New Releases by Kathy Furgang

Clean water should be a basic human right. However, there are still 785 million people in the world today who are living without access to safe water. Each year, nearly 1 million people die from water-related illnesses. Your readers will examine the global water crisis. They will learn how the water crisis evolved and about its impact on people, the environment, and the future of our planet. Through studying emerging efforts to solve this important issue and observing real-life examples of young activists, readers will be inspired to become the environmental advocates that Earth needs to ensure a healthy future for all.

Since the mid-20th century, increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere have shifted global climate patterns. Climate change has become a defining issue of our time. Young readers will learn about how climate change is reshaping Earth, sometimes with devastating consequences. The narrative encourages readers to draw connections between growing populations and climate change. It offers insight into emerging solutions and offers relatable examples of young activists who are using their voices to inspire change for a better tomorrow.

The brain is an amazing organ. It controls all of the actions, thoughts, and signals of the rest of the body. This informative book illustrates the parts of the brain and central nervous system and how they operate the entire body. With accessible text, fun facts, and color photographs, it explores the main parts of the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem, as well as the neurons that connect parts of the central nervous system. This exciting ride through the body touches on the science of how we all operate.

Beluga whales spend much of the year swimming in the chilly waters of the Arctic Ocean. How do they do it? Readers discover fascinating facts and details with this informative book about one of the most adaptive animals on Earth. Color photographs accompany the simple narrative as it describes the whales' diet, behaviors, and physical adaptations. Young explorers will find out how beluga whales communicate with each other, what they eat, and how they stay warm. This book concludes with an activity that shows the beluga whale's role in the Arctic food web.

How much can you lift? It doesn't really matter because muscles are needed for more than just lifting; they are needed for everything we do. This fascinating book about the muscular system shows how the cardiac and skeletal muscles work together to help the body do just about everything from running to blinking. Colorful and easy-to-follow diagrams help readers understand this essential system in the human body.

The food you eat is important. Just ask your digestive system, otherwise known as your gut. This exciting journey traces the route of food through the digestive system as it is turned into energy for the body. With the help of colorful photographs and diagrams, we learn how food moves down the esophagus, into the holding area of the stomach, and then through the intestines before making its way out of the body. Readers will be put on the alert to watch out for the bacteria; is it good or bad for us? The final chapter shows how we can use food to help balance the bacteria in our bodies.

The Arctic fox makes its home in one of the most brutal environments in the world. So how does it survive? Readers discover the many ways that these amazing animals adapt and thrive in the Arctic. Full-color photographs and fast facts enhance the narrative as readers learn about the Arctic fox's diet, behaviors, and adaptations, from its extra-warm pelt to its sharp hunting instincts. At the end of the book, readers are invited to explore this cool creature's role in the Arctic food web.

Maps are an incredible source of information. They show us where we need to go, teach us about weather patterns and political differences across regions, and even help us avoid traffic jams. Drawing on both analog and digital mapping, this series guides young readers through different maps used by both the general public and professionals. Simple text teaches students all about the special features of each mapits scale, legend, grids, and symbolsand how to read it. Before long, readers will be able to measure distance, recognize land features, and plan a route for their next trip.

Maps are an incredible source of information. They show us where we need to go, teach us about weather patterns and political differences across regions, and even help us avoid traffic jams. Drawing on both analog and digital mapping, this series guides young readers through different maps used by both the general public and professionals. Simple text teaches students all about the special features of each mapits scale, legend, grids, and symbolsand how to read it. Before long, readers will be able to measure distance, recognize land features, and plan a route for their next trip.

One of America''s bestselling children''s book authors cartooned his way to fame. This accessible, easy-to-follow book about Diary of a Wimpy Kid author, Jeff Kinney, offers fascinating facts about the creator''s life and work. From his time as a cartoonist for his college newspaper to his international fame as an author, Kinney has stayed dedicated to the art of storytelling. Millions of children around the world have enjoyed the antics of Kinney''s lovable middle school character, Greg Heffley. It''s not just doodling. Kinney''s humorous work has captured the hearts of kids everywhere, and has them reading, too.

This book explores the life of Pope Francis, a Roman Catholic pope of many firsts. He is the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and even the first from the Southern Hemisphere. This thoughtful and insightful book discusses the pope''s early life as Jorge Mario Bergoglio and his work as a chemical technologist and nightclub bouncer before studying to become a priest. The book''s focus will be on his concern for and work with the poor, and his outreach to people of different faiths.

This visual and instructive look at satellite maps and street maps helps readers understand the symbols, road markings, and land features of these types of maps. Concentration on a smaller area helps readers really study them carefully. A follow-up activity encourages readers to draw their own street map of their town or neighborhood.

The Brown v. Board of Education decision comes to mind whenever the topic of landmarks of the American civil rights movement is discussed. The 1954 Supreme Court decision declared it unconstitutional to segregate public school students, opening the door for many other civil rights advances after that. This thoughtful and informative book details the history of the case as well as its impact on the quickly changing America of the 1950s and 1960s. The book also describes how schools and civil rights have changed since this important Supreme Court case.

