Auteur: Kristen Rajczak Nelson

Growing up as a Chinese American in California, Laurence Yep felt trapped between two worlds, belonging to neither one. It was this feeling of being an outsider that caused him to lose himself in boo …

The terrible damage caused by tornadoes has been a focus of many newspapers and TV news programs. Tornadoes strike quickly, violently, and almost everywhere on Earth. The United States has more torna …

Dust storms. Native American attacks. Poor crop growth. After spending months living in shacks or "soddies, " many pioneers didn’t stay to learn the essentials needed to comfortably establi …

The American Revolution was full of odd events not usually included in history books. Some of these events include: the tar and feathering of British supporters and battles taking place in farmers’ f …

Readers will investigate how climate and heritage shaped each colony in the new America-and the important, funny, and strange things colonists did there. Fun fact boxes offer little-known insights an …

Readers set out on a cross-country adventure with emigrants on a wagon train in this book-but they shouldn’t expect an ordinary journey. Including the many pairs of shoes that the travelers wore thro …

Though just 200 words, the Mayflower Compact had a profound impact on the lives of a small group of settlers and the colony they would establish. This historic document kept a struggling group of Pil …

In an increasingly app-focused world, you would be hard-pressed to find a user who hasn’t encountered the massively popular photo-sharing app Instagram. With over 150 million active monthly users, In …

There are many ancient pyramids in Egypt, but there’s only one Great Pyramid. Completed around 2550 BC, it is the largest pyramid of the ancient world. Although it was originally a tomb for an Egypti …

Have you ever looked up at the stars and wondered what ancient people thought of them? Have you ever wanted to see a star up close to study it? This book addresses both of these questions, and much m …

Almost yearly, ancient ruins are declared to be clues to finding Atlantis, a huge island where an advanced civilization is said to have lived. However, we’re not even sure if Atlantis existed at all. …

Pioneer women faced hard winters, few supplies, and loneliness once they settled on the American frontier. That doesn’t even account for the months-long journey to their new home. During the mid-1800 …

Women in ancient Egypt weren’t that unlike women today. They wore makeup, had their hair done, and even enjoyed near equality with men. In this volume, surprising and amusing facts about the women of …

In recent years, scholars have taken a closer look at the women of the ancient world and found poets, landowners, athletes, and more-not just wives. However, for most women, their household was their …

In 1846, travelers heading for California became trapped high in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada. Snowdrifts surrounded their shelters, and food supplies dwindled. How they stayed alive remains on …

As the author of the popular "Little House on the Prairie" books, Laura Ingalls Wilder found fame by sharing her experiences growing up on the American frontier in the late 1800s. Her works …

Insects are often the same color as their surroundings. Their mouthparts developed for exactly the food they like to eat. Grasshoppers have long, strong back legs for hopping over grass, whereas the …

Throughout history, women were kept in the home and out of the workplace. Over time, women began breaking out of their traditional roles and entering spaces traditionally occupied by men, including t …

Throughout history, women were kept in the home and out of the workplace. Over time, women began breaking out of their traditional roles and entering spaces traditionally occupied by men, including t …

Eating disorders are mental illnesses that have dangerous physical consequences. Young adults are most at risk for developing these disorders. This volume aims to educate readers about the causes and …

The Trail of Tears is the name used to describe the forced migration of the Cherokee people in the 1830s from their homelands in the southeastern United States to land in what’s now Oklahoma. This de …

Lin-Manuel Miranda is one of the most accomplished entertainers working today. From his Broadway hit Hamilton to Oscar-nominated songs from Moana, Miranda is fast becoming a household name. This volu …

How did Peter Hernandez, a young Elvis impersonator from Honolulu, Hawaii, become Bruno Mars, one of the biggest pop stars of his time? This colorful biography uses vibrant photos and simple text to …

Serena Williams is considered one of the best female athletes of all time. At age seventeen, she became the first African American woman to win a Grand Slam tournament in forty-one years. Readers wil …

