New Releases by Katie Kawa

Chance the Rapper is one of the most famous figures in the world of hip-hop, and his desire to help people, especially young people, has helped him become a role model for many. His early life, career achievements, and the many ways he makes a difference are explored through a fun and fact-filled narrative and a graphic organizer that encourage young people to look for their own ways to help in their communities. Full-color photographs, eye-catching quote boxes, and a detailed timeline of Chance the Rapper's life add engaging visual elements to this empowering reading experience.

Young people in dance classes around the world look up to Misty Copeland. She's changed the way people define who can be a successful ballerina, and she's become a vocal ambassador for healthy body image and strengthening support for African Americans in the world of ballet. Readers discover her engaging and empowering story through an age-appropriate narrative that encourages them to use their own unique talents to make a difference in the world. Quote boxes, full-color photographs, and graphic organizers add to this fun and fact-filled look at the life of one of the most famous dancers in the world.

Some people are so famous they need only one name. Beyonce has achieved this level of fame through her music career, her acting roles, and her activism. Her music has become a powerful form of representation for women of color. Readers will discover this aspect of her life and career in great detail as they discover what makes her a role model for many people around the world. Full-color photographs, age-appropriate quote boxes, and graphic organizers help readers gain a deeper understanding of what it means to truly make a difference.

George Washington and Alexander Hamilton were two of the most famous Founding Fathers. They fought for American independence and then worked to build the United States into a strong and stable country. Along the way, they also became friends. The story of their friendship and how it helped shape the United States is presented through engaging text that balances historical context with a relatable narrative. Featuring fun fact boxes, quotes from primary sources, and an eye-catching design, this high-interest look at history and social studies topics will keep young readers entertained as they learn.

Farmers grow the food that nourishes our communities. Successful farmers hone their knowledge of agricultural science and use high-tech equipment to carry out this essential job. This volume walks readers through a farmer's daily responsibilities, focusing on high-interest topics like powerful tractors and farm animals, and explaining the origin of the foods young readers see in stores and on their tables.

Firefighting is a fast-paced, adrenaline-filled career. It is also a critical profession for every community around the globe. Aside from putting out fires, firefighters work as first responders, helping people any way they can. Use this book to show your young learners how firefighters prepare their equipment for emergency calls, and how firefighters train in the latest methods for fighting fires. Readers will be enthralled to learn how firefighters keep themselves and others safe.

Each day, police officers uphold their promise to serve and protect. Police officers help community members by patrolling our roads to keep them safe, supporting large-scale events, and responding to emergencies. Young readers are introduced to all the ways police interact with their community, including the exciting aspects of a career in law enforcement, such as police cruisers, K9 units, and age-appropriate discussions about investigating crimes. Through striking photographs and an engaging narrative, this book celebrates police officers' essential contributions to our communities.

Americans often have questions about what the president can and can't do. Many of these questions are answered in Article II of the U.S. Constitution. From declaring war to appointing ambassadors and Supreme Court justices, the powers of the presidency are explained in this helpful book. The informative narrative connects the past and present using language from the Constitution that is explained in an accessible way. Current examples of the executive branch in action are presented. Featuring primary sources, graphic organizers, fact boxes, and sidebars, this engaging reading experience helps foster a sense of informed and active citizenship.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a rising star in the world of politics, and she is working hard to use her position as a lawmaker to speak up for what she believes is right and to help people who need someone to stand up for them. Through an engaging narrative, colorful photographs, and eye-catching quote boxes that highlight empowering words spoken by the woman many call "AOC," readers discover her story. They'll be inspired to think about ways they can be more like her as they work to make a difference in their own communities.

"Anxiety disorders are a serious mental health concern for millions of people, including children. Readers who know a friend or family member who struggles with anxiety or who deal with anxiety in their own life can find suggestions for support and helpful facts in this age-appropriate overview of anxiety disorders"--

Gender identity is a concept that young people are talking about in increasingly open ways, and they need resources to help them better understand this complex topic. This sensitive and age-appropriate overview of gender identity features helpful definitions and explanations, an introduction to the use of preferred pronouns, and tips for talking to both peers and adults about this topic. Fact boxes and graphic organizers supplement the carefully researched main text, and full-color photographs make this topic more accessible and relatable for young readers. As they explore the informative narrative, they're encouraged to develop empathy and an appreciation for diversity.

