Open Me Up

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Open Me Up by DK Publishing

Following on the very hot heels of Pick Me Up, Do Not Open, and Take Me Back, comes Open Me Up, and irreverent, graphically dynamic, intelligently hilarious, and gruesomely informative book about the goings on of our innards.

A spectacular 3-D cover (featuring an incredible die cut to reveal the internal organs) will wow browsers, while the superb interior design, imagery, and information will seal the deal. Learn about the discovery of penicillin from a graphic novel, see how the heart works via its social networking page, and watch white blood cells zap invaders on a video-game spread.

This is not your father's Gray's Anatomy. (From Amazon.com product listing.)

National Geographic Kids World Atlas

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National Geographic Kids World Atlas by National Geographic

It's Your Planet!
It's your only home. Here are 117 pages of mas, more than 200 color photographs, 234 fact boxes, 195 flags (one for each country, in case you're counting), and 49 locator gloves to guide your way.

Learn It!
Can you name 531 ocean features? You can! Find them using our 3821 plane-name index. This index works with map bingo grids to help you easily navigate through the 8 color-coded continents and 4 ocean floor maps.

Love It!
Have fun with the 47 illustrated graphics and charts and 60 different map symbols-- tools to help you explore. Fall in love with the mother tiger and her cub on page 107 and feel compassion for the refugees of Superstorm Sandy on page 30.

Explore It!
"Wow, I didn't know that!" is what you'll say as you explore our 209 pages. But the NG Kids World Atlas takes you deeper. Find a new games section in the back of the book and digital scanners that bring you photos, videos, and games.
(From back cover of book.)

The National Geographic Society 100 Years of Adventure and Discovery

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The National Geographic Society 100 Years of Adventure and Discovery by C.D.B Bryan

For a century, the National Geographic Society has been bringing to an audience of millions the thrilling world of adventure, discovery, and natural wonders. Robert E. Peary's determined, successful struggle to be first to reach the North Pole; Hiram Bingham's exciting discovery of the mysterious lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu; the awesome deadly eruption of the Mont Pelee volcano; the devastating San Francisco earthquake, Reinhold Messner's superhuman solo climb to the summit of Mt. Everest--these are but a few of the spectacular events reported at first hand by the Society. (Insert from in side cover jacket of book.)

Historica 1000 Years of Our Lives and Times

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Historica 1000 Years of Our Lives and Times by Chief Consultant Dr. Geoffrey Wawro

Historica shows the evolution of people's lives over the last thousand years, & shows how dramatically the world has changed. In the year 1000 most people lived in rural areas, cities were small & grew around cathedrals or fortresses or castles; transportation was by horse & cart; breakfast for most people was a small meal of bread & cheese at sunrise; most people were illiterate; education was usually only for wealthy boys & was conducted by the church (in natural history, 1,000 years ago you may have been taught that hyenas can change their sex at will, & that the only fear elephants have is of dragons), & personal freedom was very limited; people's roles in life were strictly limited by their place in society. Today the world is a very different place. How did these changes occyr? Historica tells the story: that of wars, invasions, inventions, discoveries, explorations, & the amazing people who played a key part in all these events that have brought us to where we are today. This is history made real & exciting, with stories that are as dramatic as today's news, with pictures & maps to bring the most distant events & civilizations in sharp focus.  (From Amazon.com product listing.)

Kids Meet the Presidents

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Kids Meet the Presidents by Paul Rodhe & Paul Beatrice

Children will step into history and look at the United States with new eyes when they pore through this fun collection of presidential portraits, all enhanced with die-cuts. It’s the perfect introduction to the nation’s leaders: each one receives a double page spread enhanced with intriguing historical background, presented as if the president were actually addressing the reader personally. And this will be the first complete, comprehensive presidential book on the market, encompassing everyone from George Washington through 2008’s President-elect.
Kids will have an entertaining and educational experience as they become acquainted with the unique people who made the United States what it is. (From Amazon.com product listing.)

