Most Popular Books by Joanne Mattern

Levers are found in many places, including your own body! From shovels to arms, levers help us get work done. This title explores the history of levers, the forces that make them work, and where they are found in everyday life. Diagrams and simple experiments allow for different avenues of learning in title for beginning readers.

Discusses the history, development, habits, and care of Persian cats. Includes photo diagram and general facts about cats.

When you hear the word "playground," what do you think of? Do you picture slides and swings? Do you think of climbing walls and tunnels? Or do you picture pirate ships and space to run? Over the years, playgrounds have changed in many ways. But they have always been a place where children can enjoy themselves and learn important lessons about safety and getting along with others. Discover how playgrounds came to be and how they have changed over the years.

Bulgaria is a unique country with a varied history and an exciting modern persona. This book examines Bulgariau0092s past as well as how it functions in todayu0092s political and global climate. It gives an in-depth overview of the various aspects that make up the country, including its geography, economy, traditions, customs, and celebrations. Full of colorful photographs and up-to-date information about the country, this is an excellent resource for readers eager to learn about other parts of the world.

In this title, unwrap the lives of talented Milky Way bars and M&M''s makers, Frank Mars and Forrest Mars Sr.! Readers will enjoy getting the scoop on this Food Dude family, beginning with Frank''s childhood in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Students can follow his success story from making candy with his mother as a boy to his establishment of the Mar-O-Bar Company. Forrest Sr.''s childhood is also highlighted, from his childhood in Canada and college experience at Berkeley to his reunion with Frank and the conception of the Milky Way bar. Engaging text familiarizes readers with topics of interest including the M&M''s story, other Mars Inc. acquisitions and brand developments, and Mars privacy and family life. An entertaining sidebar, a helpful timeline, a glossary, and an index, supplement the historical and color photos showcased in this inspiring biography. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.

For millions of people, leaving home and coming to America meant giving up family and all things familiar. For more than sixty years, one site was the first place in America all new immigrants saw. Find out why Ellis Island holds such an important place in America''s history.

In this colorful biography, find out how Michelle Robinson’s family always encouraged her to reach for the stars. From her early days as a schoolgirl to her college years in Chicago and later at Princeton University, Michelle was always determined to do her best. After meeting and marrying Barack Obama, Michelle became part of a powerful team that changed history when Barack was elected the nation’s first African-American president. Despite her fame, Michelle has always placed her family first. She has also become a role model for helping others and building a strong community.

"Describes the history, physical features, and care of the Oriental cat breed"--Provided by publisher.

Without the sun, life could not exist on Earth. For animals, the sun provides light, warmth, and even food. This informative book explores the sun''s role in animal life, from producing food to keeping animals warm and healthy, as well as how the sun affects animal behavior throughout the year. Through fascinating sidebars and NGSS-influenced activities, readers will learn about the sun in an engaging and hands-on way.

Fascinating feline facts and fun! Each book highlights the physical characteristics, demeanor, history, and special features of popular cat breeds. Includes special sections on what judges look for at cat shows and how to care for each breed.

"Descibes the history, physical features, and care of the Persian cat breed"--Provided by publisher.

He’s sold over 15 million albums, won Grammys and other awards, starred in popular movies and television shows, and brought the Dirty South style of hip-hop music to audiences far and wide. Chris Bridges grew up loving hip-hop and house parties, but it wasn’t until he changed his name to Ludacris that he found fame and recognition all over the world. He found controversy along the way as well, but he never let anything stand in the way of his dreams. Bridges is also a serious actor who has starred in some of the most critically acclaimed movies of the early 2000s. Meet the man who brings his special gifts to two different worlds in this biography of Ludacris, rap star and actor.

single copy

Even venomous snakes can be helpful to people and Planet Earth! Young readers will learn the truth about the many different kinds of snakes, how to tell which ones are truly dangerous and which ones just want to be left alone, and explore up close the unique bodies that help these reptiles survive.

For Millions Of Years, Hippos And Rhinos Have Roamed The Earth. This Book Discusses Their Habitats, What They Like To Eat, Their Enormous Size, And Concerns About The Future Of These Animals Due To Land Restrictions And Human Harm.

Who was a famous Viking explorer? Leif Eriksson was. The son of Viking Erik the Red, Leif sailed to Iceland and Greenland in search of a new place to live. Learn about the Vikings and the exciting places Leif explored. In Leif Eriksson: Viking Explorer, author Joanne Mattern discusses the life and times of the Vikings and how Leif Eriksson became an explorer. Book jacket.

"Describes the history, physical features, temperament, and care of the Abyssinian cat breed"--Provided by publisher.

Discusses the history, development, habits, and care of Oriental cats. Includes photo diagram and general facts about cats.

Likes living in trees or on the ground? Herbivore or omnivore. Is it a porcupine or a hedgehog? Readers will learn how these adorable spiky mammals are alike and how they differ.

