New Releases by Wil Mara

Readers learn about the bat, its anatomy, special skills, habitats, and diet.

Big eyes and a cute little hop, the rabbit is a favorite animal. Readers will learn about its anatomy, special skills, habitats, and diet.

Learn about how nature has inspired technological innovations with this book on the similarities between gecko feet and a new adhesive tape. Integrating both historical and scientific perspectives, this book explains how gecko feet inspired the invention of an adhesive. Readers will make connections and examine the relationship between the two concepts. Sidebars, photographs, a glossary, and a concluding chapter on important people in the field add detail and depth to this informational text on biomimicry.

Although called gunsmiths, they rarely labored on guns during colonial times. An important part of the community, the gunsmith most likely focused on other types of metal work, but occasionally assembled firearms. This historical volume chronicles the formative years of the United States through the activities and occupations of its most important community members. It explore the everyday life, responsibilities, social life, and the affect the gunsmith had on the colonial American way of life. Hands-on activities and recipes, sidebars detailing the history and evolution of the profession, and key social studies words are defined in the glossary.

Eye-catching photographs and a fun, engaging narrative explain the extreme sport of Motocross. Cliffhangers, Lazyboys, and Whips; all kinds of cool tricks await readers as they learn about important safety tips, training, and equipment.

Simple, engaging text and vivid photographs introduce young learners to the most important and influential men and women in history. From presidents, to civil rights leaders, to visionary artists, young readers will learn about how these individuals worked to attain their goals and accomplished what few others have. Key Features: A "You Can..." feature at the end of each book that tells the reader how he or she can emulate the subject. For example, You Can Be an Artist, You Can Be a Leader, You Can Help Others, etc. Fast facts -- offering fun, sometimes little known facts about the subject A map with key indicating where the subject was born and other significant nearby areas A timeline that recaps important moments in the subject''s life A poem about the subject Table of Contents and Chapters Glossary with pictures Additional content for further learning on this subject available at www.factsfornow.scholastic.com

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

In the wake of a pandemic virus that rapidly spreads throughout the world killing millions of people, Dennis and Andi Jensen flee the ensuing panic and escape to the mountains while scientist Cara Porter makes a potentially fatal mistake in her laboratory.

Learn how sharkskin has helped scientists create more effective swimsuits.

Learn what it takes to become a helicopter crew chief in the U.S. military.

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

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.

Readers will discover the proper way to react when encountering stray animals and what to do if they are attacked.

Readers will learn how to stay safe by avoiding strangers as well as what they can do if strangers approach them.

Safety rules are presented for playing or traveling near busy streets, and readers are taught how to alert adults in case of an emergency.

Readers learn the potential dangers of swimming and learn how to avoid injury.

Readers are taught how to care for their bicycles and avoid situations that could result in injury.

Colonial America was a place of new beginnings. From the first settlement in 1607 in Jamestown, Virginia, to the formation of the thirteen colonies, people arrived to start a new life and build their community. Local merchants were important community members in the building of the American colonies. In The Innkeeper, explore the daily life of these colonial hosts and discover their importance to the colonial community. Book jacket.

Colonial America was a place of new beginnings. From the first settlement in 1607 in Jamestown, Virginia, to the formation of the thirteen colonies, people arrived to start a new life and build their community. Growing crops and providing food was an important job in the building of the American colonies. In The Farmer, explore the daily life of the colonial farmer and discover his importance to the community. Book jacket.

Colonial America was a place of new beginnings. From the first settlement in 1607 in Jamestown, Virginia, to the formation of the thirteen colonies, people arrived to start a new life and build their community. Caring for the ill was important in the building of the American colonies. In The Apothecary, explore the daily life of these medical specialists and discover their importance to the colonial community. Book jacket.

Colonial America was a place of new beginnings. From the first settlement in 1607 in Jamestown, Virginia, to the formation of the thirteen colonies, people arrived to start a new life and build their community. Tradespeople were an important element in the creation of America. In The Silversmith, explore the daily life of these skilled craftspeople and discover their importance to the community. Book jacket.

The presidential

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.

Waves can be tall and powerful or they can be small and barely make a ripple in the ocean. How Do Waves Form? Helps readers understand the natural forces at work than make waves. Book jacket.

Earthqakes can strike at any moment, without warning. They can bring down tall buildings and rip highways to pieces. But what causes the? Why Do Earthquakes Happen? Helps readers understand the awesome forces at work. Book jacket.

Winner of the New Jersey Notable Book Award! It''s a beautiful day on the New Jersey shore. The residents of Long Beach Island—a narrow strip of land connected to the mainland by a single bridge—are going about their daily routines, enjoying the lovely weather. They have no idea that far out to sea, a plane carrying a nuclear device has crashed. The resultant explosion triggers a massive underwater landslide . . . and a massive tsunami forms, heading straight for Long Beach Island. By the time anyone realizes the water is coming, it''s almost too late. The National Guard is deployed—on the mainland, since the fast-approaching thirty-foot-high wall of water will flatten everything on the island. Terrified residents stream toward the slender lifeline of the bridge, causing the island''s first—and last—major traffic jam. In the frantic struggle to reach safety, strangers offer help to people they''ve never seen before and neighbors turn against neighbors. Some cannot decide which precious possessions must be saved, and so take nothing—or refuse to leave. Others attempt to profit from the panic, looting abandoned homes and businesses. Time is running out. The first wave will hit in less than three hours.

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.