Humanity's impact on the natural world can have disastrous effects. The Great Pacific Garbage Patchshines a light on the giant accumulation of garbage in the Pacific Ocean. With abundant charts and diagrams and large-format photos, this title explores the science behind ocean currents and plastic's chemical composition to explain the threat trash, especially plastic, poses for the world's oceans, and considers actions people and governments can take to try to improve the situation. Features include a flow chart showing the disaster's causes and effects, a glossary, references, websites, source notes, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Essential Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO. Read more

“A complete visual package.” —Booklist, starred reviewOn a clear, warm Sunday, April 14, 1935, a wild wind whipped up millions upon millions specks of dust to form a duster—a savage storm—on America’s high southern plains.The sky turned black, sand-filled winds scoured the paint off houses and cars, trains derailed, and electricity coursed through the air. Sand and dirt fell like snow—people got lost in the gloom and suffocated... and that was just the beginning.Don Brown brings the Dirty Thirties to life with lively artwork in this graphic novel of one of America's most catastrophic natural events: the Dust Bowl. Read more

"Inspiring Stories for Amazing Black Boys" is a heartwarming collection of 30 true stories, each shining a light on the incredible courage, perseverance, problem-solving, and friendship of Black boys from various walks of life. This book is a treasure trove of motivational tales that not only entertain but also empower young readers.Imagine diving into stories that take you on a journey through the lives of inspiring individuals who have turned challenges into triumphs. From young inventors who solve the problems they see in their communities, to athletes who push beyond limits, and everyday heroes who find strength in friendship and bravery in their actions. Each story is a beacon of hope, showing that with determination and support, great things are possible.Designed with young readers in mind, this book is easy to read and understand. The stories are perfect for parents and guardians to read aloud, share, and discuss with their children. They highlight the importance of believing in oneself, never giving up, and the power of unity."Inspiring Stories for Amazing Black Boys" is more than just a book; it's a source of inspiration and a reminder that every boy has the potential to achieve amazing things. It celebrates the diversity, strength, and resilience of Black boys and encourages them to see themselves as the heroes of their own stories. Read more

Embark on the ill-fated maiden voyage of the "unsinkable ship" with Titanic for Teens: The Voyage, Real-Life Stories, and Legacy—a must-read for all teenagers.The great tragedy of the Titanic is forever etched in maritime history. Step into April 14th, 1912, and dive into a riveting exploration of the catastrophe of that fateful night.Submerge yourself in a world of opulence and ambition and discover the unknown stories of the passengers and crew, whose destinies were bound by their shared experience. From aristocrats to immigrants looking for new beginnings and teenagers just like you—their tales unveil the haunting echoes of lost dreams and shattered illusions.Inside Titanic for Teens: The Voyage, Real-Life Stories, and Legacy, you'll discover:How the Titanic came to be, from an ambitious idea to build an unsinkable ship, to its construction and launch.The fascinating lives of those on board, from high-class aristocrats and the newly wealthy in the first class cabins to a variety of emigrants from all over Europe in the third class, looking to start new lives in America.What life was like aboard the Titanic, beginning with the impressive facilities reserved for the first class passengers and moving down to the humble lodgings in the third class.The gripping sequence of events, from the chilling iceberg sighting moment to the ship's tragic sinking.The aftermath and enduring legacy of the Titanic disaster, unraveling its profound impact on history and society. Packed with relevant takeaways, lesser-known facts, and real-life stories, you'll become immersed in the rich tapestry of the past, fostering a deeper appreciation for a tragedy that continues to captivate the world to this day.Get your copy of Titanic for Teens today and set out on an unforgettable journey through time. Read more

