Art of Photography
Level Y,
nonfiction
This introduction to picture taking is loaded with information about cameras, film, composition, and fun photography projects. It also gives students a history of photography and an overview of how cameras work, how film is developed, and the fun of digital cameras. Each photography tip is accompanied by photos showing the dos, and humorous don'ts, of picture taking.
Believe It Or Not?
Level Y,
nonfiction
People have been intrigued for many decades by persistent mysteries in the natural world. Believe It Or Not? presents four unsolved mysteries, and challenges the reader to decide whether the evidence surrounding them is genuine or fake, or if there are rational explanations. Are Bigfoot, crop circles, the Curse of the Mummy, and the Bermuda Triangle examples of true mysteries, or elaborate hoaxes?
Prehistoric Giants (Other Than Dinosaurs)
Level Y,
nonfiction
Many prehistoric animals other than dinosaurs were giants. There were other giant reptiles, as well as giant species of shellfish, insects, centipedes, fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals. Paleontologists have used fossils to learn when these giants lived, how big they were, what kind of food they ate, and how they moved. DNA tests can show how the prehistoric animals are related to animals living today. Now extinct, the sheer size of these enormous animals made them formidable. Photographs, illustrations, and maps support the text.
Life of Cesar Chavez
Level Y,
nonfiction
This book recounts the life and work of Cesar Chavez, from his childhood on the family farm in Arizona, to his adolescence as a migrant worker, to his dedication to the fight for dignity and justice for farm workers everywhere.
Odysseus and the Bag of Winds
Level Y,
fiction
Odysseus and the Bag of Winds tells about Odysseus's place in the stories of Greek mythology. He became known as one of the greatest Greek heroes after winning the Trojan War. However, his journey back home to Ithaca was doomed as he and his men were suddenly blown off course. This story shows how jealousy, greed, and distrust can lead even the most confident people astray. Vivid illustrations and maps support the text.
The Legacy of Da Vinci
Level Y,
nonfiction
The Legacy of da Vinci is an informational book about the life of Leonardo da Vinci. Although he might be best known for artistic works such as The Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, da Vinci was also an avid inventor. His lifelong curiosity and observation of the world around him led him to develop ideas for such objects as clocks, cameras, helicopters, hydraulics, and hang gliders. These ideas, which resulted from his pursuit of knowledge, continue to fascinate people today. Photographs support the text.
The Mystery Twin
Level Y,
fiction
When Heather was an infant, she was adopted. Now, at age thirteen, she learns she is a twin. With her family's help, Heather tries to find her twin by placing ads in local and national newspapers. Once the candidates have been narrowed down to three, the family enlists the help of a geneticist to determine which one is The Mystery Twin.
