Washburne, Sophie

"Despite the fearsome appearance their many quills give them, porcupines tend to be gentle animals that are only aggressive when cornered. In captivity, they often show affection toward humans and want to be petted. In their natural habitat, they are an important part of the forest ecosystem. This volume addresses misconceptions about porcupines, giving only the facts about these . . . creatures"--Provided by publisher.

Humans have been building bridges for centuries. They have opened up new areas to exploration and commerce. Although the basic function of bridges has not changed, the materials and methods of construction have undergone amazing transformations over the years. These continue to advance, which will allow engineers to make bridges that are even longer and sturdier than the ones that exist today. Informative sidebars enhance the engaging main text, giving readers an in-depth look at the history and science of bridge construction. A glossary of new terms gives readers a better grasp of the subject matter, and a list of websites gives a starting point for further research.

"From the first artificial satellite, Sputnik, to the cutting-edge technology of today's Mars rovers, this book takes readers on a journey through the history of space exploration. Discover how these . . . machines orbit our planet and beyond, collecting invaluable data and imagery that help us better understand our place in the cosmos"--Provided by publisher.

"From the rugged mountain landscapes to the bustling city streets, this volume explores the culture, traditions, and challenges of the . . . country of Afghanistan. Students learn about the ancient civilizations that once thrived here, the impact of foreign invasions and wars, and the struggles and triumphs of the Afghan people in their quest for stability and peace. Through full-color photographs and engaging sidebars, readers gain a deeper understanding of the country's rich heritage, modern-day realities, and the hope and resilience of its people"--Provided by publisher.

"Geronimo--born Goyathlay--was a Chiricuaha Apache who fought for his people for more than 30 years. His determination to keep the Apache freely living in their ancestral homeland made him the last Native American to surrender to the United States government. Although he did not succeed in his aim of retaining his people's land, Geronimo was hailed as a hero by the Apache. Today, his bravery is remembered even by non-Natives. Historical black-and-white photographs, alongside accessible text, give young readers a glimpse into the life of this . . . freedom fighter"--Provided by publisher.

Briefly explores the origins and history of the automobile and the environmental problems automobiles and their construction can cause, highlighting and celebrating electric cars and newer vehicles with more environmentally friendly designs and mechanics. Includes photographs and a glossary.

"Thermostats that adjust themselves, refrigerators that notify their owners when the food inside them is about to expire, a robotic assistant that can set alarms and answer almost any question--all of these things would have seemed impossible only a few decades ago. However, thanks to rapidly advancing technological developments, these and more are available to the average citizen. As technology becomes increasingly incorporated in everyday objects, knowing how to use it is becoming a crucial skill"--Provided by publisher.

Car manufacturers have learned to be versatile over the years. Some cars are designed for safety and comfort. Others are designed for speed. Car enthusiasts can spend hours hotly debating the best designs. Environmental concerns also affect a car's design, especially when it comes to the engine. This volume looks at some of the most iconic and interesting cars from the inside out. A glossary of new terms gives readers a better grasp of the subject matter, and full-color photographs chronicle the history of car design, from simple motorized carts to sleek racing cars.

"Social media has undeniably changed the world. While people disagree about whether this change is mostly good or mostly bad, it's clear that it will continue to influence our lives. This is why it's imperative to give children an introduction to this new, influential form of social connection long before they're old enough to make their first social media account"--Provided by publisher.

The Wright brothers are well known for building the first successful airplane. However, they were neither the first nor the last to design an aircraft. Early designs looked very different than the planes we have today, but engineers from 1903 onward have generally tried to improve on the existing plane design rather than reinventing it. This volume looks at the successes and failures of airplane design, from the ancient Egyptian Saqqara bird to the hypersonic planes of the future. Engaging sidebars augment the informative main text, and graphic organizers help visual learners understand the mechanics of flight.