Therese M. Shea

Pairing the extreme risk taker with some of nature's most remarkable--and challenging--formations, the sports of rock and ice climbing demand much of those who dare to attempt them. But for those with the patience and endurance to master the proper techniques, these outdoor sports are proof that great risk can yield great reward. This volume prepares readers interested in pursuing these exhilarating activities by providing a full rundown on the basics of climbing as well as the equipment and skills required. Readers will learn how to begin training and how teamwork and dedication can help them conquer the greatest heights.

The unsinkable luxury liner known as the Titanic may have sunk on its first transatlantic voyage in 1912, but people remain riveted to its storied legend. The collision with the iceberg in the North Atlantic was not the only mistake that was made that day. In this spellbinding volume, readers will learn about the passengers and crew aboard the doomed ship and what really happened that tragic night. Historical photographs will transport them back to the glamorous era, while the narrative paints an absorbing picture of the Titanic's sad fate.

It's easy to say that Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster don't exist. But the question remains why sightings of these creatures still occur, year after year. This gripping volume, which includes chilling photographs and illustrations, takes curious readers into the mysterious world of some popular monsters. They'll learn what makes a monster a monster and distinguish between real-life and fantasy-world creatures. Thrilling facts and fiction about mummies, vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural beings fill this absorbing text, as well as valuable information about prehistoric and modern "monster" animals.

What's that in the water? Is it simply a ripple, or is it the sign of an animal so ancient that it outlived even the dinosaurs? Yes, it's the incredibly cool crocodile, a living fossil whose ability to slither unseen through murky waters is just one reason why it's survived for so long. Readers will learn this and more through this age-appropriate text, which covers all aspects of the Jurassic creature's life. Eye-catching images and fact boxes hold readers' attention, while a glossary, index, and supplemental websites complete a comprehensive reading experience.

The odds of becoming an NBA or WNBA player are daunting, but this appealing, behind-the-scenes look at the path to pro basketball might help young athletes beat the odds. Readers will learn about the youth and development leagues that can help them hone their skills. They'll find out who to contact to get into the right college and what they can do now to prepare themselves for their future career. Stories of famous basketball players who made it big will further inspire young athletes as well as open their eyes to the realities of professional sports.

The Hopi village of Oraibi was settled around AD 1050, making it the oldest continuously inhabited village in the United States. The Hopi had to be a resilient people to survive in the hot deserts of the Southwest. Today, people are captivated with Hopi culture, which has endured despite years of forced assimilation. Historic photographs and descriptive text aid readers in entering the world of the traditional Hopi, with spotlights on ceremonies, rituals, housing, and fashion. Hopi history and modern life further make this volume a valuable addition to any social studies collection.

Crypts, tombs, and mausoleums aren't just the creepy props of a horror movie; they're the final resting places of the dead. Many are also beautifully designed monuments. This intriguing examination of some of the world's most prominent tombs includes the elaborate Taj Mahal, the mysterious Newgrange, the mammoth Great Pyramid, and the star-studded Westminster Abbey. Modern tombs and burial customs are also discussed in this thoughtful text, accompanied by vivid, striking photographs. Sidebars and fact boxes offer more--sometimes chilling--details about various tombs and burial rites.

The Dead Sea might sound like a scary place to cool off on a hot day, but many people flock to its waters. The Dead Sea got its name because its salty waters can kill any fish or plants that try to live in it. However, scientists have just recently found a kind of bacteria that live on the seafloor. Readers will find out that some truly spooky things happen around this Middle Eastern lake, like sinkholes opening around its coastline They'll also learn the science behind these weird happenings and gain an appreciation for an amazing natural resource.

Eye-catching gold has been valuable to people throughout history. This thoughtful text addresses why that is. Gold's qualities as a metal is explored as well as the mining and refining process, all key concepts in the elementary science curriculum. Gold's many uses, including in medicine and space technology, is also examined. Glittery photographs and a graphic organizer accompany the text in this look at a fascinating metal.

