New Releases by Jessica Gunderson

Little is known about Edward Teach''s life before he became known as the fearsome pirate Blackbeard. But during the Golden Age of Piracy, he ruled the seas along the coast of the North American colonies and beyond. Learn more about Blackbeard''s adventures and how he became one of the most infamous--and feared--pirate captains of all time in a graphic novel filled with deception, plunder, and more.

Today, the right to vote might seem like an obvious part of our democracy. But the struggle for this basic right goes back hundreds of years. Take a tour through the ages to meet the people who shaped our current elections and voting rights. Get the hottest tips on how history was made in this fun graphic novel.

Theseus is bold. He''s brave. And he''s about to go head-to-head with a mythological monster. Yikes! But Theseus has no fear. He heads into the labyrinth to face the minotaur--a monster that''s half-man, half-bull--with only a magical ball of string to guide him. Find out if Theseus makes it out of the maze alive in this modern, graphic retelling of a classic Greek myth.

Life isn''t easy when you''re cursed with a headful of snakes for hair. Medusa knows that better than anyone. But she didn''t start out in such a state. What happened? Who''s to blame? And who''s the real hero? Find out in this modern, action-packed graphic retelling of a classic Greek myth.

Throughout his three years as a pirate, Bartholomew Roberts--aka Black Bart--ruled the Atlantic Ocean. He plundered more than 400 ships in three years, making him one of the most successful captains of piracy''s golden age. Learn how Roberts went from a humble farmer to Black Bart, daring pirate of the Atlantic, in this graphic novel filled with danger, deceit, and high-seas adventure.

Hades, king of the Underworld, has his eyes on a potential bride--Persephone. When he forces her to live with him, Persephone''s mother, the goddess of nature, is not happy. Soon, Earth falls into ruin. In order to set things right, the Greek gods and goddesses must make a compromise. Learn Persephone''s story in this modern, graphic retelling of a classic Greek myth.

No one holds a grudge like Zeus, king of the gods. So when Prometheus steals fire to give to humans, Zeus is determined to get revenge. He sends Pandora--the first mortal woman--to Earth with a box labeled DO NOT OPEN. Can Pandora keep her curiosity under control? Learn the story behind this classic Greek myth in a modern, graphic retelling.

In the early 1940s, during World War II, Germany''s Nazi regime expanded into neighboring European countries. In France, groups of anti-Nazi citizens, known as the French Resistance, fought to stop Germany''s reign of terror. A brave woman named Nancy Wake became one of the movement''s greatest assets as a spy. In her role, Wake often transported Jews to safe locations and rode her bicycle through German checkpoints to deliver messages and supplies. For her ability to avoid capture, the enemy nicknamed her the "White Mouse." In this full-color graphic novel, discover more about this fearless woman who faced the enemies of World War II.

An in-depth study of climate change, examining historical and present-day causes and effects of rising global temperatures, as well as what people can do to combat climate change.

An examination of the resources humans use to create energy, exploring fossil fuels'' impacts on the environment and discussing cleaner, more sustainable options that may contribute to a healthier planet.

Princesses spells and witches in the woods - now in graphic novels. New readers can feel confident reading graphic novels with Discover Graphics a series just for them. With reading levels no higher than first grade even brand-new readers are supported by familiar stories and visual storytelling. Older more confident readers will appreciate the beautiful art and diverse characters in these retellings.

Ida Lewis spent a lifetime on the water, starting when her family moved the island of Lime Rock in 1857 for her father''s job as lighthouse keeper. By age 15, Ida was the best swimmer in Newport, Rhode Island. And when her father suffers a stroke, Ida herself takes over as keeper of the lighthouse. But guarding the shore also means guarding the water. And when Ida spots four local boys in danger on the water, she knows she must take action, the boys'' lives depend on it.