Biography of star pop singer Jason Derulo. Blue Banner Biographies are up-to-date, well-written, and colorful. Series titles include people in the news from sports, entertainment, movies, and music. Students read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension and read on-level text with purpose and understanding. Series titles have been developed to address many of the Common Core specific goals, higher level thinking skills, and progressive learning strategies for middle grade and junior high level students.

Even from a young age, Selena was a star. As soon as she opened her mouth to sing, her family and friends could not believe the beauty and power of her voice. Accompanied by her family, Selena was soon performing throughout her home state of Texas and becoming a star of the Tejano music scene. By the time she was a teenager, she was known as the Queen of Tejano and was loved by fans around the world. Just as Selena was enjoying her greatest success and finding true love, her life was cut short in a terrible act of violence. Now, more than fifteen years after her death, she is still one of the most famous and beloved music stars in the world. This book traces Selena’s rise to fame, her shocking murder, and the love her fans still have for her.

Describes the contributions of the man the monument honors, the contest to choose a design, the monument''s creation, the words on it, its dedication, and what visitors see.

Shapes, colors, or markings. Some mammals, birds, and fish use unusual camouflage to hide in plain sight.

Brian McBride is one of the most exciting soccer players in the world! He started as a young boy playing soccer with his friends. When he was older, he became a star for teams in the United States and England. Brian has had many challenges. He struggled with injuries. Then a serious illness almost ended his playing career. Brian used these hard times to become a stronger and happier person. He never lost his dream to play soccer and help others through his athletic talents.

Although some sharks are very scary and dangerous, most species are quiet creatures who pose no threat to humans at all. Readers will learn all about the many kinds of sharks, what they eat, where they live, and their importance to the ocean ecosystem in this fact-and-photo-packed look at one of nature’s top predators.

Includes index, glossary and resources for more information.

For young Miguel Cabrera, being a professional baseball player was all he ever dreamed of. From his childhood in Venezuela, baseball was everything to Cabrera, and he held on to his dream even though members of his own family told him it was almost impossible to succeed. When Cabrera finally got the chance to play in the major leagues, he astonished everyone with his powerful hitting and fielding skills. Cabrera went on to lead his team to the World Series and won many awards along the way. Learn more about this sensational player and his life on and off the field in this exciting Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / General [BISAC].

American paddlefish are the oldest surviving animal species in North America! In this title, readers will learn about this and other fascinating facts about these ancient beasts. Vivid images and hi-lo text draw readers in, and special features highlight the size, appearance, and conservation status of these magnificent creatures!

Presents information on radio, including its invention, history, how it works, and how it has affected people''s lives.

Bring the history of Florida to life through intriguing primary source documents! Exploring Florida''s Geography, Culture, and Climate is a nonfiction reader that provides social studies content aligned to state standards. Used in the classroom or at home, this high-interest book includes engaging images and important text features such as captions, an index, and a glossary. Explore Florida''s culture with this resource that builds vocabulary and literacy skills, while learning history, geography, and other social studies topics.

Welcome to the amazing world of China! China’s ancient traditions have created a tremendous variety of tasty foods and beautiful artwork. You can learn to make some of China’s most popular foods, such as sesame noodles, egg rolls, and moon cakes, by trying the easy-to-follow recipes in this book. Then you can discover some of China’s favorite artistic traditions by making dragon boats, tangram puzzles, and more! Along the way, you’ll learn interesting facts about China’s holidays and people, and fascinating trivia about everyday life. Step into another land and learn about China’s treasures!

Which animal can find its way through a maze and even learn shortcuts? And which animal is so smart it lets cars do the hard work of cracking open its food?

Bats have a bad reputation as blood-sucking creatures of the night. But these fascinating mammals actually help people by eating insect pests and pollinating fruit trees and flowers. In this book packed with fun facts and vivid photographs, readers will learn all about the bat’s amazing body, its habits and activities, and how they can help this important species survive.

Jaden Smith was born to Hollywood royalty. His famous parents, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, have starred in some of Hollywood''s biggest films and have had music careers as well. It was obvious early on that young Jaden had the same talents, charm, and drive as his parents, and it wasn''t long before he became well known as an actor and starred in his own hit movies, including The Pursuit of Happyness and The Karate Kid. This book tells the story of Jaden''s rise to fame, as well as how he lives offstage and how his parents are preparing him and his sister, Willow, to be successful not just onscreen, but also in life.

Travel with John Cabot as he sails on several voyages to Canada.

"Describes the history, physical features, temperament, and care of the Manx cat breed"--Provided by publisher.

After leaving the Church of England and joining the Quakers, William Penn proposed starting a new colony in America.

Where can you go to see lions, and tigers, and bears? You can go to the zoo! A trip to the zoo can be very exciting. A trip to the zoo is also a great way to learn about animal habitats in faraway places.