Lynn Peppas

Superstar singer, songwriter, and artist M.I.A. (“Maya” to her friends) has come a long way from humble beginnings. Born in Britain, she lived most of her young life in the birthplace of her parents, Sri Lanka, while it was torn by civil war. After returning to Britain, she rose to fame as a multi-talented composer, performer, graphic designer, and music producer with millions of fans worldwide.

Demi Lovato's accomplishments include Disney star, best-selling recording artist, and judge on the hit TV show X Factor. Her rise to fame has not been without hardships, however. Demi has shared her personal struggles with depression, bulimia, and self-injury in an effort to raise awareness. Full-color photographs, personal stories, and quotes from Demi herself, give readers the inside scoop on this inspiring star.

Mexico's culture is a unique mixture of ancient traditions passed down by the native Maya and Aztec peoples, and the religion and culture of Mexico's Spanish conquerors. This interesting book describes how the blending of native and Spanish traditions, beliefs, and rituals has resulted in many of the lively and colorful festivals celebrated today. Young readers will also learn how the Mexican people celebrate family occasions with fiestas. Teacher's guide available.

Many Japanese come from a common background, so they share many of the same beliefs and customs. This wonderful book describes the different traditions and festivals celebrated in Japan today and how they are influenced by a love of art, nature, beauty, and ritual. Young readers will also learn how the Japanese people celebrate family occasions. Teacher's guide available.

Egypt's culture is a fascinating mixture of ancient traditions passed down by the native peoples, as well as the traditions and cultures of countries such as England and Greece, who ruled Egypt in different periods of history. This interesting book describes how ancient traditions, beliefs, and rituals combined with modern influences into the festivals celebrated today. Young readers will also learn how the Egyptian people celebrate family occasions. Teacher's guide available.

"Victory or Death" - the famous and stirring words of William Barrett Travis were written in a letter from the Alamo to the people of Texas in February 1836. This and other brash and brave letters, first-hand accounts, and documents are skilfully deconstructed in this detailed examination of The Battle of the Alamo, a last stand that proved to be a turning point in Texas' War of Independence from Mexico. Readers will learn about the events leading up to and after the battle, be able to separate fact from myth, and better understand the perspectives of both the Texans and Mexicans. Teacher's guide available.

When tanks roared onto the battlefield for the first time in World War I, these mechanical beasts changed how battles were fought and how wars were won. Tanks at War looks at the history of tanks, the always-changing technology of weaponry and armor, and how tactics for the use of tanks in battle have changed from a hundred years ago to modern conflicts today. Read about new technologies in the works for the future including robotic tanks and invisibility cloaking devices.

This revealing book examines how First Nations and Native Peoples have been displaced in the United States and Canada through treaties, empty promises, and military force. Through close examination of primary source images, documents, and first-hand accounts, readers will gain an understanding of how thousands were displaced and cultures threatened. Topics covered include government relations and policies, such as the Potlatch Law and the Dawes Act, as well as the creation of residential schools and other acts of forced assimilation. A look at relations today sheds light on the lasting repercussions.

This interesting title describes the festivals and holidays celebrated in the island nation of Jamaica. Traditional foods, reggae music, and festivals such as Carnival reflect the colorful culture of Jamaica.

Many of the holidays in Iran are rooted in the religion of Islam. This fascinating book describes the ways in which Iranians celebrate holidays with religious festivals, foods, and customs. Young readers will also discover how the people of Iran celebrate family occasions.

From the Oktoberfest folk festival to Christmas markets, this exciting title follows a year of holidays and festivals in Germany that honor religious, historic, and family traditions.

Cold case files don’t stay cold for very long anymore. This fascinating book follows the efforts of the different crime scene investigators involved in gathering and analyzing the evidence of a crime.

Machines that can sense the world and make decisions are being used in space, industry, medicine, and the military. This adventurous book follows the development of robots over the past century and describes how modern robots continue to revolutionize different fields making our lives easier, healthier, safer—and more exciting.

The French calendar is filled with fêtes, or festivals. This informative book looks at France's major holidays and family celebrations.

This interesting book describes the holidays and traditions in the United Kingdom that celebrate important dates in history, religion, royal ceremonies, and changes in the seasons.

By the time Superstorm Sandy had hit New York City on October 22, 2012, it had left a trail of death and destruction across the Caribbean and the eastern seaboard of the United States. Affecting 24 U.S. states, Sandy is the second-costliest superstorm in United States history. This informative book follows the timeline of the superstorm and features personal accounts by those who experienced the destruction in many New York City and New Jersey neighborhoods. Topics include: - how Superstorm Sandy developed - the response by state and federal relief agencies - the effects on air travel, subway transit, electricity, and the New York Stock Exchange - the recovery and rebuilding