Most Popular Books by Nancy Dickmann

What is it like to live in or visit Italy? What makes Italy''s culture unique? Explore the geography, traditions, and daily lives of Italian people.

For young science lovers, space exploration is perhaps one of the coolest fields of study. Readers of this illuminating book will get a peek into what it''s like to visit the moon, climb aboard the International Space Station, and explore many other parts of space. Accessible text and attention-grabbing fact boxes hold the attention of even the most reluctant readers. The convenient page layout also includes colorful photographs paired with succinct, easy-to-digest captions. This high-interest volume is sure to engage and excite readers of many levels.

You''re rock hunting along a lakeshore with your eyes glued to the ground. A see-through rock lights up in the sunlight. Your heart races as you pick up the rock. It has beautiful bands of orange, cream, and brown. You''ve just found an agate! Find out how agates form, where they are found, and about some of the most amazing agate discoveries. Then learn how you can find and collect these striking rocks too!

Strap in for a journey to the center of the Earth–and watch out for volcanoes! Readers are in for a fiery ride as they explore geothermal energy and its technologies, both past and future. On the way, readers will take a dip in some of Mother Nature''s personal hot tubs: Blue Lagoon hot spring in Iceland, the Qin Dynasty Pool, Yellowstone geysers, and more! Stunning photographs of these high-interest natural phenomena are sure to capture even reluctant readers'' attention. Erupting with fun fact boxes that zoom in on details, this sizzling volume will be a popular addition to any science library.

Exploring and studying space are among humanity''s greatest accomplishments, but history books have too often neglected the incredible work of women astronomers and scientists. This informative book illuminates the lives and achievements of astronomical geniuses, from Wang Zhenyi of the Qing dynasty, to Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. Mini bio and feature boxes provide fast facts on each featured scientist, and a gallery spread introduces readers to even more crucial women astronomers. Quotes from each scientist and their contemporaries inspire readers to develop their own love of STEM. Beautiful original illustrations and vibrant photographs pull readers into this thoughtful book. A thorough timeline gives readers a view of women''s progress in the field of astronomy, and a "Science Now" spread shows readers the wonders of modern day astronomy.

What is it like to live in or visit Guatemala? What makes Guatemala''s culture unique? Explore the geography, traditions, and daily lives of Guatemalan people.

We’re only just beginning to learn about the incomprehensibly vast universe that exists beyond the edges of our own solar system. This fascinating guide touches on constellations, galaxies, star types, the life cycle of stars, nebulae, quasars, dark matter, black holes, exoplanets, the search for extraterrestrial life, the “Goldilocks zone,” habitable planets, and more. Stunning, high definition, NASA-quality photos of deep space and a dynamic design add appeal, as do sidebars containing fun facts that reinforce and illustrate the body text and open up new and intriguing avenues of inquiry.

Our planet Earth is full of incredible environments, from sweltering rain forests to the frozen tundra. This fascinating book takes readers on a tour of the world�s most incredible biomes! They�ll learn how plants, animals, geography, and climates interact to create beautiful biomes across the globe. Gorgeous illustrations bring the natural world to life before readers� eyes. The unique Q & A format encourages curiosity and exploration, and engaging facts and accessible explanations for complex concepts will absorb even reluctant readers. Playfully designed and highly informative, this innovative book will be at home in any library.

Life can be messy, complicated, and even stinky! Just look at sulfur, one of the elements necessary for life as we know it. This essential element is found in all living things. It''s an important ingredient of life, and it reeks like rotten eggs. What is this pungent element used for? Readers of this informative introduction to sulfur will find out. They''ll learn how sulfur was discovered and the roles it plays in living things and in various industries. A charming design, illustrations, and photographs bring the lesson into detailed focus. Accessible text and a handy quiz help readers engage with the information.

