China
Level Q,
nonfiction
Students may know that chopsticks and China go hand in hand. But do they know that China is one of the biggest countries in the world? Or that its symbol is the giant panda? Are they aware that its Great Wall can be seen from the space shuttle? These are but a few of the fascinating facts included in this informative book. Photographs enhance the text about this culture.
Coral Reefs
Level Q,
nonfiction
Coral reefs are massive undersea communities where one quarter of all plants and animals in the ocean make their homes. The book discusses the diverse but fragile world of the coral reef and the need for its protection.
Eleventeen
Level Q,
fiction
Eleventeen follows young Sarah as she works through the emotions of her upcoming birthday. Frustrated that she isn't quite a teenager yet, like her sister, she finds herself trying to explain to her family that turning eleven is not what she wants at all. She retreats to her room and decides to follow the advice of her father, who always tells her to "weigh the facts." As she compares ages eleven and sixteen on paper, she realizes that the responsibilities of becoming eleven aren't really that different from sixteen--especially when she renames her age eleventeen. Illustrations support the text.
Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Tsunamis
Level Q,
nonfiction
Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Tsunamis teaches readers about some of the most intense and unpredictable forces of nature. It describes the causes of each one and explains the ways in which these three furious forces are connected. Diagrams and compelling images support the text.
Plight of the Polar Bear
Level Q,
nonfiction
Polar bears are among the most majestic creatures on Earth. But their existence is threatened, not by other animals or the harsh conditions in which they live, but by humans. In this book, readers learn how humans are endangering these beautiful animals, even from thousands of miles away.
The Footprint
Level Q,
fiction
The Footprint is a story about siblings working together to solve a mystery. When Angie and Jared find a strange footprint dried in the mud, they can't decide what creature could have been there. Their imaginations race as they pore over the many library resources on dinosaurs and birds. They are surprised to find out that their pesky little brother was behind it all along. Illustrations support the text.
Sharks
Level Q,
nonfiction
Written in a clear, informative style, Sharks describes the physical appearances, eating habits, reproduction, and attack capabilities of sharks. The author points out that while sharks are generally thought of as dangerous killers, only a small percentage actually are. Some sharks are endangered and in need of protection.
Sweet Potato Challenge
Level Q,
fiction
Sweet Potato Challenge tells the story of two cousins who challenge each other to bake the best sweet potato pie. They are surprised to find out that they both are very good cooks. The text provides opportunities to reinforce math skills within the context of the recipes each child uses. Illustrations and recipes support the text.
Vincent's Bedroom
Level Q,
nonfiction
Bright yellow stars twirling in a navy blue sky. A sunny green meadow during a summer afternoon. Golden sunflowers arranged in a bouquet. These are just some examples of the more than 2,000 works that artist Vincent Van Gogh created during his lifetime based on his surroundings. Vincent's Bedroom is an introduction to the life and work of Van Gogh. Readers will learn about how Vincent's personality and lifestyle influenced his style of painting. Vivid color photographs of Van Gogh's most famous works, particularly The Bedroom Series, are included throughout the book.
