Books

Ancient China (Compass Point Books, 2013)

A stone and earthen wall thousands of miles long. A buried army of lifelike clay warriors, ready to defend the tomb of a great emperor. Amazing, world-changing inventions, including paper, movable type, and gunpowder. The history of ancient China is filled with such marvels. Discover how ordinary as well as extraordinary people lived in what they called the “Middle Kingdom.” Learn what mysteries still remain unanswered about ancient China, a civilization that continues to influence daily life around the globe today.

Ages 9 to 14, ISBN 978 – 0 -7565 – 4568 -0

 

Graphic Content! The Culture of Comic Books (Compass Point Books, 2010)

Donald Duck in Sweden?  Teenage superheroes with everyday problems? People imprisoned or executed for creating comic books?  The life of Buddha honored in a graphic novel? Get ready to be astonished by the pop culture blaze kept alive today by comic books.

From short strips printed on cheap paper to award-winning novels, comic books have come a long way.  Their evolution mirrors the way our world has become more complicated and connected in the last 100 years.  The great news?  These exciting changes are not over yet.

Ages 10 and up, ISBN 978-0756542412

Awards & Recognition

Pennsylvania School Librarians 2011 “Book of Note” for young adults

 

The Story of the Atomic Bomb: How It Changed the World  (Compass Point Books, 2010)

Just before dawn on July 16, 1945, a secret U.S. project changed the world forever.  In New Mexico, scientists and soldiers watched with awe the explosion of a new invention, an atomic bomb.  The blast–as strong as 20 tons of TNT–astonished its creators, even though they had planned for it.

Learn how a war led to this invention, and the resources it took to develop and deploy it. Read about the mixed emotions its creators had, and how the atom bomb has shaped both hot and cold wars.  Find out why we still live with nuclear nightmares and dreams.

Ages 10 and up, ISBN 978-075654316

 

The Story of Pharmaceuticals: How They Changed the World (Compass Point Books, 2010)

A soldier with an open wound.  An infant with a fever.  A boy in pain from a broken arm. These conditions, along with many epidemics, are now helped or cured with drugs.  The impact of modern pharmaceuticals on human health has changed our world.

The story of pharmaceuticals, though is as old as recorded human history.  People had to suffer through killing cures and risky remedies before real ways to prevent or cure some diseases and relieve suffering were found.  These discoveries came about through amazing chance as well as hard work.   Find out the human stories behind the successful medicines we now often take for granted.  Learn, too, about the global problems and the possibilities raised by pharmaceuticals today.

Ages 10 and up, ISBN 978-075654150

 

Hinduism (Compass Point Books, 2010)

“Good luck and blessings in the new year!”  This is how Hindus greet one another during Diwali, the Hindu New Year.  Learn about Hinduism, the world’s oldest organized religion. Hindus acknowledge one god who has many names and is imagined in many forms. Discover the rich history and traditions of Hinduism and how this religion fits into today’s world.

Ages 9 and up, ISBN 978- 0756543282

 

Judaism  (Compass Point Books, 2010)

“May you have a sweet new year!”  This is the greeting Jews exchange each fall during Rosh Hashona, the Jewish New Year.  Learn about Judaism, the world’s oldest religion whose followers worship only one god.  Jews have maintained their strong traditions and intense faith even under severe oppression.  Discover the rich history and traditions of Judaism and how this religion fits into today’s world.

Ages 9 and up, ISBN 978-0756542405

 

Write Your Own Fable  (Compass Point Books, 2009)

Since ancient times, storytellers around the globe have entertained and instructed listeners through fables.  These short tales often teach lessons about good and bad behavior by featuring animals or other creatures.  Adults as well as children appreciate how fables frequently poke fun at foolish deeds.  You too can write fables!  This book will guide you as you explore this worldwide tradition and create your own fabulous tales.

