New Releases by Elizabeth Rusch

An enlightening picture book exploration about how patterns fill and shape our everyday lives. This mindful meditation challenges kids to see the world differently. What do you know about patterns? There are simple alternating patterns and more complex ones that spin and spread out. There are patterns in stories and patterns in music. When you dance, you''re making patterns with your whole body. You might even notice a comforting pattern to your day. When that pattern is broken, everything can feel chaotic. But sometimes breaking a pattern can make room for a new one worth repeating! A thought-provoking and visually stunning exploration of the math, art, and emotion of patterns.

“An engaging volume that will encourage both budding scientists and anyone intrigued by the creative process.” — Kirkus Reviews Here is the story of the ambitious young man who brought life-changing ideas to America, despite the obstructive efforts of his hero-turned-rival, Thomas Edison. From using alternating current to light up the Chicago World’s Fair to harnessing Niagara Falls to electrify New York City and beyond, Nikola Tesla was a revolutionary ahead of his time. Established biographer Elizabeth Rusch sheds light on this extraordinary figure, while fine artist Oliver Dominguez brings his life and inventions to vivid color. Back matter includes additional information about Tesla, scientific notes and explanations, source notes, a bibliography, and suggestions for further reading.

YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award Finalist A CCBC Choice More than 250 women have played on the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, and most contributed to the battle for equal pay. This narrative nonfiction book by the award-winning author and journalist Elizabeth Rusch traces the evolution of that fight, bringing this important rights issue in sports and in our culture to the attention of young readers. Features extensive back matter. With the passage of Title IX in 1972, the doors opened for young women to play sports at a higher level. But for the women on the U.S. Women''s National Soccer Team, being able to compete at an international level didn’t mean fair treatment and fair compensation. From economy-class airplane seats and inadequate lodging to minimal marketing and slashed wages, the women representing the United States at the Olympics, the World Cup, and other tournaments had reason to be fed up. They were expected to—and did—win, but they weren’t compensated for their talent and dedication. With the help of their union and in collaboration with the men’s team, they secured an equitable contract in 2022 that ultimately benefited both national teams as well as athletes of the future. Elizabeth Rusch’s A Greater Goal chronicles how members of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team fought to receive fair treatment and equal pay despite the intense pushback they received from U.S. Soccer, the governing body of soccer in the United States. With a narrative that includes player profiles and vignettes framed from team member perspectives, A Greater Goal illuminates the work, support, and grit needed to be treated with equality in a world that often undervalues the contributions of women. Features extensive back matter, including a call to action, additional resources, and an index.

A fresh picture book of simple but surprising exploration of the art, science, and emotion of color. This mindful meditation encourages children to see the world differently. Colors don’t exist. The sky is not blue. The grass is not green. A violet is not even violet. But color still plays an important role in our lives. Color can be a signal, as in a traffic light. It can be a call for help, like a life jacket. It can help us stand out or blend in, or feel like part of a team. Colors even affect our mood: red can make us angry, blue can make us sad, and yellow can brighten our day. Young readers will never look at color the same way again.

Compelling and timely, award-winning author Elizabeth Rusch’s The Twenty-One tells the gripping inside story of the ongoing landmark federal climate change lawsuit, Juliana vs. United States of America. The Twenty-One is for readers of Christina Soontornvat’s All Thirteen, fans of Steve Sheinkin’s books, and anyone interested in the environment and climate change, as well as youth activism, politics and government, and the law. From severe flooding in Louisiana to wildfires in the Pacific Northwest to melting permafrost in Alaska, catastrophic climate events are occurring more frequently—and severely—than ever. And these events are having a direct impact on the lives (and futures) of young people and their families. In the ongoing landmark case Juliana vs. United States, twenty-one young plaintiffs claim that the government’s support of the fossil-fuel industry is actively contributing to climate change, and that all citizens have a constitutional right to a stable climate—especially children and young adults, because they cannot vote and will inherit the problems of the future. Elizabeth Rusch’s The Twenty-One is a gripping legal and environmental thriller that tells the story of twenty-one young people and their ongoing case against the U.S. government for denying their constitutional right to life and liberty. A rich, informative, and multifaceted read, The Twenty-One stars the young plaintiffs and their attorneys; illuminates the workings of the United States’s judicial system and the relationship between government, citizens’ rights, and the environment; and asks readers to think deeply about the future of our planet. Features extensive backmatter, including a timeline, glossary, call to action, additional resources, and photographs.

