New Releases by Karen Romano Young

Antarctica contains eons of secrets that scientists are just beginning to uncover -- from wildlife to scientific marvels, this continent may hold the key to the future of the planet.

In this "enchanting" tale of a girl trying to solve a mystery and save a local library, "the magic of reading is given a refreshingly real twist" ( Kirkus Reviews). A New York City library branch has been designated for possible closure. But the bookish, socially awkward Pearl, the daughter of the librarian, can''t imagine a world without the library. When the head of their Edna St. Vincent Millay statue goes missing, closure is closer than ever. But Pearl is determined to save the library. And with a ragtag neighborhood library crew—including a constantly tap-dancing girl, an older boy she has a crush on, and a pack of literate raccoons—she just might be able to do it . . . Featuring an eclectic cast of richly drawn characters, quirky sidebars and footnotes, and illustrations by award winner Jessixa Bagley, this is a warm-hearted, visually intriguing tale of reading and believing, and a world of possibility. "Solidly entertaining." — School Library Journal "Bursting with charm, lovable characters, and excitement that builds and builds." —Gail Carson Levine, Newbery Award–winning author of Ella Enchanted "A love letter to libraries . . . Big-hearted and dazzling, this classic-in-the-making is not to be missed." —Katherine Applegate, Newbery Award–winning author of The One and Only Ivan

Sharks are in trouble. Fifty shark species are at high risk of extinction, and another sixty-three are threatened. These intelligent, mysterious—and sometimes scary—fish evolved about 420 million years ago. They have adapted to survive deep in the ocean and in shallow-water habitats. Commercial fishing and finning are threatening shark populations. So is water pollution. Marine biologists and others, including young people, are working together to save these fascinating predators. Discover the work of scientists and conservationists as they study shark biology and morphology; research migration, feeding, and mating patterns; delve into human, climate, and other threats to shark habitat; and develop sophisticated technologies to aid sharks and shark research. See how scientists also educate the public about real and imagined fear of sharks and encourage citizen participation in shark conservation efforts. Learn about high-tech tagging for tracking shark migration paths. Discover the autonomous underwater vehicles and drones that divers use to observe and photograph sharks up close. Visit shark sanctuaries in the South Pacific Ocean. You''ll even meet the Shark Lady, a.k.a. Eugenie Clark, a pioneer ichthyologist (shark scientist). Through research and advocacy, people around the world are working to protect—and admire—sharks. "[A]n engaging, well-researched book about a much maligned species of fish that deserves our protection."—Booklist "A remarkably thorough tour of the world of sharks and marine scientists'' efforts to educate the public about our ocean''s apex predators."—Kirkus Reviews

Decades of commercial whaling nearly decimated a variety of whales considered a keystone species. Keystone species are indicators of the overall health of Earth''s habitats. While whales have made a comeback through an international ban on commercial whaling, they are still threatened with extinction. Global warming, water and noise pollution, and commercial shipping and fishing are among the most serious threats to whale survival. Meet the scientists, citizen scientists, researchers, whale watching guides, and other concerned citizens who are working together to protect whale populations around the globe. Learn about whale biology, habitats, and behavior, and discover more about the high-technology tools that help researchers in their work.

"Experiments for young children to conduct to learn about science"--

Who needs bones to swim the seven seas? Learn all about marine invertebrates, the ocean''s amazing boneless animals in this cool Smithsonian reader. Octopuses, clams, sea worms, even coral: they''re all marine invertebrates. Having no internal skeleton gives them an interesting shape—not to mention unusual ways of moving around, getting food, and protecting themselves. Fascinating underwater photography and lively, accessible text draw kids into the watery world of these cool ocean creatures.

The last year of elementary school is big for every kid. In this novel, equal parts funny and crushing, utterly honest and perfect for boys and girls alike, Christine Gouda faces change at every turn, starting with her own nickname—Tink—which just doesn''t fit anymore. Readers will relate to this strong female protagonist whose voice rings with profound authenticity and absolute novelty, and her year''s cringingly painful trials in normalcy—uncomfortable Halloween costumes, premature sleepover parties, crushed crushes, and changing friendships. Throughout all this, Tink learns, what you call yourself, and how you do it, has a lot to do with who you are. This book marks beloved author Karen Romano Young''s masterful return to children''s literature: a heartbreakingly honest account of what it means to be between girl and woman, elementary and middle school, inside and out—and just what you name that in-between self.

Scientists have identified at least 100 million pieces of space debris—from paint chips to nonoperational zombie satellites—floating in Earth''s orbit. And over 100 tons of those pieces enter Earth''s atmosphere each year! Journey into outer space and learn about the dangers of space junk collisions, how scientists track them, and how space agencies are working to develop new technologies to clean up the space junk. Along the way, you''ll hear from the scientists who are working to ensure that outer space remains a safe place to travel and explore. If we don''t tackle the space junk problem, it might be impossible to travel into space; it could even trap us on Earth.

True adventure stories, photography, and hands-on activities combine in an introduction to the sea turtle and the ongoing efforts of conservationists to protect the species.

Provides background information and instructions for fifty science projects involving plants, insects, microbes, human behavior, animals, water, physics, machinery, and other topics, and suggests further ideas to pursue.

She doesn''t just love doodling, she needs it. . . . In Stuck in the Middle (of Middle School) by Karen Romano Young, moving is tough. Being the new kid in school is even tougher. But the hardest thing of all about the move that Doreen "Dodo" Bussey''s family is making is that she suspects it might be because of her. She got into trouble at her last school. On the drive to their new home, her mother gives Dodo a blank notebook, which she uses to chronicle the move, the first days in a new city, and the ups and downs of starting a new school and making new friends. In the process, she reinvents herself as the Doodlebug. Her little sister seems to adjust to everything so easily—why is it so hard for Dodo?

A girl walks across the Brooklyn Bridge, a backpack full of knitting slung over her shoulder, a green fish kite in her hand. A boy balances on the bridge''s crisscross webbing, waiting for the girl to pass. Are they angels? Spiders? In love? Or in danger? Once they connect, they''ll start a chain of events that could stretch out smoothly like the river below them -- or become knotted like a tangled web of spider silk.

When Doreen "Dodo" Bussey''s family moves to a new home, her mother gives her a blank notebook in which Dodo documents her new life, from the move and first days in a new city, to her new school and friends.

20 projects and experiments about junk, garbage, waste, things we don''t need anymore, and ways to recycle or reuse it -- or lose it.

Angels are everywhere. They have become a fascinating part of our culture and have been widely represented in TV shows, fine art, plays, and movies. Packed with fun facts (including the history of "angelology" -- the study of angels), anecdotes of angel encounters, and fantastic illustrations throughout, author Karen Romano Young gives readers an in-depth look at these winged creatures and the impact they have had on our culture and everyday lives.

Collects twenty science experiments that mimic techniques used at crime scenes, including figuring out a suspects height and analyzing handwriting and paper fibers.

Provides instructions for experiments about bugs, including flies, microscopic insects, ants, bees, and others; and offers tips on using the workshops as science fair projects.

This book describes a journey in the ocean, discussing the science and adventure that can be experienced by diving deep in a submarine, docking a container ship, migrating with right whales, and hunting with sharks.