Sibert Honor Medalist · Kirkus’ Best of 2015 list · School Library Journal Best of 2015 · Publishers Weekly’s Best of 2015 list · Horn Book Fanfare Book · Booklist Editor's Choice On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina's monstrous winds and surging water overwhelmed the protective levees around low-lying New Orleans, Louisiana. Eighty percent of the city flooded, in some places under twenty feet of water. Property damages across the Gulf Coast topped $100 billion. One thousand eight hundred and thirty-three people lost their lives. The riveting tale of this historic storm and the drowning of an American city is one of selflessness, heroism, and courage—and also of incompetence, racism, and criminality.         Don Brown’s kinetic art and as-it-happens narrative capture both the tragedy and triumph of one of the worst natural disasters in American history. A portion of the proceeds from this book has been donated to Habitat for Humanity New Orleans. Read more

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Wildfire is a natural process that takes place in forests and grasslands all over the world. In dry conditions, a single spark can rapidly transform into flames that stretch for miles and sweep across the landscape, burning away everything in their path. Although commonly seen as destructive and deadly, fire is a necessary part of ecosystems; they refresh the land and allow for new plant growth. Environmental scientist Ferin Davis Anderson and author Stephanie Sammartino McPherson examine how Indigenous people, farmers, and forestry departments have used fire to manage resources; why climate change is impacting the frequency and intensity of wildfires; and what the future of fire might look like. Read more

Sibert Honor Medalist · Kirkus’ Best of 2015 list · School Library Journal Best of 2015 · Publishers Weekly’s Best of 2015 list · Horn Book Fanfare Book · Booklist Editor's Choice On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina's monstrous winds and surging water overwhelmed the protective levees around low-lying New Orleans, Louisiana. Eighty percent of the city flooded, in some places under twenty feet of water. Property damages across the Gulf Coast topped $100 billion. One thousand eight hundred and thirty-three people lost their lives. The riveting tale of this historic storm and the drowning of an American city is one of selflessness, heroism, and courage—and also of incompetence, racism, and criminality.         Don Brown’s kinetic art and as-it-happens narrative capture both the tragedy and triumph of one of the worst natural disasters in American history. A portion of the proceeds from this book has been donated to Habitat for Humanity New Orleans. Read more

Compelling and timely, award-winning author Elizabeth Rusch’s The Twenty-One tells the gripping inside story of the ongoing landmark federal climate change lawsuit, Juliana vs. United States of America. The Twenty-One is for readers of Christina Soontornvat’s All Thirteen, fans of Steve Sheinkin’s books, and anyone interested in the environment and climate change, as well as youth activism, politics and government, and the law. From severe flooding in Louisiana to wildfires in the Pacific Northwest to melting permafrost in Alaska, catastrophic climate events are occurring more frequently—and severely—than ever. And these events are having a direct impact on the lives (and futures) of young people and their families. In the ongoing landmark case Juliana vs. United States, twenty-one young plaintiffs claim that the government’s support of the fossil-fuel industry is actively contributing to climate change, and that all citizens have a constitutional right to a stable climate—especially children and young adults, because they cannot vote and will inherit the problems of the future.Elizabeth Rusch’s The Twenty-One is a gripping legal and environmental thriller that tells the story of twenty-one young people and their ongoing case against the U.S. government for denying their constitutional right to life and liberty. A rich, informative, and multifaceted read, The Twenty-One stars the young plaintiffs and their attorneys; illuminates the workings of the United States’s judicial system and the relationship between government, citizens’ rights, and the environment; and asks readers to think deeply about the future of our planet. Features extensive backmatter, including a timeline, glossary, call to action, additional resources, and photographs. Read more

Wildfire is a natural process that takes place in forests and grasslands all over the world. In dry conditions, a single spark can rapidly transform into flames that stretch for miles and sweep across the landscape, burning away everything in their path. Although commonly seen as destructive and deadly, fire is a necessary part of ecosystems; they refresh the land and allow for new plant growth. Environmental scientist Ferin Davis Anderson and author Stephanie Sammartino McPherson examine how Indigenous people, farmers, and forestry departments have used fire to manage resources; why climate change is impacting the frequency and intensity of wildfires; and what the future of fire might look like. Read more

