It's 1942 - the middle of World War II - and Elephant Bill, his Elephant Company, and a group of refugees are in danger of being captured by the invading Japanese. They must flee their work camp in Burma as soon as possible to keep ahead of the enemy. Bandoola, Elephant Bill's favourite elephant leads the way. On their way to safety in India, they face many dangers through the jungle and across five mountain ranges. Will Bandoola and Elephant Bill lead them to safety? Or will they be captured by the enemy?

Posed on the eastern edge of Russia, the Baltic republics of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are among the smallest republics of the 15 countries of the former Soviet Union. Collectively, however, they are the greatest success story of these once satellite states. They were the first Soviet states to break away and have achieved a successful transition from communism to democracy. The Baltic Republics begins with a detailed introduction to the common geography and history of the Baltic republics, followed by sections that explore the history, government, economy, culture, daily life, and cities of each individual nation. Providing a general assessment of the present problems and future solutions of the three Baltic republics this volume introduces readers to various aspects of life in these areas. The author emphasizes the success of these countries in the post-Soviet era and provides a broad historical overview that shows recent events in context. Accessible and up to date, The Baltic Republics is an ideal starting point for students researching the area.

Are you ready for some of the most exciting, death-defying escape stories ever told? The fourth installment in the Great Escapes series is here-perfect for fans of the I Survived series! December 13, 1920. It was a typical Monday morning when three US Navy officials boarded a hot air balloon for an easy, routine training flight. But as evening came, heavy rain and wind knocked Lieutenants Louis Kloor, Stephen Farrell, and Walter Hinton off course, eventually forcing a crash landing deep within the snowy Canadian wilderness. As the men searched for salvation, they were overcome by freezing temperatures, starvation, and fatigue. To survive this harrowing experience, the brave military officers would have to go up against their greatest enemies yet-desperation and despair. From reluctant reader to total bookworm, each book in this page-turning series-featuring fascinating bonus content and captivating illustrations-will leave you excited for the next adventure!

This fun new series offers a fascinating way to introduce youngsters to the characters in Greek mythology. Each book contains an Introduction that explains the origins of mythology, an A-Z Hall of Fame featuring the key characters in each book, full profiles of each character with their amazing myths, and much more. Full color.

African Americans in the Visual Arts, Revised Edition covers the rich tradition of African-American artists of the past with the best of today's contemporary artists. Each entry in this revised volume provides a brief biographical sketch of the artist, addressing the major achievements, events, and contributions of the artist's career. A general bibliography and subject indexes complement the insightful text.

New and revised profiles include:

Amalia Amaki

Xenobia Bailey

Chakaia Booker

Frederick J. Brown

Renee Cox

Louis Delsarte

Leo Dillon

David Hammons

Spike Lee

Glenn Ligon

Eugene J. Martin

Keith Morrison

James E. Ransome

Faith Ringgold

Lorna Simpson

John Singleton

Rosie Lee Tompkins

Shawn Walker

William T. Williams

Fred Wilson

and more.

Outsider Fiction examines books about young people having trouble fitting into society because of their race, social class, appearance, identity, or many other reasons. This new edition contains entries on some of the most frequently challenged books in America.

Coverage includes:

-The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

-The Buffalo Tree by Adam Rapp

-Fools Crow by James Welch

-Nappy Hair by Carolivia Herron

-The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

-The Pigman by Paul Zindel

-Whale Talk by Chris Crutcher

and many more.

From dystopian novels to popular fantasy series, books from the science fiction and fantasy genres are among the most appealing to young-adult readers and the most controversial. Science Fiction and Fantasy contains entries on some of the most widely challenged books in America.

Coverage includes:

-Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

-The Goosebumps books by R.L. Stine

-The Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling

-His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman

-James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

-A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

and many more.

The long and successful reign of Prime Minister Vaclav Klaus and his Civic Democratic Party ended in November 1997 with the collapse of the coalition that had kept him in power. This collapse was the result of a worsening economy, several financial scandals, and political dissention within the coalition. After new elections were held in June 1998, the Czech Social Democratic Party formed a minority government with Milos Zeman as prime minister, bringing a leftist party to power for the first time since 1989. The Zeman government had its problems as well, particularly in the area of censorship and personal rights, but Zeman was able to win reelection in 2002 since the economy had rebounded in 2001. Klaus, whose Civic Democratic Party failed to retake power in the parliamentary election, was elected president in 2003, striking a blow to the government of the Social Democratic Party. The Czech Republic became a full member of NATO in 1999 and has been invited to join the European Union by 2004. The Czech Republic, Second Edition takes a close look at historical and recent events to provide up-to-date and comprehensive coverage of the Czech Republic's recent history. This updated and revised edition chronicles the history of this country and examines current political, economic, and cultural developments. Accessible, up to date, and reliable, it is a great starting point for students and general readers interested in learning more about the Czech Republic and its people.