Ages 10 and up, ISBN 978-07565541286

 

Write Your Own Graphic Novel  (Compass Point Books, 2009)

Are you ready to get the big picture about writing?  Today’s authors sometimes use pictures as well as words to tell stories in graphic novels.  Many writers create their own images for graphic novels, but other writers work with artists to craft these high-interest, exciting tales.  Learn how to write your own graphic novel–either by yourself or with an artist–through brainstorming and other activities in this book.  Be inspired by examples taken from adventures, legends, science fiction, fantasies, and fairy tales written as graphic novels.  Discover how nonfiction such as autobiography, history, and science are also part of the popular world of graphic novels.  This book will help you find your own creative path as a graphic novelist.

Ages 10 and up, ISBN  978-0756538569

Awards & Recognition:

Association of Educational Publishers’ 2008 Distinguished Achievement Award; Pennsylvania School Librarians’ 2008 Young Adult Top 40 Title

 

Write Your Own Nonfiction  (Compass Point Books, 2009)

Are you excited by the mysteries that history and science explore? Do you ask yourself “Why?” and “How?” or “What’s next?” when you learn about current events?  Perhaps you are already a fan of a particular hobby or sport.  If you fancy the stories behind facts and you like to investigate them, you will enjoy writing your own nonfiction.  This book will be your guide.

Ages 10 and up, ISBN 978-075651309

 

The Draft Lottery (Compass Point Books, 2009)

Drafting young men into military service was a major controversy of the Vietnam War. Learn about the draft, including what happened to draftees and those who resisted or opposed the draft.  Find out about the lottery system which was supposed to make the draft more fair.  Discover how and why the draft lottery continues to affect some people and stir questions today.

Ages 8 to 12, ISBN 978-07563538415

 

The Kent State Shootings  (Compass Point Books, 2009)

On May 4, 1970, violence on the campus of Kent State University shook an entire nation. Learn what led up to the Kent State shootings and how the tragedies of that day unfolded. Discover how these shocking events affected the course of the Vietnam War.  Find out what questions remain about the shootings and how they continue to influence people today.

Ages 8 to 12, ISBN 978-0756538453

 

Sir Isaac Newton: Brilliant Mathematician and Scientist (Compass Point Books, 2008)

Isaac Newton was a scientific genius whose discoveries changed the way people thought about the world.  Among his many accomplishments, he researched and provided universal principles about how gravity, force, and motion work and are related.  Yet underneath Newton’s public image as a genius was a man with real problems and failings–a complicated, sometimes unpleasant person whose interests and desires did not always match his legend.

Read this biography to discover some of Newton’s secrets and learn how a troubled boyhood shaped a great man who in some ways still remains unknown today.

For ages 10 and up, ISBN 978-0756522094

 

Write Your Own Autobiography  (Compass Point Books, 2008)

Take an eye-opening look at yourself inside and out.  Knowing yourself is important as you write your own autobiography.  The writing process will help you explore and explain what you see inside yourself.  And it may even change your life!

Ages 10 and up, ISBN 978-0756535254

Awards & Recognition

Association of Educational Publishers’ 2008 Distinguished Achievement Award

 

Write Your Own Biography  (Compass Point Books, 2008)

Biographies take readers on journeys through the lives of other people.  They may be famous people from the distant past or someone in your own family or community.  This book is the key that will help you unlock and explain the mysteries of someone else’s life. Examples from numerous books, along with tips from published authors, will help you along on this adventure of a lifetime.

Ages 10 and up, ISBN 0978756533663

Awards & Recognition

Association of Educational Publishers’ 2008 Distinguished Achievement Award

 

Write Your Own Fairy Tale (Compass Point Books, 2008)

Fairy tales transport readers to magical places where good battles evil and heroic deeds are done.  Fantastic creatures inhabit these fairy-tale worlds, where supernatural events happen during everyday life.  Someone often lives happily ever after in these enchanting tales, but what makes the character happy can be surprising.

This book contains brainstorming and training activities that will work like a charm to sharpen your writing skills.  Advice from famous authors and examples from their work will help you cast a spell over readers as you write your own fairy tale.

