Middle Grade Non-Fiction

BLAST OFF into the WONDERS OF OUTER SPACE with ONE THOUSAND INCREDIBLE FACTS!
Did you know ... that one of Saturn's moons is so hollow it would float in water? That the largest known star is 3.69 billion times bigger than our sun? Or that Jupiter likely has diamonds floating in its clouds?

Explore dazzling facts about the vast expanse of space, from glowing stars billions of light-years away to supermassive exploding supernovas to rockets thundering into the unknown. This comprehensive book takes you on a mind-blowing tour of our unbelievable universe and is full of fascinating facts on topics such as space exploration, our solar system and galaxy, and beyond.

Expert astronomer Dean Regas--former host of PBS's Star Gazers and astronomer of the Cincinnati Observatory--takes you on an incredible tour of facts about each planet in our solar system, dwarf planets, our sun and other stars, exoplanets, comets, asteroids, galaxies, space travel, and so much more. Hundreds of stunning photographs bring the facts to life.

A universe of fun and discovery awaits!

Series Overview: Each book in the 1,000 Facts series focuses on a single topic of high interest to kids. Information is easy to read and easy to understand and is accompanied by colorful photos and illustrations. The fun-fact format and a lively design engage kids and help them forget they're learning. These are perfect reference books for kids who want to know everything there is to know about a specific subject and who love to share their knowledge with everyone around them.

Check out these other fact-filled books from NatGeo Kids: 1,000 Facts About Insects; 1,000 Facts About Ancient Egypt; 1,000 Facts About Dinosaurs, Fossils, and Prehistoric Life; 1,000 Facts About the White House.

A Kid's Guide to the Chinese Zodiac is a charming, fun-filled introduction to eastern astrology, perfect for discovering what your sign--Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, or Pig--says about you.

Are you loyal like the Dog? Or stubborn like the Ox? What does the time you were born say about who you are? Can knowing more about your Zodiac empower you in your day to day?

A Kid's Guide to the Chinese Zodiac offers the history and lore behind this ancient classification system, along with practical advice for young readers on how to navigate relationships and apply oneself at school and at home, all based on the qualities associated with the twelve Zodiac animals. Someone born in the year of the Pig might prioritize stability and comfort. Naturally agreeable, they may need to work at recognizing when they're uncomfortable and speak up so they don't get stuck in the mud. Someone who is a Rat, on the other hand, might be ambitious and clever, but may need to take a step back from their own ideas every now and then in order to find balance.

Beautifully illustrated, with sidebars on Chinese culture and myth throughout, this book is an informative and mystical guide for any kid who is curious about the universe and how they fit into it.

"The Perfect Introduction to Chess for Children!" - Saint Louis Chess Club

Embark on an odyssey of imagination where your child will be captivated and inspired by a whimsical tale about a pawn who desires to become a queen all while developing critical thinking and social skills that will help both on and off the chessboard.

Endorsed by the English Chess Federation, American Chess Magazine, Top Players & More...

"Across the Battlefield is a wonderful combination of foundational chess teaching and the captivating tale of Prunella the pawn that I am sure kids will love and learn from a great deal. My 8-year-old son and I had a great time reading it. Highly recommended!" - GM Leinier Dominguez-Perez, 2008 Blitz Chess World Champion

"Both my daughters loved the adventures of Prunella the pawn! Across the Battlefield is a wonderfully enjoyable (and instructive!) underdog story that I'm sure many will love." - IM Danny Rensch, Chief Chess Officer - Chess.com

"MUST READ! I wish I could give Across the Battlefield: A Pawn's Journey more than five stars! In Across the Battlefield, Jonathan Ferry offers an excellent introduction to chess for kids (and adults too!) that is fun and educational in equal measure. Caroline Zina's whimsical illustrations and the adventurous story can be enjoyed by the whole family, regardless of whether you have prior knowledge or interest in chess." - Reedsy Discovery

"Beautifully written throughout, this is truly a work that will capture the imagination of players (& readers) young and old alike. Jonathan Ferry has a real talent as a teacher and as a writer." - Ben Graff, English Chess Federation

"Across the Battlefield: A Pawn's Journey is a lovely story, beautifully written and enchantingly illustrated, that will appeal to many children - especially, but not only, girls - aged from about 6 or 7 upwards...many children will, understandably, fall in love with the book." - British Chess News

"Across the Battlefield: A Pawn's Journey receives four stars. The story is well-told and the illustrations are absolutely beautifully done... For anyone wanting to teach chess to a young child or grandchild, this is a good little book." - American Chess Magazine

"Across the Battlefield is a captivating tale and guide that could help young players learn and enjoy chess." - Kirkus Reviews

"Across the Battlefield: A Pawn's Journey is entertaining and instructional. Vivid illustrations contribute to the story's appeal to young players. They are mesmerizing and help tell a convincing story about being timid but brave when facing what appears to be overwhelming obstacles... It's a heartwarming story that young readers will want to read again and again." - Ray Linville - Chess.com

"Readers will probably go right to their own state―and then find themselves hooked."― Booklist, Starred Review

"Methodical, inspiring, and consistently enlightening." ―Kirkus, Starred Review

A gorgeously illustrated companion to Matt Lamothe's This Is How We Do It featuring 50 kids from across the United States.

