New Releases by Carl Sommer

Teen Success in Career & Life Skills offers no-nonsense guidance to help young adults succeed academically, professionally, and personally. Written by Carl Sommer—a former U.S. Marine, educator, and business leader—this book blends real-world advice with inspiring stories and hard truths. It challenges teens to take responsibility, avoid destructive choices, and develop the character and grit needed to thrive in today’s fast-changing world. Packed with practical tips on education, career planning, finances, and leadership, this book is an empowering roadmap for teens who want to build a meaningful and successful life.

In this story, Super Math visits Mr. Wilson's class to teach the students how to add two-digit numbers using regrouping. He explains the concept of tens and ones, guiding the children through several problems involving regrouping. The students practice using rods, units, and cards, and they also play a fun card game called "Math War: Addition with Two-Digit Numbers." Super Math shares an important life lesson through the story The Great Royal Race, encouraging the children to keep their eyes on the goal to succeed. The students thank Super Math for his lessons and advice.

Discover the incredible world of honey bees in Honey Bees, a fascinating book that explores these hardworking insects and their essential role in nature. Learn how honey bees pollinate 80% of the world’s crops, helping plants like apples, sunflowers, and almonds grow and thrive. Dive into the structure of a hive, where bees build hexagonal honeycombs to store honey and beeswax. Meet the queen bee, who lays up to 3,000 eggs a day, the male drones whose sole job is to mate, and the female worker bees that collect nectar and pollen while maintaining the hive. Explore how beekeepers care for these tiny creatures, harvesting their honey while leaving enough for the bees to survive the winter. Packed with detailed descriptions and beautiful imagery, Honey Bees reveals how important these small creatures are to our world. From their role in pollination to the teamwork inside their colonies, this book will leave readers buzzing with newfound appreciation for honey bees.

This heartwarming story follows a proud, wealthy man who sends his children, James and Anna, to live with a humble farmer’s family, hoping they will learn to appreciate their luxurious life. What the children discover instead is a profound lesson about true wealth, as they experience the joy, peace, and simplicity of the farmer’s life. Surrounded by love, faith, and nature, they realize that material riches pale in comparison to the rich, fulfilling life that comes from serving God and cherishing the simple pleasures of life. This powerful tale will inspire readers to reflect on what truly brings happiness and the value of faith and family over possessions.

This captivating story takes you back to the very beginning of time, when God created the heavens, the earth, and everything in it. Through beautifully told moments, you’ll witness the creation of light, oceans, plants, animals, and the first humans—Adam and Eve. But this paradise didn’t last. When Satan, in the form of a serpent, tempts Eve to disobey God, both she and Adam make a choice that changes everything. From their fall, humanity experiences sin, pain, and separation from God. Yet, this story doesn’t end in tragedy—it offers hope through God’s love and a promise of salvation through Jesus. If you want to understand the origins of humanity and the profound love of a Creator who offers redemption, this book will inspire you to reflect on your own choices and invite you to follow the path to eternal life.

Combining heartwarming storytelling with practical lessons, How to Become a Successful Entrepreneur is a perfect read for kids and adults alike. Follow Hanna and Olivia as they turn compassion into action, launching a lemonade stand to help a classmate whose home was destroyed by fire. Along the way, they learn valuable principles like the Golden Rule, the importance of quality, honesty, and customer service, and how to inspire generosity in others. Packed with entrepreneurial tips and an uplifting message about making a difference, How to Become a Successful Entrepreneur is an inspiring guide for anyone dreaming of starting a business while helping their community.

Ever wondered how a car’s engine turns gasoline into motion? How Car Engines Work unravels the fascinating mechanics behind the vehicles we use every day, making it accessible for readers of all ages. Discover how fuel injectors, pistons, spark plugs, and crankshafts work together in the four-stroke cycle—intake, compression, power, and exhaust—to power a car. Learn about key components like the radiator, battery, and transmission, and how they contribute to a car’s operation and safety. This engaging guide encourages curiosity and appreciation for the technology under the hood while inviting readers to enjoy the wonders of the world on their next family road trip.