China Anne Mc Clain started singing and acting from a young age. A talented musician, who with her sisters formed the pop group Mc Clain, China has also appeared in major motion pictures as well popu …

Even though he’s one of the biggest music stars in the world today, Ed Sheeran was once an awkward kid looking for his calling. Now, he’s known for constantly working to make better albums, collabora …

Melania Trump has experienced many parts of the world in her life, beginning with her childhood in Slovenia to the modeling world of Milan, Italy. The journey isn’t over yet. In 2016, she became the …

The frozen tundra is a much more manageable place with the help of sled dogs. This book takes readers on a journey to see the many types of dogs used to move carts and sleds. Vivid photographs and fa …

A dog’s great sense of smell can be very helpful. It can even help find missing people. This colorful and engaging book presents the incredible efforts that rescue dogs make to find people in the wat …

Corn can be yellow, white, or blue. It has silk that turns brown when it’s ready to be picked. Readers will enjoy learning many fun facts about this very versatile vegetable. They will see how corn g …

There are many types of grass, from tall bamboo, which can be used for furniture to wheat, which makes flour. The most familiar is the short, soft grass used in our lawns. Readers will explore fun fa …

There are many types of grass, from tall bamboo, which can be used for furniture to wheat, which makes flour. The most familiar is the short, soft grass used in our lawns. Readers will explore fun fa …

From humble bulbs, some of the most beautiful flowers burst forth with showy flowers of six petals each. There are now over 3, 000 registered varieties of tulips. With the help of vibrant photographs …

Corn can be yellow, white, or blue. It has silk that turns brown when it’s ready to be picked. Readers will enjoy learning many fun facts about this very versatile vegetable. They will see how corn g …

From humble bulbs, some of the most beautiful flowers burst forth with showy blooms of petals. There are now over 3, 000 registered varieties of tulips. With the help of vibrant photographs, fun fact …

From farm work to therapy, German shepherds have been working closely with people for many years. In this book, readers learn how the breed got started as well as how the breed has remained important …

Despite their misleading name, Great Danes actually come from Germany, not Denmark. In this book, readers will learn many more facts about this dog that can grow to a height of more than 6-feet tall. …

Because of the Irish Wolfhound’s hunting abilities, wolves became extinct in Ireland by the 1800s. Today, the Irish Wolfhound is a loyal pet for many families. In this book, readers will learn more a …

Did you know Demi Lovato got her start on a children’s show starring a big purple dinosaur? From touring with the Jonas Brothers to starring in her own show on the Disney Channel, Demi has come a lon …

As the son of two famous actors, Jaden Smith has grown up in the spotlight. Now, he’s taking it for his own! Readers will learn more about Jaden’s movies and music in this colorful, engaging book, wh …

Teen music sensation Justin Bieber has taken the world by storm. In this book, readers will discover how he got his start in the entertainment industry through fascinating facts and a timeline of his …

Shetland ponies are popular as pets and for use with beginning riders. These animals were originally bred for harsh weather and hard work on the Shetland Islands. Through the years, the ponies kept t …

Some of the most famous horses in the world are Thoroughbreds. Secretariat, Seabiscuit, and Man o’ War are just a few of the celebrated Thoroughbreds who have earned a place in sports history books. …

Readers are introduced to how comets move and form. Famous comets, such as Halley’s comet, are highlighted throughout the text. Fun fact boxes accompany science content detailed in age-appropriate la …

When lightning strikes, it’s never quiet-that’s because lighting causes thunder. Fun facts capture readers’ attention as they take in this scientific detail. Readers learn how lightning forms as well …

People have been observing the northern lights for thousands of years. The ancient peoples thought the lights could mean the coming of war; scientists today know the lights are natural occurrences. R …

One of the best things about a rainy day is the possibility of a rainbow. Readers learn how rainbows form both through prisms and in the sky. With detailed diagrams to aid understanding, the text int …

