Most Popular Books by Joanne Mattern

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

History recognizes the leadership and voice Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. brought to the civil rights movement in 1960s America. A 30-foot tall statue of Dr. King gazes into the future full of hope for all humanity. His words of peace are carved in the walls of the monument as a reminder to all Americans of the power of peaceful protest. Learn all about the first national memorial to an African American.

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

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.

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

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.

The world has some amazing weather. Wind and rain aren't the only events that plague citizens around the world. Snow also plays a big role in the winter for many. One of the worst winter events is the blizzard, but what is a blizzard? In this entertaining book filled with fun facts, history, and science, readers will discover the ins and outs of this powerful storm. This book explores the mechanics of blizzards and the science behind them. It describes how blizzards form, what damage they cause, and steps scientists and the public can take to be prepared and stay safe during blizzard events.

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.

Today's amusement parks are filled with amazing, high-tech rides. Some even take the fun to the water! Amusement parks of the past were exciting places as well. Amusement parks have been around for hundreds of years. Discover the history of these fun-filled places!

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!

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

Describes the physical characteristics, behavior, and life cycle of the bighorn sheep. Includes photo diagram.

Pictures and photos bring the rain forest and the animals therein to life. Your students will love this look into an amazing work.

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?

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

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

Bring the history of Florida to life through intriguing primary source documents! Florida's Economy: From the Mouse to the Moon is a text that describe the history of the important industries and businesses that have contributed to Florida's economy including railroads, agriculture, Disneyworld, NASA, the tourism industry, and more. Used in the classroom or at home, this high-interest resource builds literacy and vocabulary skills for students. This nonfiction reader explores history, economics, geography, and other social studies topics. It also includes informational text features such as a glossary, headings, and an index.

The Philippines, a nation composed of thousands of islands, has a vibrant past. Readers learn what the country is like today, from its history to its festival traditions, culinary history, lifestyle, government, and economy.

Pulleys help us lift and lower things with ease! This title uses simple text and diagrams to explain the functions of these simple machines, and an experiment lets readers try out their own pulleys! Beginning readers will be pulled into this title that explores the historical and modern uses of these helpful machines.

Discusses the life of Frederic Remington and describes his unique style of art.

A tour of New York City provides a history of the city as well as an introduction to famous landmarks.

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

Spiders seem scary, but they are really quiet creatures who help humans by eating many insect pests. And it’s hard not to love nature’s best engineer as it builds elaborate web homes. Young readers will explore the world of spiders and their awesome abilities in this exciting and informative look at a creepy creature who really isn’t scary at all.

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

In this title, unwrap the life of talented Hershey's chocolate creator, Milton Hershey! Readers will enjoy getting the scoop on this Food Dude, beginning with his childhood near Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Students can follow Hershey's success story from his apprenticeship at Royer's Ice Cream Parlor and Garden to his establishment of the Lancaster Caramel Company. Hershey's discovery of chocolate and determined creation of the Hershey bar also highlighted. Engaging text familiarizes readers with topics of interest including the town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, and the Milton Hershey School. 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.