Ages 10 and up, ISBN 780756533694

Awards & Recognition

Association of Educational Publishers’ 2008 Distinguished Achievement Award

 

Write Your Own Folktale  (Compass Point Books, 2008)

Your imagination will be your bridge into the worldwide tradition of folktales.  Long before stories were written down, storytellers spoke, sang, and chanted tales to delight listeners and teach children good behavior.  Whether they cause laughter or tears, thrills or chills, all folktales communicate values.  This book will help you share your own wit and wisdom in a compelling way.

Ages 10 and up, ISBN 978-0756535162

Awards & Recognition

Association of Educational Publishers’ 2008 Distinguished Achievement Award

 

Write Your Own Legend  (Compass Point Books, 2008)

The bold and daring heroes of legends are probably based on real people.  Their adventures, battles, and romances all have roots in history.  Yet the many tales told and written about legendary figures frequently add magical, mysterious elements to their lives and deeds.  You can venture into this exciting world, too.

Ages 10 and up, ISBN 978-0756535698

Awards & Recognition

Association of Educational Publishers’ 2008 Distinguished Achievement Award

 

Write Your Own Myth  (Compass Point Books, 2008)

For thousands of years, people around the world have sought answers to the great mysteries of life.  How did the world begin?  Why are there stars in the sky?  What happens after death?  Seeking answers, they told stories about gods and goddesses, heroes and monsters, spirits and fantastic creatures.  These stories became the heart of the world’s many mythologies and religions.

You, too, can write your own myth!  This book will help you with brainstorming and writing activities to sharpen your skills.  Tips from famous authors and numerous examples from their works will also aid you as you join the grand tradition of mythmaking.

Ages 10 and up, ISBN 978-0756533724

Awards & Recognition

Association of Educational Publishers’ 2008 Distinguished Achievement Award

 

Write Your Own Tall Tale  (Compass Point Books, 2008)

Tall tales are chock full of heroes whose impossible exploits often explain America’s landscape.  Their incredible adventures will leave you grinning.  Some of the larger-than-life characters in these whoppers are based on real people, while others spring from the imaginations of writers just like you.

Learn how to dig into your imagination to create stories as amazing as the Grand Canyon and as funny as a six-toed snake!  This book will help you write your own tall tale.  It contains brainstorming and training activities to sharpen your writing skills and tips and examples from famous authors.

Ages 10 and Up, ISBN 978-766533755

Awards & Recognition

Association of Educational Publishers’ 2008 Distinguished Achievement Award

 

Vietnam Veterans Memorial  (Compass Point Books, 2007)

Millions of people each year visit the black granite Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.  It inspires powerful emotions.  Yet the monument’s design was controversial, just as the Vietnam War itself had been.  It was one of America’s most divisive conflicts.  Learn about the Memorial and the historical events behind it.  Discover how two other nearby sculptures came to join the Memorial in its moving tribute to veterans.

Ages 8 to 12, ISBN 978-0756520328

 

Amy Tan: Author and Storyteller  (Compass Point Books, 2007)

Discover how world-famous author Amy Tan became a writer, triumphing over a sometimes difficult childhood.  Learn the stories behind her award-winning, popular novels and picture books.  Amy Tan’s works appeal to all ages as they touch upon universal emotions and experiences while describing Chinese and Chinese-American culture.  Find out how this author lives life with zest, enthusiasm, and compassion as she continues to delight readers and listeners.

Ages 10 and up, ISBN 978-0756518769

 

California Ranchos  (Compass Point Books, 2006)

America’s first cowboys were the vaqueros who worked on California and other Southwestern ranchos.  Learn more about this way of life, which flourished between 1821 and 1848.  Discover the dangers and delights that girls and boys, women and men experienced on the ranchos as, over time, three different countries claimed California. Historical documents, illustrations, and contemporary photographs highlight events in this book.

Ages 8 to 12, ISBN 978-0756516338

 

Sarah Winnemucca: Scout, Activist, and Teacher  (Compass Point Books, 2006)

Born into the Northern Paiute tribe, daring Sarah Winnemucca scouted during wartime and became a writer and spokesperson for her people.  She spoke out against the mistreatment of Native Americans.  On the Paiutes’ behalf, she met with President Rutherford B. Hayes and lectured about her people’s needs and way of life.  She wrote a book about the Paiutes in 1883, and later opened an unusual school for Native American children.  Sarah Winnemucca’s personal strengths created a legacy that some Northern Paiutes scorned, but which ultimately benefited her people.

