New Releases by Carmella Van Vleet

A dazzling introduction to paleoclimatology for kids, connecting the methods that scientists use to study our climate history with future climate change solutions. Believe it or not, ice isn’t always just frozen water. In fact, most of the ice covering our planet contains thousands of years'' worth of information about our atmosphere. This ice is made up of a lot more than snow—it has soot, volcanic ash, gasses, and other substances that affect the climate. And if we drill a piece of that ice? We get a frozen time capsule, courtesy of Earth. In this exhilarating middle grade nonfiction book by a former educator, kids are immersed in the field of paleoclimatology. Readers go along on an ice core expedition, run through each step in the collecting and transporting process, review the fascinating components of an ice core, and explore the specialized labs where scientists examine them. But these pieces of our planet are more than just cool records. By preserving and studying these frosty collections of climate history, we can learn from previous patterns and better protect our planet in the future. The final chapter focuses on ice as a key tool in the fight against climate change. With crystal-clear explanations and an engaging, kid friendly tone, the book features 15+ full-color photographs, diagrams, interviews with paleoclimatologists, a glossary of terms, and simple experiments for budding scientists at home. Books for a Better Earth are designed to inspire children to become active, knowledgeable participants in caring for the planet they live on. A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year A Science Friday Best Book for Kids A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

A picture book biography about the barber shop of woodcarver Elijah Pierce, recipient of the highest folk art honor in the United States. "Creeeeak!" goes the screen door to self-taught artist Elijah Pierce''s barbershop art studio. A young boy walks in for an ordinary haircut and walks out having discovered a lifetime of art. Mr. Pierce''s wood carvings are in every corner of the small studio. There are animals, scenes from his life, and those detailing the socio-political world around him. It''s this collection of work that will eventually win Elijah the National Heritage Fellowship in 1982 just two years before his death. But the young boy visiting the shop in the 1970s doesn''t know that yet. All he knows is: "You gotta meet Mr. Pierce!" Based on the true story of Elijah Pierce and his community barber shop in Columbus, Ohio, this picture book includes cleverly collaged museum-sourced photos of his art and informative backmatter about his life. With engaging text by Pierce to the Soul! playwright Chiquita Mullins-Lee and Christopher Award-winning author Carmella Van Vleet, it''s illustrated with striking Japanese woodblock by Jennifer Mack-Watkins. A new addition to vital Black art history!

The case of a missing father is hard to crack . . . even for Felix, a tiny kid with a huge heart and an eye for detail. Eleven-year-old Felix likes being the smallest kid in school. At least he knows where he fits in. Plus his nickname, “Short-lock Holmes,” is perfect for someone who’s killing it in forensic science club. To Felix, Growth Hormone Deficiency is no big deal. And then Felix learns that his biological dad was short, too. This one, tiny, itty-bitty piece of information opens up a massive hole in his life. Felix must find his father. He only has a few small clues to work from, but as Sherlock Holmes said, “To a great mind, nothing is little.” The further Felix gets in his investigation, though, the more he starts to wonder: What if his dad doesn’t want to be found? And what if Felix’s family—his mom, his stepdad, the baby on the way—needs him right where he is? Tender and uplifting, this warm novel from Christopher Award–winner Carmella Van Vleet celebrates little differences in us that can make a big impact. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Some people think robots exist only in our imagination, but actually, robots are all around us right now! This book offers readers an introduction to the history, mechanics, and future use of robots!

"[I]nvestigates the ... civilization of ancient Rome through 25 hands-on projects, games, essential questions, links to online resources, and more"--

How will Eliza make it through the sixth grade? Her ADHD tends to complicate things. . . . Eliza Bing stuck with taekwondo and earned her yellow belt even though her family expected her to quit. She''s tough enough to break boards with her bare hands! Next up: middle school, and hopefully a best friend. The school play turns out to be the perfect opportunity to befriend confident, stage-obsessed Annie. But can their friendship survive the spotlight? The joys and sorrows of middle school come to life in this funny and heartfelt sequel to Eliza Bing Is (NOT) a Big, Fat Quitter, recipient of the Christopher Award and four child-voted state award nominations. A Junior Library Guild selection!

Eliza has had many hobbies in her eleven years. Now she must stick with a taekwondo class to prove to her parents that she''s dedicated enough to pursue her passion for cake decorating. From SLJ: ''''Feisty Eliza will have readers, especially those with ADHD, rooting for her.

