and gripping quotes from primary source documents further emphasize the important work of these awe-inspiring individuals.

For more than 100 years, Canada’s First Nations, Inuits, and Metis people endured an educational system designed to essentially remove all evidence of their native identities. Children were mistreated and stripped of their identities as they were “educated” in the ways of a nation that wanted no trace of the “Indian.” This insightful resource provides a history of Canada and outlines the development of attitudes that resulted in the residential education system, as well as a glimpse into the experiences of children who made it through. Readers will also learn about efforts to help a nation continue to heal.

In the 1500s, Hernando de Soto traveled throughout Central America and Peru, as well as the southeastern areas of the United States, in search of treasures and land for Spain. Although he may have had Spain’s best interests at heart, de Soto and his expedition left a deadly trail of disease in their wake. De Soto would never find the rumored riches he sought. But he did discover the Mississippi River. Labeled the most brash of all conquistadors by the time he was only thirty-six years old, readers will relish the adventures of the Spanish-born explorer on his quests.

The catfish: it''s big, tasty, and found in North American waters from central Canada all the way south to Mexico. The catfish is often the first fish a young angler lands. From the initial tap that signals a catfish has taken the bait to the methods of preparing a delicious meal, this book will inform young anglers about the habitats, fishing techniques, and safety precautions surrounding catfish fishing. No need for fancy equipment or exotic trips; readers can grab their fishing rod and bait and head to the local pond or favorite freshwater habitat and get started.