New Releases by Wil Mara

Director of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit trilogy, King Kong, and more.

The world of nature awaits you right in your own backyard. Search the woods and deserts for beautiful Blue Jays. While on safari, learn how to identify and observe these birds and discover their interesting behaviors, life cycle, enemies, and defenses.

When Jackie Robinson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers he became the first African American to play on a white Major League Baseball team. Read about how Robinson changed the face of baseball when he broke the color barrier and opened the door for the non-

Readers will learn about a favorite animal, the deer, its anatomy, special skills, habitats, and diet.

"[Mara] details the personalities and complications that go into every draft decision, making for good reading and good drama." —John Clayton, NFL analyst and ESPN senior writer. It''s draft time in the National Football League. For most high-ranking team executives, this means endless days of high-stakes negotiations. But for Baltimore Ravens General Manager Jon Sabino—who has two consecutive Super Bowl victories under his belt—hiring new talent is the last thing on his mind . . . until his star quarterback gets into a car accident that leaves him unable to play. With his eyes on an unprecedented third Lombardi Trophy, Sabino sees only one option: acquiring guaranteed first pick Christian McKinley, the quarterback phenom from Michigan. But at what price? The San Diego Chargers, who presently hold that pick, are not interested in McKinley—so they''ll offer it to the highest bidder. Now Sabino must jump into a cut-throat competition in which old friends become mortal enemies, and no one—not even your allies—can be trusted. The "McKinley Sweepstakes" could very well be the make-or-break moment of Sabino''s career, and the fork in the road that leads him and his team either into the history books—or to the tepid hell of mediocrity . . . "A fascinating novel about what can go on behind the scenes in an NFL front office—the intrigue and maneuvering. It is terrific reading for the fan who wonders how these trades and deals are made" —Ernie Accorsi, general manager of the New York Giants

The time had come, she decided, to rid herself of this burden, to take the steps necessary to put the matter to rest once and for all. And the first step, she knew—against every instinct and desire—was to watch that film. During the reading of her mother''s will, Sheila Baker discovers that she has inherited everything her parents ever possessed, including their secrets. A mysterious safe-deposit box key leads her to the answers to one of history''s greatest conspiracies: Who killed John F. Kennedy? Not only does she have the missing film, revealing her mother as the infamous babushka lady, but she has proof that there was more than one shooter. On the run from people who would stop at nothing to keep secrets buried, Sheila turns to billionaire sleuth Jason Hammond for help. Having lost his own family in a tragic plane crash, Jason knows a thing or two about running from the past. With a target on their backs and time running out, can Jason finally uncover the truth behind the crime that shook a generation—or will he and Sheila become its final victims?

A guide to what a wind turbine services technician does and how to become one.

Learn how scientists have looked toward the kingfisher for inspiration in making high-speed trains quieter.

Learn what it takes to become a motor transport operator in the U.S. military.

Who can resist trucks? They’re loud. They’re complicated. They have wheels twice as tall as your dad. Trucks! has many cool images of the trucks we know and love. There are also curiosities like the $3 million mining truck that’s "like driving a house." This level 1 text is revved up with sound words and images to steer young readers on the road to reading success. National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources. Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.

Focuses on the discoveries and inventions of the ancient Mesopotamian civilization in the areas of transportation, agriculture, architecture, science, and technology.

Provides comprehensive information on the nuclear disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant and the differing perspectives accompanying it.

This fascinating book explores the life of a colonial farmer and his importance to the community, as well as everyday life, responsibilities, and social practices during that time.

This fascinating book explores the life of a colonial innkeeper and his importance to the community, as well as everyday life, responsibilities, and social practices during that time.

A member of the Democratic Party, Grover Cleveland was viewed by his fellow Democrats as someone who would bring change to the White House. In 1884 he was elected as the twenty-second president of the United States. In Grover Cleveland, explore his rise in politics and his two-term career as the nation''s leader. Book jacket.

What better way to study the presidents of the United States than through an exploration of the times in which they lived and served? Presidents and Their Times examines the life and times of each president, placing each within his historical and cultural context, while at the same time focusing on the major events that occurred during each president''s administration. This in-depth series delves into the time period and formative events of each president''s term, revealing childhood character-building experiences, entry into politics, major events of the presidency, and a look at life after the presidency. with its clearly written and accessible text, primary sources, and vivid historical photographs, this series will bring to the forefront the life and times of the presidents of the United States.

Examines the life and times of John F. Kennedy, placing this president within his historical and cultural context, while at the same time focusing on the major events that occurred during each his administration.

History is shaped by events and people. Through studying history we come to understand how things change, learn to grasp the factors that cause this change, and begin to understand what parts of society remain constant despite change. Each title in Perspectives On investigates an historical event and includes, with the help of primary sources such as eyewitness accounts and commentary, differing viewpoints of each event. Factors leading up to the event, and the event''s effect on the culture and people at that time, will be explored, as well as the event''s lasting effects and historical significance.

Describes different types of trucks.

What better way to study the presidents of the United States than through an exploration of the times in which they lived and served? Presidents and Their Times examines the life and times of each president, placing each within his historical and cultural context, while at the same time focusing on the major events that occurred during each president''s administration. This in-depth series delves into the time period and formative events of each president''s term, revealing childhood character-building experiences, entry into politics, major events of the presidency, and a look at life after the presidency. with its clearly written and accessible text, primary sources, and vivid historical photographs, this series will bring to the forefront the life and times of the presidents of the United States.

Describes the physical characteristics, habitat, behavior, diet, life cycle, and conservation status of the beaver.

A short biography of one of our founding fathers.

Highlights the geography, people, food, schools, recreation, celebrations, and language of Iran.

A short biography of the famous civil rights figure and her work.

Presents a brief look at the life of Oprah Winfrey

Presents a brief look at the life of Amelia Earhart.

Introduces the sport of stock car racing including its history, various special features of the cars, and qualifications of drivers and crews.

Introduces the sport of snowmobile racing, discussing the equipment and tactics, race courses, necessary skills, and safety measures.