New Releases by Blake Hoena

Historical figures lead readers through the events of American westward expansion in an entertaining graphic novel format.

In this high-interest nonfiction book, readers travel to one of the world''s most mysterious places, the Bermuda Triangle, and discover more about this famous location, its history, and what mysteries still remain.

For more than 400 years, the Flying Dutchman has haunted the high seas. According to legend, the ghoulish ghost ship cannot make port and must roam the waves forever. And should this sea specter be sighted--beware! Spotting this vessel is believed to spell certain doom! Why must the Flying Dutchman sail the seas for all eternity? And what frightening fates have befallen those who have crossed its path? Young readers will find out in this easy-to-read ghostly graphic novel that will send shivers down their spines!

In the role of a cryptozoologist, the reader will investigate three sightings of the Mothman in three different locations across the country, and choose how the investigations will proceed.

In 1786, the Massachusetts government was seizing farmers' lands and throwing them in jail for unpaid debts and taxes. But many people couldn't pay because they had not yet been paid for fighting in the Revolutionary War just a few years before. Frustrated by this treatment, Daniel Shays led upset citizens in an armed revolt. Although their rebellion was short lived, it made clear to America's leaders that the young nation needed to change its laws, paving the way for the creation of the U.S. Constitution.

In this interactive adventure, the reader who wants to be a cryptozoologist follows the clues to find the legendary Jersey Devil, which has been reported in the Jersey Pine Barrens since the eighteenth century. Includes brief notes on other New Jersey legendary creatures and ghosts.

See the PERSEUS monster truck soar over ginormous jumps and take on his mechanical enemy MEDUSA! Will Perseus prevail, or will his gas-guzzling foe leave him beyond repair? With short, action-packed chapters and high-powered art, the ThunderTrucks will have little motorheads and mythology fans alike shifting their reading habits into high gear.

In an era of discrimination, Jack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson broke Major League Baseball''s race barrier. Before Robinson took his place at first base, the majors discriminated against African-American athletes, denying them a chance to compete. Despite facing harassment from fans and other players, Robinson stayed focused on the game, becoming the MLB Rookie of the Year in 1947 and later a baseball legend. This graphic biography follows Robinson''s time on semi-pro teams, his days in the US military, and his history-making experience with the Brooklyn Dodgers.

In 1936, Adolf Hitler attempted to make the Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany, a showcase of Nazi superiority with a new stadium and the first television broadcast of the Games. He didn't account for African-American sprinter and long jumper James Cleveland "Jesse" Owens, who smashed records throughout his track and field career. Owens turned Hitler's Olympic vision on its head by winning four gold medals in the 100m, 200m, 4x100m relay and long jump. Along the way, he broke or equaled nine Olympic records and set three world records. In graphic nonfiction style, this biography takes readers from Owens's early life to his historic athletic triumphs.

Charging into battle surrounded by smoking fuses, Blackbeard was a terrifying foe to face! In this action-packed graphic narrative, colorful illustrations and engaging dialogue tell the true story of Blackbeard, from his days as Edward Teach to his infamous blockade of Charleston. Historical quotes, a timeline, and a map give the story additional context for this high-interest title on the world’s most notorious pirate!

A choose-your-own-adventure in which the reader can proceed as an ordinary girl named Princess, a monster of a prince, or the queen who seeks a bride for her distracted son in a modern version of the classic fairy tale. Includes a history of The Princess and the Pea."

In this humorous (and gross) retelling of the classic Greek myth, the mighty Hercules takes on twelve disgusting feats--including scooping massive mountains of manure--in this epically gross Greek myth

Even monsters get scared, and Will the ghost is beyond scared when he hears noises in his room after he goes to bed. A thump from under the bed and a thud from the closet lead Will to discover a human boy and girl in his bedroom! He needs to get them out before his scary sister finds them. Will calls his friends and the Monster Heroes come to the rescue! A glossary, discussion questions, and writing prompts complete this early chapter book.