Knowing how to use punctuation marks is essential to writing well. The comma and colon are some of the most useful types of punctuation, though the rules regarding their usage can be tricky. Readers …

The foundation of a story is more than just an exciting tale to tell. It’s writing correctly and well. Part of writing well is knowing how to craft complete sentences. Readers will learn the characte …

Varying sentence structure is one great way to make writing more interesting. Knowing how to use the three different kinds of conjunctions is a big part of crafting sentences of varying lengths and s …

Stories wouldn’t make much sense without transition words. One kind of transition indicator–sequential words–helps a writer order events, digress, and signal to the reader that the story will be en …

Writing flows more smoothly when writers use transition words. In addition, they make stories more orderly and often provide more detail. Readers will learn the many kinds of transitions and how to u …

Readers are introduced to the fascinating process of how meteors form in engaging and age-appropriate language. Fun facts inform readers while keeping them fully engaged. Detailed photographs enhance …

Just like countries, words can be at war with each other. It’s the writer’s job to sort out what form subjects, verbs, and other parts of speech must take to make a coherent sentence. Readers will le …

With riveting text, authentic photographs, and revealing primary sources, this book deeply examines the history of the civil rights movement in Texas. Readers will learn about the cultural tension an …

More than 4.4 million tons (4 million t) of cocoa beans are used to satisfy the world’s need for tasty products each year. But cocoa is used for far more than just chocolate bars. Readers will discov …

Dairy products are a big part of the American diet, though not always in the most healthful ways. Milk, yogurt, and cheese all offer calcium, protein, and vital vitamins and minerals! Readers will be …

There are so many different kinds of fruit in the world, it’s hard to choose a favorite. Apples, oranges, and bananas are the fruits most commonly eaten in the United States, but even more exotic var …

Pasta is one of the most versatile foods in any kitchen. It can be served cold or hot, with rich and creamy sauces or a light drizzle of garlic and olive oil. Pasta is great with both vegetables and …

A diet rich in vegetables is one of the best ways to prevent disease, maintain a healthy weight, and keep all the body’s systems functioning well. Nonetheless, veggies are often met with a resounding …

Driving through the northeastern part of the United States during the fall is much different than traveling through the Southwest. Vermont will have many trees with their leaves changing color, while …

Knowing how to read common types of maps is a worthwhile skill. While computers have made paper maps seem outdated, many people still check out weather maps, road maps, and even simple political maps …

Even in such a tech-savvy culture as ours, understanding latitude and longitude coordinates has many uses. Coordinates can help hikers find their way when lost on a difficult trail and geocache enthu …

Horror movies are filmed in Highgate Cemetery in London, England. The oldest headstones at the Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague, Czech Republic, are from the 1400s. In Cairo’s City of the Dead, the poor …

Meteorology is a science that deals with the always changing, always fascinating atmosphere of Earth. Meteorologists don’t just deal with rain, wind, and snow; they’re also on the lookout for life-al …

The Shoshone people’s history is forever tied to the period known as westward expansion in the United States. Occupying lands in present-day Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, California, and Nevada, the Shoshone …

Nelson Mandela, the late president of South Africa, was a civil rights leader for more than 50 years, and he spent more than 25 of those years in prison for fighting apartheid. This exceptional biogr …

In 1846, travelers heading for California became trapped high in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada. Snowdrifts surrounded their shelters, and food supplies dwindled. How they stayed alive remains on …

Today, science offers explanations of things people once found freaky, and the human body is no exception. Everything our body does has a purpose, from our seemingly gross bodily fluids to the weird …

One major adaptation of mammals is part of what differentiates them from other animals: the growth and nourishment of babies inside the mother’s body! Water-repelling fur, tough hides, camouflage, as …

Oil, also known as petroleum, is one of the most significant sources of energy in an energy-hungry world. Every day, more than 80 million barrels of oil are used in people’s homes, businesses, and ve …

