Books with author Charles Homer

When thinking about natural disasters, floods probably aren't the first thing that come to mind. However, a sudden rise in water level can cause great destruction and even death. This book explores where and why floods occur and features photographs of the incredible damage they can cause. Readers will learn how people survived some of the worst floods in recent history as well as new prediction methods to help avoid the damage and destruction floods can cause. This book was designed to support the elementary earth science curricula and STEM topics are covered throughout.

Far back among the shadows of prehistoric times, a horde of Celts swarmed over the Pyrenees into this land of the Iberians, encountering possibly a still earlier race, whose descendants of to-day are the Basques. The Celts swerved to the west and settled in what now is Portugal and Gallicia. In civilization and physique, the invaders were much superior to the Iberians. As the centuries rolled on, the two peoples fought for mastery. They gradually blended in the central part of Spain, while the Celts continued dominant in the west and northwest of the peninsula, and the Iberians held their own in the east and south...

At their peak, the ancient Maya lived in one of the most advanced civilizations in the world. Their calendar system, celestial observations, and architecture give us clues to the greatness of their technology. This book introduces readers to the many unique technological devices and breakthroughs created by the ancient Maya. Readers will learn about the historical context of Maya technology through primary sources, such as artifacts and architectural ruins, and accessible, fact-filled text. Photographs of what the Maya left behind will give readers an in-depth look into the amazing creations of this ancient civilization.

While the story was only loosely based on Bram Stoker's novel, the horror movie Dracula amazed moviegoers and entered the cultural imagination as a classic. This equally engaging book retells the story of the bloodthirsty Count Dracula and describes the director’s and producer's making of the film, which became Universal's top moneymaker in 1931. Readers will also learn how the Count went on to influence subsequent monster films.

It has been said that nations like individuals have their birth, growth, manhood, old age, decay, and death. Many of the stories already told in these pages confirm this declaration. Perhaps the most impressive example of modern times is that of Spain. She came into being many centuries ago, climbed to the greatest heights of power, influence, and glory, and, though she still exists, she is in a condition of senility and decrepitude, which, like that of the tottering nonagenarian, suggests a collapse not far distant...

The biosphere refers to the parts of Earth where life exists or where known life has existed in the past. The biosphere is comprised of the atmosphere, geosphere, and hydrosphere because life exists in each of those three spheres, from birds in the sky to fish in the water to worms in the dirt. Food chains represent interconnected life cycles in the biosphere. Energy is transferred from one organism to the next and, as apex predators die, nutrients are returned to the soil. Readers will learn how people affect the biosphere and how life and energy are maintained in the biosphere.

An irrigation system is an arrangement of canals and conduits that bring water to crops that need it. Even the earliest civilizations found ways to irrigate their crops with water from nearby rivers. In time, simple canals gave way to more advanced technology, leading to todays massive irrigation systems. In this book, readers will explore essential STEM topics while learning the fascinating history behind irrigation systems, including their different parts, how they are used, and the amazing engineers and scientists who make them possible. The text was designed to reflect social studies and science curricula. Photographs, diagrams, and fact boxes are sure to capture the attention of even reluctant readers.