In this humorous (and gross) retelling of the Greek myth, Theseus and his hero friends visit the island of Crete and the amusement park known as the Labyrinth, where they encounter a nasty bully called the Minotaur who challenges Theseus to a race through the Maze-o-muck.

Jason is ready to win the famous golden fenders, but it''s not going to be easy. He has to take on the likes of Perseus and The Hydra in a freestyle event. While he is doing wheelies and donuts, one evil official is trying to make sure Jason gets crushed by his completion. ThunderTrucks combines Greek mythology and monster trucks, using action-packed text in the early chapter book format to keep young readers racing to finish. A glossary, author and illustrator bios, and additional Greek myth information round out these exciting early chapter books.

Nobody told Odysseus about the monster truck competition in Troy, but when he tries to join the fun he finds that hero ThunderTrucks are not allowed in--but Odysseus comes up with a clever plan to get past the dump truck cards and enter the contest.

Watch the THESEUS monster truck face-off, bumper-to-bumper, against his meanest mechanical foe - BULLISTIC! Will he crush the competition or be bulled over? With short, action-packed chapters and high-powered art, the world''s mightiest monster trucks - the ThunderTrucks - will have little motorheads and Greek mythology fans alike shifting their reading habits into high gear.

A new mummy has started at school, but he''s really just a human in disguise. Brian the zombie and his friends know they need to protect the new kid from Harriet the werewolf and her gang of bullies. The Monster Heroes come up with a plan that makes the human boy seem like the scariest monster of all. A glossary, discussion questions, and writing prompts complete this early chapter book.

Hercules and Theseus each claim to be the best hero truck, so at the suggestion of a MonsterTruck they agree to a race through the Underworld Junkyard, from which no truck has ever returned--but it turns out that the MonsterTruck has his own agenda, and Hercules and Theseus must work together if they are to escape his trap.

Linda is a good witch, who always tries to undo the hexes that her sisters, Agnes and Griselda, create--but to defeat the malevolent smoke that they have cooked up this time, and teach her sisters a lesson, she will need the help of her monster friends, Brian the zombie, Mina the vampire, and Will the ghost.

"You are living in the year 1775. The American war for independence from Great Britain rages all around you. Foreign governments have taken notice and may be able to help the American cause. You will need all of your wits to survive this revolution. Will you: Join the Continental Army and defend the northern colonies?; Help seek an alliance with a foreign government?; [Or, ] defend the southern colonies as a milita member?"--

In this Classic Fable in Rhythm and Rhyme, a tiny mouse teaches a roaring lion an important lesson. How can someone so tiny help someone so strong? Find out when you sing along to The Lion and the Mouse! Includes online music access.

Do you have a problem? Maybe you can use an algorithm to fix it Learn about the codes all around us in Algorithms: Solve a Problem Sing along as you learn to Code It This hardcover book comes with CD and online music access.

Where is Blue? What blue things can you find? Hunt for this cool hue as you Sing Your Colors Includes online music access.

A modern song retells the fable of the ant that works hard all summer long to feed her children and store food for the winter while her neighbor, a cheerful but lazy grasshopper, relaxes in the sun. Includes a brief introduction to Aesop, sheet music, glossary, discussion questions, and further reading.

Follow the legendary HERCULES monster truck through the ultimate obstacle course! Will he overcome the twelve tremendous feats, or will they them leave exhausted? With short, action-packed chapters and high-powered art, the ThunderTrucks will have little motorheads and mythology fans alike shifting their reading habits into high gear.

In this Classic Fable in Rhythm and Rhyme, a hungry fox wants some juicy grapes. But they hang high up on a vine. Will he be able to reach them? Find out when you sing along to The Fox and the Grapes Includes online music access.

Explore the world of outer space by drawing an out-of-this world adventure. In this book paired with lively music, children learn to draw robots and aliens. Using simple shapes as a basis, they are provided simple, step-by-step instructions to create their masterpieces. This hardcover book comes with CD and online music access.