Resilience, determination, and the willingness to learn are keys to overcoming obstacles, as highlighted in Success: Elephant Ears and Eagle Eyes. Through the inspiring stories of Abraham Lincoln, Helen Keller, Benjamin Franklin, and George Washington Carver, readers learn the importance of listening, observing, and persevering. This motivational book emphasizes the value of mentorship, self-discipline, and staying focused on one’s goals, making it an empowering guide for readers of all ages striving for success.

Machines shape the world we live in, and World of Machining delves into the tools and technologies that make it possible. From traditional lathes to CNC systems, laser cutters, and 3D printers, readers will explore how these machines transform materials into precision-engineered products. This book highlights the incredible accuracy of wire EDMs, the versatility of water jets, and the revolutionary potential of 3D printing in medicine. With engaging explanations and real-world connections, it celebrates the creativity and innovation driving modern manufacturing.

Three boys grow up in the same drug-infested, gang-ruled, poverty-stricken neighborhood. Nelson becomes a successful doctor, his best friend Jesse, an award-winning architectural engineer, but Nelson’s brother Alvin ends up in jail. In this riveting tale, Nelson relates the story of their childhood, and how, with the love and guidance of his grandparents, they come upon valuable lessons on how against all odds to become successful. Featuring accounts from Benjamin Franklin, George Washington Carver, Helen Keller, and Abraham Lincoln, the boys are inspired by some of America’s greatest heroes. Although Alvin chooses differently, Nelson and Jesse are two friends who “Dare to Dream!” Virtues: Courage / Responsibility / Self-Discipline

As a reward for winning the soccer championship, Davy is chosen “Mayor for a Day.” Tired of rules, Davy’s first official announcement as mayor, to the great delight of his friends, is the elimination of all rules for a day. What ensues is a rollicking and disastrous turn of events as order in school and the whole town breaks down and chaos reigns supreme. Davy finally saves the day. This fascinating story demonstrates the importance of rules at home, at school, and in society. Virtues: Citizenship / Civic Virtue / Respect for Law

After being attacked by a large rhino, Sangu, a fun-loving lion cub, gets lost. Some gazelles befriend him and teach him their ways. Sangu is a total misfit. Finally he discovers his true identity. Para crecer y saber cómo vivir, los jóvenes leoncitos deben desarrollar habilidades de supervivencia. Pero Sangu está más interesado en jugar que en aprender; de modo que cuando el ataque de un rinoceronte lo separa de su familia, no está preparado para sobrevivir por sí mismo. Sangu se pierde y un grupo de amigables gacelas lo adoptan. Las gacelas le enseñan cómo sobrevivir en la selva, pero cuando Sangu intenta vivir la vida como una gacela, resulta un inadaptado total. En esta historia de un león perdido y encontrado, ¿descubrirá Sangu su verdadera identidad?

To grow up to be big, little lions have to learn survival skills, but the cub Sangu doesn’t want to listen to Papa and Mama’s lessons—he just wants to play. Getting lost while escaping a charging rhino, Sangu learned how unprepared he really was to be out on his own. Befriended by some kind gazelles, Sangu didn’t have the slightest idea as to what a lion should be. After being taunted by his friends, Sangu finally learned to be assertive, to value learning, to listen to his parents, and to respect himself. Virtues: Self-Esteem / Respect for Parents / Assertiveness

“That’s my mule! I’m not sharing!” cries Sally about Stiffy her mule. Benny and his mule Bossy feel the same way. So goes this entertaining saga about some very stubborn characters refusing to share, work, or play together.It’s only when Dad gets involved and ties the mules together that they learn an important object lesson: in order to eat, they must cooperate. After much struggling, the mules finally work together, and in the process teach their owners Benny and Sally that sharing brings happiness. Virtues: Cooperation / Tolerance / Respect

