NCW Libraries

In 1846, the Donner Party left Illinois to begin a new life in California. They faced delays and terrible misfortune. Trapped with few supplies in the snowy Sierra Nevada, what would the travelers do to survive?

Time for a trip back in time! This informative title takes readers on a journey centuries in the past, when the ancient Aztecs thrived. Readers will be hooked by the narrative opening. Then they will dive deep into the past, exploring the daily lives and innovations of the Aztecs. A cause and effect feature, a time and place matrix, profiles, and a timeline offer additional knowledge. Readers will soon understand what the ancient Aztecs contributed...

Many consider Thomas Edison the inventor of the light bulb, but this world-changing invention has a long history. Since the 19th century, many have worked to create and improve the light bulb. Starting from the light bulb's early development all the way up to its modern uses, this informative title will fascinate anyone who wants to know about the invention that lights up the world!

The modern world still benefits from the inventions of ancient China! Modern paper, compasses, and kites are just a few things this society created. In this book, readers will explore what life was like in ancient China, including how people lived, worked, and ruled. Profiles introduce readers to ancient Chinese gods and leaders, and other special features explore cause and effect, compare two different times and places, and offer a timeline of important...

The ancient Egyptian civilization lasted almost 3,000 years! Today, people around the world still benefit from the innovations of the Egyptians, from ancient papyrus scrolls to early irrigation systems. This fact-filled title gives readers an up-close glimpse of life in ancient Egypt, including how people lived, worked, and ruled. Special features include profiles of gods and leaders, a cause and effect graphic, a time and place matrix, a timeline,...

Does a giant sea monster live beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland? Reachers have used cameras, sonar, and other technology in hopes of finding this legendary creature. This title explores the mystery of the Loch Ness Monster, the tools and technology used to search for it, and examines the evidence gathered to date, letting the reader make their own conclusion about the existence of this beast beneath the water.

Creaking doors, gusts of wind, eerie sounds--could these be the signs of ghosts? Ghost hunters have tried for years to prove the existence of ghosts through photos, videos, and sound recordings. This book investigates reports of ghosts, illuminates the tools and technology used to search for ghosts, and leaves the reader wondering whether or not there are spirits among us!

The Rising Cost of Education covers the skyrocketing tuition fees for higher education, explaining just how expensive tuition is as well as what causes its increase and the risks it poses for Americans. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards.

Thousands of years ago, royals gathered in the luxurious Palace of Knossos. Today, the palace is in ruins. Though bright frescoes still decorate its walls, the walls themselves are crumbling. What happened here? This high-interest title explores just that! Engaging text, colorful photos, maps, graphs, and other features combine to tell the gripping story of the Palace of Knossos and its fall to ruin.

Signs of life are everywhere in the Roman city of Pompeii. Graffiti decorates the walls. Ancient homes and restaurants still stand. Colorful frescoes and mosaics are still visible. But this city is a graveyard. More than 2,000 years ago, Mount Vesuvius rained fire and ash onto the city. Many who died there were perfectly preserved in ash, only to be discovered centuries later. This high-interest title uses maps, graphs, and profiles of important discoveries...