Silver may seem to be everywhere, but it's actually only mined in very small amounts. The minerals from which silver can be extracted and its refining process are found in this look at one of Earth's most important metals. Silver alloys and their many uses are highlighted throughout the text, which includes a graphic organizer and numerous interesting fact boxes.

Eye-catching gold has been valuable to people throughout history. This thoughtful text addresses why that is. Gold's qualities as a metal is explored as well as the mining and refining process, all key concepts in the elementary science curriculum. Gold's many uses, including in medicine and space technology, is also examined. Glittery photographs and a graphic organizer accompany the text in this look at a fascinating metal.

The U.S. Constitution is the oldest, shortest, one-document constitution in the world, but this ground-breaking document is much more than that. It proved to be the driving force behind the fight for independence all over the world. Readers are sure to be surprised and entertained by the numerous fun facts featured in this book. The text is accompanied by helpful graphic organizers, historic images, maps, and photographs of the Constitution itself.

There are 435 members in the House of Representatives--and they represent each and every one of us. Readers are introduced to one fascinating half of Congress, including the House's history and its lawmaking powers. Age-appropriate language and content engage readers in important historical subject matter. In-depth sidebars and fact boxes add even more fun information, and full-color photographs appeal to both budding historians and interested young citizens.

Every year, millions of people are cheated out of money or tricked into providing personal information about themselves through online hoaxes. Unfortunately, online hoaxes are a part of modern life and anyone with an e-mail account will frequently encounter them. While some hoaxes are easy to spot, others are much more cunning. Readers use this practical guide to learn how to spot hoaxes and what to do after recognizing one. Need-to-know information for today's electronic world is presented in age-appropriate text, making staying safe online accessible to every reader.

There are 435 members in the House of Representatives--and they represent each and every one of us. Readers are introduced to one fascinating half of Congress, including the House's history and its lawmaking powers. Age-appropriate language and content engage readers in important historical subject matter. In-depth sidebars and fact boxes add even more fun information, and full-color photographs appeal to both budding historians and interested young citizens.

Every year, millions of people are cheated out of money or tricked into providing personal information about themselves through online hoaxes. Unfortunately, online hoaxes are a part of modern life and anyone with an e-mail account will frequently encounter them. While some hoaxes are easy to spot, others are much more cunning. Readers use this practical guide to learn how to spot hoaxes and what to do after recognizing one. Need-to-know information for today's electronic world is presented in age-appropriate text, making staying safe online accessible to every reader.

Readers learn about the unique life cycle of the octopus, including facts such as a mother octopus doesn't eat while taking care of her eggs and neither male nor female octopuses live very long after becoming parents. Colorful photographs and engaging graphic organizers enhance age-appropriate language and science content. Bizarre fact boxes draw in readers with even more octopus oddities.

Crocodiles hide underneath the water, waiting to strike unsuspecting prey. Boas squeeze the life out of their dinner. Detailed, colorful photographs of these and many more creepy reptiles accompany freaky facts to help young readers learn all about the life of a reptile. Fascinating fact boxes and a chart featuring information about different kinds of reptiles will further connect readers to the swamp and river homes of some of the world's creepiest creatures.

Did you know that pea plants have flowers that look like butterflies? Colorful photographs show the beauty of pea blossoms and the entire life cycle of this plant that produces delicious vegetables. Readers will see how peas travel from the plant to the plate with this valuable bilingual resource. They will also learn many fun facts along the way that will lead to a greater understanding of plant life cycles. Translation into standard Latin-American Spanish enhances the bilingual reader's learning.

Did you know that pea plants have flowers that look like butterflies? Colorful photographs show the beauty of pea blossoms and the entire life cycle of this plant that produces delicious vegetables. Readers will see how peas travel from the plant to the plate with this valuable resource. They will also learn many fun facts along the way that will lead to a greater understanding of plant life cycles.