New Releases by Joanne Mattern

Franz Joseph Haydn (1732–1809) was an Austrian composer, widely regarded as the “Father of the Symphony” and “Father of the String Quartet.” A central figure of the Classical era, he shaped musical form and style with innovation, wit, and expressive clarity. Haydn spent much of his career as court composer for the wealthy Esterházy family, producing operas, chamber works, and orchestral masterpieces. His influence deeply inspired Mozart and Beethoven, securing his legacy as one of Classical music’s great pioneers. Colorful illustrations plus photographs of meaningful sites and settings connect readers to important points in Schubert’s history. A timeline and "B Sharp" sidebars add details to the composer’s life story.

Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745–1799), was a French violinist, composer, conductor, and soldier. Born to a father from Guadeloupe, he rose to fame in Paris despite racial prejudice. A virtuoso musician, he composed operas and was briefly Director of the Paris Opera before being ousted due to his mixed-race heritage. Nicknamed the “Black Mozart,” his legacy rivals that of Mozart himself. This account includes vivid illustrations, photos of key sites, a timeline, and “B Sharp” sidebars that highlight key moments in his remarkable life.

Johannes Brahms (1833–1897) was a German composer and pianist of the Romantic era, known for blending classical traditions with emotional depth and complexity. A perfectionist, he destroyed many early works, striving for the highest quality. Brahms composed in nearly every genre—symphonies, concertos, chamber music, piano works, and choral compositions. His most famous pieces include Hungarian Dances, A German Requiem, and his four symphonies. A close friend of Clara Schumann and admirer of Beethoven, Brahms carried on their musical legacies with his own distinct voice. His music is known for its rich harmonies, structural mastery, and profound expressiveness.

Marianna Martines (1744–1812) was one of eighteenth-century Vienna's most prominent composers. She received more acclaim than perhaps any other female composer of her time. Martines was a renowned singer as well as harpsichord player and composer. Empress Maria Theresa, the biggest musical patron in Vienna, was immensely taken with the young composer. Martines went on to perform for the Empress many times and may have even dedicated works to her. Martines was also one of the greatest composers of her time. She was an inspiration as a singer, keyboardist, event manager, concert organizer, teacher, and more. At a time when most male composers either worked for the church or a royal court, Martines was able to accomplish incredible things without formal employment. Martines's story is one of triumph, resilience and character. She didn't allow the limitations of the time to prevent her from pursuing a musical career and creating a name for herself as one of the most important figures in Vienna. Colorful illustrations plus photographs of meaningful sites and settings connect readers to important points in Martines's history. A timeline and "B Sharp" sidebars add details to the composer's life story.

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) was a German Baroque composer and musician. Admired for his intricate and expressive compositions, he crafted masterpieces such as the Brandenburg Concertos and the Mass in B Minor. Bach's legacy endures as one of the greatest composers of all time, influencing generations with his exceptional contributions to classical music. Colorful illustrations plus photographs of meaningful sites and settings connect readers to important points in Bach's history. A timeline and B Sharp sidebars add details to the composer's life story.

George Frideric Handel (1685–1759), a German-born Baroque composer, achieved international acclaim for his operas, oratorios, and instrumental compositions. Notable works include Messiah and Water Music. Handel's profound impact on English Baroque music and his ability to evoke emotion through grand and dramatic compositions solidify his legacy as a musical giant. Colorful illustrations plus photographs of meaningful sites and settings connect readers to important points in Handel's history. A timeline and B Sharp sidebars add details to the composer's life story.

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893), a Russian composer, created some of the most beloved classical music of the Romantic era. Renowned for masterpieces like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, he skillfully blended Russian and Western influences. Tchaikovsky's emotionally charged compositions, such as the "1812 Overture," continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Colorful illustrations plus photographs of meaningful sites and settings connect readers to important points in Tchaikovsky's history. A timeline and B Sharp sidebars add details to the composer's life story.

Incredible stories of 100 extraordinary American immigrants, for kids 8 and up This easy-to-read biography collection includes: 100 one-page biographies: Find out how these incredible individuals changed the course of history! Illustrated portraits: Each biography includes an illustration to help bring history to life! A timeline, trivia questions, project ideas, and more: Boost your learning and test your knowledge with fun activities and resources! From Alexander Graham Bell to Albert Einstein, Mary Pickford to Alfred Hitchcock, Hannah Arendt to Madeleine Albright and many more, readers will be introduced to artists, activists, scientists, and icons throughout history who made America their home. Organized chronologically, 100 Immigrants Who Shaped American History offers a look at the prominent role immigrants have always played in America and how their talents, ideas, and expertise have guided the country from its very beginning all the way through the present day.

