Most Popular Books by Wil Mara

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.

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.

Describes the physical characteristics, habitat, behavior, diet, life cycle, and conservation status of the beaver.

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.

LevelUp''s fiction stories present a unique blend of high-interest stories and stimulating educational material. Each story brings readers on a new adventure that is perfectly suited to their reading level. The LevelUp program offers reading materials at each Lexile level, so readers can learn to read, read to learn, and read for fun. No matter their reading abilities, LevelUp readers can find stories that speak to them, from fairytales to out-of-this-world alien encounters to everyday experiences. In this story, a boy desperately wishes to impress his big brother, a football star, and ends up using his technology smarts to save the big game.

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.

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 a construction equipment operator. They will find out what equipment operators do each day, what kind of education is required to become an equipment operator, and much more. Includes table of contents, author biography, sidebars, glossary, index, and informative backmatter.

This lively series takes young readers to the heart of the jungle, across the plains, and out to sea to explore the lives of the world''s amazing animals. Each volume examines the anatomy and special skills of its subject as well as its habitats, diets, and hunting strategies. Remarkable insights into family and social interactions and compelling discussions about the often precarious future faced by each animal round out each volume.

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 a plumber. They will find out what plumbers do each day, what kind of education is required to become a plumber, and much more. Includes table of contents, author biography, sidebars, glossary, index, and informative backmatter.

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.

Explores the development of the Bill of Rights. Authoritative text, colorful illustrations, illuminating sidebars, and a "Voices from the Past" feature make this book an exciting and informative read.

Although called gunsmiths, they rarely labored on guns during colonial times. An important part of the community, the gunsmith most likely focused on other types of metal work, but occasionally assembled firearms. This historical volume chronicles the formative years of the United States through the activities and occupations of its most important community members. It explore the everyday life, responsibilities, social life, and the affect the gunsmith had on the colonial American way of life. Hands-on activities and recipes, sidebars detailing the history and evolution of the profession, and key social studies words are defined in the glossary.

In Local Action, readers will learn about another side of the American government, both past and present. Sidebars include thought-provoking trivia, and ask questions about current events as well as the readers'' own lives. Questions in the backmatter ask for text-dependent analysis. Photos, a glossary, and additional resources are included.

In Citizens'' Rights, readers will learn about another side of the American government, both past and present. Sidebars include thought-provoking trivia, and ask questions about current events as well as the readers'' own lives. Questions in the backmatter ask for text-dependent analysis. Photos, a glossary, and additional resources are included.

Young learners will read about the owl, its anatomy, special skills, habitats, and diet.

In Law and Order, readers will learn about another side of the American government, both past and present. Sidebars include thought-provoking trivia, and ask questions about current events as well as the readers'' own lives. Questions in the backmatter ask for text-dependent analysis. Photos, a glossary, and additional resources are included.

Readers will learn what it takes to succeed as a robotics engineer. 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.

The world of nature awaits you right in your own backyard. Search the woods and deserts for quick-tapping Woodpeckers. While on safari, learn how to identify and observe these noisy birds and discover their interesting behaviors, life cycle, enemies, and defenses.

Readers learn about the bat, its anatomy, special skills, habitats, and diet.

In Voting, readers will learn about another side of the American government, both past and present. Sidebars include thought-provoking trivia, and ask questions about current events as well as the readers'' own lives. Questions in the backmatter ask for text-dependent analysis. Photos, a glossary, and additional resources are included.

Big eyes and a cute little hop, the rabbit is a favorite animal. Readers will learn about its anatomy, special skills, habitats, and diet.

When a boy finds a frog down by the pond, he catches it and puts it in a cage, but the frog does not enjoy captivity. In this story told using opposites.

Learn how sharkskin has helped scientists create more effective swimsuits.

Eye-catching photographs and a fun, engaging narrative explain the extreme sport of Motocross. Cliffhangers, Lazyboys, and Whips; all kinds of cool tricks await readers as they learn about important safety tips, training, and equipment.

Learn what it takes to become a helicopter crew chief in the U.S. military.

Explores the writing of the Declaration of Independence. Authoritative text, colorful illustrations, illuminating sidebars, and a "Voices from the Past" feature make this book an exciting and informative read.

"Discusses some of the world''s most death-defying circus acts and the science behind them"--

Using the new C3 Framework for Social Studies Standards, Advertising in the Global Citizens: Modern Media series explores the topic through the lenses of History, Geography, Civics, and Economics. Text and photos look at the history, basic philosophies, and geography of advertising in the media. As they read, students will develop questions about the text, and use evidence from a variety of sources in order to form conclusions. Data-focused backmatter is included, as well as a bibliography, glossary, and index.

LevelUp''s fiction stories present a unique blend of high-interest stories and stimulating educational material. Each story brings readers on a new adventure that is perfectly suited to their reading level. The LevelUp program offers reading materials at each Lexile level, so readers can learn to read, read to learn, and read for fun. No matter their reading abilities, LevelUp readers can find stories that speak to them, from fairytales to out-of-this-world alien encounters to everyday experiences. In this story, a boy frustrated with his neighbors'' unruly dog decides to unlock his true potential.

Learn how scientists have looked toward the kingfisher for inspiration in making high-speed trains quieter.

Using the new C3 Framework for Social Studies Standards, The Movie Industry in the Global Citizens: Modern Media series explores the topic through the lenses of History, Geography, Civics, and Economics. Text and photos look at the history, basic philosophies, and geography of the movie industry. As they read, students will develop questions about the text, and use evidence from a variety of sources in order to form conclusions. Data-focused backmatter is included, as well as a bibliography, glossary, and index.

Learn about how nature has inspired technological innovations with this book on the similarities between gecko feet and a new adhesive tape. Integrating both historical and scientific perspectives, this book explains how gecko feet inspired the invention of an adhesive. Readers will make connections and examine the relationship between the two concepts. Sidebars, photographs, a glossary, and a concluding chapter on important people in the field add detail and depth to this informational text on biomimicry.

Presents a brief look at the life of Laura Bush

A guide to what a wind turbine services technician does and how to become one.

Readers will learn what it takes to succeed as a hazmat removal worker. 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.

Focuses on the discoveries and inventions of the ancient Mesopotamian civilization in the areas of transportation, agriculture, architecture, science, and technology.

Explores the Battle of Midway of World War II. Authoritative text, colorful illustrations, illuminating sidebars, and questions to prompt critical thinking make this an exciting and informative read.