Rachel Carson loved nature since childhood. It was only natural for her to become one of the first conservation advocates and environmental scientists in the United States. Through detailed biography, the main content introduces readers to Carson as well as her work, including Silent Spring and its incredible influence on the United States and the pesticide industry. Sidebars complement understandable scientific content by adding interesting and illuminating information about each topic. Full-color photographs of Carson and accounts of work in the field encourage readers to care for the world around them—even if it’s not popular to do so.

Plants are the first living step on every food chain! These remarkable life-forms make life possible for the rest of us. Readers of this information-rich book will learn all about these chlorophyll powerhouses that keep our planet alive. Detailed illustrations help readers visualize parts and processes of plants, and to understand abstract concepts. They�ll love the innovative Q & A format, searching for answers to questions they�ve always wondered about and exploring topics they�ve never imagined! This interactive learning experience will draw in even reluctant learners, making this beautifully designed book a valuable addition to any library.

Organic doesn''t only refer to fresh vegetables. In science, "organic" describes natural matter or compounds with a carbon base. Readers will learn all about the element of carbon, from its discovery to the role it plays in living things. They''ll see real-life examples of how humans use carbon in various industries. A charming design with illustrations and photographs bring the lesson into detailed focus. Accessible text and a concluding quiz help readers engage with this important information, making this volume a valuable addition to any library and classroom.

A solar system is a complex system containing a star and a group of planets, moons, and other bodies that move around the star. In our solar system, that star is the sun. With the help of this innovative volume, readers will learn about many of the wonders of our solar system. Numerical figures are used throughout the book to help readers understand and learn important facts about the solar system, many of which also support and reinforce key elementary science curricula.

This brand-new series highlights some of the major contributions women have made in the world of science. What shapes our planet? Women have been answering the question for centuries on many levels. Scientists such as Marie Curie have investigated the building blocks of matter, and the physical forces that act upon them. Geologists have studied the rocks beneath our feet by venturing dangerously close to erupting volcanoes, and have figured out what lies at Earth''s center and why its surface moves as it does. Women have also led the way in exploring the planet''s atmosphere and the causes and effects of climate change, the most urgent problem scientists are trying to solve. This book tells their stories and describes their vital contributions. ABOUT THE SERIES: From studying the stars to curing disease, understanding plants and animals, pioneering computer studies, and unraveling the secrets of atoms and molecules, women have played a vital role in scientific advances since the ancient world. Yet their contributions have often gone unrecognized or, worse, have been credited to others. With lively text, photography, and art, Super SHEroes of Science sets out to redress the balance and give credit where it''s due. It examines the contributions to various fields of science of individual women from around the world!

Provides readers with seven true accounts of people being attacked by animals in the wild.

Explore the history of World War II, from causes and effects to what made this period of history so deadly.

The field of medicine is crucial to the advancement of society, but many groundbreaking achievements have been left out of the history books. This insightful book illuminates the lives and accomplishments of women in the fields of medicine and health, from Elizabeth Blackwell to Virginia Apgar. Quotes from featured scientists and their contemporaries empower readers to explore the world of STEM for themselves. Beautiful illustrations and photographs immerse even reluctant readers. A gallery spread introduces readers to even more ingenious women scientists, while a timeline highlights the progress of women in medicine and health throughout history and lists Nobel Prize winners. Readers will see the state of contemporary medicine in a captivating "Science Now" spread.

Letu0092s figure out Earth and its amazing world of plants through fascinating facts and figures! Find out what plants are made of, how they grow, how they make their food, and how all the parts of a plant work together to help it survive. Read all about plants and then turn to the Figured Out! pages to discover more facts and easy-to-read statistics that bring the fascinating world of plants to life.

Letu0092s figure out Earth and its incredible water cycle through fascinating facts and figures! Find out what the water cycle is and how water changes from a liquid to a gas and back into a liquid once more. Discover how Earth is constantly recycling its water and why this vital resource is the source of all life on our planet. Learn about Earthu0092s amazing water cycle then turn to the Figured Out! pages to discover more facts and easy-to-read statistics that bring our watery world to life.

