Best Selling Books by Rebecca Stefoff

Details the American expansion into Texas and the far west from the late eighteenth- to the mid-nineteenth century, including information on the Oregon Trail, the war with Mexico, and the California gold rush.

Chronicles the exploration and settlement of lands west of the Appalachian Mountains during the late 1700s and early 1800s.

"Explores various perspectives on the Space Race. The reader''s choices reveal the historical details"--

Alchemy is an idea based on superstition and philosophical global traditions spanning hundreds of years. Alchemists made medicines and pharmaceuticals from the earthu0092s materials and purified objects through philosophy, magic, and spirituality. Chemistry is based on the material principles of mixed bodies, and spans all natural or physical sciences in its practices. This book on alchemy and chemistry shows the scientific method at work and proves and disproves the subjects at hand. It explores a branch of modern science or a major scientific milestone, comparing and contrasting it with an older idea that has been proved wrong or fails to meet the strict and studied standards of science.

Describes the characteristics, life cycles, and roles of various flowering plants.

Traces the life and career of Vice President Gore, describes his experiences in Vietnam, and explains how he developed an interest in environmental issues.

"An examination of the origin, history, development, and impact of the submarine and related underwater exploration and transport technology"--Provided by publisher.

We say that the sun "rises" in the morning and "sets" at night, but is it really moving? Readers will learn about the long, sometimes dangerous struggle to discover whether the sun revolves around Earth, or Earth around the sun, and find out what scientists now know about our planet''s place in the universe.

Through centuries of storytelling, giants have evolved into monstrous fairy tale creatures with unique powers. This book explores many stories about giants and discusses their place in history as well as in todayu0092s society.

Soil is something we donu0092t just live on, itu0092s something we live in. Throughout history, mankind has developed ways of using soil to build dwellings. The ancients built cities out of bricks, the Native Americans of the Southwest used soil to build adobe settlements, and the pioneers on the prairies built sod homes to combat heat and cold. This book examines the properties of different kinds of soil and what makes that soil useful for building a structure.

Tunnels allow people to cut through tall mountains or even travel deep underwater. Discover the engineering behind tunnels.

Describes the physical characteristics, behavior, and habitats of different kinds of beetles.

Examines the physical characteristics, life cycle, and natural habitat of various kinds of hummingbirds.

This book on the four elements and the periodic table shows the scientific method at work and proves and disproves the subjects at hand. It explores a branch of modern science or a major scientific milestone, comparing and contrasting it with an older idea that has been proved wrong or fails to meet the strict and studied standards of science. A robust index, glossary, science content, and bibliography accompanies the descriptive and concise text while the further reading section inspires future research and deeper thought.

Describes the physical characteristics, behavior, and camouflage abilities of this unusual fish.

Monerans, the most numerous life-forms on earth, are better known as bacteria. They are prokaryotes, organisms that consist of a single cell without a nucleus. Invisible to ordinary sight, bacteria were discovered in the seventeenth century, after the invention of the microscope. Then, in the 1970s, scientists using the new tool of DNA sequencing discovered another group of prokaryotes called the archaea. The Moneran Kingdom explains the differences between bacteria and archaea-two of the three domains of life on Earth-and provides an overview of milestones in microbiology. The reader is introduced to the structure and life cycle of the prokaryotes, the role of bacteria in the origins of life on earth, and the many ways monerans influence life for human beings-from disease to digestion to decomposing waste. Bacteria may be "germs," but they are vital to our continued survival. Book jacket.

Discusses monarchies as a political system, and details the history of monarchies throughout the world.

The impact and ramifications of cases argued before the Supreme Court are felt for decades, if not centuries. Only the most important issues of the day and the land make it to the nine justices, and the effects of their decisions reach far beyond the litigants. Under discussion here are five of the most momentous Supreme Court cases ever. They include Marbury v. Madison, Roe v. Wade, Dred Scott, Brown v. Board of Education, and The Pentagon Papers. An absorbing exploration of enormously controversial events, the series details, highlights, and clarifies the complex legal arguments of both sides. Placing the cases within their historical context (though they ultimately emerge as works in progress), the authors reveal each decision''s relevance both to the past and the present. the result is a fascinating glimpse across the centuries into the workings of the Supreme Court and the American judicial system.

