Jan Anderson

Muhlenberg County, known for coal mining and music, is also celebrated for its close family ties. Authors Cleo Roberson and Jan Anderson, neighbors and friends for over 40 years, have prepared Then & Now: Muhlenberg County as a tribute to the people of the area who are recognized for their talents and tenacity.

'Controlling Traffic' discusses the changes to traffic in the last hundred years and the need for improved methods of controlling it, so that we can arrive safely at our destination. Nowadays, computers operating 24 hours a day coordinate traffic flow, whether on land, sea, or in the air. What a chaotic place the world would be without these advances in traffic control.

Societies today have a diversity of cultures. This factual text explores these cultres and varied traditions, including Australian bush foods, Japanese tea ceremonies, Scottish and Chinese New Year celebrations, Italian and German Christmas celebrations, and Thanksgiving in the United States. The importance of national dress, languages, games, symbols and dance to different cultures are also included.

PM is a firm favourite amongst Primary Schools due to its reputation for reading success. Offering over 800 carefully levelled fiction and non-fiction books, PM builds confidence through gradual progression and step-by-step support.

This book looks at how buildings are constructed: the people involved, the materials used, how they are put together, skyscrapers, the machinery used, eco-friendly buildings and famous buildings.

Objects all round us are made in different shapes. This book examines why objects are made in a particular shape and how they are made. It also looks at what materials are used: clay, wood, wool, cotton, rubber, metals, glass and plastics.

Good design is not just about how things look its also about how they are made, how they work and what they do. Technology plays a big part in design. In the past century, new technology has helped people to create many products, using new materials and processes. Everyday objects such as chairs and appliances, houses, public spaces and packaging have all benefited from good design.

Technology has become an important part of art. Many artists use computers to help them create pictures. Videos are used in modern sculptures installations. The materials used to create paintings or sculptures have developed over the years, from watercolour and oil paints to acrylics, and from stone and metals to plastics. Special machines are used to protect the artworks in art galleries, and also to restore old or damaged works. However, as sophisticated as technology has enabled the art world to be, art can still be created using recycled objects such as soup cans and plastic cups.

This text focuses upon the movement and flow of water, ice and snow, and how this affects the environment and the lifestyles of the people who live there. Text forms include a labelled diagram, a diary excerpt and a newspaper report.

Mountains form some of the worlds largest and most dramatic landforms, and are where most of our rivers start. They are a venue for many recreational activities and a challenge for people who climb them. Text forms include explanations, verse and procedural writing.

Most deserts are very dry places, with very hot weather during the day, however, at night deserts can be freezing cold, people, plants and animals have learned how to survive in these extreme environments. Text forms include explanations and letter writing.

Oceans and seas are large areas of salty water that cover most of the earth's surface. They are an important resource for commercial and recreational pursuits. Text forms include a newspaper article and a recount.

Forests provide us with natural resources upon which people, animals and plant life depend. This text explores how the landscape, and all those who depend upon it, would be affected if our forests were destroyed. Text forms include an email and a procedural text.

Rivers, streams and lakes are important natural environments that are used in many different ways. They can provide essential drinking water, can be harnessed for electricity or enjoyed by people for recreational activities. Text forms include a recount and a poster.