Sunshine can do more than make us happy when skies are gray—it can also provide ammo for ancient ray guns! Readers will discover how humans have harvested this clean energy source – from Archimedes’ sunbeam weapons to today’s solar-powered movie theaters. Visuals of ancient, modern, and futuristic human inventions are sure to catch the interest of every reader. Readers will also love the fact boxes full of enlightening material as they soak in this highly relevant science topic.

Letu0092s figure out Earth and its incredible landforms through fascinating facts and figures! Learn what landforms are and how they are created, discover their history, and find out why Earth is constantly recreating its landscapes. Discover amazing information about volcanoes, rivers, canyons, and more, and then turn to the Figured Out! pages to discover cool facts and easy-to-read statistics about our majestic planet.

In this visually spectacular tour of the outer reaches of our solar system, readers discover many intriguing facts. For example, the outer planets are separated from the inner planets by the asteroid belt. And, in addition to discovering Jupiter''s moons, Galileo, in the early 17th century, observed the phases of Venus and made careful studies of sunspots. Readers also learn why humans could never live on one of the gas planets. The physical and chemical features and movement of the outer planets and their moons are detailed. Sidebars pique readers'' interest in space missions, spacecraft, and space-related data and terminology.

Letu0092s figure out Earth and its amazing world of rocks through fascinating facts and figures! Discover the different types of rocks that make up our planet, how they are made, and how Earth is constantly recycling its rocks in a never-ending process. Find out amazing information about rocks and then turn to the Figured Out! pages to discover more facts and easy-to-read statistics that bring our rocky planet to life.

This colorful, dynamic title explains to upper-elementary-level readers the exciting science behind the sun and all its fantastic phenomena. The text covers the sun’s role from ancient mythology and astronomy through modern discoveries before going in-depth and inside the sun’s layers, breaking down the chemistry and physics behind the sun’s composition and atmosphere. Thrilling events such as solar flares, eclipses, and star formation are explained with bright, color photographs and diagrams that will make the spectacular science behind the sun simple for every reader.

Questioning established knowledge isn’t usually a popular course of action. Galileo learned this throughout his life as he tested scientific theories using mathematical calculations. He challenged the Catholic Church and Aristotle, which got him into trouble, but also added him to the pantheon of great scientists. Readers learn all about Galileo’s most important discoveries through the story of his life, complete with historical images. Sidebars add detail and understandable explanations to the main content, including concepts such as the scientific method and the planets orbiting the sun.

Nitrogen is an important ingredient in the proteins that make our body cells. Humans have found lots of other incredible uses for this element, too. We use it to freeze food, preserve blood, and remove tattoos and skin cancer, and that''s just in nitrogen''s liquid form. Readers of this informative book will learn about these and other uses for nitrogen. An immersive design and straightforward text help readers engage. A concluding quiz lets readers test their knowledge. Illustrations, photographs, and infographics bring the lesson into detailed focus. This accessible book is the perfect introduction to this essential element.

Furry, scaly, feathery, slimy � animals come in a myriad of shapes and sizes! This comprehensive look at the animal kingdom satiates readers� curiosity about all of its diverse creatures. The innovative Q & A format encourages inquisitive readers to explore for answers. They�ll find explanations for concepts they�ve always wondered about, and find answers to questions they�ve never pondered before! Vivid illustrations bring details to life and immerse readers in the fascinating world of animals. Accessible and fun, this unique, interactive learning experience is sure to draw in even reluctant readers!

Letu0092s figure out Earth and its awesome habitats and biomes through fascinating facts and figures! Find out what habitats and biomes are, where in the world different biomes are found, and which animals and plants live there. Find out how organisms carve out a life in some of the most amazing places in the world, and then turn to the Figured Out! pages to discover more facts and easy-to-read statistics that bring to life Earthu0092s amazing homes.

