Most Popular Books by Wil Mara

Examines the life and times of John F. Kennedy, placing this president within his historical and cultural context, while at the same time focusing on the major events that occurred during each his administration.

After only his second year with the New York Giants, T. J. Brookman has become the best tight end in professional football. His stats are nothing short of amazing---and what''s even more amazing is that he was only a sixth-round pick in the first place. With one season remaining on his rookie contract, his agent, Barry Sturtz, wants to renegotiate and get a more lucrative deal---a common practice among players who have exceeded expectations. But the Giants refuse. They want Brookman to play through his last year, then they''ll talk about a new contract. Sturtz, however, doesn''t trust them. He wants the deal now—and if he doesn''t get it, he''s going to instruct T.J. to boycott the team''s upcoming training camp. Head coach Alan Gray doesn''t flinch at the threat—if T.J. doesn''t show, he says, they''ll simply bench him. Sturtz thinks it''s a bluff---the Giants have had problems with offensive production, and T.J. is their only bright spot. But Gray insists he''s serious. No one is more stunned by this development than offensive coordinator Dale Greenwood. Having struggled in polite subordination under Gray''s megalomaniacal leadership, the talented Greenwood is concerned that he will now lose his most productive receiver. He suspects Gray''s true motivation is that he simply doesn''t want to spend the money on a tight end---Gray is a defensive-minded coach with little interest in the offensive side of the ball. What Gray really wants is for everything to stay just the way it is. And to create the necessary leverage, he orders Greenwood to bring in three "camp bodies"---decoys, essentially---to compete for T.J.''s job. Greenwood has no choice but to comply, and he assembles a trio of unsigned players from the bottomless pool of league wannabes. What no one anticipates, however, is that these three recruits have more drive and talent than anyone expected. Delighted, Gray believes Sturtz will soon be at his mercy. But neither Sturtz nor any the three hopefuls are willing to be a part of Alan Gray''s plan. Many variables are in play here, both on and off the field. And as any student of the game knows, there are more losers than winners on the last day of preseason---a day known as the Cut.

Presents a brief look at the life of Anne Frank.

Highlights the geography, people, food, schools, recreation, celebrations, and language of Iran.

Get a first hand look at the early days of the American Revolution. When British soldiers accuse Samuel Richardson''s father and uncle of being rebellious Patriots, Samuel must work together with his cousin Molly to help the family make an escape. Readers (Ages 7-9) will follow along on the cousins'' adventure as they witness the early days of the American Revolution and come up with a daring plan to save their fathers.

Most young children are brimming with questions about the processes and events they observe at work around them every day. This new series, in which each title is in the form of a question, addresses the often mysterious phenomena of the natural world and the amazing behaviors and abilities of plants and animals. In simple, age-appropriate, easy-to-understand language, the five chapters that make up each book take the young reader on a journey of scientific discovery-from the formulation of a simple question to the revelation of the sometimes simple, sometimes startling, explanation. Bold charts, simple scientific illustrations, and dazzling four-color photography bring this process of inquiry vibrantly to life. Echoing the question-and-answer format of the series, each chapter features a challenge question to reinforce the concepts presented and to bolster reading comprehension. In addition, each book contains an activity related to the concepts learned in the text, so students can see for themselves science at work-yet another way of reinforcing the processes and phenomena central to each topic.

Head out on a global shopping trip! Look for clothes in a large store. Buy fresh food at an outdoor market. Discover how people around the world shop for things they want and need in this engaging series that develops kids'' understanding of our diverse global community and their place in it.

"An examination of the phenomena and scientific principles behind why the sky appears blue"--Provided by publisher.

Provides comprehensive information on the process of waves forming.

Our homes, businesses, and other buildings would not exist without the expert craftsmanship of dedicated trade workers. In this book, readers will learn what it is like to work as an HVAC technician. They will find out what HVAC technicians do each day, what kind of education is required to become an HVAC technician, and much more. Includes table of contents, author biography, sidebars, glossary, index, and informative backmatter.

Presents a brief look at the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder, famed author of the "Little House" books.

Provides comprehensive information on the nuclear disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant and the differing perspectives accompanying it.

Describes the snakes of the North American deserts and provides a guide for keeping them as pets, covering such topics as feeding, housing, and breeding.

Most young children are brimming with questions about the processes and events they observe at work around them every day. This new series, in which each title is in the form of a question, addresses the often mysterious phenomena of the natural world and the amazing behaviors and abilities of plants and animals. In simple, age-appropriate, easy-to-understand language, the five chapters that make up each book take the young reader on a journey of scientific discovery-from the formulation of a simple question to the revelation of the sometimes simple, sometimes startling, explanation. Bold charts, simple scientific illustrations, and dazzling four-color photography bring this process of inquiry vibrantly to life. Echoing the question-and-answer format of the series, each chapter features a challenge question to reinforce the concepts presented and to bolster reading comprehension. In addition, each book contains an activity related to the concepts learned in the text, so students can see for themselves science at work-yet another way of reinforcing the processes and phenomena central to each topic.