Since this original edition was published, reform leader Lech Walesa and the Solidarity movement have all but disappeared from the political scene in Poland. In 1995 elections, former Communist Atexsander Kwasniewski won the presidency and was easily reelected in 2000. President Kwasniewski supervised the adoption of a new constitution in May 1997, Poland's entry into NATO in March 1999, and its successful application for membership in the European Union, to take effect in 2004. Poland, Second Edition takes a close look at these and other recent events to provide a comprehensive, current overview of Poland. For this edition, the author has made significant updates and revisions to the original volume. Current events have been added in detail and the chronology and reading list have been brought up to date. A new preface, index, and new photographs have been added as well, making this a key resource for students and general readers who want to know more about one of the United States's closest allies.

Praise for the previous edition:
In this fact-laden book, Sanborne presents a clear picture of a country that is relatively new...The book is especially strong in defining the various parties and movements...this is one of the only current books to provide YAs with the background needed to understand unfolding events in the country that was the home of Dracula., VOYA
Since "Romania was published in 1996

Providing an examination of Afghanistan's history, tradition, religions and the cultural history of its tribes and ethnic groups, this text also examines the different factions vying for power. It deals with the difficulties of everyday life and the problems that the country faces in the future.

Many of the most controversial young adult books portray young people on the cusp of maturity. Such books are often controversial for their frank depictions of issues of sexuality, personal identity, and more. Coming-of-Age Fiction contains entries on some of the most popular and often-challenged books in America.

Coverage includes:

-The Alice books by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

-A Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Newton Peck

-The Goosebumps books by R.L. Stine

-Then Again, Maybe I Won't by Judy Blume

-We All Fall Down by Robert Cormier

and many more.

Ukraine, Second Edition traces the political, economic, and cultural history of this vibrant country, detailing recent changes and bringing coverage fully up to date. This compelling reference provides completely current information, including results from recent elections. Also included are profiles on contemporary leaders, statistics and information regarding the country's economic and political status, and a discussion of present and future problems.

From the beginnings of the colonization of the United States, Latino art - including theater, film, music, dance, painting, sculpture, and other modes of artistic expression - has been a creative and physical presence in the Southwest, southern Florida, and much of California - a presence that now reaches every part of the United States. Despite this, Latino artists have often fought against negative stereotypes and discrimination, from the silver screen to the art studio, sometimes opting to change their names so as not to draw attention to their Latino roots. However, numerous Latino artists - such as actress and producer Salma Hayek and singer Gloria Estefan - have been able to use their talents and prestige in order to promote projects that focus on and promote Latino culture, concerns, and history. ""Latinos in the Arts"" traces the accomplishments of 178 performing and visual artists. Whether an individual was born in the United States or emigrated from such countries as Mexico, Cuba, Spain, or numerous other Central and South American nations, each Latino profiled has made significant contributions to art in the United States. Although the geographical diversity among Latino artists is great, certain themes, such as religious imagery and the struggle for social justice, often appear and reappear in these artists' creative works. A bibliography directs the reader to sources for further information about Latino Americans and the arts. One subject index divides entries by area of expertise, such as cartoonist and printmaker. Additional indexes also organize subjects by the decade of their birth and by their ethnicity or country of origin. Many black-and-white photographs of the artists, often in the midst of their craft, enhance the text throughout this insightful volume.

Praise for the previous edition:
Straightforward prose and well-organized chapters detail Bulgaria's many wars, turbulent politics, and fascinating cultureEducators and students will find the book useful for learning about a variety of governments, the challenging process of political transitions, and the intriguing history of a country still trying to find its identity...an easily accessible research tool.—"Booklist"
...offers a sense of a rich national identity...makes excellent use of unfamiliar aspects of Bulgarian life to draw readers in...—"Kirkus Reviews"
Severe economic problems