“It’s not fair!” shouted Buzzie the bee, when she accidentally finds out worker bees do ALL the work. Before this Buzzie was a happy worker bee, but now she’s furious! She starts a major revolt among the younger worker bees. The angry younger bees leave the hive to start their own. In the new hive the young bees argue and fight over who should do the work. Everyone wants the easiest job! Discover how bees live, eat and multiply in this educational and compelling tale about the importance of teamwork and a good attitude. Learn how working together under a leader is the key to happiness. Grades 1-4Virtues: Citizenship/Teamwork/Responsibility "¡No es justo!", Gritó Buzzie, la abeja, cuando accidentalmente descubre de que las abejas obreras hacen TODO el trabajo. Antes de este incidente Buzzie era una abeja trabajadora feliz, ¡pero ahora está furiosa! Ella comienza una revuelta importante entre las abejas obreras más jóvenes. Luego hacen un descubrimiento que las transforma.

Trapped by deep snow high on a mountain, hungry townspeople wait desperately for one of the three big trains to bring them food. All three big trains refuse to go up the mountain. In spite of the ridicule from the big trains, The Little Red Train and a family of brave helpers decide to go up the snow-covered mountain to help the starving people. This vividly illustrated story demonstrates the value of compassion, hard work and perseverance. The Little Red Train’s triumphant arrival to the top of the mountain elicits the eternal gratitude of the townspeople, and its accomplishment proves to be an inspiration for all. Virtues: Perseverance / Compassion / Civic Virtue Tres grandes trenes se niegan a subir a la montaña en la nieve profunda para llevar comida a las personas que padecen hambre. A pesar del ridículo de los grandes trenes, El Pequeño Tren Rojo y una familia de valientes ayudantes suben la montaña cubierta de nieve para ayudar a las personas que se mueren de hambre.

To Millie, the whole world is unfair. Even though Millie has a loving family and a nice home, she’s always miserable. She hates to be told what to do, and when things don’t go her way, she complains. Millie finally has enough! She runs away so that she can do whatever she wants to do. What starts out as a fun adventure turns out to become one disaster after another. Millie ends up on the streets, scared, without money, food, and a place to sleep. Desperate, she steals candy and gets caught by a police officer. When her parents are contacted, they are overjoyed and welcome her back home. Armed with a new appreciation for her former life, Millie becomes the happiest girl in the whole world. Virtues: Respect / Trustworthiness / Fairness

Missy the mouse has a very big problem—she hates the way she looks! If only she were as big and beautiful as Horace the cat, then all her problems would be gone.One day, while being chased by Horace, the incredible happens. Missy’s wish comes true! She turns into a cat—not just any cat, but the biggest and most beautiful cat in the whole world. But she quickly discovers that cats have problems with dogs. As Missy wishes herself into becoming bigger and stronger creatures, she finally discovers that everyone has problems and learns to accept herself for who she is. Grades K-4.Virtues: Self-Esteem / Trust / Cheerfulness

In this heartfelt story, Jill and Nick enjoy playing with their beloved pet dog, Sig. After Jill accidently kicks the ball into the goat pen, the brave Sig jumps the fence to retrieve it. Sig doesn’t see the angry goat, and it butts him with its head. Jill and Nick go with their father to take Sig to the vet for treatment. Colorful illustrations add realism to this advanced easy reader as Jill and Nick worry about Sig and then get happy faces when Sig will be fine. The family-friendly story provides an opportunity for parents to discuss a veterinarian’s work.

Ed and Jill hike in the mountains with their parents and are excited to see a large buck. Careful to follow their parent’s instructions when walking on the rocks in the water, the children enjoy a happy day in this tender early reader. The lush colors of the mountain scenes provide nice context clues as early readers master their new reading skills and slightly longer sentences. Companion Reader 20 is part of Phonics Adventure''s systematic, leveled reading program.