Delilah Bremmer wants to return to the happier times before her parents divorced. Then, through an incredible set of circumstances, she discovers a gateway to those perfect days. But are they as perfect as she remembers?

Michael Cooper wakes one morning to a horrifying reality...his family isn''t the same as when he went to sleep the night before. For that matter, neither is anything else. What''s worse, everyone thinks he''s lost his mind and that everything''s just fine.

Earthqakes can strike at any moment, without warning. They can bring down tall buildings and rip highways to pieces. But what causes the? Why Do Earthquakes Happen? Helps readers understand the awesome forces at work. Book jacket.

History is shaped by events and people. Through studying history we come to understand how things change, learn to grasp the factors that cause this change, and begin to understand what parts of society remain constant despite change. Each title in Perspectives On investigates an historical event and includes, with the help of primary sources such as eyewitness accounts and commentary, differing viewpoints of each event. Factors leading up to the event, and the event''s effect on the culture and people at that time, will be explored, as well as the event''s lasting effects and historical significance.

Iconic actor, writer, director, and producer responsible for films including The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, Rawhide, Gran Torino, and more.

Presents a brief look at the life of Amelia Earhart.

Our homes, businesses, and other buildings would not exist without the expert craftsmanship of dedicated trade workers. In this book, readers will learn what it is like to work as an elevator mechanic. They will find out what elevator mechanics do each day, what kind of education is required to become an elevator mechanic, and much more. Includes table of contents, author biography, sidebars, glossary, index, and informative backmatter.

Learn about new discoveries, technological achievements, and scientific breakthroughs in the exploration of deep space. Engaging photos and up-to-date information help you take a closer look at black holes, exoplanets, and deep-space navigation.

Readers will learn what it takes to succeed as a sound engineer. The book also explains the necessary educational steps, useful character traits, potential hazards, and daily job tasks related to this career. Sidebars include thought-provoking trivia. Questions in the backmatter ask for text-dependent analysis. Photos, a glossary, and additional resources are included.

Safety rules are presented for playing or traveling near busy streets, and readers are taught how to alert adults in case of an emergency.

At a local flea market, thirteen-year-old Brian Hart meets a creepy old man who gives him computer software that can predict future football NFL games. But is the power to see the future really as beneficial as Brian believes?

Bearded dragons donÕt breathe fire, but they do have spikes to scare away predators! Readers will learn all about this real-life dragon that lives only in Australia. Life science curriculum links are covered throughout. Critical thinking questions using the common core are also included.

Three friends go against their parents'' wishes and enter the old house that''s been sitting abandoned on the edge of town for over a hundred years, and quickly realize getting back out isn''t simply a matter of turning around.

Readers will learn how to stay safe by avoiding strangers as well as what they can do if strangers approach them.

Readers learn the potential dangers of swimming and learn how to avoid injury.

Readers learn what to do if they are caught in a burning building, how to prepare for such events ahead of time, and how to react to firefighters.

A member of the Democratic Party, Grover Cleveland was viewed by his fellow Democrats as someone who would bring change to the White House. In 1884 he was elected as the twenty-second president of the United States. In Grover Cleveland, explore his rise in politics and his two-term career as the nation''s leader. Book jacket.

In this kids'' biography, follow the remarkable life story of Albert Einstein, whose legendary genius and creative imagination made him one of the world''s most famous thinkers. Albert Einstein is known as one of the most brilliant people in history. His many theories and discoveries changed the way scientists think and work, and the way in which we look at and understand things. Learn all about Einstein''s family and education, his travels and troubles, and the special compass he was given as a young boy that first set him on the path to questioning the world around him. This new biography series from DK goes beyond the basic facts to tell the true life stories of history''s most interesting people. Full-color photographs and hand-drawn illustrations complement thoughtfully written, age-appropriate text to create an engaging book children will enjoy reading. Definition boxes, information sidebars, maps, inspiring quotes, and other nonfiction text features add depth, and a handy reference section at the back makes this the one biography series every teacher and librarian will want to collect. Each book also includes an author''s introduction letter, a glossary, and an index.

The world of nature awaits you right in your own backyard. Search for vibrant Cardinals. While on safari, learn how to identify and observe these birds and discover their interesting behaviors, life cycle, enemies, and defenses.

The world of nature awaits you right in your own backyard. Search for Robins. While on safari, learn how to identify and observe these birds and discover their interesting behaviors, life cycle, enemies, and defenses.

Presents a brief look at the life of one of New York City''s most popular mayors.

Readers will learn what it takes to succeed as a smokejumper. The book also explains the necessary educational steps, useful character traits, and daily job tasks related to this career, in the framework of the STEAM, Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math, movement. Photos, a glossary, and additional resources are included.

They might not fly with wings but these lizards have flaps of skin that let them glide through the sky. Learn all about these colorful flying dragons of Southeast Asia. Life science curriculum links are covered throughout. Critical thinking questions using the common core are also included.