Autism doesn't have one simple definition. It covers a spectrum of symptoms, which is why many people now call it autism spectrum disorder, as it affects people in many different ways. Many young people know someone with autism or are personally living with autism spectrum disorder, and they can benefit in important ways from this comprehensive look at life with autism. Presented alongside sidebars, diagrams, graphic organizers, and full-color photographs, the educational and empathetic narrative encourages readers to understand the challenges those with autism face while also looking to the future with hope.

Some people are allergic to pollen while others have a food allergy. Cats might make someone sneeze, and dogs might make someone else break out in hives. Allergies affect people in many different ways, and sometimes they can be deadly. Knowing the facts about different kinds of allergies can help young people understand their own body better and can also help them support people they know who have allergies. Diagrams, sidebars, full-color photographs, and graphic organizers work with the accessible main text to provide detailed information about what allergies are, how they're diagnosed, and how they can be treated.

Captain Marvel is one of the newest heroes to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but the actress who plays her isn't new to Hollywood. Brie Larson's journey from young actress to Oscar winner to superhero is presented through accessible text that even developing readers can independently enjoy. Additional details about this high-interest topic are found in eye-catching fact boxes, and a helpful timeline summarizes Larson's path to superhero superstardom. Featuring full-color photographs of this famous actress in action, this is a reading experience that superhero fans of all ages are sure to love.

Fake news is a term used by politicians and on social media. It can be difficult to know what news sources to trust, or if any can be trusted. The question of whether or not we should trust the news is at the center of this critical thinking exercise, which is also an accessible introduction to media literacy. As the informative main text details each side of this debate, fact boxes present statistics readers can use to back up their point of view. In addition, a helpful graphic organizer and full-color photographs act as engaging visual learning tools.

Where can fans meet up, get autographs from their favorite stars, and buy cool merchandise? They can do all these things at conventions. There are many things fans need to know before attending their first "con," and they'll find it all in this age-appropriate guide. The engaging text and eye-catching sidebars, graphic organizers, and colorful photographs highlight many kinds of fan conventions. Whether a young fan dreams of traveling to San Diego for Comic-Con International or plans to attend a smaller con in their city, this guide will make sure they're prepared.

Imagine loving a fictional world so much that you're inspired to continue creating stories about that world long after closing a book, exiting a movie theater, or watching a TV show. That's what fan fiction writers do. The world of "fic" is introduced to young fans in this helpful guide to one of the most creative areas of fandom. The accessible text explains what fan fiction is, where people can find it, and how fans can begin writing it. Detailed sidebars, graphic organizers, and full-color photographs add an engaging visual component to this resource for young readers and writers.

Jackie Robinson became the first African American Major League Baseball player, and the story of how he broke baseball's color barrier brings the worlds of sports and history together. How was he chosen to break this barrier, and what struggles did he have to face once he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers? These questions and many more are answered through age-appropriate text, including sidebars that provide additional information about this member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Graphic organizers and photographs enhance the exciting story of a man whose groundbreaking career continues to inspire athletes around the world.

It is sometimes said that we are living in a Golden Age of television. What does that mean, and how did we get there? Readers find the answers as they trace the history of television, from its invention to the current age of "Peak TV." This fascinating story is presented to readers through informative main text, annotated quotations, detailed sidebars, primary sources, and a comprehensive timeline. Television has changed nearly every aspect of life in many countries, and readers are sure to be excited by this fun and fact-filled look at how history and television have influenced each other.

The fight for gender equality has its roots in the past, affects the lives of all people in the present, and will shape the future in important ways. However, before young people can begin to join the fight for gender equality, they first have to understand it. What is feminism? Why are women still fighting for equal pay for equal work? As readers discover the answers to these questions, they become more familiar with this newsworthy topic. Their critical-thinking skills are strengthened through informative main text and fact boxes, as well as vibrant photographs and graphic organizers.

