New Releases by GARE THOMPSON

This thrilling new series of books has everything middle school readers long for: action, adventure, danger, and young heroes! The Great Escapes series explores real historical events and shows children how kids just like them learn how to work together in order to change the world for the better. Historical figures are interwoven into the stories, offering readers the chance for further exploration on these people and their places in history. In Underground Railroad 1854: Perilous Journey, a pair of teenage slaves must rely on a white teenager to help them escape slavery. Will they work together—or pay a terrible price?

This thrilling new series of books has everything middle school readers long for: action, adventure, danger, and young heroes! Great Escapes explores real historical events and shows children how kids just like them learn how to work together in order to change the world for the better. Historical figures are interwoven into the stories, offering readers the chance for further exploration on these people and their places in history. In Mount St. Helen's 1980: Fiery Eruption!, Alex and Wendy love exploring this beautiful volcano. But when the long-dormant volcano erupts, the two best friends must race to save others—and themselves.

Based on a true story, this historical fiction book explores the dynamics among the Mann family, living in Munich, Germany during World War II. Amid rising tensions among the Jews and the reigning Nazi party, Carl Mann--the patriarch of the Mann family--is forced to take a job in one of the scariest places imaginable: Literally in Adolf Hitler''s backyard. In this unusual coming of age tale, curious young girls may say or do the wrong things, but how many times can the high-ranking German officials (and Hitler himself) look the other way? Can they survive in his backyard?

Find out about the adventures of sailors who hunted whales in the 1800s and what products were made from whale oil and whale parts.

Explore and Draw is a wonderful series that captures the interest of young artists as they learn basic art techniques while drawing many different animals, extreme sports, and motorcycles. Each book not only features step-by-step drawing directions, it also includes interesting information about what is being drawn. These books are an excellent resource for report writing and illustrating.

This exciting new book provides essential information with plenty of full-color images to help explain the basics importing and exporting in a global economy. Aspects such as importing and exporting regulations are carefully and easily explained in this latest Crabtree title. Real-life situations and color photographs will capture the attention of even the most hesitant reader.

The concept of supply and demand is made easy in this book. Learn the ins and outs of this fundamental concept of economics.

Teacher Guide for corresponding Leveled Text

This book explores the rich history of the West and provides an opportunity for students to understand how the economics and culture of today''s West can be traced through key historical moments. The Western region consists of Alaska, Hawaii, Washington, Montana, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, California, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado.

Describes the history of the Southeast, including the contributions of various ethnic and racial groups and how the land and natural resources affected the economy. The Southeast region includes Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Virginia.

Reconstructs past events from the perspective of immigrants, following a fictional family as they come from Russia to settle in New York City. Contains photographs portraying real families and places during the period described in the book.

Describes the changes in American culture, technology, economics and values during the decade of the 1920''s. A fictional account of the Connor family of Bainbridge, Georgia, who move to Miami Beach, Florida. Uses historical photographs to illustrate the people, places, and events of the time. Discusses some reasons behind the land boom in Florida.

Explains, through the diaries of a fictional ranchero family, the role of Spanish missions and rancheros in the development of California from the late 1700''s to 1838.

Ride along with the daring men of the Pony Express.

This is a story of a race between two explorers, R. Amundsen and R. Scott, both of whom wanted to be the first to reach the South Pole. To do this, they would have to overcome many dangers.

A survey of how rain forests work in the Amazon River Region.

A very basic introduction to screws, levers, planes and more.

Describes the Serengeti Plain and the animals that live there.

For a long time, the main role of First Ladies was to act as hostesses of the White House...until Eleanor Roosevelt. Born in 1884, Eleanor was not satisfied to just be a glorified hostess for her husband, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Eleanor had a voice, and she used it to speak up against poverty and racism. She had experience and knowledge of many issues, and fought for laws to help the less fortunate. She had passion, energy, and a way of speaking that made people listen, and she used these gifts to campaign for her husband and get him elected president-four times! A fascinating historical figure in her own right, Eleanor Roosevelt changed the role of First Lady forever.

Padre Carlos Ramón is visiting the Delgado family in Californina, where he shares stories of early California mission life with the Delgado children.

The U.S.S. Monitor was an entirely new type of warship when it launched in 1862. Dubbed "the forefather of the modern Navy," this ironclad ship changed how wars are fought at sea. But on New Year's Eve, 1862, it sank off the coast of North Carolina in a terrible storm. No one thought the Monitor could be raised, but after 140 years, parts of the ironclad have finally been brought to the surface. This book chronicles the Monitor's revolutionary design, exciting battle, and intriguing excavation. Illustrated by Larry Day.

At age two, Helen Keller became deaf and blind. She lived in a world of silence and darkness and she spent the rest of her life struggling to break through it. But with the help of teacher Annie Sullivan, Helen learned to read, write, and do many amazing things. This inspiring illustrated biography is perfect for young middle-grade readers. Black-and-white line drawings throughout, sidebars on related topics such as Louis Braille, a timeline, and a bibliography enhance readers' understanding of the subject.

This independent reader is part of a non-fiction reading scheme that integrates science and social studies content with literacy development.

Watch what these monkeys do.

Examines how corn began to grow in the early Americas, why it was important to Native Americans, and how it became a staple product in many other countries.

Timothy Mole writes of escapades and adventures in letters to his mom and dad while traveling with his school band to Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, DC.

This pairing of fiction and non-fiction literature features a short play which is a retelling of the story of Pinocchio. The companion book describes how plays are put on and describes different people needed to perform a play.