Books with author Geoffrey Barker

History Detective Investigates: The Shang Dynasty of Ancient China is a hands-on, investigative approach to history. Learn all about Ancient China, its people and the story of Ancient China that goes back over 3,000 years. The Shang Dynasty was the second dynasty of the three dynasty periods. It followed on from the Xia Dynasty. It was the first dynasty to provide written records of the life in China and it is renowned for making great contributions to Chinese civilisation. Founded sometime around 1600BCE The Shang Dynasty was governed by a series of about 29 kings over a 600 year period. They were situated along the Yellow River Valley and historians know a lot about their lives from the discovery of the oracle bones, ancient tombs and cities and other artefacts. The Shang Dynasty is known for the invention of early writing, the development of a government, their skill with bronze and their use of the chariot and bronze weapons in warfare. Contains maps, paintings, artefacts and photographs to show what life was like under the Shang Dynasty. Ideally suited for readers age 8+ or teachers who are looking for books to support the new curriculum for 2014. If you enjoy reading about The Shang Dynasty of Ancient China then take a look at Stone Age to Iron Age, The Mayan Civilization, Early Islamic Civilization and The Indus Valley.

This enchanting book delves into the history of folktales, or stories made up by peoples around the world to teach important values to their children. Traditional folktales from a variety of Native American communities and distant countries such as India and Botswana are all presented to show the commonalities shared by such diverse cultures in their classic stories. Artwork and paintings illustrate the tales, while textboxes explain important terms that are also defined in the glossary. As a part of the Common Core standards, understanding folktales is an essential skill for students—one they can develop with the help of the narrative and examples herein.

Homes and businesses around the world have solar panels to harness the suns energy for electricity. But even more remarkably, NASA powered an airplane using solar power in 2001! Achievements in renewable energy are encouraging as the worlds reserves of oil, natural gas, and coal continue to be depleted. Readers will learn the state of nonrenewable resources on Earth in addition to information about the renewable energy technology that will power cars and homes in the future. Discussion of greenhouse gases and climate change provide readers with basic knowledge about the changing needs of Earth. Detailed sidebars and fact boxes augment science and social studies information, offering readers both pros and cons of solar, wind, and water energy, among others. Colorful photographs will further engage readers with these important topics as they begin to form opinions using their new knowledge.