Jennifer Lombardo

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is one of the most ambitious scientific endeavors of our time. Since its launch in 2021, astronomers have learned much more about space and our place in it. This volume explores the groundbreaking discoveries JWST is making, from glimpsing the birth of stars and galaxies to searching for signs of life on distant exoplanets. Through vibrant full-color photographs and intriguing fact boxes, students learn how this cutting-edge observatory was designed and built to peer deeper into the cosmos than ever before.

From the sun-kissed beaches of the Algarve to the ancient streets of Lisbon, this volume immerses readers in the vibrant culture, rich heritage, and dynamic people that shape this remarkable nation. Students explore both the positive and negative aspects of the Age of Discoveries, uncover hidden gems in historic towns such as Porto and Sintra, and discover the staples of Portuguese cuisine. Vivid full-color photographs, informative maps, and fascinating fact boxes bring Portugal to life, inspiring readers to embrace curiosity. The age-appropriate main text encourages young adults to celebrate diversity while not shying away from past and present problems.

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is one of the most ambitious scientific endeavors of our time. Since its launch in 2021, astronomers have learned much more about space and our place in it. This volume explores the groundbreaking discoveries JWST is making, from glimpsing the birth of stars and galaxies to searching for signs of life on distant exoplanets. Through vibrant full-color photographs and intriguing fact boxes, students learn how this cutting-edge observatory was designed and built to peer deeper into the cosmos than ever before.

Rainforests have been called "the lungs of the planet," and for good reason. These tropical environments, densely packed with plants found nowhere else on Earth, absorb huge amounts of carbon dioxide every year. The engaging main text, enhanced with in-depth sidebars, explores the thick jungles of the Amazon, the towering canopies of Borneo, and the unique ecosystems that thrive in these wet, tropical environments. Readers discover the incredible biodiversity hidden in the trees, from exotic animals to rare plants, and learn about the vital role rainforests play in sustaining our planet.

Zebras have fascinated people for centuries, and their iconic striped coats have made them a popular symbol of uniqueness and balance throughout the world. This volume explores how zebras communicate, migrate, and survive in the wild, while playing an important role in the ecosystem. Stunning full-color photographs, surprising facts, and in-depth sidebars bring this horselike animal to life for young readers. A list of age-appropriate books and websites provides a jumping-off point for further independent research, and a glossary of new terms broadens students' vocabulary.

From the icy slopes of Everest to the jagged summits of the Andes, this captivating volume uncovers the science and adventure behind one of Earth's most extreme environments. Readers learn how mountaineers conquer these formidable heights, discover the unique flora and fauna that thrive at high altitudes, and understand the forces that shape these majestic landscapes. Engaging fact boxes augment the age-appropriate main text to bring these mountainous environments to life, giving young adults a glimpse into an awe-inspiring ecosystem.

Sharks seem to be equally feared and beloved by many people, as media such as Jaws and Discovery's Shark Week attest. However, only a few of the world's 500 species tend to receive most of the public's attention. Young readers learn about lesser-known sharks, including the tiny cookiecutter shark, the rare frilled shark, and the bizarre goblin shark. The intriguing main text, supplemented with vibrant full-color photographs and engaging sidebars, uncovers how sharks have adapted to dominate the ocean for millions of years, their critical role in marine ecosystems, and the surprising ways they interact with their environment.

Frogs cover an incredible range of habitats and appearances. They can be smaller than a dime or larger than a person's hand; they can be camouflaged to their environment or brightly colored to warn away predators. This volume gives students a glimpse into the amazing diversity of frogs and explains how frogs adapt to their environments, communicate with unique calls, and play a crucial role in balancing ecosystems. Stunning photos, intriguing fact boxes, and conservation stories inspire readers to appreciate and protect these fascinating creatures that leap, swim, and croak their way through the natural world.

Rainforests have been called "the lungs of the planet," and for good reason. These tropical environments, densely packed with plants found nowhere else on Earth, absorb huge amounts of carbon dioxide every year. The engaging main text, enhanced with in-depth sidebars, explores the thick jungles of the Amazon, the towering canopies of Borneo, and the unique ecosystems that thrive in these wet, tropical environments. Readers discover the incredible biodiversity hidden in the trees, from exotic animals to rare plants, and learn about the vital role rainforests play in sustaining our planet.

From the icy slopes of Everest to the jagged summits of the Andes, this captivating volume uncovers the science and adventure behind one of Earth's most extreme environments. Readers learn how mountaineers conquer these formidable heights, discover the unique flora and fauna that thrive at high altitudes, and understand the forces that shape these majestic landscapes. Engaging fact boxes augment the age-appropriate main text to bring these mountainous environments to life, giving young adults a glimpse into an awe-inspiring ecosystem.

