Many Japanese come from a common background, so they share many of the same beliefs and customs. This wonderful book describes the different traditions and festivals celebrated in Japan today and how they are influenced by a love of art, nature, beauty, and ritual. Young readers will also learn how the Japanese people celebrate family occasions. Teacher's guide available.

This book is suitable for ages 8-14. Children will love learning the myths and traditions of the ancient peoples of Mesoamerica including how the ancient Mayas believed that they were formed from the flesh of a god who cut off his fingers. Full colour illustrations show ancient Mesoamerican cities, farming societies, and empires. The topics include: The Inca, Aztec, Olmec, Toltec, and Mayan cultures, among others; The importance of animals such as the jaguar in Mesoamerican cultures; War among the ancient Mesoamericans; Architecture, art, and science of the Mesoamerican cultures; The everyday life and belief systems of the Mesoamericans.

The French calendar is filled with fetes, or festivals, which are celebrated with tasty food, colorful decorations, wonderful music, and exciting games. This informative book looks at France's major holidays and family celebrations. Teacher's guide available.

Easy-to-read text and vivid photographs combine to introduce young readers to eco-friendly vehicles. This dynamic new book gives a close-up view of some of the world's most innovative, eco-friendly rides, including three-wheeled cars, hydrogen fuel-cell busses, segway personal transporters, and electric bikes and scooters.

The St. Lawrence River forms part of the boundary between Canada and the United States and connects the Great Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean. This informative book follows this important commercial waterway across the provinces of Ontario and Quebec to where it reaches the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Once a main route of the fur and timber trades, the St. Lawrence Seaway today - a system of canals, dams, and locks - lets seagoing ships travel all the way to Lake Superior. The river is also important as a source of electric power and a home to abundant wildlife. In addition, about one-fourth of Canada's population lives in the St. Lawrence Valley.

This revealing book examines how First Nations and Native Peoples have been displaced in the United States and Canada through treaties, empty promises, and military force. Through close examination of primary source images, documents, and first-hand accounts, readers will gain an understanding of how thousands were displaced and cultures threatened. Topics covered include government relations and policies, such as the Potlatch Law and the Dawes Act, as well as the creation of residential schools and other acts of forced assimilation. Native and non-Native viewpoints are addressed to help readers develop critical thinking skills and get a sense of the attitudes and opinions of the time. A look at relations today sheds light on the lasting repercussions. Teacher's guide available.

Contemporary R and B artist Beyonce Knowles has always loved to sing and dance. Entering competitions as a young child, she burst into stardom as a member of Destiny's Child. This fascinating book takes a close-up look at Beyonce's life and career including her mega success as a solo artist. Also an actress and a philanthropist, the story of this multi-talented performer has only just begun.

From the Oktoberfest folk festival to Christmas markets, Germany has many unique traditions celebrated with traditional foods, rituals, and music. This exciting title follows a year of holidays and festivals that honor religious, historic, and family traditions celebrated by Germans. Teacher's guide available.

Simple text and colorful photos make learning important concepts easy. Familiar two- and three-dimensional geometric shapes and their properties from home and school are used to introduce children to symmetry and asymmetry, lines of symmetry, and congruence.

This fascinating title chronicles the U.S. bombing of these Japanese cities during World War II. Topics include the development of the atomic bomb, Truman's decision to drop the bombs, and the long-term consequences of this historical event. Primary source accounts present reactions from both sides.

Cold case files don't stay cold for very long anymore. After the medical and police teams have secured the area, the crime scene investigators arrive on the scene. This fascinating book follows the efforts of the different CSI personnel involved in gathering and analyzing the physical evidence of a crime, performing ballistics and DNA tests, following the digital trail through mobile device forensics, and giving evidence in court.

When tanks roared onto the battlefield for the first time in World War I, these mechanical beasts changed how battles were fought and how wars were won. Tanks at War looks at the history of tanks, the always-changing technology of weaponry and armor, and how tactics for the use of tanks in battle have changed from a hundred years ago to modern conflicts today. Read about new technologies in the works for the future including robotic tanks and invisibility cloaking devices.

Superstar singer, songwriter, and artist M.I.A. ("Maya" to her friends) has come a long way from humble beginnings. Born in Britain, she lived most of her young life in the birthplace of her parents, Sri Lanka, while it was torn by civil war. After returning to Britain, she rose to fame as a multi-talented composer, performer, graphic designer, and music producer with millions of fans worldwide.

Each year during the beginning of spring, millions of Indian people celebrate Holi, also called the Festival of Colors. This two-day celebration includes important Hindu rituals and traditions. Students will love this fascinating introduction to one of the most colorful celebrations in the world!

The robots of today do more than just heavy lifting. Machines that can sense the world and make decisions are now being used in space, industry, medicine, and the military. This adventurous book follows the development of robots over the past century and describes how modern robots continue to revolutionize different fields making our lives easier, healthier, safer - and more exciting.

Young readers will be amazed by the photos of armored fighting vehicles, or AFVs, in this informative book. Military vehicles protected with plating, such as tanks, artillery, and personnel carriers, are featured along with explanations of how they work and how their armor plating protects them.