Books with author Christine Honders

Electricity affects every part of our lives, but we don't always think about it. We turn the lights on every day without wondering how the electricity gets there. Electricians are the reason we don't always have to worry that the lights are going to stop working and the people we can help if they do. Electricians don't just have to use their intelligence, they also have to be good with their hands. They have to be able to work with many different people and know what to do in case of an electrical emergency. Electricians keep our world running. Instructive, colorful photographs and diagrams will give readers even more insights to this important career.

Each community has a variety of different buildings of all shapes and sizes. We don't usually stop to think about who put those buildings there. We often don't even think about who built our own house. Your readers will learn important concepts; construction workers are the reason we have places to live and work. They're the reason we have roads to get from one place to another. They work with other building professionals to build structures that people and businesses need. Construction workers keep our communities growing and thriving.

The library is a crucial resource on which many people depend. It has books and resources for research or for pleasure reading. There are computers available to the public, DVDs, and newspaper articles. The library also hosts group activities for kids, such as storytelling, crafts, music, and games. The librarian is in charge of the library and keeps everything organized and running smoothly. This must-have book explains what a librarian does and the different things available to do at the library. Colorful photographs of a wide range of activities provide readers with close textual correlations.

Many years ago, most of the U.S. population lived on farms and produced their own food to eat. Now, only 2 percent of the population produces food for the entire world. Readers will learn that farmers are responsible for the fruits, vegetables, and meat we buy in the grocery store, and the ingredients that go into many other things. They often use technology to help them produce these things. Some farmers research ways to keep their animals comfortable and healthy. Because of farmers, we can have fresh, nutritious food on our plates every day. Help your readers learn to appreciate the work behind what we enjoy.

Even as the world changes, skilled labor will always be needed. There's nothing quite like the ability to create things with your skills and your own hands. Carpenters use their skills to build things we use every day, including items such as furniture, buildings, and bridges. They read building plans, choose materials, design, and create. This book teaches kids that to become a carpenter, you have to use a lot more than a hammer and nails; you need your brain too. Photographs and diagrams enable readers to make key connections with the text.

Millions of kids ride a bus to school every day, and many people ride buses to get around town. Bus drivers are a vital part of our community because they're the ones responsible for transporting students and other people safely. Your readers learn that bus drivers spend hours training to drive large vehicles and learn traffic rules. They know what to do in an emergency and how to keep everyone calm. Many bus drivers get to know their riders well. Bus drivers are a big reason why riding the bus is one of the safest ways to get to school.

Nuclear power is a sustainable energy source and cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Like other alternative energy sources, there are pros and cons to using it. Students will learn how nuclear energy is generated and where this power source may take us in the future. STEM topics featured in the Next Generation Science Standards are discussed in rich detail and enhanced by full-color photographs and informative diagrams. Readers will enjoy learning about this awesome energy source.

As students grow into young adults, they enter the world with the hopes and dreams of a successful future. Part of financial success is the ability to make good economic decisions. The state of the economy affects the job market, educational loans, and how much money people decide to spend or save. Readers will learn the difference between command and market economies, how different types of business ownership affect the United States and global economies, and how workers can protect their status in a productive economy. Understanding these key elements is essential in helping people make good economic decisions in their own lives.

To be a veterinarian, you need a lot more than a love of animals. This book explains the reality of becoming a veterinarian. Just like other doctors, veterinarians go to school for many years. They learn many skills, including treating illnesses, prescribing medication, and performing surgery. Readers will learn that veterinarians don't just take care of pets. Some may work at zoos and farms to keep the animals healthy. Images of veterinarians and the animals they help will inspire students to evaluate life as a veterinarian.

Coders are one of the reasons our computers, tablets, and smartphones can do things we couldn't have even imagined just a few years ago. It's no surprise that coders are in high demand right now and that isn't likely to slow down. Readers will learn about the basics of coding and how to turn their creative ideas into reality on the computer screen. They'll also understand why coding will become even more important as technology continues to grow and change. Colorful photographs showing the roles and education of a coder provide readers with an easy way to envision themselves in this fascinating job.

Some kids see a fire engine racing down the street with its sirens blasting and lights flashing and think about how exciting it is. But most people have no idea what it takes to become a firefighter. This volume describes the training firefighters must undergo to learn how to fight fires and rescue people. Readers will learn the tough roles firefighters must fill in different types of emergencies. They'll hear about the dangers of firefighting and how firefighters teach the community to stay safe. Images of firefighters at work and the important trucks and equipment they use will pull would-be rescuers into this book.

If you've ever tried to cut your own hair, you probably found out quickly that it's much more difficult than it looks. Barbers are professionals trained to cut and style hair. They've spent thousands of hours learning how to do their job. Readers learn that a good barber makes their clients comfortable while they do their work and tries to make sure everyone leaves happy. For some people, going to the barber is an opportunity to socialize with other customers while getting their hair cut. Everyone should leave the barber shop feeling good about themselves, as your readers certainly will.