Space a Visual Encyclopedia

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Space a Visual Encyclopedia Published by DK Publishing

Space: A visual encyclopedia reveals everything you need to know about the universe. Hundreds of stunning images combine with illuminating descriptions to transport you to the depths of space.
Discover the history of space travel, the latest information on space-faring countries, and exciting possibilities fo future missions. Explore the solar system and the universe in incredible detail, encountering high-speed comets, extreme temperatures, and storms that rage for centuries. Then find out what it's like to be an astronaut, from space walks to keeping animals on board!
Packed with facts, timelines, and world-class photography, this encyclopedia really brings outer space to life.
(From back cover of book.)

2013 Almanac for Kids

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2013 Almanac for Kids by Scholastic

A perfect reference for students and trivia buffs!

Need homework help? Love trivia? Just want to impress your friends or teachers? The SCHOLASTIC ALMANAC 2013 has information about practically anything and everything! If you have questions, this book has A LOT of answers. Packed with hundreds of facts, stats, and all of the info you need to keep boredom away and handle schoolwork with ease. The 2013 edition will feature an exciting new cover, completely updated facts and stats throughout, and new chapter openers.
(From Amazon.com product listing.)

Epidemics & Plagues

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Epidemics & Plagues by Richard Walker

"Kingfisher Knowledge" is a groundbreaking series for readers hungry for information on today's hot topics. Lively, engaging text, packed with information, accompanies stunning photographs that enhance each chapter. Amazing, state-of-the-art digital artwork guides readers into the fascinating heart of the subject. This learning adventure does not stop there - information panels throughout lead the reader to further discovery. Each chapter offers website links, book lists, places to visit and career information. "Epidemics & Plagues" takes an in-depth look at epidemics and plagues past and present, finding out about the big killer diseases and what happens when they spread rapidly and affect large numbers of people. It conveys the sad yet gripping histories of the Black Death of 13th-century Europe, the Great Plague of London, the devastating smallpox epidemics of 18th-century America and the flu epidemic that followed the First World War. It peers under the microscope at the agents that cause smallpox, influenza, cholera, tuberculosis, AIDS and malaria, examines the science to find out why they spread so quickly and what might be done to stop them. It also looks at history and legend to get an idea of why people have always been so frightened by the threat of epidemics and plagues.
(From Amazon.com product listing.)

Encyclopedia of the Victorian Era

Encyclopedia of the Victorian Era by James Eli Adams

Designed with a broad audience in mind, this interdisciplinary encyclopedia edited by Adams (associate professor of English, Cornell) and two experienced reference book editors is "intended to provide sweeping coverage of the social, political, and intellectual landscape of the British-dominated world during the years of the reign of Queen Victoria, 1837-1901." Though the emphasis is British, coverage extends to places around the globe where Victorian culture made a mark. Thus, the discussion in Agriculture is not confined to Britain but also considers India and America.
More than 620 alphabetically arranged entries vary in length from 500 to 4,000 words and cover topics such as Child labor, Crimean War, Domestic workers, East India Company, Electricity, Gardens and garden design, Gothic revival, Music halls, Race and racism, Railways, and Sanitation. The preface explains that, since biographical information is generally so easy to find, subject-based essays were favored over biographies in the selection of topics, but some individuals are included because they were "inarguably important" or because they "represented a tendency." Approximately one-third of the entries are biographical, covering Alexander Graham Bell, Julia Margaret Cameron, Lewis Carroll, Charles Darwin, Karl Marx, and others. Among the Americans who are included are Horatio Alger, Susan B. Anthony, John James Audubon, and P. T. Barnum.
The 350 black-and-white illustrations are generally well chosen. Further reading lists attached to entries include primary as well as secondary material and some Web pages, many from the Victorian Web [http://www.victorianweb.org]. Appendixes provide an undated map of the British Isles (a map of Victorian London would have been a nice addition), selected primary documents, and selected Web resources. See also references facilitate access, as does a "Synoptic Table of Contents" that classifies entry headings under broad topics such as "Biographies" and "Sexuality and Gender." The index is quite detailed. For example, under diseases and epidemics, in addition to the main entry, there are 37 other page references, from Boer War to worldwide smallpox outbreak (1871-73), along with see also references to cholera and venereal disease.
Though a few contributors employ academic jargon, writing is very accessible on the whole. Adding to the set's readability is the strong emphasis on matters of daily life. Entries such as Cabs and omnibuses, Governesses, Hair, Lighting, and London Season provide value for fans of Victorian fiction, as well as for students and researchers. The encyclopedia is recommended for academic and large public libraries. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
(From Amazon.com product listing.)