This book describes the history and science behind artificial intelligence, including the new ideas and applications scientists are currently working on. Informative sidebars, a "How It Works" special feature, a table of contents, quiz questions, a glossary, an index, and additional resources assist and engage readers as they learn.

Action-packed true stories of the biggest disasters in history - perfect for fans of the I Survived series Discover how hurricanes, earthquakes, crashes, and other catastrophes have shaped world history! 100 Disasters That Shaped World History introduces kids of all ages to some of the most significant events in recorded history, from the Great Fire of London to the Challenger Disaster. This history book for kids features 100 easy-to-read true disaster stories: Find out how catastrophes have changed the course of history! Illustrated images: Each page includes an illustration to help bring history to life! A timeline, trivia questions, project ideas, and more: Boost your learning and test your knowledge with fun activities and resources! Engaging and packed with facts, 100 Disasters That Shaped World History is the perfect history gift for curious kids 8 and up!

There are so many ways to use math on a trip! From telling time to measuring distance, readers will learn how math can make travel more interesting and more fun.

Young readers will use math skills such as measuring, counting, and adding as they plant flowers and vegetables in this gardening experience.

Math isn’t just something you learn in school and forget! It’s an important part of the world around you. Whether it’s cooking in the kitchen, shopping for groceries, or enjoying a game of baseball, this series shows young readers important math concepts at work in the real world. Each book focuses on specific early math skills, typically taught in grade 1.

This fascinating book offers young readers an up-close look at the moon. The book also includes a table of contents, fun facts, a "That's Amazing!" special feature, quiz questions, a glossary, additional resources, and an index.

Young readers will learn about counting, adding, and greater than/less than and equal to while enjoying a day at a baseball game.

How many objects are in the shopping basket? How many more do we need? How much does each item cost? Young readers will enjoy helping with this shopping trip as they practice counting, adding, and using money.

What’s better than baking a yummy pizza? Using math skills while you cook! Young readers will explore concepts such as measuring, adding, dividing, and counting in this cooking adventure.

This book shows the importance of bat houses, bird houses, and butterfly shelters and how building these simple structures can save the lives of endangered species. Readers will also explore the importance of butterfly gardens and how they provide food and shelter for some of Earth’s most fragile and beautiful creatures.

Although some sharks are very scary and dangerous, most species are quiet creatures who pose no threat to humans at all. Readers will learn all about the many kinds of sharks, what they eat, where they live, and their importance to the ocean ecosystem in this fact-and-photo-packed look at one of nature’s top predators.

Spiders seem scary, but they are really quiet creatures who help humans by eating many insect pests. And it’s hard not to love nature’s best engineer as it builds elaborate web homes. Young readers will explore the world of spiders and their awesome abilities in this exciting and informative look at a creepy creature who really isn’t scary at all.

With age-appropriate text and large engaging photos young readers are shown how people go places on a train. "Good to Know" facts give higher-level details.

With age-appropriate text and large engaging photos young readers are shown how people go places on an airplane. "Good to Know" facts give higher-level details.

Which animal can find its way through a maze and even learn shortcuts? And which animal is so smart it lets cars do the hard work of cracking open its food?

Which animal swallows its food whole and then doesn't eat again for weeks? And did you know one animal eats only one food all its life? But it eats a lot of that food!

Most of the time, water is a good thing. However, too much water can be a very dangerous thing. Floods are deadly. Every year, thousands of people around the world are killed or injured in floods. Some people drown when they are swept away by the water. Others are killed by debris in the water. It is important to learn all you can about floods so you will know how to deal with this devastating disaster. This title will allow students to describe the overall structure (e.g., chronology, comparison, cause/effect, problem/solution) of events, ideas, concepts, or information in a text or part of a text. • Bolded keywords • Text based questions • Content Sidebars • Disaster guide

Describes Rocky Mountain National Park, including its location, history, animals and plants, weather, and activities people can do while visiting the park.

Strong jaws, razor-sharp teeth, exploding gases! Discover some of the super weapons in Earth's animal kingdom.

Super-sniffing, high-power hearing, eerie eyesight, and power-house punches—some of Earth's amazing animals have super-hero senses!

Flying, swimming, or hopping. Running for cover or running down prey. Some animals on Earth use super speed to survive.

Whether it's growing new body parts or shedding body parts for defense—some of Earth's amazing animals have super-strange bodies that are almost beyond belief.