Rare archival photographs and other materials illustrate the life story of this remarkable woman.

Ages 10 and up, ISBN 978-0756510039

Awards & Recognition

Finalist for 2007 Spur Award for juvenile nonfiction; one of 2006’s Best Books for Children, Bank Street College of Education

 

The Arapaho and Their History (Compass Point Books, 2006)

Learn about dramatic events in the history of this Native American people.  Read the words of men and women who influenced this Great Plains people’s past and now shape their future. Historical documents, illustrations, and contemporary photographs add further life to this book.

Ages 8 to 12, ISBN 978-0756508319

 

The Chumash and Their History (Compass Point Books, 2006)

Learn about dramatic events in the history of this Native American people.  Read the words of men and women who influenced this Pacific coastal people’s past and now shape their future. Historical documents, illustrations, and contemporary photographs add further life to this book.

Ages 8 to 12, ISBN 978-0756508357

 

The Creek and Their History  (Compass Point Books, 2006)

Learn about dramatic events in the history of this Native American people.  Read the words of men and women who influenced this people’s past, forcing many from their southeastern woodlands homes westward to what is now Oklahoma.  Hear the voices of those who today shape the future for the Creek.  Historical documents, illustrations, and contemporary photographs add further life to this book.

Ages 8 to 12, ISBN 978-0-756508364

 

The Ojibwe and Their History  (Compass Point Books, 2006)

Learn about dramatic events in the history of this Native American people.  Read the words of men and women who influenced this Midwestern people’s past and now shape their future.  Historical documents, illustrations, and contemporary photographs add further life to this book.

Ages 8 to 12, ISBN 978-0-756508432

 

The Powhatan and Their History  (Compass Point Books, 2006)

Learn about dramatic events in the history of this Native American people.  Read the words of men and women who influenced the past of this Mid-Atlantic coastal people and now shape their future.  Historical documents, illustrations, and contemporary photographs add further life to this book.

Ages 8 to 12, ISBN 978-0756508470

 

The Wampanoag and Their History  (Compass Point Books, 2006)

Learn about dramatic events in the history of this Native American people.  Read the words of men and women who influenced the past of this Northeast coastal people and now shape their future.  Historical documents, illustrations, and contemporary photographs add further life to this book.

Ages 8 to 12, ISBN 978-0756508470

 

Juneteenth  (Compass Point Books, 2006)

Freedom—it’s even sweeter on June 19th! Discover why this day is important in American history and how it became  a holiday. Learn the symbolism and significance of its traditions. Photographs illustrate this easily-read chapter book.

Ages 5 to 9,  ISBN 978-7565-0770-1

 

Passover  (Compass Point Books, 2006)

Special foods and an ancient story–why are they important during Passover?  Discover the origins of this Jewish holiday and how it is celebrated around the world.  Learn the symbolism and significance of common holiday traditions.  Photographs illustrate this easily-read chapter book.

Ages 5 to 9, ISBN 978-0756507725

 

Presidents’ Day (Compass Point Books, 2006)

How did two holidays become one?  Discover the origins of this national holiday.  Learn the symbolism and significance of its common traditions.  Photographs illustrate this easily-read chapter book.

Ages 5 to 9, ISBN 978-756507732

 

The Algonquin  (Compass Point Books, 2005)

Visit the Canadian woodlands.  Discover the history, culture, and modern day life of this Native American people.  Learn about their traditions, values, and hopes for the future. Colorful photographs, maps, and historical drawings illustrate this book.

Ages 8 to 12, ISBN 978-0756506421

 

The Hopi  (Compass Point Books, 2005)

Visit the mesas of the Southwest.  Discover the history, culture, and modern day life of this Native American people.  Learn about the traditions, values, and hopes of the Hopi for the future.  Colorful photographs, maps, and historical drawings illustrate this book.