The site of not only the signing of the Declaration of Independence but also the signing of the U.S. Constitution, Independence Hall could not be more appropriately named. Engaging facts and photos give young report writers a comprehensive tour of this American symbol, from early building blueprints to its relevance in today''s world

OF COURSE you think we were evil, spiteful fairies, cursing the poor princess with a forever sleep. You don''t know the other side of the story. Well, let us tell you.

"Revisit the tale of Beauty and the Beast. Beauty''s father gets lost in the woods and stumbles onto a castle. He reaches for a rose to bring to his daughter--but there''s a price. Will Beauty win her freedom, or be trapped in the Beast''s castle forever?"--

Includes a note by the author, with a glossary and discussion questions.

Benedict Arnold may be the most prominent villain in United States history. But was he the truly evil man that American folklore has made him out to be? In the beginning of the American Revolution, he was a staunch patriot and military hero, but by the end of the war his frustration led him to betray his nation. The bad reputation that resulted has lived on in infamy.

In this epic graphic novel, follow the dramatic story ofÊ the Lewis and Clark expedition. In 1804, these two explorers, along with their "Corps of Discovery," traversed the unmapped American West, leading to scientific discoveries, interactions with Native nations, and route to the Pacific Ocean. Dramatic illustrations and fast-paced text provide a "you-are-there" experience. With extensive back matter, including a bibliography, extended reading list, glossary, and further Internet sources, young readers will gobble up this action-packed comic book about one of history''s most compelling moments.

Kamilla is an amazing singer, but she refuses to try out for the school musical. She simply can''t stand the thought of everyone staring at her, when she sees herself as overweight. Led by her mom, Kamilla sees a doctor who tells her she''s a healthy weight but encourages her to exercise to feel better, both physically and mentally. Will Kamilla''s new habit lead to big changes, or is she stuck waiting in the wings forever? This Junior High Drama edition discusses a common concern in a healthy, thoughtful way.

In today''s uncertain world, many families are leaving their home countries and seeking a better life in the United States. Immigrants from Somalia and Other African Countries explores the stories of two families who left their home countries to find a better life in the United States. Follow their journeys to find out why they left their homelands and understand the challenges they faced in moving to a new country.

How BIG is that egg? How BIG is that paw? Is that the biggest dog you ever saw?

Benedict Arnold may be the most prominent villain in United States history. But was he the truly evil man that American folklore has made him out to be? In the beginning of the American Revolution, he was a staunch patriot and military hero, but by the end of the war his frustration led him to betray his nation. The bad reputation that resulted has lived on in infamy.

Benjamin Franklin led a productive life, but is it possible his accomplishments include everything attributed to him? The answer is yes, for the most part. He never did suggest the wild turkey should be the national symbol of the United States. He did, however, lend his wisdom to the founding of the country, and he was the only person to sign four of the documents most critical to the creation and character of the nation.

When election season starts, the race is on But what do campaigns, candidates, polls, and the Electoral College have to do with voting for our nation''s leaders? Using engaging, age-appropriate language and colorful photos, readers decipher the complex electoral process and learn how to get involved in the next election.

Josh is terrified of clowns, and the news that someone dressed as a clown in a neighboring town has been kidnapping children does not help, especially after the kidnapper escapes custody; so when he encounters a threatening clown at the House of Horrors at the amusement park he panics--but will he be able to save himself, much less rescue a little girl who is lost in the hall of mirrors?

Abraham Lincoln watched a play. James Garfield walked through a train station. William McKinley shook hands with his public. John Kennedy smiled and waved from a motorcade. In these moments shots rang out and four presidents suffered mortal wounds. Some say their assassins were calculating killers. Others say they were madmen guided by strange notions of the world. Assassins'' America examines the lives of each killer and his victim. Their stories are full of twists and mysteries, and even today Americans live with lasting effects of these terrible crimes.

How DOES a penniless fisherman make his wife''s dreams come true? Magic? Crooked deals? Go sleuthing with the wife in this classic fairy tale with a fun, fishy twist.