An artful picture book exploration of negative space and the beauty of nothingness. This mindful meditation encourages children to see the world differently. Nothing is really something! What might be hidden in the space around things, and how is that space important? In art, this is known as negative space, but “nothing” can be thought of more broadly—as free time during the day or the space between people. When we allow ourselves a moment of nothingness, we make room for creativity and so much more.

A fact-filled story about a little girl and an evergreen tree that grow up side by side. Perfect for anyone who loves the natural world—or wonders about the origins of their holiday tree. On the morning little Zee Cooper is born, a Douglas-fir seedling emerges from the nursery bed at her family’s Christmas tree farm. As Zee and the tree grow up together, they experience many of the same milestones. When Zee starts preschool, her tree is ready to start life outside the nursery. As Zee outgrows all her clothes, her tree grows taller, too. When Zee gets a whole new look for kindergarten, her tree gets a spiffy transformation as well. And as the years go on, Zee takes loving care of her tree, watering it through heat waves and protecting it from winter winds. Combining interesting details about how trees are grown and cared for on a farm with the sweet story of a friendship between a girl and her special tree, Zee Grows a Tree offers a blend of fiction and nonfiction that will draw the interest of young nature lovers everywhere. In the back of the book, readers will find an index, bibliography, and an author’s note suggesting some ways to enjoy a holiday tree without cutting one down.

A mother-daughter story of an adventure-filled search for the amazing aurora borealis. Alix and her mom are fascinated by the nighttime light displays in the sky known as auroras, or northern lights, but being able to see them in person proves to be more challenging than expected. Where do they appear? When? How could Alix and her mom get there to see the auroras before they disappear from the sky? Inspired by the authors’ own experiences, A Search for the Northern Lights brings the reader along on a fascinating journey as Alix and her mom eagerly learn what auroras are and how to find them. The book also includes science and more information on auroras, plus a helpful guide for those hoping to catch their own glimpse of the incredible northern lights.

Meet Gidget, a small but mighty pug who overcame a life-threatening illness to become a world-champion surfing dog. Her story is told with beautiful, eye-catching photography that features adorable canines on and in the water. This is the inspiring true story of Gidget, a world-champion surfing pug, who grew from a hyperactive handful of a pup to a poised and impressive surfer whose efforts are devoted to charity. As she and her owner Alecia find their way through challenges including a life-threatening illness, Gidget''s story becomes not only about a dog learning to surf and compete in dog surfing competitions but also about making the most of the life you are given and giving back to your community. Gidget the Surfing Dog is filled with fun and informative science sidebars that help kids understand how waves are formed, how to identify different types of waves, and other aspects of the science of surfing. The book also covers the problem of trash in the ocean--an issue that Gidget and Alecia work together to address.

America is the greatest democracy in the world . . . isn''t it? Author Elizabeth Rusch examines some of the more problematic aspects of our government but, more importantly, offers ways for young people to fix them. The political landscape has never been so tumultuous: issues with the electoral college, gerrymandering, voter suppression, and a lack of representation in the polls and in our leadership have led to Americans of all ages asking, How did we get here? The power to change lies with the citizens of this great country--especially teens Rather than pointing fingers at people and political parties, You Call This Democracy? looks at flaws in the system--and offers a real way out of the mess we are in. Each chapter breaks down a different problem plaguing American democracy, exploring how it''s undemocratic, offering possible solutions (with examples of real-life teens who have already started working toward them), and suggesting ways to effect change--starting NOW

About earth movement and plate tectonics, and the possibility of earthquakes at the Cascadia Subduction Zone, an area between British Columbia and northern California.

"Dale Chihuly took the traditional craft of glassblowing and transformed it into a wildly creative art form. [The author] chose to tell Chihuly''s story in poetic form so the language would be as beautiful, powerful, and artistic as dale Chihuly''s sculptures."--page 3 of cover..

"A light show for every season. Love fireworks? There''s no need to wait a whole year between shows -- you can find nighttime entertainment in the sky in winter, spring, summer, and fall, if you know when and where to look. An nature puts it all on for free!"--Page 4 of cover.

Mysterious visitors ... they hang in the sky for weeks and then disappear. They''re bright like stars, but they have tails. What are they? And where do they come from? Even after hundreds of years of study, we''re still tracking down answers.