Mapping the World

Mapping the World Produced y Andromeda Oxford Limited (Contains Affiliate Link)

This set of brief volumes is intended to describe the history of cartography, discuss its importance in the development of various cultures, and explain how it is done. Each of the individual volumes examines a particular aspect of mapping: "Ways of Mapping the World," "Observation and Measurement," "Maps for Travelers," "Navigation," "Mapping New Lands," "Mapping for Governments," "City Maps," and "Mapping for Today and Tomorrow." Within each volume, around 12 or 13 separate topics are presented in sections of two to six pages. In addition to the numerous maps that appear throughout the set, every page is enhanced with nicely captioned illustrations, most in color. At the bottom of each left-hand page there are cross-references to other sections in the set that expand on some aspect of the subject under discussion. Many of the topics are classroom oriented and encourage students to carry out activities for further study. Words appearing in a volume's glossary are indicated in italics. Each volume concludes with further reading and Web sites as well as a comprehensive index.
Although this set fills a need, is nicely arranged, and has an appealing layout, it is somewhat weak on content. This would be an additional purchase for upper-elementary and middle-school libraries wanting to supplement their map curriculum. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
(From Amazon.com product listing.)

Marine Sciences

Marine Sciences Edited by James W. Nybakken and William W. Broenkow (Contains Affiliate Link)

From School Library Journal

Grade 9 Up-More than 800 alphabetical entries vary in length from 250 to 2500 words and discuss topics ranging from "Abyssal Gigantism" to "Zooxanthellae." The informative articles cover the subdisciplines of oceanography (biological, chemical, geological, and physical) in addition to economics, marine life, and ecology of the oceans. Technologies used to explore this environment and biographies of important individuals are also included. Each accessible, signed entry concludes with a list of related articles and suggestions for further reading that will be useful for students. Volume one offers a complete contents list and the final volume concludes with a descriptive directory of research centers and educational institutions, a bibliography subdivided into disciplines, a synoptic outline, and a comprehensive index. More than 200 average-quality, black-and-white diagrams and photographs appear throughout the set. There is no pronunciation guide. This broad yet thorough resource will be useful in large public libraries and high schools with a marine science curriculum.
Maren Ostergard, Bellevue Regional Library, WA
(From Amazon.com product listing)

Diseases

Diseases by Bryan Bunch and Jenny Tesar (Contains Affiliate Link)

From School Library Journal

Grade 6 Up—Students will find a goldmine of basic reference information in these attractive, up-to-date volumes. Following an introduction with clear general-health guidelines and instructions on how to use the encyclopedia, diseases are presented alphabetically. Articles boast consistent internal organization and excellent visuals and explanations. The set emphasizes the diseases of young people, "from acne to warts" and a wide range in between. Layouts feature a visually inviting outside column devoted to titles, photos, and insets; a listing of the disease type (infectious, genetic, etc.); see-also references, and relevant Internet sites. The entries are divided by subheadings: cause, incidence, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, stages and progress, and prevention. Warnings and emergency information are printed in brick-red text that contrasts effectively with the black type and blue headings. The material is accurate and easy to understand, and scientific terms are explained clearly. Each volume has a set index. The only noticeable drawback in this thorough and accessible resource is the unavoidable dating of medical information—this is the third edition in 10 years. A great selection.—Mary R. Hofmann, Rivera Middle School, Merced, CA