It seems impossible that it could be 6 p.m. in one place and 6 a.m. in another. But, because of time zones and other ideas people around the world have adopted, this happens every day! The most inter …

Earwax is self-cleaning. The only parts of our bodies that don’t have hair are the palms of our hands, the soles of our feet, and our lips. There are so many fascinating facts about our bodies and pr …

No athlete wants to break a bone on the field, but injuries are bound to happen when playing sports. Learning what steps to take and how to recover from serious injuries is an important part of being …

Within the rock cycle, the formation of metamorphic rock can be the most confusing. It is not only formed from existing rock, but also can be formed in a few different ways. Readers learn the basics …

Igneous rocks are often portrayed as the result of one of Earth’s most exciting events, which is a volcanic eruption. While some may form that way, igneous rock on Earth can form much more quietly, a …

Reaching the summit of Earth’s highest peak, Mount Everest, is a feat that most will never realize. However, readers will feel like they’re gasping for air alongside the extreme athletes featured in …

It’s hard to fathom what it would be like crossing 1, 100 miles (1, 770 km) of Alaskan wilderness on a dogsled. The frigid conditions alone would make many adventurers think twice about this challeng …

Grains can be a healthy, tasty part of our diets, but the grains we eat should most often be whole grains. The less processed the grain, the better it is for us! Readers will learn the health benefit …

The culture of the Inca Empire is defined by fascinating architecture, religion, farming, and technology, as well as a society that saw each citizen assigned to a specific task. This volume explores …

How has the U.S. Constitution stayed relevant even though the world has changed so much since it was written? Readers discover the answer as they learn fascinating facts about the document that set u …

Andrew Carnegie may be one of the most famous names in American history, and his story is nothing short of an inspiration. An immigrant born in Scotland, Carnegie immigrated to the U.S. and became on …

Skateboarding as we know it today emerged as a popular sport in 1950s’ California, but in the time since the first wheeled boards "surfed" the streets, the sport has evolved and reached spo …

Role-playing can be an informative and entertaining way to learn about historical periods, such as the Renaissance, far beyond traditional classroom learning alone. This title introduces the history …

The "War to End All Wars" didn’t live up to its original name, but it did forever change the world in many ways. New technology would end up changing the way future wars were fought, and th …

Pocahontas is one of the most recognizable names in American history. Though she only lived to be around 22 years old, her association with colonial America and the New World has cemented her status …

How has the U.S. Constitution stayed relevant even though the world has changed so much since it was written? Readers discover the answer as they learn fascinating facts about the document that set u …

It’s confusing and scary when someone seems to be choosing not to eat, but what’s at work inside them is more than a decision. Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions, and those with an …

In 2011, Michelle Obama said, "There are still many causes worth sacrificing for, so much history yet to be made." Since leaving the White House, she has continued to live by those words. R …

Fangtooth fish never shut their mouth-literally! Their fangs are too long to close their mouths all the way. There are many more freaky facts where that came from throughout this especially freaky an …

The U.S. civil rights movement rose to prominence in the 1950s, with protests finally compelling civil rights legislation in the mid-1960s. But activists still contended with institutional racism emb …

The detailed craft of creating a unique costume, props, and makeup to bring both beloved and reviled characters to life has become a serious art form in the past decade. Today, cosplay is one of the …

Assassin bugs are amazing creatures that use their long mouthparts to kill their prey. These ambushing bugs wait on flowers, where other bugs will land while looking for a meal. Unfortunately for the …

So many children want to make a difference, but are unsure where to turn or what first steps to take to become a leader. Veteran children’s author Kristen Rajczak Nelson cleanly lays out everything y …

It’s time to book the talk shows and literary journals, everyone wants to know how a best-selling author gets their ideas and crafts a masterpiece! This engrossing guide to becoming a successful writ …