Ages 8 to 12, ISBN 978-0-756506414

 

The Inuit  (Compass Point Books, 2005)

Visit the icy Arctic.  Discover the history, culture, and modern day life of this Native people.  Learn about Inuit traditions, values, and hopes for the future.  Colorful photographs, maps, and historical drawings illustrate this book.

Ages 8 to 12, ISBN 978-0756506407

 

The Navajo  (Compass Point Books, 2005)

Visit the deserts and mountains of the Southwest.  Discover the history, culture, and modern day life of this Native American people.  Learn about their traditions, values, and hopes for the future.  Colorful photographs, maps, and historical drawings illustrate this book.

Ages 8 to 12, ISBN 978-0756506438

 

Jack the Ripper  (Lucent Books, 2004)

A series of brutal murders took place in England in 1888.  The identity of the killer, nicknamed Jack the Ripper, remains one of the greatest mysteries in the history of crime.  Is is a case that haunts us.  Was the Ripper mad or sane?  Was his motive hatred or love?  And how does today’s science hold the answers?  This book depicts the dramatic unfolding of the case and the range of informed opinions about it.

Ages 10 and up, ISBN 978-1590184448

 

A Hospital  (Smart Apple Media, 2004)

How is a hospital like a small city?  Whose helping hands take people from sickness to health?  Find the answers in this chapter book, which also looks at a hospital’s tools and machines.

Ages 5 to 9, ISBN 978-1583403273

 

How Scientists Work  (Compass Point Books, 2004)

Does talking to plants help them grow?  Learn how scientists would work to answer this question and others.  Discover how scientists examine the world around us as well as mysteries less easily seen.  Photographs illustrate this chapter book.

Ages 7 to 10, ISBN 978-0756505967

 

Satellites and the GPS  (Compass Point Books, 20014)

Learn about the machines that now circle high above us.  Locate important fats about a new “constellation in the sky”–the Global Positioning System (GPS).  Photographs illustrate this easily-read chapter book.

Ages 7 to 10, ISBN 0756505974

 

Sinking and Floating  (Compass Point Books, 2004)

Why do some heavy things float?  Why do some lightweight things sink?  These seemingly dense questions have answers that will leave you feeling buoyant and shipshape. Photographs illustrate this easily-read chapter book.

Ages 7 to 10, ISBN 978-0756505981

 

Wind  (Compass Point Books, 2004)

A kite dances in the sky.  Snowy blasts blow your hat away!  Learn about the wonders of wind–how it helps at work and play, how it affects earth and animals, and how its towers and storms cause harm that sometimes may be avoided.  Photographs illustrate this easily-read chapter book.

Ages 7 to 10, ISBN 978-0756505998

 

All About Money  (Compass Point Books, 2004)

Shells, feathers, and even salt have been used as money!  Learn the history of money and explore its future in this easily-read chapter book.  Color photographs illustrate the text.

Ages 5 to 9, ISBN 978-0756504823

 

Earning Money  (Compass Point Books, 2004)

Earning money doesn’t have to be hard work!  Learn how people can enjoy their jobs, and explore the different ways and reasons kids earn money around the world.  Color photographs illustrate this easily-read chapter book.

Ages 5 to 9, ISBN 978-0756504830

 

Saving Money  (Compass Point Books, 2004)

Were there really buried treasures?  What is the difference between saving and investing? Learn the history of saving money and explore its future in this easily-read chapter book. Color photographs illustrate the text.

Ages 5 to 9, ISBN 978-0756504847

 

Spending Money  (Compass Point Books, 2004)

When is something too expensive?  Learn why and how people spend money, and explore other choices that can be made.  Color photographs illustrate this easily-read chapter book.

Ages 5 to 9, ISBN 978-0756504854

 

Christmas  (Compass Point Books, 2003)

Red poinsettia and green ivy–why do they ‘spell’ Christmas?  Discover the origins of this holiday and how other cultures celebrate it.  Learn the symbolism and significance of common holiday traditions.  Photographs illustrate this easily-read chapter book.

