New Releases by Paul Dowswell

Set during the final 24 hours before the armistice at 11 a.m. on 11th November 1918, the story follows a German storm trooper, an American airman and a British Tommy. Their destinies converge during the death throes of the first ever conflict to spread across the globe. War becomes incredibly personal as nationality and geography cease to matter to each of these teenagers on the Western Front, and friendship becomes the defining aspect of their encounter. But who will live and who will die before the end of the day?

Is there really such a thing as a true ghost story? The strange tales in this book are all based on actual reports by people who believed they had been haunted by ghosts or poltergeists. Stories are illustrated with maps and diagrams. Gripping and engaging for readers who prefer real life to fiction.

Ten thrilling true stories of spies and espionage. Contains tales of stealth and deception, each every bit as daring and glamorous as the fictional escapades of James Bond, but far more deadly as the real life spies risk capture, torture and execution for their trade. Gripping and engaging for readers who prefer real life to fiction.

Eight thrilling true stories of daring escapes. Contains tales of breakouts from infamous institutions such as Alcatraz and Devil''s Island, and the risks the prisoners faced afterwards, including savage dogs, armed guards and shark-infested waters. Gripping and engaging for readers who prefer real life to fiction.

Twelve thrilling true stories of the Second World War. Includes real life tales of epic naval battles, monumental battles and duels between solitary snipers for control of Stalingrad amongst other tales of bravery and heroism. Stories are illustrated with maps and line drawings and there are notes on sources and ideas for further reading. Gripping and engaging for readers who prefer real life to fiction.

Ten thrilling stories of the First World War. Contains eye-witness accounts of some of World War One''s most important events, from the epic naval battle of Jutland to the strange Christmas truce of 1914. Stories are illustrated with maps and line drawings and there are notes on sources and ideas for further reading. Gripping and engaging for readers who prefer real life to fiction.

Thirteen thrilling true stories of courage and heroism. From firefighters battling a blazing nuclear reactor, to a helicopter rescue team on board a fast sinking ship and one housewife''s brave defiance of the Gestapo, this book contains inspiring tales of extraordinary courage from everyday people. A gripping and engaging collection of amazing real life stories, perfect for readers who prefer fact to fiction.

Alex woont in Oost-Berlijn. De Koude Oorlog is op haar hoogtepunt en Alex en z''n familie mogen de stad niet verlaten. Maar Alex is geen modelburger. En de Stasi houdt hem nauwlettend in de gaten.Alex krijgt te horen dat hij niet langer onderwijs mag volgen. Zijn vakantiebaantje wordt op mysterieuze wijze opgezegd, en bepaalde vrienden beginnen hem te ontwijken. Zijn ouders realiseren zich dat vluchten uit Oost-Duitsland misschien wel de enige mogelijkheid is. Maar de Muur passeren is bijna onmogelijk. En zelfs als het Alex en zijn familie lukt om te ontsnappen, is het dan mogelijk om uit de greep van de Stasi te blijven? Eén verkeerde actie, en het leven van Alex en zijn familie staat op het spel.

A far-reaching account of the story of the Second World War, written from a genuinely international perspective, showing how the war affected nations and people all over the world. Black and white and hand-coloured photographs give an atmospheric period feel.

Alex Ostermann (ca. 16) woont in Oost-Berlijn. Het is 1972 en de Koude Oorlog is in volle gang. Alex weigert zich aan te passen aan het communisme, waardoor hij in grote problemen komt. Vanaf ca. 15 jaar.

Alex lives in East Berlin. The cold war is raging and he and his family are forbidden to leave. But the longer he stays the more danger he is in. Alex is no longer pretending to be a model East German, and the Stasi has noticed. They are watching him. Alex is told that further education will be blocked to him. His summer job is mysteriously cancelled, and friends begin avoiding him. His parents start to realise that leaving the East may be the only option left to them, but getting across the Wall is practically impossible. And even if Alex and his family make it to the other side, will they be able to escape the reach of the Stasi? This is a tense, page-turning thriller that builds towards a terrifying showdown as powerful forces from the East and West converge. One false move will change everything for Alex and his family, for ever.

Published in association with the Imperial War Museum.

When Lukas Declercq is orphaned, his uncle summons him to Prague, a refuge for Europe''s greatest alchemists and natural philosophers, offering to take him on as an apprentice. Uncle Anselmus is court physician to Rudolph II, the reclusive and unstable Emperor. He is also curator of Rudolph''s bizarre Cabinet of Curiosities, a series of vast rooms stuffed with wonders and scientific marvels such as a nail from Noah''s Ark, phoenix feathers and monstrous freaks of nature, which fascinate Lukas. As Rudolph retreats further into his fantasy world, the threat of rebellion hangs in the air. Dorantes, a diplomat from Spain, comes with his daughter, Celestina, on a mission from Philip II to persuade Rudolph to give up his heretical ways. But he discovers the court is full of diplomats who have been waiting months or years for an audience with the Emperor. Dorantes notices how some had wormed their way into the Emperor''s favour by presenting him with fantastic gifts for his Cabinet, and sets about creating a device that he says will stop time. But it works only in the presence of the Emperor. Lukas knows the terrible truth behind Dorantes''s mission. But sinister forces have plans for Lukas too, and before he can thwart the plot against the Emperor, Lukas must gamble on Celestina''s loyalty in order to save his own life.

