New Releases by Andrea Pelleschi

The Founding Fathers endeavored to bring independence to the British colonies in North America. The efforts of George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Benjamin Franklin helped make the birth of the United States of American a reality--one that has lasted for more than 200 years. Inside this book, readers will be transported back in time to witness their words and actions. The colorful illustrations are sure to be a big hit, even with reluctant readers.

The world saw Maddie Ziegler dance alongside pop star Sia. Now the young dancer is also a writer and actor. Learn more about Maddie's promising career!

Amazon Explorersexamines how researchers are learning about the rain forest's plants and animals, what discoveries are being made in the Amazon, and how people are working to combat the effects of deforestation and climate change. Features include vivid photos, in-depth examinations of scientific concepts, a glossary, additional resources, source notes, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Essential Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

The Evolution of Amphibians explores what we know about amphibian evolution, from theories of the past to recent breakthroughs in research. This title also looks at the science behind the research, from studying fossils to analyzing DNA. Features include a glossary, references, websites, source notes, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Essential Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

Some commodities command massive economic, social, and political influence. This title examines the business around corn, the most ubiquitous crop in the United States. It explores corn's many uses, complex supply chain, and attendant environmental debates. Features include essential facts, a glossary, selected bibliography, websites, source notes, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Essential Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

Have you ever taken something apart to see how it works? As a child, Grace Hopper took apart five alarm clocks in a row, trying to figure out how all the pieces fit together. As an adult, she joined the Naval Reserve during World War II and worked on the world's first large-scale computer. After the war, Hopper served on a committee organized by the Department of Defense to create a standard computer language. That language, Common Business-Oriented Language, or COBOL, quickly became popular. How did a curious little girl grow up to become the "Grandmother of COBOL"? Learn how her outstanding innovations changed the field of computer programming.

Transgender Rights and Issues covers the growing acceptance of the transgender community throughout the years, the discrimination transgender men and women face each day, and how United States and other countries are making changes to fix these issues. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Essential Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

In colonial times, a law required all towns to have at least one inn for travelers. This volume explains why inns were vital in spreading news around the colonies as it follows the life of actual innkeeper Christiana Campbell throughout the course of a typical day. Clear, concise text is presented in graphic format to give a fun twist to a historical topic.

Readers will be intrigued to learn how different colonial schools were from their own. The graphic format will attract reluctant readers, who will learn about Colonial America as they follow a schoolteacher through a typical day. Includes brief biographical entries of famous colonial schoolteachers.

Neil and Nan have a writing assignment. They have to write a true story about their topic, roller coasters. Their narrative nonfiction needs a beginning, middle, and an end. It needs facts and sensory details too. Will Neil and Nan enjoy the ride? Additional concepts include: hooks, sensory details, and main ideas. Aligns to Common Core English Language Arts requirements for Writing. Writing Activities in the back help the reader write their own narrative nonfiction.

When Olivia and Oscar find out their school crossing guard will lose her job, they want to take action. Together they write an opinion piece explaining what they think. They organize their arguments and remember to consider the other side’s opinion. Will others see their point of view? Aligns to Common Core English Language Arts requirements for Writing. Writing Activities in the back help the reader write their own opinion piece.

Juan Ponce de Leon was a Spanish explorer who established the first European settlement in Puerto Rico. He was also the first European to explore Florida. Readers will follow him on many of his adventures, which included expeditions to find the mythical fountain of youth. Engaging, fact-based text and the comic-book presentation will invoke interest in America's earliest history for even the most reluctant of readers.

Samuel de Champlain established the first French colony in Quebec. He also mapped unknown territories, such as the coast of Canada and Lake Champlain in current day Vermont. Readers will follow along as Champlain meets Native American groups, builds Quebec City, and much more in the pages of the illustrated, inviting biography.

Profiles the nation of Russia, examining its geography, wildlife, history, people, culture, politics, and economics.

Profiles the nation of Russia, examining its geography, wildlife, history, people, culture, politics, and economics.

George Washington is known for being the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. He is also known for being America’s first president. These accomplishments are largely significant, but made even greater by Washington’s execution of these duties. His cool head, dignity, and ability to make choices for the country’s “greater good” helped set the United States on a path to become one of the world’s greatest nations. This graphic retelling of George Washington’s life and his role as a founding father will thrill readers as they get a sneak peek into the life of one of America’s greatest leaders.

Arguably one of America’s most brilliant and curious minds to date, Thomas Jefferson lived in a time and place that was in desperate need of someone who could envision a different future for colonial America and then provide an achievable framework for that future to take shape and prosper. He wrote the Declaration of Independence and helped ensure that a Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution among many other amazing contributions to America’s history. The story of this important founding father, presented in the style of a graphic novel, will engage all readers and will inspire a lifelong interest in history.

Put on your detective hat and uncover the facts and myths about crop circles. Topics discussed include early crop circle sightings and the theories behind them, design details, alien creation theories, power of thought theories, relationship to water theories, microwave energy theories, human creation theories, scientific investigations, hoaxers, and crop circles today. Features include a Tools and Clues section that highlights research tools, technology, and investigative methods, a timeline, a glossary, selected bibliography, further readings, places to visit, source notes, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Essential Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

Provides information about China, with emphasis on its geography, culture, history, economy, and government.