Discusses the geological features, weather, and exploration of Neptune.

Describes the discovery of Pluto, the ninth planet, what has been learned about it, and the current controversy over whether it is a planet at all.

Examines the physical characteristics, life cycle, and natural habitat of different species of penguins.

Readers of the books in Todays Writers and Their Works will learn the story behind each writers story.

Termites are amazing builders. Some build mounds more than 15 feet above ground! How do they do that? These social insects live and work together in colonies. Each colony member has its own job. Discover how termites build their nests, communicate, and depend on one another to survive in their huge colonies.

Discusses the various conflicts between the colonists and Native Americans and, later, between the United States and Native Americans.

Examines the evolution of recycling as a concept, its role in controlling the world''s trash problems, and possible future developments.

Examines the physical characteristics and behavior of snakes and describes six different kinds.

Mammals with young that develop in pouches after birth are marsupials, or metatherians. Kangaroos, koalas, and Tasmanian devils are just a few of the best-known members of this order. Dozens of small, shy, little-known species are found in the Americas and around Australia. The Marsupial Order explores the origins of these mammals and examines their unusual reproductive method, which has unique advantages. In addition, The Marsupial Order discusses the biology, life cycles, and ecological roles of marsupials, as well as current threats to their survival and approaches to conservation. With a survey of the various metatherian suborders and families, The Marsupial Order introduces pouched mammals from wombats to wallabies and beyond. Book jacket.

The history of the United States is, in large part, the history of its Landmark Legislation. In this series, the authors take the reader behind the scenes to show the drama that led to each bill''s being passed and the effect each piece of legislation has had in the development of our country. Each book includes an informative "From Bill to Law" feature, which explains in easy-to-follow fashion how the process of legislation works. Patriot Act tells the story of how the events of September 11, 2001, led to the bill officially known as the USA PATRIOT Act, and the controversy over civil liberties versus national security that has been debated ever since. Book jacket.

Text plus historical and contemporary maps provide an overview of the history and culture of Europe during the Middle Ages.

Profiles the Cuban-American pop singer who is the leader of the popular Latin musical group the Miami Sound Machine.

Whether it is a big furry dog or a tiny freshwater fish, a fluffy rabbit or a hard-shelled box turtle, caring for a pet is a great joy and a great responsibility. Books in this series help a reader learn more about the many animals that make great pets. Packed with informative text and vivid photographs, each title explains how to choose the right pet and how to take care of it. With interesting sidebars and fun facts, these books are perfect for a first-time pet owner or for students who are interested in learning more about these great pets.

The arachnids include some of the planet''s most feared creatures, such as venomous scorpions and deadly funnel-web spiders. Other arachnids-like the tiny house dust mites that live by the millions in all of our homes-are among the world''s smallest and most successful animals. The Arachnid Class explores the origins, scientific classification, and biology of arachnids, from familiar garden spiders to less common creatures such as wind scorpions and the rare, cave-dwelling "living fossil" spiders of Southeast Asia. The more than 80,000 known species of arachnids play important roles in the world''s ecosystems. As The Arachnid Class shows, these creatures also affect human life in a variety of ways. Book jacket.

A biography of the Portuguese sea captain who commanded the first expedition that sailed around the world, thus providing the first positive proof that the earth is round.

Goliath Beetles are among the largest insects on Earth at about the size an adult hand. Learn about their history, behavior, lifecycle, and the conservation efforts that are being done to protect these huge bugs.

Forensic Science Investigated takes young readers inside this fast-growing field, showing them how crime scene investigators and forensic specialists gather evidence, solve crimes, and even liberate innocent people who have been mistakenly imprisoned.

Whale Sharks are the most massive fish. Learn about their history, behavior, lifecycle, and the conservation efforts that are being done to protect these gentle giants of the sea.

Argues both sides of the debate on assisted suicide and euthanasia.

Describes how Uranus, the seventh planet from the sun, was first discovered, how it was studied in the twentieth century, and what we know about it today.

Presents the history of the westward expansion of the United States in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries through excerpts from letters, newspaper articles, journal entries, and laws of the time.