Though Helen Keller became deaf and blind after a childhood illness in 1882, she grew up to be a renowned author, activist, and speaker. With the help of her teacher, Anne Sullivan, Keller overcame major obstacles in her life and used them to become an advocate for those experiencing discrimination and hardship. This inspiring biography uses Keller's own words as a primary source, so that readers can better know and understand this amazing woman and...

Without iron ore, we wouldn't have steel, and without steel, we wouldn't have the magnificent skyscrapers, bridges, and many other structures that demand building materials of considerable strength. In fact, about 98 percent of all mined iron ore is used in the production of steel. Future architects and engineers will discover how the mineral substance iron ore forms, where it's found, and how it's transformed through smelting into a useful industrial...

"Sri Lanka is a diverse country, made up of many different ethnic and language groups. Readers discover the details about what life is like in this South Asian nation-from its history and economy to its environment and the lifestyles of its people. Colorful photographs give readers an up-close look at this island and those who call it home, and features such as sidebars and fact boxes provide additional detail. Readers are also encouraged to get creative...

"Israel is an important place for people of three major religions: Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. This has given it a rich history, but it has also led to conflict. Readers take an informative look at what life is like in Israel for people of different groups as they explore meticulously researched text, which has been updated to discuss current events. Vivid, full-color photographs are found throughout chapters that focus on topics such as government,...