The story of Kennedy's presidency ends in tragedy, but his young life is full of amazing stories. From his strict upbringing in a house of nine children to meeting his future wife Jacqueline, Kennedy's life before he took office was as exciting as his presidency. Through engaging graphic elements and a thorough timeline, readers experience Kennedy's youth and rise to political power. From a house in Brookline, Massachusetts, to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Kennedy's story is one of the great American legends that actually happened.

No matter how many times sightings of Bigfoot have been discredited, this legend won’t be debunked. Diehard believers in the apelike beast take this as support that something is out there that doesn’t want to be found! Readers are invited along on the journey to track down Bigfoot. They’ll learn about some of the most famous encounters, photographic and video evidence, and recent theories. Armed with facts and lore, they can decide for themselves if they believe in Bigfoot.

Some students wear uniforms to school each day. Others do not wear uniforms. Is one approach better than the other? Readers are immersed in the debate surrounding school uniforms through the use of informative text that presents multiple points of view. Eye-catching fact boxes, detailed graphic organizers, and full-color photographs enhance this engaging reading experience. Readers are encouraged to keep an open mind and developed an informed opinion as they explore the many sides of an issue that would directly affect them.

There are many events and ideas to commemorate on the Fourth of July, such as our freedom and the signing of the Declaration of Independence...right? Not exactly! Many people are surprised to learn that the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 2, 1776, not July 4. Readers will feel like true historians as they learn the facts behind the sights, sounds, and meaning of the American holiday of Fourth of July. The fun design of this patriotic book includes colorful, carefully selected images and eye-catching, informative fact boxes.

Taylor Swift has changed her image since she got her start in music, turning from country music sweetheart to pop princess. Best known for her empowering songs about coming of age, Swift has captured the hearts of teens around the world and presents a positive role model for young girls. Full-color photographs, a biographical timeline, and anecdotal sidebars help readers get to know the real Swift.

The Bill of Rights is a foundational document in American history that’s still being analyzed and debated today. Readers gain a better understanding of these first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution through accessible text designed to reflect essential social studies curriculum topics. The main text is accompanied by fact-filled sidebars and eye-catching graphic organizers. Readers will have fun exploring historical images relevant to this topic, including parts of the Bill of Rights itself. Careful analysis of this landmark democratic document will guide readers in gaining a deeper understanding of American independence and equality.

The Hershey Company has been selling chocolate and candies for more than a century. The story of the candy giant begins with the man who gave it is name: Milton Hershey. Born in rural Pennsylvania, Hershey spent years building a business whose sweet legacy continues to delight us today. Readers will love reading Hershey’s life story and discovering his influence on the time in which he lived. Written to support elementary social studies curricula, this biographical title provides historical context to Hershey’s life and accomplishments. Historical photographs, a timeline, and primary sources provide a comprehensive look why Hershey is considered a great entrepreneur.

Peering into the immense blackness of space has taught us a lot throughout the centuries, but it’s also left us with unanswered questions and a burning desire to learn more. Readers are taken on an amazing voyage through some of the freakiest space scenarios, such as other Earthlike planets beyond our solar system that could support life, the possibility of mining water on the moon, and the dark world of the plutoids—the distant dwarf planets in the Kuiper Belt beyond Neptune. Filled with exciting facts, awe-inspiring images, and comprehensive sidebars, this book poses the ultimate freaky question: When we stare up at the stars, is something staring back at us?

Every backyard is its own habitat for many different living things. Readers learn how these living things are connected as they pass energy to one another. Plants, insects, mammals, and other creatures are linked through backyard food chains, and, as readers will see, these food chains come together to form a large backyard food web. A helpful food web diagram is presented alongside engaging text and fact boxes. Readers see even the tiniest backyard critters up close through colorful, detailed photographs.

Which animals and plants can survive in a dry desert environment? Readers learn about the living things that make up desert food chains, including cacti, snakes, and scorpions. Colorful photographs of desert life make readers feel like they’re exploring new parts of this habitat with each turn of the page. Fact boxes provide additional information about the creatures that make up desert food chains, and a detailed food web shows how these food chains all come together. The desert is an extreme habitat, and readers will enjoy learning about the extreme plants and animals that live there.