Zebras have fascinated people for centuries, and their iconic striped coats have made them a popular symbol of uniqueness and balance throughout the world. This volume explores how zebras communicate, migrate, and survive in the wild, while playing an important role in the ecosystem. Stunning full-color photographs, surprising facts, and in-depth sidebars bring this horselike animal to life for young readers. A list of age-appropriate books and websites provides a jumping-off point for further independent research, and a glossary of new terms broadens students' vocabulary.

Frogs cover an incredible range of habitats and appearances. They can be smaller than a dime or larger than a person's hand; they can be camouflaged to their environment or brightly colored to warn away predators. This volume gives students a glimpse into the amazing diversity of frogs and explains how frogs adapt to their environments, communicate with unique calls, and play a crucial role in balancing ecosystems. Stunning photos, intriguing fact boxes, and conservation stories inspire readers to appreciate and protect these fascinating creatures that leap, swim, and croak their way through the natural world.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is often dismissed as a desire for cleanliness and organization. However, in reality, it is a distressing mental illness that can target multiple areas of a person's life, causing panic attacks that a person tries desperately to control with compulsive behaviors. The down-to-earth main text, enhanced with informative sidebars, demystifies the often-confusing thoughts and behaviors associated with OCD. Designed to offer hope, this volume equips teens with tools to manage their symptoms, seek support, and understand what is happening inside their mind.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is often dismissed as a desire for cleanliness and organization. However, in reality, it is a distressing mental illness that can target multiple areas of a person's life, causing panic attacks that a person tries desperately to control with compulsive behaviors. The down-to-earth main text, enhanced with informative sidebars, demystifies the often-confusing thoughts and behaviors associated with OCD. Designed to offer hope, this volume equips teens with tools to manage their symptoms, seek support, and understand what is happening inside their mind.

Depression is frequently dismissed as no more than sadness. However, the reality is that this mental illness can cause severe distress to the point of being life-threatening. The accessible main text approaches depression with compassion and frankness, giving readers expert explanations and self-help strategies. In-depth sidebars and informative fact boxes explore the causes of depression, its impact on daily life, and effective ways to cope. An age-appropriate list of books and websites offers young adults further information on how to gain a sense of control that combats the helplessness depression often causes.

Depression is frequently dismissed as no more than sadness. However, the reality is that this mental illness can cause severe distress to the point of being life-threatening. The accessible main text approaches depression with compassion and frankness, giving readers expert explanations and self-help strategies. In-depth sidebars and informative fact boxes explore the causes of depression, its impact on daily life, and effective ways to cope. An age-appropriate list of books and websites offers young adults further information on how to gain a sense of control that combats the helplessness depression often causes.

Sharks seem to be equally feared and beloved by many people, as media such as Jaws and Discovery's Shark Week attest. However, only a few of the world's 500 species tend to receive most of the public's attention. Young readers learn about lesser-known sharks, including the tiny cookiecutter shark, the rare frilled shark, and the bizarre goblin shark. The intriguing main text, supplemented with vibrant full-color photographs and engaging sidebars, uncovers how sharks have adapted to dominate the ocean for millions of years, their critical role in marine ecosystems, and the surprising ways they interact with their environment.

Launched in 1977, Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 embarked on a grand tour of the outer planets, providing stunning images and groundbreaking discoveries about Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. This volume examines the innovative technology and daring maneuvers that propelled the Voyagers into interstellar space, where they continue to send back data from beyond our solar system. The intriguing main text, augmented with vivid full-color photographs and captivating fact boxes, ignites young readers' passion for astronomy, science, and the spirit of discovery.

From the shimmering waters of Stockholm's archipelago to the snowy expanses of Lapland, this volume explores the diverse beauty that defines this Scandinavian gem. Readers uncover ancient Viking history, delve into the country's modern innovations in technology and design, and discover Sweden's past and present contributions to sustainability. Vibrant full-color photographs, detailed maps, and intriguing fact boxes illuminate Sweden's charm, resilience, and global impact, inspiring young readers to embrace curiosity and celebrate diversity. Spotlights on global citizens such as Greta Thunberg encourage students to take action on important issues and see themselves as agents for change.

The northern lights draw tourists from around the world every year. Understanding the explanation behind this celestial phenomenon has not dampened the awe people experience when they see the shimmering curtain of lights in the sky. Rather, this knowledge enhances the experience. Through illuminating graphic organizers, engaging fact boxes, and stunning full-color photographs, readers explore the science behind the aurora and the cultural significance it has held for Arctic communities for centuries. A list of relevant books and websites encourages students to check their facts and independently delve deeper into this topic.