From the rocky coastline of Maine to the lush rainforests of Hawai'i, read about the many different places American kids call home--and about 50 real kids who live there.

In Iowa, Amelia and her dad soar through the skies in their red-and-white-striped plane.
In Rhode Island, Ramon and his sisters ride scooters in the apartment building courtyard.
In Louisiana, Adrain Jr. races his dirt bike down a gravel road, speeding past cornfields.

Matt Lamothe and Jenny Volvovski document the daily lives of 50 children from America's 50 states in this compelling companion to the award-winning picture book This Is How We Do It. Fifty unique, authentic portraits of growing up in America include:

Families who live in a variety of dwellings, from houseboats and yurts to farms, Native reservations, and Air Force bases

Children with adoptive families, stepfamilies, single-parent families, two moms or dads, and those who live with their grandparents

Children living with health conditions such as leukemia and muscular dystrophy

Families from a range of social, religious, and economic backgrounds

This illustration-packed nonfiction children's book depicts a diverse collection of families, homes, and dreams, highlighting what makes each child's world so unique yet also familiar. All About U.S. brings us together by celebrating the similarities and differences between kids' day-to-day experiences across the United States.

KIDS CAN DO AMAZING THINGS!: Prepare to be amazed and inspired by the variety of activities and interests kids take up across the United States, including kids who fly planes, forge real swords, raise their own cows, and write novels.

A FRESH APPROACH TO GEOGRAPHY BOOKS FOR KIDS: Focusing on how children experience the United States today, this book presents the REAL lives of modern children with a variety of backgrounds and family structures.

A WEALTH OF ONE-OF-A-KIND BACKMATTER: With kid-friendly demographics analysis, snapshots of the children featured in the book, and a fascinating peek into the research process (the authors sent more than 400 emails to teachers, librarians, and organizations asking for help finding kids to feature; 231 families applied to be included), this is sure to be a classroom favorite and a valuable educational resource for years to come.

CHALLENGING STEREOTYPES: All About U.S. challenges preconceptions while deepening readers' understandings of the country. No family in the book represents their entire state, where millions of others live. But the 50 chil­dren featured create an image of the country's incredible diversity and the next generation's unique potential.

EXCELLENT EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE: An entertaining and informative resource for children of all ages, this book will inspire children to tell their own stories and to learn about the lives of others across the United States. This book also speaks to educational standards, specifically for younger grades, emphasizing that "students compare and contrast everyday life in different times and places around the world."

PRAISE FOR THIS IS HOW WE DO IT:

A Booklist Editors' Choice

An Amazon Best Book of the Year

A Parents' Choice Award winner

A Junior Library Guild selection

And so much more!

Perfect for:

Parents or teachers looking for children's books about the United States

Fans of National Geographic Kids magazine and other resources that explore geography and different world cultures

Readers of books like Everything & Everywhere: A Fact-Filled Adventure for Curious Globe-Trotters and Milo Imagines the World

Kids who love U.S. wall maps or atlases

Gift-givers seeking an inspiring and educational gift book

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of This Book Is Anti-Racist, Tiffany Jewell, with art by Eisner-nominated illustrator Nicole Miles, The Antiracist Kid is the essential illustrated guide to antiracism for empowering the young readers in your life!

What is racism? What is antiracism? Why are both important to learn about? In this book, systemic racism and the antiracist tools to fight it are easily accessible to young readers.

In three sections, this must-have guide explains:

Identity: What it is and how it applies to youJustice: What it is, what racism has to do with it, and how to address injusticeActivism: A how-to with resources to be the best antiracist kid you can be

This book teaches young children the words, language, and methods to recognize racism and injustice--and what to do when they encounter it at home, at school, and in the media they watch, play, and read.

Following the smash-hit Olympians series, George O'Connor embarks on a new saga about the Norse gods. This second volume tells the story of Thor, god of thunder! Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson!

Welcome to the Nine Worlds, home of Gods, Valkyries, Dwarves, and more! Follow the journey of the mighty Thor as he sets off into the blackest sea in search of the Midgard serpent, Jormungandr; thunders across fjords and hills in his chariot to the land of the Jotnar; and is united with his trusty hammer, Mjollnir, for the very first time. But will Thor's tales of brawling and bravado earn him his crossing from the mysterious ferryman?

Feast on delicacies unique to the Earth Kingdom, Water Tribe, Air Nomads, and the Fire Nation with the Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Official Cookbook.

From the shores of Kyoshi Island to the crowded streets of Ba Sing Se, this official cookbook collects signature dishes from all four nations, like vegetarian plates of the Air Nomads, fiery entrees from the Fire Nation, seafood from the North and South Poles, and delectable cuisine from the Earth Kingdom.