Vibrant illustrations cover the pages of this family-friendly early reader, and an expressive frog leaps across the pages providing context clues. The family rides their bikes to the dock, and then encounter an exciting scene of exceptional tall fish. Words and sentences that build on previous stories in the motivational literacy program inspire young readers to success. Companion Reader 15 is part of Phonics Adventure''s systematic, leveled reading program.

An adventure with a big rig engages the imaginations of new readers when Jill and Rick get a big surprise. The friendly man driving the big rig offers them to come inside the rig, as their father watches. Who hasn’t wanted to be in a big rig as it does its work? Perched high in the cab with the man, they get to see how he picks up large loads of dirt with the big scoop and drops them into a dump truck. This advanced easy reader uses repetitive phonic sounds and dialogue to enrich a child’s vocabulary and reading experience.

Friends enjoy an exciting game of baseball and Jan proves she can hit a ball well. The simple words with similar sounds help children recognize beginning and ending sounds. Rich colors illuminate the outdoor scenes and encourage new readers to use the picture and context clues to read the story. Companion Reader 3 is part of Phonics Adventure''s systematic, leveled reading program.

Children love to watch magicians, and they will enjoy watching the fox do his tricks in this amusing story. Introducing new one-syllable words for early readers to explore through their first and last letter sounds, the story keeps children turning the brightly colored pages to watch the fox amaze his four friends with his tricks. This book encourages reading skill growth through us of slightly longer sentences than the first thirteen books in this motivational phonics literature program. Target Reader 14 is part of Phonics Adventure''s systematic, leveled reading program.

Bright photos take children right to the fields, where they see adults and children working together to grow food, and pique their curiosity. Did you know carrots aren’t all orange? Where do French fries come from? Appropriate for children of all ages who return to the book again and again as they learn to read. Advanced early readers recognize many of the words and add new ones to grow their reading skills. Our Amazing World Series, Advanced, nonfiction books, filled with fun facts, stimulate a child’s enthusiasm to learn about the world around them.

Children easily relate to this lifelike shopping story and they get a few surprises as they read. The deep, rich colors and fine detail of the illustrations sharpen the story of Kim and Tim’s trip to find Kim a new hat. This appealing book introduces new ideas and words, including a rim on Kim’s hat, a hatpin to hold the hat in place, and a mirror to see what the hat looks like on Kim. The sentences creatively repeat new words to form a comfortable reading experience in this advanced easy reader.

An engaging story for children who like to play chase and hide-and-seek. This thoughtful tale reveals what the cat, the rat, and the dog think as they race to win, each using different strategies. Filled with spirited dialogue and colorful illustrations that promote a love of reading, this advanced early reader opens opportunities for parents to discuss helping others, finishing chores, and trying one’s best until the race is over.

A classic game of cops and robbers keeps Bob, Dot, and Dan on the run as this busy story unfolds. Detailed, colorful pictures illustrate the children and their neighborhood as they enjoy their game. A bushy-tailed squirrel adds wonderful context clues to accompany the narrative and dialogue in a fun-filled reading experience. Companion Reader 16 is part of Phonics Adventure's systematic, leveled reading program.

Familiar with teddy bears, young children get a different perspective when introduced to the wide and wonderful world of nonfiction. Combining clear language and dazzling photos of bears in their natural habitats, this book gives the joy of observing bears fishing, seeing a mother watch over her cubs, and spying on an adorable panda lounging to eat bamboo. The carefully presented facts allow advanced early readers to begin mastering the narrative in this book from the Our Amazing World series.

Nothing is more exciting than rockets and travel in space, and this book is an excellent entry into nonfiction for young children, stimulating reading literacy. This intriguing book from Our Amazing World Series, Advanced, features impressive photos from blastoff to space travel and working astronauts. The crisp photos are complemented by factual information blending history, nature, and science with the excitement of space. Advanced early readers recognize the basic words and find alluring new words to expand their vocabulary, such as astronaut and satellite.