Derek Miller

Baseballs are surprisingly complex. They are made of a variety of materials, including cork, yarn, rubber, and leather, providing baseballs with the aerodynamics required for America's pastime. This fun book explains how the different materials come together to give baseballs their unique characteristics, from bounce to spin.

Opioids are some of the most frequently abused and most dangerous prescription painkillers. The United States is currently in the midst of an opioid crisis, and teens who abuse opioids are unlikely to receive help or treatment for the problem. Provide your readers with the latest information about this pressing issue, as well as essential prevention and treatment strategies. Readers seeking help for themselves and others who may be afflicted by this epidemic will appreciate access to this volume.

The issue of money looms large in American politics. A series of Supreme Court decisions have cleared the way for corporations and rich donors to pour money into the political system. Proponents of current campaign finance laws argue that it's their right to donate money. Opponents see unlimited corporate money as a threat to democracy itself. This important volume examines the role that money plays in politics and the arguments for and against the status quo.

The Constitution State played an essential role in the Industrial Revolution and continues to shape the nation's economy today. This fun volume profiles the entrepreneurs, patriots, artists, and everyday people who have made Connecticut a powerhouse. Through discussions of Connecticut's geography, people, government, and more, this book creates an engaging portrait of Nutmeggers and the state they call home.

With bustling cities like Newark and Jersey City, New Jersey is best known as an economic center. Yet the Garden State boasts something for everyone. The state's pristine beaches draw visitors from all over, while the Pine Barrens yield famous Jersey sweet corn. New Jersey's emphasis on local governance inspires residents to come together to make their home great. In fact, New Jersey is a leader in education and innovation. Treat your readers to the richness of the Garden State.

On December 7, 1787, Delaware became the first state to ratify the Constitution. Since then, Delaware has been a leader in politics and business. Delaware's residents are proud of all their state has to offer, especially their rich farmlands, thriving cities, and scenic waterways. Through striking photographs, informative maps, and high-interest text, this volume helps readers to celebrate the state's history, people, and government.

Chad Robinson was a local hero in his small mountain community of Moose Ridge, Nevada high in the Northern Sierra-Nevada Mountains. He had climbed every mountain within a 100 mile radius. It didn't matter how difficult or technical the climb was - he had scaled it. Over time Chad had become recognized as one of the top mountain climbers in the United States.But what was once an intense passion and love to climb mountains for the personal challenge eventually became a demanding career, guiding climbers up mountains for money. Whatever it took to land the big dollar clients and get as many of them to the summit soon became the primary objective.The life of a mountain climbing guide has dramatic highs and devastating lows. For Chad, owner of Mountain Mania; there is a constant struggle of what's right and what's wrong.He found himself looking for ways to distinguish himself and the company, competing for media attention and corporate sponsorship - taking on more clients and daring routes under ever-more-harrowing conditions. For Chad it was an ever challenging ethical dilemma to balance what was morally right and what was irresponsible mountaineering.Having to make never ending decisions that have a direct impact on the lives of clients, himself, and his fellow coworkers is a large burden to bear.This story reveals the anguish of defeats and the unadulterated joy of successes in the world of mountaineering.

Many people think of New Orleans when they hear the name "Louisiana." Beyond that well-known and vibrant city, Louisiana has much else to offer. In fact, important historical events in the state have shaped the whole nation, including the state's response to environmental disasters and activists' civil rights victories. This book puts historical and current events in context. It also presents a comprehensive look at the economy, geography, people, and government of the Pelican State.

Known around the country, and the world, for its oranges, beautiful beaches, and attractions like Walt Disney World, the Sunshine State is an exciting place to visit and to live. Readers are presented with a detailed look at the history, economy, government, and people of Florida. This book contains the latest information about the state and is sure to draw in readers with full-color photographs and interesting Fast Facts.