Featuring enticing color photography, step-by-step instructions, and tips for adapting dishes to specific diets, this book includes sixty authentic food and beverage recipes inspired by the beloved series. Enjoy this diverse compendium of delicacies from the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Study this guide and keep it close at hand--this manual of monsters might save your life! This immersive illustrated bestiary introduces you to memorable monsters in Dungeons & Dragons, from the smallest beasts to the most dangerous behemoths.

This illustrated guide transports new players to the magical world of Dungeons & Dragons and presents a one-of-a-kind course on the unusual creatures, from the minuscule to the massive, that fill the fantastic world of the game. This guide features easy-to-follow and entertaining explanations of where to find each beast, their strange abilities and magical powers, and how to defeat them, along with amazing illustrations that will ignite your imagination. Organized by size from small to large, bigger and more dangerous monsters are introduced with every turn of the page.

Beasts & Behemoths is a perfect way for new players and young fantasy fans to learn about the monsters an adventuring party can meet, with profiles full of example encounters and storytelling tips that encourage creative problem-solving skills when battling beastly foes.

Kids will learn how to master the basics of the classic board game in this fun beginner's guide from professional chess player James Canty III.

Become a Chess Champion is structured like a chess course, with knowledge carefully introduced as readers turn the pages - assisted by hilarious chess pieces illustrated by Brian Lambert. The emphasis is on fun: James Canty III uses mini games and chess puzzles to teach important concepts and avoid overwhelming beginners. Kids will learn key skills like how to play the perfect opening and trick their opponents to bring about checkmate. By the end of the book readers should be able to confidently take on their parents, guardians or grandparents in a competitive game of chess!

Become a Chess Champion also introduces kids to the wonderful world of chess. They'll meet the chess player who didn't lose a game for 30 years, the priest who invented the folding chess board, and the astronauts on the International Space station who had a chess match with people back on Earth!

As well as being great fun, chess also helps kids develop key skills such as strategising, patience, and logic, and helps them excel in school subjects such as mathematics.

The cover features gold foil, making this book the perfect gift. Check it out!

Set sail on a delightfully detailed and richly illustrated voyage into the world of ships and shipping that introduces young readers to an oceanic array of naval phenomena.

Readers of every age will find something to dive into in this wonderfully diverse and in-depth exploration of the maritime world. As in his previous book, Planes, Jan van der Veken takes a kaleidoscopic approach to his subject.
Deftly weaving history, science, and culture, he looks at a fascinating array of subjects--historic vessels, amazing voyages, extraordinary figures, technical details, and cultural phenomena. Throughout the book, van der Veken 's vibrantly colored, retro-futurist illustrations are as beautiful as they are informative. Readers will learn:

Why seas have streets

Which bodies of water are considered cursed

How a ship stays afloat

How to use a sextant

How lighthouses work.

Certain to provide hours of entertainment, this is the perfect book for naval enthusiasts of every age.

A riveting graphic novel adaptation of the award-winning nonfiction book, Bomb--the fascinating and frightening true story of the creation behind the most destructive force that birthed the arms race and the Cold War.

In December of 1938, a chemist in a German laboratory made a shocking discovery: When placed next to radioactive material, a Uranium atom split in two. That simple discovery launched a scientific race that spanned three continents.

In Great Britain and the United States, Soviet spies worked their way into the scientific community; in Norway, a commando force slipped behind enemy lines to attack German heavy-water manufacturing; and deep in the desert, one brilliant group of scientists, led by "father of the atomic bomb" J. Robert Oppenheimer, was hidden away at a remote site at Los Alamos. This is the story of the plotting, the risk-taking, the deceit, and genius that created the world's most formidable weapon. This is the story of the atomic bomb.

New York Times bestselling author Steve Sheinkin's award-winning nonfiction book is now available reimagined in the graphic novel format. Full color illustrations from Nick Bertozzi are detailed and enriched with the nonfiction expertise Nick brings to the story as a beloved artist, comic book writer, and commercial illustrator who has written a couple of his own historical graphic novels, including Shackleton and Lewis & Clark.

Accessible, gripping, and educational, this new edition of Bomb is perfect for young readers and adults alike.

Praise for Bomb (2012):
"This superb and exciting work of nonfiction would be a fine tonic for any jaded adolescent who thinks history is 'boring.' It's also an excellent primer for adult readers who may have forgotten, or never learned, the remarkable story of how nuclear weaponry was first imagined, invented and deployed--and of how an international arms race began well before there was such a thing as an atomic bomb." --The Wall Street Journal

"This is edge-of-the seat material that will resonate with YAs who clamor for true spy stories, and it will undoubtedly engross a cross-market audience of adults who dozed through the World War II unit in high school." --The Bulletin (starred review)

Also by Steve Sheinkin:

Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown
The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights
Undefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team
Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War
Born to Fly: The First Women's Air Race Across America
The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism & Treachery
Which Way to the Wild West?: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You About Westward Expansion
King George: What Was His Problem?: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You About the American Revolution
Two Miserable Presidents: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You About the Civil War