Kathy Sullivan wanted to go everywhere. She loved blueprints and maps. She loved languages and the ocean. She didn’t like the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” She wanted to explore and do exciting things that girls weren’t supposed to be able to do. Only men had the exciting jobs. Kathy liked fishing and swimming; flying planes and studying science. That’s what she liked and that’s what she decided to do with her life. She followed her heart and eventually became a NASA astronaut and the first woman to walk in space. Kathy wanted to see the whole world and so she did: from space! Backmatter includes further information about Dr. Sullivan and her career, as well as other famous firsts made by women astronauts.

Read Along or Enhanced eBook: Kathy Sullivan wanted to go everywhere. She loved blueprints and maps. She loved languages and the ocean. She didn’t like the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” She wanted to explore and do exciting things that girls weren’t supposed to be able to do. Only men had the exciting jobs. Kathy liked fishing and swimming; flying planes and studying science. That’s what she liked and that’s what she decided to do with her life. She followed her heart and eventually became a NASA astronaut and the first woman to walk in space. Kathy wanted to see the whole world and so she did: from space! Backmatter includes further information about Dr. Sullivan and her career, as well as other famous firsts made by women astronauts.

Have you ever looked up into the sky, seen an airplane, and wondered where it was going and who was flying it? Aviation is the study of the design, development and production, and operation of aircraft. In Aviation: Cool Women Who Fly, children ages 9 to 12 learn about this fascinating field and meet three successful women working in aviation. Meg Godlewski is a master certified flight instructor, Kristin Wolfe is a pilot in the Air Force, and Taylor McConnell is a production support engineer. Nomad Press books in the Girls in Science series supply a bridge between girls’ interests and their potential futures by investigating science careers and introducing women who have succeeded in science. Compelling stories of real-life aviation experts provide readers with role models that they can look toward as examples of success. Aviation: Cool Women Who Fly uses engaging content, links to primary sources, and essential questions to whet kids’ appetites for further exploration and study of aviation. This book explores the history of aviation, the women who helped pioneer flight, and the multitude of varied careers in this exciting and important field. Both boys and girls are encouraged to let their imaginations and dreams soar.

Why do we do and say the things we do and say? The Brain: Journey Through the Universe Inside Your Head introduces students to the fascinating world of the human brain and its effect on behavior. Readers learn about the main anatomy and functions of the brain while discovering the brain’s role in learning, memory, communication, and emotions. Kids also read about new technologies being used to research the brain in its various states of performance while being introduced to the effects of sleep, alcohol, and exercise on our most complex organ. Combining hands-on activities with neuroscience, anatomy, and psychology, The Brain includes projects such as building a 3-D brain model and testing how the brain adapts to a new situation. The Brain integrates a digital learning component by providing links to primary sources, videos, and other relevant websites. Additional materials include a glossary, timeline, and a list of current reference works. The Brain is a unique opportunity to connect behavior, physiology, and the outside world in one amazing place—your head! This title meets Common Core State Standards for literacy in science and technology; Guided Reading Levels and Lexile measurements indicate grade level and text complexity.

From reed boats, papyrus, and amulets, to pyramids, pharaohs, and mummies, Great Ancient Egypt Projects You Can Build Yourself explores the fascinating lives of ancient Egyptians through more than 25 hands-on building projects and activities. Great Ancient Egypt Projects You Can Build Yourself gives readers today a chance to experience how the ancient Egyptians lived, cooked, worked, worshipped, entertained themselves, and interacted with their neighbors through building projects that use common household supplies. Detailed step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and templates for creating each project are combined with historical facts and anecdotes, biographies, and trivia for the real-life models of each project. Together they give kids a first-hand look at daily life in ancient Egypt.