The human body is amazing, but with advancements in medicine and scientific technology, there are some pretty freaky stories about how people can live in the modern world. From surviving after having …

From humble bulbs, some of the most beautiful flowers burst forth with showy blooms of petals. There are now over 3, 000 registered varieties of tulips. With the help of vibrant photographs, fun fact …

There are many types of grass, from tall bamboo, which can be used for furniture to wheat, which makes flour. The most familiar is the short, soft grass used in our lawns. Readers will explore fun fa …

So many children want to make a difference, but are unsure where to turn or what first steps to take to become a leader. Veteran children”s author Kristen Rajczak Nelson cleanly lays out everything …

Blue jays can be noisy birds! They have several calls, including one that sounds like a bell and some that imitate hawks! But, their incredible blue-and-gray coloring is always a joy to spot in a for …

What’s more exciting than spotting a flitting humming bird on a flowering bush? Readers won’t be able to stop trying to find one after reading this engaging book! Some of the smallest birds on Earth, …

There are more than 300 kinds of parrots, and they’re found in warm places like rain forests all over the world. These colorful, noisy birds are some of the most recognizable on Earth. Beginning read …

One of the most familiar birds around, the robin is found all over North America. They are often seen picking worms out of lawns, especially after the rain! Known by their signature reddish orange br …

In many places in the United States, the characteristic drumming woodpeckers rings out come springtime. These familiar birds often elicit curious question from kids wondering who’s make all that rack …

This biography will introduce readers to the causes behind this actor’s talent and fame. In addition to being an award-winning actor, Leonardo Di Caprio has been involved in several endeavors to bett …

Did you know that we vote on the presidential election in November because it’s right after harvest time, but before brutal winter weather? There’s all kinds of interesting details behind when and ho …

Voting is the expression of one’s opinion or choice. This means voting can be anything from making a choice about what to eat for breakfast or who should be the next president of the United States of …

Not everyone in the United States is eligible to vote. Voting rules are different in every state. For federal elections, however, voters must have U.S. citizenship to vote. Voters must be 18 on or be …

Citizens of the United States have the freedom to choose who they vote for. Voters can choose from a number of candidates. Most people belong to a political party and they often choose to vote for th …

All U.S. citizens, regardless of age, race, sex, and nation of origin, have the right to vote. White male landowners used to be the only people able to vote in the United States. Women, people of col …

Did you know that we vote on the presidential election in November because it”s right after harvest time, but before brutal winter weather? There”s all kinds of interesting details behind when and …

Voting is the expression of one”s opinion or choice. This means voting can be anything from making a choice about what to eat for breakfast or who should be the next president of the United States o …

Not everyone in the United States is eligible to vote. Voting rules are different in every state. For federal elections, however, voters must have U.S. citizenship to vote. Voters must be 18 on or be …

Citizens of the United States have the freedom to choose who they vote for. Voters can choose from a number of candidates. Most people belong to a political party and they often choose to vote for th …

All U.S. citizens, regardless of age, race, sex, and nation of origin, have the right to vote. White male landowners used to be the only people able to vote in the United States. Women, people of col …

From those at the Rockefeller Center to ones that might perch at the top of a home Christmas tree, angels are a common symbol of the Christmas season. This symbol’s link to the holiday likely began w …

Historically, a "carol" is a song or dance of praise or joy. They used to be performed during all four seasons. Today, most young readers know the carols many people sing at Christmastime, …

Even before Christmas celebrations began, evergreen trees were used as part of winter festivals and celebrations. Today, many people still bring a real fir tree into their home at Christmastime, or a …

Many Christmas symbols are very old and date to before there even was a Christmas! Elves, however, were likely introduced to the mythology of Santa Claus in the 1820s with the famous poem, "The …

In the original poem in which Santa’s reindeer were named, "Donner" and "Blitzen" were actually spelled "Dunder" and "Blixem." Today known as "The Night B …