Children will learn about how the eyes, ears, and nose function to help animals thrive. Early readers will encounter adaptations that allow animals to see, hear, and smell, often in unique and challenging environments. Using fun examples, this book demonstrates how animals rely on their senses, pairing simple and straightforward vocabulary with vibrant images.

The president's ability to issue executive orders is a process steeped in misconceptions. This must-have volume looks at the history of this important executive power, explains executive orders that have had wide-ranging effects, and demonstrates the legal limits of the president's power. With emphases on checks and balances put in place by the U.S. Constitution and responses from Congress and the Supreme Court to past executive orders, the book covers the objectives of the C3 Framework for Social Studies State Standards. Contemporary examples of executive orders, such as President Trump's orders related to immigration, provide background knowledge about key debates today.

Known around the country, and the world, for its oranges, beautiful beaches, and attractions like Walt Disney World, the Sunshine State is an exciting place to visit and to live. Readers are presented with a detailed look at the history, economy, government, and people of Florida. This book contains the latest information about the state and is sure to draw in readers with full-color photographs and interesting Fast Facts.

The Centennial State joined the United States two days after the one-hundredth anniversary of the nation's founding. Yet before Colorado became a state, Native Americans, explorers, and fortune-seekers had already begun contributing the ideas and traditions that make the state a fascinating and diverse place to live. This book puts the history of the state in context, along with the latest information about the state's government, people, geography, and more.

How do animals get around? This fun volume explores animal mobility and the interesting adaptations that allow animals to walk, fly, and swim in many different kinds of environments. This book considers how animals use movement to seek shelter, escape predators, and explore the world around them. Young readers will learn about these crucial components of animal bodies with simple language tailored to help them read on their own while discovering the various ways animals survive and thrive.

What's the difference between skin and scales? Why do some animals live inside a hard shell? Early readers will learn about the diverse body coverings that allow animals to survive in their various environments, from the jungle to the ocean. Using simple language and close text-to-image correlation, this book introduces children to the fascinating ways animals' bodies have evolved to thrive in different parts of the world.

Through exciting photographs and carefully tailored vocabulary, this book introduces young readers to the ways animals eat, drink, taste, and make sounds. Beginning readers will explore the functions of mouths, teeth, and tongues across species, learning the ways these body parts help animals to survive. This book demonstrates how these structures have evolved to best serve the specific diets and habitats of different animals.

How do bears keep warm in the winter? How does a porcupine protect itself from predators? Early readers will learn about adaptations that have developed on animals' skin to help them regulate temperature and keep safe, as well as how these adaptations change with the seasons and with an animal's environment. This book introduces beginning readers to some fascinating creatures with unique hair, fur, or spines that help them adapt to the challenges of life in different habitats and climates.

At both the state and federal level, vetoing laws is an essential form of checks and balances. Vetoing Laws demonstrates the ins and outs of how laws are vetoed, what happens after a veto, and why wielding vetoes has both symbolic and tangible implications. The book also employs primary sources to describe the origin of the veto, in accordance with the aims of the C3 Framework for Social Studies State Standards. Modern examples of vetoes are included, such as President Obama's veto of the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Taxes are often regarded as a dreaded topic, but in reality, the revenue from taxes is what keeps the United States government running. Money from taxes helps the government to provide essential services, such as schools, roads, and Social Security benefits. Through accessible explanations that align with the C3 Framework for Social Studies State Standards, this volume illustrates how the president, Congress, and the IRS work together to fund the federal government, as well as the people and processes behind state and local taxes. This book paints a vivid and engaging picture of the people who levy taxes and legislate tax reforms, imparting the necessity of tax collection.

No country grows or changes in isolation, and the history of the United States demonstrates the interdependence of countries around the world. The United States' Role in the World explores how government policy and military intervention have influenced daily life, economics, culture, and more. The book analyzes major conflicts and policy changes from the earliest days of America until present day, including the American Revolution, World War I, World War II, the Cold War, and the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. In doing so, The United States' Role in the World stimulates critical thinking about how foreign and domestic policy can change the trajectory of the nation.