From Booklist

This is the third edition of a set previously published in 1997 and 2002. Nothing has changed in terms of layout and design, which is a good thing, since we praised the old editions for being well organized and easy to use. Some entries now list Web sites for additional information. Also new is an expanded system of cross-references. Among the new entries are Cholesterol and triglycerides, SARS, and Travel and disease. The set is designed to correlate with National Health Education Standards. Providing up-to-date health information is crucial, and libraries will want to replace older editions. Mary Ellen Quinn
(From Amazon.com product listing)

Under the Microscope Science Tools

Under the Microscope Science Tools by John O.E. Clark (Contains Affiliate Link)

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8-A survey of the scientific instruments and methods used to observe and measure the world around us. Volumes are divided by subject: Length and Distance, Measuring Time, Force and Pressure, Electrical Measurement, Using Visible Light, Using Invisible Light, Using Sound, Scientific Analysis, and Scientific Classification. Each book begins with a brief introductory paragraph and general overview on the units of measure. The short chapters range in length from two to six pages. For example, Length and Distance includes information on rulers and tapes, measuring long distances, angles and heights, area, volume, and making maps. Brief biographical sketches of one or two scientists are included in each title along with a volume-specific glossary, a set index, and the same list of resources for further reading and research. Numerous color photographs, well-drawn illustrations, and charts and tables enhance the usefulness of this resource.
Shauna Yusko, King County Library System, Bellevue, WA

From Booklist

Gr. 6-8. The nine volumes of the Science Tools set cover a broad range of topics and are arranged conceptually and applied to different branches of science. Each book begins with the same double-page spread on units of measurement, which includes names and symbols within the International System of measures as well as a conversion table relating customary units to metric units. From there, the interpretation of the term Science Tools is broad. A presentation might involve the ways in which scientists use visible or invisible light, the understanding and application of water pressure, or even tools of organizing knowledge, from the periodic table of chemical elements to the classification of plants, animals, blood types, and galaxies. This British series does not talk down to young people, and long sentences are not uncommon. Though the texts may include terms, such as monocotyledons, that are unfamiliar to many students at this level, the explanations within the text and definitions in the glossaries at the end of each volume make the meanings clear. Other additions to each volume include lists of books suggested for further reading and recommended Web sites. The many color illustrations include photographs and exceptionally clear diagrams that heighten the books' visual appeal and usefulness to students. An interesting and potentially helpful addition to reference or circulating collections. Carolyn Phelan
(From Amazon.com product listing)

You The Smart Patient

You The Smart Patient by Michael F. Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet C. Oz, M.D. (Contains Affiliate Link)

America’s doctors, Mehmet Oz and Mike Roizen, show you how to become your own medical detective and get the best health care possible.

Everyone needs to become a smart patient. In fact, in the worst cases, your life may even depend on it. Number one bestselling authors and doctors Michael Roizen and Mehmet Oz have written this indispensable handbook to help everyone to get the best health care possible—by making everyone into their own medical detective.

Witty, playful, at times offbeat, but always authoritative, You: The Smart Patient shows you how to become your own medical sleuth, tracing your medical family tree and wending your way through the pitfalls of any health care situation. Written in conjunction with the health care community's leading oversight group, The Joint Commission, the book shows readers in clear, easy steps how to take control of their own health care and deal with all matters that may come up when facing a medical case: from choosing the right doctor, hospital, and insurance company to navigating prescription drugs, specialists, treatment options, alternative medicine, pain management, or any problem that might arise.

Accessible, humorous, and filled with information that you need, You: The Smart Patient is a book for every patient and all those dealing with a loved one's medical issues. (From Amazon.com product listing)

The Random House Library of Knowledge First Encyclopedia of Science

The Random House Library of Knowledge First Encyclopedia of Science (Contains affiliate link)

Over 400 alphabetical entries, with illustrations, maps, and charts, cover such scientific topics as acid rain, computers, numbers, and sound.