Ages 5 to 9, ISBN 978-0756503895

 

Halloween  (Compass Point Books, 2003)

How did jack-o-lanterns become part of Halloween?  Discover the origins of this holiday and how other cultures celebrate it.  Learn the symbolism and significance of common holiday traditions.  Photographs illustrate this easily-read chapter book.

Ages 5 to 9,  ISBN 978-0756503925

 

Hanukkah  (Compass Point Books, 2003)

Glowing candles and spinning tops–why are they important during Hanukkah?  Discover the origins of this holiday and how other cultures celebrate it.  Learn the symbolism and significance of common holiday traditions.  Photographs illustrate this easily-read chapter book.

Ages 5 to 9, ISBN 978-0756503901

 

St. Patrick’s Day  (Compass Point Books, 2003)

When did parades become part of St. Patrick’s Day fun?  Discover the origins of this holiday and how other cultures celebrate it.  Learn the symbolism and significance of common holiday traditions.  Photographs illustrate this easily-read chapter book.

Ages 5 to 9, ISBN 978-756503949

 

Thanksgiving  (Compass Point Books, 2003)

What kinds of pie were really eaten at the first Thanksgiving?  Discover the origins of this holiday and learn how other cultures celebrate it or ones like it.  Learn the symbolism and significance of common holiday traditions.  Photographs illustrate this easily-read chapter book.

Ages 5 to 9,  ISBN 978-0756503918

 

Valentine’s Day  (Compass Point Books, 2003)

Hearts and flowers–why are they important on Valentine’s Day?  Discover the origins of this holiday and how other cultures celebrate it.  Learn the symbolism and significance of common holiday traditions.  Photographs illustrate this easily-read chapter book.

Ages 5 to 9, ISBN 978-0756503932

 

Dirt:  The Scoop on Soil  (Picture Window Books, 2003)  Illustrated by Sheree Boyd

Soil, silt, clay, and hummus.  Dig into this book about soil to discover the world beneath your feet.

Ages 5 to 9,  ISBN 978-1404803312

 

Light:  Shadows, Mirrors, and Rainbows  (Picture Window Books, 2003) Illustrated by Sheree Boyd

Did you know that moonlight is really sunlight reflected off the moon?  Discover other facts about light in this fun-filled text.

Ages 5 to 9, ISBN 978-1404803329

 

Magnets:  Pulling Together, Pushing Apart (Picture Window Books, 2003) Illustrated by Sheree Boyd  

Magnets seem to make things move by magic.  Come explore what makes magnets so attractive and repelling!

Ages 5 to 9, ISBN 978-1404803336

 

Rocks: Hard, Soft, Smooth, Rough  (Picture Window Books, 2003)  Illustrated by Matthew John

Smooth or sparkly?  Soft or sandy?  Learn about the features of rocks and how they are formed.

Ages 5 to 9, ISBN 978-1404803343

 

Sound: Loud, Soft, High, and Low (Picture Window Books, 2003)  Illustrated by Matthew John

Tap the drum lightly and it rumbles softly.  Turn your ear and a sound is near.  Learn about the sounds all around and how they are made.

Ages 5 to 9, ISBN 978-1404803350

 

Water: Up, Down, and All Around (Picture Window Books, 2003)  Illustrated by Matthew John

Where do raindrops come from?  Why don’t lakes dry up?  Grab your umbrella and take a look at the water cycle.

Ages 5 to 9, ISBN 978-1404803367

 

Feminist Futures: Contemporary Women’s Speculative Fiction (UMI Research Press, 1984)

What kinds of feminism and feminist discourse informed speculative fiction in the 1960s, 1970s, and early 1980s?  How did different authors employ the tropes of metamorphosis, the questing hero or heroine, and the battle of the sexes in their speculative fictions–and what were these works’ literary antecedents and parallels in other art forms?  How did fandom and fan discourse affect speculative fiction–and what did they suggest as possibilities for the futures of feminist discourse?  A look back . . . .

ISBN 0-835715787