creative nonfiction

"Five girls played together in the Smith Sisters Orchestra: Irene on trombone, Erma on vibraphone, Edwina on trumpet, Mildred on violin, and Lila on saxophone. But what of the littlest sister? When Viola's time came, almost every instrument was taken . . . except one. When she first sat behind a drum kit, she lost the beat, made a terrible racket, and had more fun than she'd ever had before. Viola took to the road with her family, learned from the greats, formed her own band in the face of discrimination and ridicule, mastered twelve--and seventeen-piece drum kits, and played so fast she left no room for doubt: women could not only keep the beat--they could beat the odds. At one hundred years of age, Viola was still slamming her snare and socking her cymbals. Dean Robbins's . . . portrait of one of the few female professional drummers of the early twentieth century includes an endnote with resources for discovering other female musicians"--Provided by publisher.

"Learn about the amazing bravery and loyalty displayed by animals and their contributions to military success. This book highlights a variety of brave dogs and other animals that have served in the military, whose contributions protected troops on the front lines of war. Each true story gives readers a lesson in history and a lesson in the importance of these animals' contribution"--Provided by publisher.

"The girl in this story loves insects. Her friend does not like insects. Like them or not, children will learn many interesting facts, as well as why insects are essential to human survival"--Provided by publisher.

Explains how birds use behaviors to communicate with each other and people.

Explains how rabbits use behaviors to communicate with each other and people.

Dive deep into the depths of the ocean with Meso, an underwater explorer robot, as it's launched into the mysterious ocean twilight zone, discovering all sorts of unusual and wonderful creatures, and learning that we're all weird in our own ways!.

A graceful tribute to the cycle of life reveals the secret language of skulls--and the traits and behaviors of the animals they once belonged to . . . By observing the characteristics of six different animal skulls, readers can learn about the lives once led by a lynx, a deer, a beaver, a hummingbird, a wolf, and an owl. . . . paired with sound scientific data and back matter resources, will ignite a child's native curiosity and encourage mindful observation of the wonders hidden in nature-and ourselves"--Publisher.

"The story of the world's most famous diamonds--stolen from South Asia during colonization and now among the crown jewels in London--is a call to action for readers to decolonize and hold their heads high"--OCLC.

"Did you know elephants are the world's largest land animals? Male African elephants can reach ten feet tall and weigh up to 16,500 pounds! These endangered animals are beloved for the massive ears ears, thick skin, and flexible trunks, as well as their remarkable intelligence and empathy. And despite their size, the more you get to know them, the more you'll realize humans and elephants have a lot in common"--Provided by publisher.

"A stone is not just a stone: a stone is a story. Embark on a journey across time to see how one stone can change and transform, from magma under Earth's crust, to the sand swept up by a rushing river, to the very heart of the tallest mountain. Watch what happens when rain, ice, and wind mold this rock into something new, something you might even hold in your hand--something full of endless possibility"--Provided by publisher.