We take it for granted every day, but clean water is one of the most important resources we have. This behind-the-scenes look at where our water comes from and where it goes after we use it gives readers a fascinating look at how our cities and towns are structured. Readers will be given a stimulating look at our sewage systems and wastewater treatment plants, which track the water through the system. A follow-up activity encourages readers to track their water usage for a week to emphasize the importance of clean water.

When we flick on a lamp switch, we rarely think of the science and engineering behind the light. This straightforward and accessible text informs readers about the interconnected network that electricity takes as it moves from suppliers to users. From power stations and voltage switches to the power lines that lead to our homes, readers will gain a greater understanding of the energy we use every day. A follow-up activity utilizes a maze that allows readers to trace the correct path of electricity through a power grid.

Today, whether it’s banks, governments, schools, or businesses, they all store data digitally. Keeping our personal details off the internet is nearly impossible. While it’s difficult to avoid having some personal information online, readers can take steps to secure it from prying eyes. This guide provides common-sense tips about how to avoid online theft and the mining of data by advertisers and others. In easy-to-follow steps, readers will also learn how to safeguard their computers and other digital devices. With this guide, readers can keep their private info private.

This book shows students how to use Twitter to their advantage, for creative expression, academics, research, reporting, college searches, or promoting a business. Twenty activities help readers create a portfolio and build a digital footprint that can open doors professionally, academically, and creatively.

Lawyers and judges are the backbone of our criminal and civil legal systems and the products of rigorous education and dedication. While they represent the pinnacle of the legal profession, this book also covers many of the supporting players that are essential to its smooth running, including court stenographers, paralegals and clerks, legal mediators, legal secretaries, and transcription professionals. It also gives readers guidance on what educational routes to take and tips on how to land the ideal job in this vital and stimulating field.

Schools—frequently believed to be safe havens for students—are instead often the sites of violence. From mass school shootings to hazing to fist fights and everything in between, violent acts are tragically far too common on too many school campuses. This volume dispenses essential guidance to those who may be witnesses to or victims of school violence. Readers will learn how to find resources that can help them cope with the lasting emotional consequences of their experiences. They will also learn about conflict resolution and identifying warning signs and how these can help prevent the recurrence of such events.

Learn all about wildfires—how they happen, why they''re important, and when they''re dangerous—in this fascinating level 3 reader. It''s sure to ignite your interest, with color photographs, interesting facts, and more.

Anyone who has seen the hungry or homeless on city streets or in rural areas is likely to be touched by the hardship they see. A growing number of schools are incorporating service learning into their curriculum. These programs heighten the students’ sense of community and engage them with a sense of service and civic responsibility. Readers of this book will learn about ways that service learning can help people suffering from hunger and homelessness. The detailed examples provided provide excellent starting points for an individual’s or a school’s exploration into service learning.

Provides sets of three alleged facts about science and encourages the reader to determine which are true and which are false.

Those with an aptitude and passion for all things digital will find a vast array of creative money-making ideas, including IT work for family, friends, and neighbors, freelance Web design, photo and video services, and app creation. A balanced mixture of entrepreneurial, freelance, and traditional employment opportunities are presented, and important tips regarding networking, customer service and relations, and business ethics are offered. This one-stop, all-inclusive resource is all the budding and talented techie needs to launch him- or herself into the next great wave of innovative digital billionaires.

All you need to know about money can be found in the pages of this colorful, energetic, and accessible book. Kids will also learn about money around the world from a National Geographic expert, featured in "Explorer''s Corners" throughout the book. Packed with fun facts and amazing photographs, this book gives kids an in-depth look at this facinating and important topic. National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources. Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.

Combines facts with photographs of volcanoes and earthquake-affected regions to introduce readers to such topics as underwater volcanoes and plate tectonics while offering insight into the world-changing power of natural disasters.

For teens hoping for a career in music, an internship or volunteer opportunity is a great way to get a foot in the door. Serving as a valuable guide, music lovers are introduced to the wide variety of work experiences available to them, including positions in music performance, music publishing, music production, music education, music therapy, instrument tuning and repair, and more. Readers learn how to find and land an interesting internship or volunteer opportunity in their community, as well as how to make the most of the experience. A varied list of music-related organizations to contact supplements the creative ideas in the text.

Provides information about death and grief, including the range of feelings after a death, experiencing the death of a family member, and visiting support groups.

"Facts, photos, and fun that will blow your mind!"--Cover.

In the wake of the Great Recession of 2007-2009 and the ensuing federal stimulus efforts, no economic subject has drawn as much attention or attracted as much controversy as the national debt and federal and state budget deficits. This book clearly explains how and why governments borrow money, how and why they engage in deficit spending, and the short- and long-term effects such practices have on the economy. Even-handed and nonpartisan, this book allows readers to understand the actual economic mechanics at work beneath all the hype. As such, it is a welcome, calming corrective to a partisan debate that has obscured economic realities and muddled the effort to guarantee a sound economy for future generations of Americans.

Explores the right to privacy and the government's interpretation of its meaning.