Provides information on astronomy for young readers, including telescopes, space travel, and the solar system.

One of a series of titles aimed at Key Stage 3 readers and upwards that looks at different systems of government and discusses their origins, history and practical application in the modern world.

Le garçon sortit une boîte d''allumettes pour en craquer une. A la lueur vacillante de la flamme, une porte fermée apparut. La clé était suspendue à côté à un clou, au bout d''un ruban rouge. Il trifouilla quelques secondes dans la serrure, et la porte s''ouvrit. Un courant d''air glacé envahit la contre-allée. Les jeunes franchirent l''ouverture pour se retrouver dans ce qui se révéla être une petite cour sordide baignée par le clair de lune. Des herbes folles poussaient entre les pavés fendus et dans les craquelures des murs en brique. Il y avait des latrines en plein air, plusieurs caisses, trois poubelles remplies à ras bord et une minuscule porte en bois. Quelqu''un actionna la poignée frénétiquement - fermé à clé. Dans leur dos explosaient des cris, des bruits de tables et de chaises fracassées. Les jeunes qui s''étaient laissé piéger au moment de la ruée vers la sortie résistaient en se battant. Des filles hurlaient. " C''est le mur ou rien ", déclara Peter. Quand ses parents meurent, en 1941, Piotr, jeune garçon polonais, est placé dans un orphelinat à Varsovie. Il est rapidement repéré : sa grande taille, ses cheveux blonds et ses yeux bleus font de lui un modèle accompli du type aryen prôné par Hitler... Un haut dignitaire nazi souhaite l''adopter : Piotr, rebaptisé Peter, est accueilli dans sa nouvelle famille à Berlin. Mais Peter sent bien que pour les autres, il reste un étranger. Tous ses efforts tendent à convaincre son entourage du contraire, quitte à faire parfois quelques compromis ... C''est alors qu''il rencontre Lena... et qu''il découvre grâce à elle le vrai visage du nazisme. Il est temps pour lui de choisir son camp. Et de prendre des risques ... Un roman d''aventures qui pose la délicate question de l''engagement.

What are real spies like? Some, like beautiful Mata Hari, are every bit as glamorous as famous fictional agents such as James Bond. But, as you''ll see, spies often live shadowy double lives, risking imprisonment, torture and execution for a chance to change history.

After being framed for cowardice in a sea battle, thirteen-year-old Sam and his friend Richard are sent to Australia, where they must fight for their lives in the outback.

Presents a number of illustrated photographs and interesting facts and figures about military aircraft including early fighters and bombers, reconnaissance aircraft, biplanes and triplanes, World War Two fighters such as the P-51 Mustang and Japanese Zero, and the various types of helicopters designed after the war.

The history of dictatorship seems to prove the accuracy of the well- known saying: ''Power tends to corrupt - and absolute power corrupts absolutely.'' Many questions are answered in this fascinating account of perhaps the most controversial type of government the world has known. Ages 13+.

Ten true stories of maritime adventure, disaster, and recovery. The sea has always been a place of mystery, discovery and fear. For thousands of years it has tested those people daring enough to sail out into its vastness. From shipwrecks to submarine attacks, these ten adventure stories explore the incredible allure of the world''s oceans.

Illustrated account of the major events associated with the Second World War.

This book explores the science of genetics and examines our changing attitudes toward genetic engineering.

These small-format reference books are packed full of essential information, representing excellent value for money. Clear, informative and engaging text, stunning illustrations and photographs, detailed maps and informative diagrams combine to make each of these reference books an enjoyable and rewarding learning experience for young children. Each title is internet-linked, with recommended websites checked and updated regularly.

A collection of true accounts of explorers and adventurers in some of the Earth''s most challenging environments.

WHAT ARE REAL SPIES LIKE? SOME, LIKE BEAUTIFUL MATA HARI, ARE EVERY BIT AS GLAMOROUS AS FAMOUS FICTIONAL AGENTS SUCH AS JAMES BOND. BUT, AS YOU''LL SEE IN TRUE SPY STORIES, SPIES USUALLY LIVE SHADOWY DOUBLE LIVES, RISKING IMPRISONMENT, TORTURE AND EXECUTION FOR A CHANCE TO CHANGE HISTORY.

AS THE WORLD''S TALLEST MOUNTAIN, EVEREST HAS HELD A SPECIAL FASCINATION FOR CLIMBERS EVER SINCE IT WAS FIRST DISCOVERED 150 YEARS AGO. SINCE THEN, OVER A THOUSAND MEN AND WOMEN HAVE STOOD TRIUMPHANT ON ITS TINY SUMMIT. BUT THE FROZEN BODIES THAT LITTER ITS DIZZY SLOPES TELL ANOTHER TALE OF TRAGEDY, MISFORTUNE AND RECKLESS AMBITION.

Through detailed, real-life case studies, this series presents the history, theory, and practical application of crime solving through the use of forensics. Features include eyewitness testimony and step-by-step descriptions of techniques used in case studies.

A collection of stories about the events during World War II and some of their later results.