"A shadow descends. One minute it''s an ordinary sunny day. the next minute it''s getting darker and colder, but there isn''t a cloud in the sky. What''s going on?"--Page 4 of cover.

The true story of how a scientist saved the planet from environmental disaster. Mexican American Mario Molina is a modern-day hero who helped solve the ozone crisis of the 1980s. Growing up in Mexico City, Mario was a curious boy who studied hidden worlds through a microscope. As a young man in California, he discovered that CFCs, used in millions of refrigerators and spray cans, were tearing a hole in the earth''s protective ozone layer. Mario knew the world had to be warned--and quickly. Today Mario is a Nobel laureate and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. His inspiring story gives hope in the fight against global warming.

Una historia real sobre un científico contemporáneo que salvó la capa de ozono y el planeta, evitando un desastre en el medioambiente. Mario Molina es un científico mexicoamericano y un héroe de nuestros días que ayudó a resolver la crisis de la capa de ozono de la década de 1980. Se crió en la Ciudad de México y desde niño sintió curiosidad por los mundos ocultos que estudiaba a través de un microscopio. De joven, ya viviendo en California, descubrió que el clorofluorocarbono, o CFC, que se usa en millones de refrigeradores y aerosoles, estaba haciendo un agujero en la capa de ozono que protege la Tierra. Mario tuvo que alertar al mundo... ¡y rápido! Mario fue galardonado con el premio Nobel y con la Medalla Presidencial de la Libertad. Su inspiradora historia es una esperanza en la lucha contra el calentamiento global.

Meet Flo, a glacier, as she shows you what the life of a glacier is like in this picture book filled with fun facts, from what glaciers are and how they’re formed to what creatures live there, and more. Glaciers exist on every continent on earth, growing, spreading, and shrinking over thousands of years. But what are they, and how are they formed? Glacier on the Move tells the story of a glacier named Flo and her slow-motion race to the sea, from the edge of an ice field and down steep cliffs, to muscling her way around mountains, and stretching into a valley. With the help of some iceworms in the margins, Flo reveals how glaciers move, change shape, and provide for the surrounding world and animals. Blending fascinating science facts with dynamic illustrations, Glacier on the Move introduces young readers to glacial history and science in a captivating and unique way.

Junior Library Guild Selection! 2020 Towner Book Award Finalist Oregon Spirit Award Honor Book Follow Piper the border collie and her canine classmates through a season of avalanche rescue training. As they learn the skills they need to become snow rescue dogs, you''ll learn about the work these amazing canines do and about avalanche safety. Avalanche Dog Heroes is a nonfiction picture book illustrated with stunning, adorable photography that draws parallels between kids'' experiences in elementary school and the training days of the avalanche rescue dogs of Crystal Mountain, Washington State''s largest ski resort, located in the Cascade Range. Follow along with Piper, a friendly border collie who came to the mountain as a smart but timid shelter dog, terrified by everything, as she confidently heads off to school on a chairlift to meet her canine classmates. Over a season they romp together through the snow, learning and practicing the skills they need to be avalanche rescue dogs and earn their rescue certification. You''ll also learn the warning signs and conditions that cause an avalanche, the four types of avalanches, and the basics of avalanche safety.

On June 10, 2003, a little rover named Spirit blasted off on a rocket headed for Mars. On July 7, 2003, a twin rover named Opportunity soared through the solar system with the same mission: to find out if Mars ever had water that could have supported life. A thrilling addition to the acclaimed Scientists in the Field series, The Mighty Mars Rovers tells the greatest space robot adventure of all time through the eyes--and heart--of Steven Squyres, professor of astronomy at Cornell University and lead scientist on the mission. This suspenseful page-turner captures the hair-raising human emotions felt during the adventures with two tough rovers.

Award-winning biographer Elizabeth Rusch and two-time Caldecott Honor–recipient Marjorie Priceman team up to tell the inspiring story of the invention of the world’s most popular instrument: the piano. Bartolomeo Cristofori coaxes just the right sounds from the musical instruments he makes. Some of his keyboards can play piano, light and soft; others make forte notes ring out, strong and loud, but Cristofori longs to create an instrument that can be played both soft and loud. His talent has caught the attention of Prince Ferdinando de Medici, who wants his court to become the musical center of Italy. The prince brings Cristofori to the noisy city of Florence, where the goldsmiths’ tiny hammers whisper tink, tink and the blacksmiths’ big sledgehammers shout BANG, BANG! Could hammers be the key to the new instrument? At last Cristofori gets his creation just right. It is called the pianoforte, for what it can do. All around the world, people young and old can play the most intricate music of their lives, thanks to Bartolomeo Cristofori’s marvelous creation: the piano.