A Washington Post Best Children’s Book of the Month, More Deadly Than War from New York Times bestselling author Kenneth C. Davis explores the hidden history of the Spanish influenza pandemic during World War I.2018 marked the 100th anniversary of the worst disease outbreak in modern times: the Spanish flu, a story even more relevant today. This dramatic narrative, told through the stories and voices of the people caught in the deadly maelstrom, explores how this vast, global epidemic was intertwined with the horrors of World War I—and how it could happen again. Complete with photographs, period documents, modern research, and firsthand reports by medical professionals and survivors, More Deadly Than War provides captivating insight into a catastrophe that transformed America in the early twentieth century.A Junior Library Guild Selection!“An important history—and an important reminder that we could very well face such a threat again.”—Deborah Blum, New York Times bestselling author of The Poison Guide: One Chemist’s Single-Minded Crusade for Food Safety at the Turn of the Twentieth Century“In an age of Ebola and Zika, this vivid account is a cautionary tale that will have you rushing to wash your hands for protection.”—Karen Blumenthal, award-winning author of Jane Against the World: Roe v. Wade and the Fight for Reproductive Rights Read more

***SILVER MEDALIST - GLOBAL BOOKS AWARD 2023***If you’re worried, if you’re stressed, if you’re scared…that just means you know what’s coming next.This book isn’t going to help you stop worrying about climate change. We should all be worrying.But if you are the type of person who feels that action is the cure for anxiety, this book is for you.What do we really need to worry about? How can we actually prepare? And how can we take positive action? Get some answers to the climate questions that are affecting your mental health:How to prepare for the 10 most likely climate-related emergencies and figure out which ones could impact youThe top 5 effective and easy ways to reduce your carbon footprintMethods to talk about climate change with friends and familyHow to sidestep frustrating climate debates and actually change people’s mindsA comprehensive set of preparation, emergency planning, and mental health resourcesWhich organizations you can join or support that are already making a differenceAnd so much more…If you feel like you’ve given up on tomorrow, accepted the fact that it’s already too late, or resigned yourself to life being worse off than the generations before, this book is for you. Change your mindset and take a stand for your future without sacrificing what you still have today.To improve your present by preparing for the future, click the 'Buy Now' button and conquer your climate change anxiety. Read more

Natural and man-made disasters have the power to destroy thousands of lives very quickly. Both as they unfold and in the aftermath, these forces of nature astonish the rest of the world with their incredible devastation and magnitude. In this collection of ten well-known catastrophes such as the great Chicago fire, the sinking of the Titanic, and hurricane Katrina, Brenda Guiberson explores the causes and effects, as well as the local and global reverberations of these calamitous events. Highlighted with photographs and drawings, each compelling account tells the story of destruction and devastation, and most especially, the power of mankind to persevere in the face of adversity. Read more

A speck of dust is a tiny thing. In fact, five of them could fit into the period at the end of this sentence.On a clear, warm Sunday, April 14, 1935, a wild wind whipped up millions upon millions of these specks of dust to form a duster—a savage storm—on America's high southern plains. The sky turned black, sand-filled winds scoured the paint off houses and cars, trains derailed, and electricity coursed through the air. Sand and dirt fell like snow—people got lost in the gloom and suffocated . . . and that was just the beginning.Don Brown brings the Dirty Thirties to life with kinetic, highly saturated, and lively artwork in this graphic novel of one of America's most catastrophic natural events: the Dust Bowl. Read more

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The twentieth century ushered in a new world filled with a dazzling array of consumer goods. Even the poorest immigrant girls could afford a blouse or two. But these same immigrant teens toiled away in factories in appalling working conditions. Their hard work and sacrifice lined the pockets of greedy factory owners who were almost exclusively white men. The tragic Triangle Waist Factory fire in 1911 resulted in the deaths of over a hundred young people, mostly immigrant girls, who were locked in the factory. Told from the perspective of six young women who lived the story, this book reminds us why what we buy and how we vote really matter. Read more

Humans mastered the science of shipbuilding thousands of years ago. But it’s not always smooth sailing on the high seas. Get the details of some of the most disastrous shipwrecks of our times. Read more