Most Popular Books by Don Nardo

In most telescopes, the eighth planet appears as a small, more or less featureless blue disk. But as explained in this informative volume, Neptune is a complex, dynamic world where huge, violent natural forces are at work. Young readers will learn about the dramatic way scientists discovered the planet; its structure and composition; its beautiful and intriguing moons and rings; and the possibility of Neptunian life.

When you look up at the night sky, do you ever wonder why some stars seem to move? These moving lights are not stars. They are artificial satellites, machines put into space to help us communicate or gather information here on Earth. From the launch of the first artificial satellite in 1957 to the space telescopes making headlines today, these orbiting eyes have helped us study the heavens, survey the earth, stay in touch, and protect our homelands. Headline Science uses news stories and everyday applications to explain the science behind artificial satellites.

Loved by the common people and his fellow soldiers, Caesar came to control the Roman Republic. But his opponents were steadfast in their struggle against him. The tale of Julius Caesar is filled with ambition, glory, and ultimately, tragedy.

Discusses the issue of global warming: what is causing it, how all living things on Earth are feeling the effects, and the steps that are being taken to fight it.

Bernie Madoff is best known for his Ponzi scheme, which fleeced investors across the country of billions of dollars. In 2009, he pleaded guilty to eleven felony counts and was sentenced to 150 years in federal prison. As reported by CBS news, Madoff stole around eighteen billion dollars from investors.? ?This volume delves into the murky life of Bernie Madoff. Chapters discuss his happy life in Rockaway Beach,?? his burgeoning career as an investor and advisor, and his audacious scheme to defraud millions of investors.

Discusses the extinction of these ancient creatures and the scientific research used.

Describes how medieval castles were built and examines the daily lives of those inhabiting them.

Discusses the significance behind each myth and compares it to modern-day quests and journeys.

This volume explores and explains how gravity rules the movements of all objects, from balls, airplanes, and people on Earth to the largest galaxies in the farthest reaches of the universe. Covered are Newton's and Einstein's theories of gravity, how gravity causes the tides, and the workings of gravity under extreme conditions, including black holes.

In the Declaration of Independence, young Thomas Jefferson became the voice of the American Revolution and expressed a timeless faith in the rights of individuals. In following years. Jefferson revealed talents as a politieal philosopher, an author, a naturalist, an inventor, an architeet, and an agricultural experimenter. At the same time, he served as governor of Virginia, minister to France, secretary of state, and vice president. As our third president, he arranged the Louisiana Purchase, doubling the area of the United States, and struggled to keep the country out the wars then embroiling Europe. Book jacket.

Understanding Afghanistan Today is an accurate and contemporary presentation that explores the Middle Eastern nation of Afghanistan with a focus on the country as it is today: current issues, culture, and lifestyle. The book is written in an easy-to-read enjoyable narrative form for elementary readers 8-11,. The Afghanistan title includes a native recipe and craft for students to create. Elementary students are encouraged to consider evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. Series titles have been developed to address many of the Common Core specific goals, higher level thinking skills, and progressive learning strategies for middle grade and junior high level students.

This up-to-date examination of the controversial topic of cloning concentrates mainly on the scientific and technical aspects of this form of reproduction, tracing its existence in Earth's primordial seas, to human mastery of plant cloning in the Stone Age, to the rise of mass-produced cloned food in the 20th century, to early attempts to clone animals, to the first cloned pets, and ends with speculation about the possibilities of human cloning in the future.

Examines the events leading up to the 1929 Stock Market crash that resulted in the Great Depression; and explores the methods enacted by both President Hoover and later President Roosevelt to bring the country back.

In simple but colorful terms, young readers are here introduced to one of the epic eras and realms of world history -- that of the Roman Empire. The volume tells how the first emperor, Augustus, came to power, how he and his successors controlled the masses through the army and public games, and how the Empire eventually fell to an onslaught of invaders.

Using the results of ongoing research, this book examines the classifications and possible causes, both biological and psychological, of phobias and anxiety disorders. Including fascinating case studies, and concluding with an in-depth look at the many methods used to help individuals tormented by these mysterious ailments.

Covers the slave trade, interaction between whites and Blacks, the birth of Black American culture, and portraits of Black Americans.

Discusses the civilization of ancient Rome, including its founding and early centuries, its high point, social classes and institutions, aspects of daily life, its eventual decline and fall, and the enduring legacy of Rome.

The world's third biggest religion, Hinduism, began and remains largely centered in India. Devout Hindus recognize a wide range of colorful gods and believe that those deities created and still watch over the world. Topics covered include the faith's origins, beliefs and values, common practices, and challenges.

Explains the big bang theory and examines the birth of space and time.

An old adage speaks of the grandeur that was Rome. That grandeur is captured in amazing, well-documented detail in this unusual volume, which takes the form of a travel guide written in AD 143, when the Roman Empire was at its height of size and prosperity. Included are the city's imposing public buildings, temples and other shrines, religious festivals, roads and aqueducts, shops, public games (including chariot races and gladiatorial combats), and side trips to important nearby sights.