What kids can expect when they’re expecting siblings—full of solid information, kid-friendly humor, and even tips for parents. In a fresh picture book/comic style, Ready, Set…Baby offers up a funny, loving, reassuring peek into life as a big brother or sister. Anna and Oliver, big siblings extraordinaire, are here to tell you what to expect when your family is expecting—and what life will really be like once a new baby arrives. The dynamic duo covers everything from naptime to stinky diapers and from holding the baby to deciphering your baby’s body language. They even offer up helpful ideas for parents on how to make life as a big brother or sister as filled with fun—and love—as it can be! So get ready…get set…it’s time to welcome a new baby!

"Asteroids come in all shapes and sizes--and hit our planet in them, too. But what happens if a catastrophically large one approaches earth? By looking on the ground at historical asteroid craters and present-day falls, and up into space for the big ones yet to come, a wide variety of scientists are trying to figure out how to track asteroids--and how to avoid devastating impacts in the future."--

“An engaging volume that will encourage both budding scientists and anyone intrigued by the creative process.” — Kirkus Reviews Here is the story of the ambitious young man who brought life-changing ideas to America, despite the obstructive efforts of his hero-turned-rival, Thomas Edison. From using alternating current to light up the Chicago World’s Fair to harnessing Niagara Falls to electrify New York City and beyond, Nikola Tesla was a revolutionary ahead of his time. Established biographer Elizabeth Rusch sheds light on this extraordinary figure, while fine artist Oliver Dominguez brings his life and inventions to vivid color. Back matter includes additional information about Tesla, scientific notes and explanations, source notes, a bibliography, and suggestions for further reading.

"Muddy Max takes that eternal struggle between kids and parents---whether to play in or stay out of mud puddles---and turns it into an epic tale full of secrets and superpowers and one very important lesson: Don''t eat mud. It''s earthworm poop." --Matthew Holm, co-creator of Babymouse and Squish "What happens when genius-writer Elizabeth Rusch and super-artist Mike Lawrence get together? A book you won''t be able to put down---or wash off! Not only does Muddy Max ooze adventure, it can also teach all of us something about bravery, science, and earthworm poop." --Bart King, author of The Big Book of Superheroes and The Big Book of Gross Stuff Max may be the cleanest middle-school kid in the world--his neat-freak parents make certain of that. But what''s behind their mysterious fear of mud? When Max finds himself face-down in a murky puddle, muddy from head to toe, he discovers something amazing: Mud gives him super powers. But there''s more going on in Marsh Creek--and in his family--than he could ever imagine. Follow Muddy Max and his friends as they dig through the dirt to solve the mystery of Marsh Creek.

Traces the innovative efforts of the scientific community to transform ocean waves into a renewable source of electrical power.

Simple science text geared toward young children introduces the parts of a volcano and explains the ways in which volcanoes create new land, mountains, and islands where none existed before. An informational second layer provides specific examples, featuring volcanoes found in the United States and other parts of the world.

“At 11:35 p.m., as Radio Armero played cheerful music, a towering wave of mud and rocks bulldozed through the village, roaring like a squadron of fighter jets.” Twenty-three thousand people died in the 1985 eruption of Colombia’s Nevado del Ruiz. Today, more than one billion people worldwide live in volcanic danger zones. In this riveting nonfiction book—filled with spectacular photographs and sidebars—Rusch reveals the perilous, adrenaline-fueled, life-saving work of an international volcano crisis team (VDAP) and the sleeping giants they study, from Colombia to the Philippines, from Chile to Indonesia.

Stories of real teens creating change show readers how they too can make the world a better place. GENERATION FIX is the only kid''s book that features real life stories of kids doing incredible things to make the world a better place. Capturing kids ideas on how to solve the problems that we face in this world - hunger, homelessness, violence, discrimination, and problems with health care, education, and the environment - the book also inspires them to take action with their own ideas and resources. GENERATION FIX profiles 20+ kids who have changed the world by taking action on their ideas. Each chapter also includes resources and activities for kids to get involved right now in their communities and a place for kids to write down their own solutions to world problems. The book will include smart, funny, and dead serious ideas for kids across the country who are brainstorming methods for improving the world.