Janey Levy

What drove the Maya economy? What kinds of goods did people create and trade? Readers gain insight into these questions and more as they explore ancient Maya economic systems. This book provides archaeological evidence about the goods and services that existed in the Maya civilization through primary sources. Photographs of artifacts and ruins, paired with artwork and engaging text, provide readers with a well-rounded understanding of this ancient...

By the time Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto arrived in Arkansas in 1541, the area was resplendent with the Native American culture of the Caddo, Osage, and Quapaw. The name "Arkansas" comes from a Quapaw word that means "south wind." This book serves as an entertaining visit to Arkansas-the Natural State. Students will gain a solid understanding of the state's government, economics, history, culture, and geography. Highlighted celebrated residents...

The rallying cry "Remember the Alamo" is famous, but how much does the average person actually know about the Texas mission and the 1836 battle that took place there? This volume traces the Alamo's history, from the Native American peoples who lived in the area when the mission was first built through the continuing efforts to preserve the historic site. Particular attention is paid to the Battle of the Alamo and how the bravery of its defenders inspired...

The history of Iran is a long, rich, multi-layered one. Iran was once known as Persia and was devoted to an ancient religion known as Zoroastrianism. The Persian people converted to Islam following the Arab conquest. Persia contributed as much to Islam as it received. Indeed, it eventually developed along a separate path from most Arab Muslims, as it adopted the Shia branch of the faith. Though the Shia would always be a minority within Islam, the...

Giant wetas can't jump, which is a good thing because they're gigantic. This ancient animal is the heaviest insect ever found and can weigh as much as a mouse. Its name means 'God of ugly things.' Though these creepy-crawlies are huge and scary-looking, readers learn they aren't dangerous to humans. In fact, these giant insects mostly love carrots. Through colorful photographs of these supersized insects, readers get an up close and personal look...

This intriguing narrative provides an overview of esophageal cancers. The esophagus is the muscular tube that carries food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach. The two main types of esophageal cancer are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Unfortunately, both types usually aren't diagnosed until the cancer is very advanced. Although there are no guaranteed means of prevention, people can take steps to lower their risk including following...

The environmental movement encompasses many issues, including pollution, conservation, climate change, and alternative energy. Environmentalists maintain that people are part of ecosystems and must act to keep those systems balanced and healthy. This compelling guide to the history of the movement, including efforts today, focuses on important environmental crusaders, including Rachel Carson and John Muir, and the organizations that have fought for...

Harriet Tubman is well known for her work as an abolitionist and a conductor on the Underground Railroad. Her life was one of extraordinary suffering and extraordinary courage. This absorbing biography traces her life from childhood years in slavery, through her escape and subsequent work on the Underground Railroad, ending with her final years. Powerful historical images and age-appropriate text supply solid social studies content. Fact-filled sidebars...

Piranhas are small fish with sharp teeth and a ferocious reputation. They're reputedly such fierce, terrifying predators that horror movies have been made about them. But do they really warrant their reputation? This absorbing volume dives into the world of piranhas to discover the truth about these South American freshwater fish. Special attention is paid to the most infamous and dangerous species, which is the red-bellied piranha. Age-appropriate...

American crocodiles and American alligators are formidable, but neither holds a candle to the fearsome Nile crocodile. Nile crocodiles have the strongest bite in the world at 5,000 pounds per square inch. With this fascinating volume, young readers discover intriguing facts about these animals and their lives. Special attention is given to their bite, how it works, and why and when they bite. Accessible text addresses important science concepts while...