Much of the detail in Santa Claus lore was added to his long history of stories in the 19th century. His storied home became the North Pole around this time. Today, the North Pole is symbolic of Sant …

From those at the Rockefeller Center to ones that might perch at the top of a home Christmas tree, angels are a common symbol of the Christmas season. This symbol”s link to the holiday likely began …

Even before Christmas celebrations began, evergreen trees were used as part of winter festivals and celebrations. Today, many people still bring a real fir tree into their home at Christmastime, or a …

Much of the detail in Santa Claus lore was added to his long history of stories in the 19th century. His storied home became the North Pole around this time. Today, the North Pole is symbolic of Sant …

In the original poem in which Santa”s reindeer were named, ‘Donner’ and ‘Blitzen’ were actually spelled ‘Dunder’ and ‘Blixem.’ Today known as ‘The Night Before Christmas, ‘ the poem from 1823 may be …

How does Santa make it around the world delivering presents in one night? Where did that notion even come from? The stories about Santa Claus are many and spark the imaginations of old and young alik …

Whether you call your January 6th celebration El Dia de los Reyes or the Feast of the Epiphany, you”re celebrating a day dedicated to the three kings. Sometimes called the three wise men or the magi …

Historically, a ‘carol’ is a song or dance of praise or joy. They used to be performed during all four seasons. Today, most young readers know the carols many people sing at Christmastime, including …

With riveting text, authentic photographs, and revealing primary sources, this book deeply examines the history of the civil rights movement in Texas. Readers will learn about the cultural tension an …

All amphibians spend part of their life on land and part in the water. What part and for how long varies between species. In this engaging and colorful text, readers learn the main characteristics th …

Mammals take care of their young and live in groups, from a pride of lions to a passel of opossums, but even though mammals have features in common, the physical and behavioral adaptations of each sp …

Many people consider Maya Angelou to be one of the greatest American voices in the literature of the past century. Throughout her lengthy career, Angelou shared her personal story through autobiograp …

The president of the Confederate States of America, Jefferson Davis, was reluctant to take office. He had a military background and would have rather have taken a post on the battlefield. In this com …

Idina Menzel got her start acting and singing on stage. When she voiced Elsa in the popular Disney movie Frozen, Menzel was introduced to a different realm of fame. Young Frozen fans and aspiring sin …

What animal has a jellylike body, long tentacles, and the power to stop a person’s heart? It’s the jellyfish, and these adaptations have helped it survived over hundreds of millions of years. Readers …

In the United States, about 2 million people are allergic to bee stings. If not treated properly and promptly, serious reactions can be life threatening. Readers learn what to do if they or a friend …

Minerals are an essential part of the Earth science curriculum since silicate minerals make up more than 90 percent of Earth’s crust! In order to understand this fact, though, students need to know t …

Glowworms are special kinds of beetles that make their own light. They do this through a cool chemical reaction that takes place in their bodies. Readers learn fascinating facts about these insects t …

Snakes are often seen with their tongue sticking out. They’re not being rude; they’re tasting the air! Snakes use their tongue to sense the world around them. Readers discover this and more as they e …

There’s almost nothing more recognizable in the bird world than a male peacock’s ostentatious tail, or train. When the blue and green feathers are lifted, fanned out, and shaken, their used to draw i …

How does Santa make it around the world delivering presents in one night? Where did that notion even come from? The stories about Santa Claus are many and spark the imaginations of old and young alik …

Whether you call your January 6th celebration El Dia de los Reyes or the Feast of the Epiphany, you’re celebrating a day dedicated to the three kings. Sometimes called the three wise men or the magi, …

Many Christmas symbols are very old and date to before there even was a Christmas! Elves, however, were likely introduced to the mythology of Santa Claus in the 1820s with the famous poem, ‘The Night …

On May 19, 2018, a new chapter in the special relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States began when Prince Harry married the American actress Meghan Markle. Their royal wedding was …