Most Popular Books by Rebecca Stefoff

Alchemy is an idea based on superstition and philosophical global traditions spanning hundreds of years. Alchemists made medicines and pharmaceuticals from the earthu0092s materials and purified objects through philosophy, magic, and spirituality. Chemistry is based on the material principles of mixed bodies, and spans all natural or physical sciences in its practices. This book on alchemy and chemistry shows the scientific method at work and proves and disproves the subjects at hand. It explores a branch of modern science or a major scientific milestone, comparing and contrasting it with an older idea that has been proved wrong or fails to meet the strict and studied standards of science.

Describes the characteristics, life cycles, and roles of various flowering plants.

Traces the life and career of Vice President Gore, describes his experiences in Vietnam, and explains how he developed an interest in environmental issues.

Through centuries of storytelling, giants have evolved into monstrous fairy tale creatures with unique powers. This book explores many stories about giants and discusses their place in history as well as in todayu0092s society.

Examines the physical characteristics and behavior of snakes and describes six different kinds.

"An examination of the origin, history, development, and impact of the submarine and related underwater exploration and transport technology"--Provided by publisher.

It can be hard to imagine a time when it was generally believed that the shape of our earth was a flat plane or disk. This book exposes the bizarre and sometimes hilarious history of science, explores pseudo-scientific theories from the past, and the scientific progress made since then through use of the scientific method. Through the scientific method, anecdotes, historic facts, and the scientific theories themselves, it tells the story of why people of a particular time period believed in such things and the discoveries that led us to learn otherwise.

Describes the physical characteristics, behavior, and habitats of different kinds of beetles.

Tunnels allow people to cut through tall mountains or even travel deep underwater. Discover the engineering behind tunnels.

Describes the evolution, body structure, and behavior of dogs, and discusses their interaction with people.

Forensic Science Investigated takes young readers inside this fast-growing field, showing them how crime scene investigators and forensic specialists gather evidence, solve crimes, and even liberate innocent people who have been mistakenly imprisoned.

Examines the physical characteristics, life cycle, and natural habitat of various kinds of hummingbirds.

Barking frogs, giant cane toads, six-foot-long Chinese salamanders, and tiny dwarf sirens-all these and many more are amphibians who live in the two worlds of water and land. The Amphibian Class describes the origins and ways of life of the three main kinds of amphibians, with a look at many weird and wonderful species. It covers the amphibian life cycle from tadpole to tree frog, introduces the strange and seldom-seen creatures called caecilians, and even answers the age-old question: What''s the difference between a frog and a toad? The Amphibian Class also explains why many scientists fear that these ancient animals are in serious trouble today and looks at some of the things being done to help them survive into the future. Book jacket.

Describes the physical characteristics, behavior, and camouflage abilities of this unusual fish.

Examines the 1972 Supreme Court case Furman v. Georgia in regard to the death penalty.

Argues both sides of the debate on assisted suicide and euthanasia.

The impact and ramifications of cases argued before the Supreme Court are felt for decades, if not centuries. Only the most important issues of the day and the land make it to the nine justices, and the effects of their decisions reach far beyond the litigants. Under discussion here are five of the most momentous Supreme Court cases ever. They include Marbury v. Madison, Roe v. Wade, Dred Scott, Brown v. Board of Education, and The Pentagon Papers. An absorbing exploration of enormously controversial events, the series details, highlights, and clarifies the complex legal arguments of both sides. Placing the cases within their historical context (though they ultimately emerge as works in progress), the authors reveal each decision''s relevance both to the past and the present. the result is a fascinating glimpse across the centuries into the workings of the Supreme Court and the American judicial system.

Describes the discovery of Pluto, the ninth planet, what has been learned about it, and the current controversy over whether it is a planet at all.

Termites are amazing builders. Some build mounds more than 15 feet above ground! How do they do that? These social insects live and work together in colonies. Each colony member has its own job. Discover how termites build their nests, communicate, and depend on one another to survive in their huge colonies.

Examines the physical characteristics, life cycle, and natural habitat of different species of penguins.

Readers of the books in Todays Writers and Their Works will learn the story behind each writers story.

Discusses the history of horses and their domestication by humans, as well as their physical characteristics and behavior.

Text plus historical and contemporary maps provide a look at the history of cultures that flourished along the Mediterranean Sea.

Describes physical aspects of the earth and moon, the relationship between the two bodies, and exploration of earth''s natural satellite.

Examines the evolution of recycling as a concept, its role in controlling the world''s trash problems, and possible future developments.

Text and photographs introduce some of the 3600 kinds of starfish.

The history of the United States is, in large part, the history of its Landmark Legislation. In this series, the authors take the reader behind the scenes to show the drama that led to each bill''s being passed and the effect each piece of legislation has had in the development of our country. Each book includes an informative "From Bill to Law" feature, which explains in easy-to-follow fashion how the process of legislation works. Patriot Act tells the story of how the events of September 11, 2001, led to the bill officially known as the USA PATRIOT Act, and the controversy over civil liberties versus national security that has been debated ever since. Book jacket.

Take a step back in time to explore the origin of humans.

Text plus historical and contemporary maps provide an overview of the history and culture of Europe during the Middle Ages.

Whether it is a big furry dog or a tiny freshwater fish, a fluffy rabbit or a hard-shelled box turtle, caring for a pet is a great joy and a great responsibility. Books in this series help a reader learn more about the many animals that make great pets. Packed with informative text and vivid photographs, each title explains how to choose the right pet and how to take care of it. With interesting sidebars and fun facts, these books are perfect for a first-time pet owner or for students who are interested in learning more about these great pets.

Profiles the Cuban-American pop singer who is the leader of the popular Latin musical group the Miami Sound Machine.

Goliath Beetles are among the largest insects on Earth at about the size an adult hand. Learn about their history, behavior, lifecycle, and the conservation efforts that are being done to protect these huge bugs.

Whale Sharks are the most massive fish. Learn about their history, behavior, lifecycle, and the conservation efforts that are being done to protect these gentle giants of the sea.

Presents the history of the Wild West through a variety of primary source images and documents, such as diary entries, newspaper accounts, public speeches, popular literature, and personal letters.

Describes how Uranus, the seventh planet from the sun, was first discovered, how it was studied in the twentieth century, and what we know about it today.

Presents the history of the westward expansion of the United States in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries through excerpts from letters, newspaper articles, journal entries, and laws of the time.

Examines the causes, events, and aftermath of America''s war for independence.

Presents information on some of the causes of the Civil War, the battles fought between 1861 and 1863, and the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.