This visually stunning guide gives an up-close look at some of the more elusive objects in space. Definitions of better-known objects, such as comets, as well as lesser-known objects, such as centaurs and trojans, give a basic understanding of space objects and the history of how they were discovered. It also covers the scientists who theorized about their existence and the later scientists who actually discovered them. Readers will also get a look at how these objects can impact our future life and the plans scientists have for how we might learn more about them.

The tiny specs of light we see in the sky at night, called stars, are actually enormous objects made of gas. A very large system of stars is a galaxy. With the help of this informative book, readers will catch a glimpse of the many stars and galaxies that make up the universe. Colorful images and diagrams paired with accessible text and fact boxes will engage readers of many ages and abilities. Those with curious minds will enjoy learning about this exciting aspect of space with the help of useful facts and numbers.

Nature is a mixed bag of nourishment and destruction, and nowhere is that more evident than in the field of meteorology! From summer sunshine and spring rains to tsunamis, tornadoes, and other natural phenomena, this book will answers all of readers� questions on weather and the seasons. Gorgeous illustrations help readers visualize key concepts, while accessible language breaks down complex materials into absorbable chunks of information. The innovative Q & A format creates an interactive learning experience that even reluctant readers will love, making this an invaluable contribution to any library.

When many young readers think of space, they just think of the planets, and perhaps the sun and moon. But there''s much more to space than just those things. Asteroids, meteors, and comets are just a few of the other things that exist in what we know as space. Readers of this delightful book will learn all about these amazing, often rocky or icy, objects. Fact boxes emphasizing key numbers are included throughout the book, while colorful photographs and diagrams also help visual learners understand many of these figures.

Letu0092s figure out Earth and its life cycles through fascinating facts and figures! Find out what life cycles are, why every organism has a life cycle, and learn about some of the most awe-inspiring creatures on Earth. Read all about life cycles and then turn to the Figured Out! pages to discover more facts and easy-to-read statistics that bring the fascinating world of animal and plant life cycles to life.

What is it like to live in or visit Turkey? What makes Turkey''s culture unique? Explore the geography, traditions, and daily lives of Turkish people.

As technology rapidly develops across the globe, we need to remember the roots of our energy sources: plants and other biological substances. This timely volume teaches readers about humanity’s complex relationship with biofuels, from Model Ts chugging along on ethanol to contemporary feuds over land between biofuel and crop farmers. Readers will love the fact boxes full of fascinating details, while vivid photographs will help them understand the material on a comprehensive scale. Any science curriculum will have a home for this biofuel bridge between biology and technology.

Computers communicate differently than people. Coders write algorithms in different computer languages that give computers clear instructions on how to work. This book explores the first computer communications and how coding works. Readers will learn about binary, the 0s and 1s that make up the base of all computer programming, as well as how coders find problems and fix mistakes. Perfect for the young coding enthusiast and the beginner, this book uses simple infographics and language to present complex ideas in a captivating manner.

Hearts bumping, lungs pumping, blood thumping through veins � human bodies are full of energy, organs, and incredible systems! Readers of this engaging book get an inside look at human anatomy, learning about its many features and how they work. Detailed illustrations help readers visualize the parts and processes that allow our bodies to function. The innovative Q & A format encourages curiosity and provides accessible explanations for complex concepts. Even reluctant readers will enjoy learning bite-sized facts of cool information and searching for answers to questions they�ve always wondered about. This interactive book will be at home in any library.

Your readers will discover different tasks robots handle in the world and how robots are put together. This book explores how robots ingest data from their surroundings, and how they function. Budding engineers will also discover some of the intricacies of artificial intelligence, including what it takes to make a machine that can pass as a human. Compelling infographics and simple language make complex mechanics easier to understand. There''s a lot to discover about robots, let the journey begin!

What is it like to live in or visit Germany? What makes Germany''s culture unique? Explore the geography, traditions, and daily lives of Germans.