Given the pace of how we harness and utilize electricity, as well as the importance of developing new sources of energy, electricity is a timely subject for kids to explore. In Explore Electricity! With 25 Great Projects, kids ages 6-9 will learn the basics of electricity: currents, circuits, power, magnetism and electromagnetism, motors and generators. They’ll become more attuned to how much they rely on electricity in their daily lives. They’ll also understand that while electricity is a wonderful resource, and one we’ve used to our advantage ever since it was discovered, the future of how we make and use electricity is still changing and there are things they can do today to impact these changes. This title invites kids to experiment on their own with 25 simple projects that will “spark” their learning and enthusiasm, including making their own clothespin switch, lemon battery, compass, electromagnet, and flashlight, as well as generating their own “lightning.” These hands-on activities combined with informational text will excite kids about STEM? the interrelated fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Over 2,000 years ago, ancient Greek scholars named seven of the most wondrous monuments to civilization, including the Pyramids of Egypt and Statue of Zeus at Olympia. Through the centuries these treasures were known as the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Because all but the Egyptian pyramids have been lost to the ravages of time, a new list of seven wonders was established in 2007. These monuments, including Machu Picchu in Peru and the Great Wall of China, symbolize the creativity and ingenuity of human civilization. Seven Wonders of the World introduces kids ages 9–12 to the seven wonders on the original list and the seven wonders on the new list. Learning about these icons of world culture offers opportunities to discover amazing civilizations, technological innovations, and our shared world heritage. Sidebars, fun trivia, and entertaining illustrations break up the text, making it easily accessible and engaging, while hands-on projects encourage active learning.

Amazing Arctic & Antarctic Projects You Can Build Yourself explores the Earth’s polar regions with 25 interactive projects, activities, and experiments. Kids ages 9 and up will discover that the coldest places on Earth hold fascinating scientific wonders and mysteries. Historical facts and anecdotes, biographies, and fascinating trivia support the fun projects to teach young readers about the harsh polar climate, immense Arctic tundra, magical Northern Lights, vast glaciers, ancient frozen lakes, remarkable animals and plants, brave explorers, innovative people who live and work at the top and bottom of the world, and the vital importance of conservation. With Amazing Arctic & Antarctic Projects You Can Build Yourself kids will gain an appreciation for the exciting and extraordinary polar environments.

Investigate the fascinating civilization of ancient Greece through 25 hands-on projects and activities for young readers ages 6-9. Kids learn about ancient Greek homes, food, playtime, clothing, conquests, arts and entertainment, gods, and more. Activities range from fashioning a model oil lamp from clay to building a courtyard column and constructing a flipbook sailing ship. By combining a hands-on element with riddles, jokes, fun facts, and comic cartoons, kids Explore Ancient Greece! and develop an understanding of how this ancient civilization still influences our modern world.

Investigate the fascinating civilization of ancient Rome through 25 hands-on projects and activities for young readers ages 6–9. Kids learn about ancient Roman homes, food, playtime, clothing, conquests, gods, entertainment, and more. Activities range from creating an amphora and making a tunic to baking bread and hosting a Roman feast. By combining a hands-on element with riddles, jokes, fun facts, and comic cartoons, kids Explore Ancient Rome! and develop an understanding of how this ancient civilization laid the foundation of our modern world.

Pyramids, mummies, amulets, temples, and pharaohs— Explore Ancient Egypt! brings this fascinating civilization to young readers ages 6–9 with 25 hands-on projects, activities, and games. Kids learn about ancient Egyptian homes, food, money, toys, games, makeup, clothes, kings, mummies, and more. Projects are easy to follow and require primarily common household products and very little adult supervision. Activities range from making a scarab necklace to writing in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and making King Tut sandals. By combining a hands-on element with riddles, jokes, facts, and comic cartoons, kids Explore Ancient Egypt! in this accessible introduction to an incredible, ancient world.

Amazing Ben Franklin Inventions You Can Build Yourself introduces readers ages 9 and up to the life and times of one of America’s greatest thinkers with over 25 hands-on building projects and activities. From his groundbreaking scientific discoveries and inventions to his career as a writer, printer, and politician, Amazing Ben Franklin Inventions gives young readers a comprehensive look at the man who gave us the lightning rod, the armonica, bifocals, the post office, the first public library, Poor Richard’s Almanac, and so much more. Amazing Ben Franklin Inventions provides detailed step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and templates for creating each project. Historical facts and anecdotes, biographies, and fascinating trivia support the fun projects and teach readers about the courage, creativity, and determination of Ben Franklin and a young America coming into its own.

From a child fretting over having a male teacher for the first time to suffering from test anxiety, this practical and humorous guide offers parents a commonsense approach to handling a variety of school-related problems. Some of the issues addressed include serious subjects such as how to tell if a child has a learning disability, as well as more light-hearted situations such as what to do if a child is afraid of the automatic flushing toilets at school. Written by an experienced teacher and mother of three, How to Handle School Snafus offers kid-tested solutions for the most challenging and hilarious problems that the school year can bring.