Most Popular Books by Joanne Mattern

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.

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

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?

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

Young readers will explore the history and culture of this unique eastern European country. For instance, Hungary is home to beautiful animals, including an array of butterflies that aren''t found anywhere else on Earth, and amazing landforms like secret underground caves. From its days ruled by the Magyar tribes to today''s modern government and bustling cities, Hungary is a land of warm and friendly people who love good food, art, music, and sports. Through fun sidebars and engaging facts, this book allows young readers to explore all that Hungary has to offer.

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.

Nepal has many unique traditions. This book explores what makes Nepal a special country, such as its language, history, government, and people. Sure to engage young readers, this book includes tons of colorful designs and exciting photographs.

Describes Kiteboarding And Where It Is Done. Includes Information On Equipment, Technique, And Safety Rules.

Describes Skateboarding And Its Necessary Equipment. Includes Information On Technique, Places To Skateboard, And Famous Skateboarding Competitions.

Dogs are the world’s most popular pet! These intelligent friends have learned to work and communicate, and they use their skills to help humans every day. This fun title explores the intelligence of dogs, from their thinking skills to their relationship with people. Leveled text and fun photos present the information in an easy-to-understand way, while a brain comparison chart, profile, skills graphic, and scientific study feature further highlight smart pups!

East Asian Cultures in Perspective is an in-depth look at the different regional cultures of East Asia with an emphasis on current culture. The young reader is presented with an overview of a variety of regional cultures that developed historically and analyzes how the cultural history shapes the East Asian region''s current culture. The book is written in a lively and interesting style, and contains the East Asian region''s languages, foods, music/dance, art/literature, religions, holidays, lifestyle, and most importantly contemporary culture in the country today. The book has been developed to address many of the Common Core specific goals, higher level thinking skills, and progressive learning strategies from informational texts for middle grade and junior high level students.

Long floppy ears. Big teeth. Running or hopping. Is it a rabbit or a hare? Learn how these popular and cuddly animals are alike and how they differ.

Imagine a world without airports! Air travel has changed the way we live and work, but no one would be able to travel without airports. Over the past 100 years, air travel has gone from an unusual adventure to an everyday event. Discover the stories behind eight major U.S. airports, including how they were built, how many people they serve, and the problems and solutions that have changed air travel over the decades. Airports are a vital part of America''s infrastructure, and their construction and expansion tell an important story about how Americans live and work today.

Presents the history, geography, government, economy, and people of Illinois, as well as general facts about the state.

Swamps, marshes, and wetlands are humid, wet, and full of surprising danger. However, people have lived and thrived in these places for centuries. This book presents to young readers the challenges and rewards of living in a wet environment and focuses on how residents have adapted technology so they can live and work in these unusual habitats. The narrative also explores the importance of wetlands to the natural world and considers how climate change and natural disasters are putting many coastal and marsh areas in danger. The easy-to-read text, accompanied by compelling photographs and helpful sidebars, will engage young readers as they learn about these dynamic and precious environments.

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

When Major League Soccer began in North America in 1996, the New England Revolution was one of the first clubs. Since then, the club has energized the league with skilled players, exciting games, and many championship appearances. Readers will learn about the history of soccer and MLS in this appealing book. They will also learn about the Revolution and its greatest players, as well as the challenges they face, in this exciting guide to one of the world''s most popular sports.

Jump Into Skydiving And Examine The Training And Preparations In This Risky Sport.

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.

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.

Webbed feet. Slimy or dry. Lives on dry land or in water. Is it a frog or a toad? Learn how these cold-blooded animals are alike and how they differ.

Afghanistan is known for its varied history and for its unique culture. This book discusses what it is like to live in the Afghanistan today. It examines, in accessible language and vivid photographs, many aspects of Afghanistan culture, including its history, geography, people, and government. This is a book that highlights a unique part of the world, sure to engage the eager young reader.

Discusses the life of Jackson Pollock and describes his unique style of art.

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.

In the 1930s and 1940s, Count Basie and His Orchestra were at the top of big band game. Their hit “One O’Clock Jump” made them dance favorites, with other bands playing their piece and copying their sounds. A gifted piano player, William Basie began his music career playing the piano to accompany silent movies. His talent took him to Kansas City and then all over the United States as he entertained audiences with his unique style of piano playing and jazz rhythms. He rose to fame as “Count Basie” and became one of the most important and influential jazz musicians of the twentieth century. Follow his exciting life and career and discover how the Count changed jazz in this entertaining biography of an American music legend.

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.

Colorful or dull. Wings up or wings down. Active at night or prefers daylight. Is it a butterfly or moth? Learn how these beautiful insects are alike and how they differ.

Earth''s climate is changing, with new and frightening results. One of the most severe issues is the rise in sea levels. All over the world, island nations are disappearing, coastal areas are flooding, and habitats are washing away. This book explores the causes of global warming and how they are affecting plants, animals, and people all over the world. The text also explores possible solutions, from planting living shorelines to controlling the seas with walls and gates. What do rising sea levels mean for Earth? It''s all here in this comprehensive look at a twenty-first-century problem.

Explores the invention of the telephone, the careers available in the industry and how they affect daily life.

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

Describes what igneous rocks are and explains how they are formed.

Medieval England was a time of great change and uncertainty. In this engaging book, readers will learn about various aspects of the Middle Ages in England including the feudal system, Hundred Years War, War of the Roses, and the bubonic plague. With detailed images, captivating facts and sidebars, and easy-to-read text, readers will enjoy an engaging reading experience that introduces them to such rulers as Henry II, Thomas Beckett, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and Richard the Lion Hearted. This book also includes text features such as a table of contents, glossary, and index, as well as an in-class writing activity to further students'' understanding of the Magna Carta.

Describes the role of the battle that took place in Puebla, Mexico, on May 5, 1862 in Mexican history, and explains how its anniversary is celebrated in Mexico and the United States and the customs and symbols associated with the holiday.

"Previously published as twelve library-bound editions."

Traces the history and development of wireless communication from Marconi''s invention of the telegraph in 1895 to the arrival of satellite radio in cars in 2001.

Which animal''s head is shaped like a shovel and covered in bumps? Did you know two animals have wiggly worm-like flesh to attract prey? Some animals are pretty ugly!

Looks at the roles of people working on a NASCAR team, including the pit crew, the sponsors, the owners, the managers, and the mechanics.

Briefly describes the job of a pilot and the instruments he uses.

A biography of the English explorer and sea captain who explored three North American waterways later named for him--the Hudson River, Hudson Bay, and Hudson Strait.

Introduces and examines the different aspects of foodball.