Books with author Helaine Becker

Katherine Johnson is the mathematical genius who helped make the historic Apollo 11 moon landings possible and made sure that Apollo 13 returned home safely when the mission was in critical danger. As a child, Katherine loved to count. She counted the steps on the road, the number of dishes and spoons she washed in the kitchen sink, everything! Boundless, curious, and excited by calculations, young Katherine longed to know as much as she could about maths, about the universe . . .Helaine Becker interviewed Katherine and her family for this authorized biography. From Katherine's early beginnings as a gifted student to her heroic accomplishments as a prominent mathematician at NASA, this is the true story of a groundbreaking African-American woman who went above and beyond what was expected of her in the 1960s, saving lives and making enormous contributions to history. Featuring Dow Phumiruk's gorgeous full-colour illustrations throughout.

When Darren Dirkowitz's evil stepbrother (code name Waldo) gets hold of Darren's tippity-top-secret spy journal, he threatens to expose it to the entire Preston Middle School student body. Unless, that is, Darren starts doing his dirty work for him. Now Darren's got to use the oh-so-cloak-and-daggery skills he's honed in his secret alternate life as Dirk Daring, Secret Agent to spy on kids at school. Naturally, he also sets up a separate, sneaky surveillance program to unearth Waldo's own secrets. As more and more ugly truths are exposed, new alliances are forged and old friendships broken. Can Darren learn to be true to himself and build real friendships for the first time in his life? Or will he retreat back into his exciting but imaginary shadow world?

When Darren Dirkowitz’s evil stepbrother (code name: Waldo) gets hold of Darren’s tippity-top-secret spy journal, he threatens to expose it to the entire Preston Middle School student body. Unless, that is, Darren starts doing his dirty work for him. Now Darren’s got to use the oh-so-cloak-and-daggery skills he’s honed in his secret alternate life as Dirk Daring, Secret Agent to spy on kids at school. Naturally, he also sets up a separate, sneaky surveillance program to unearth Waldo’s own secrets. As more and more ugly truths are exposed, new alliances are forged and old friendships broken. Can Darren learn to be true to himself and build real friendships for the first time in his life? Or will he retreat back into his exciting but imaginary shadow world?

Darren Dirkowitz thought his life was over when his tippity-top-secret alter ego, Dirk Daring, Secret Agent, was outed to the entire Preston Middle School student body. If only he’d been so lucky. Now the Wolf Lords―a gang of teen thugs bent on wringing every last penny out of Preston students―are breathing down his neck. There’s only one solution: Dirk Daring must embark on his most daring mission yet. A mission so audacious, so cunning, so doggone crazy, that if it succeeds, the Wolf Lords will wind up begging for mercy. But first, Darren must bring his own disobedient “associates” to heel. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie is the sequel to the runaway bestseller Dirk Daring, Secret Agent.

Triangle Histories introduce a new concept to American history series. Each title in this collection interweaves and overlaps with others in its own unique way. And each title provides a different perspective on the subject. For example, The Battle of Vicksburg, the biography Ulysses S. Grant, and the biography Abraham Lincoln, overlap and intersect at a number of points. Grant was the Union commander at Vicksburg at a time when Lincoln was under great pressure to replace the general. Because the Triangle Histories provide a format in which major subjects and themes can be considered from various angles, each collection offers a truly unique way to learn and understand the topic more completely. Each book stands alone, but as a set, the Civil War collection forms a powerful and engaging way in which to learn about one of the most painful eras our nation has ever endured.

The most powerful pirate in history was a woman who was born into poverty in Guangzhou, China, in the late 1700s. When pirates attacked her town and the captain took a liking to her, she saw a way out. Zheng Yi Sao agreed to marry him only if she got an equal share of his business. When her husband died six years later, she took command of the fleet.Over the next decade, the pirate queen built a fleet of over 1,800 ships and 70,000 men. On land and sea, Zheng Yi Sao’s power rivaled the emperor himself. Time and again, her ships triumphed over the emperor’s ships.When she was ready to retire, Zheng Yi Sao surrendered ― on her own terms, of course. Even though there was a price on her head, she was able to negotiate her freedom, living in peace and prosperity for the rest of her days.Zheng Yi Sao’s powerful story is told in lyrical prose by award-winning author Helaine Becker. Liz Wong’s colorful, engaging illustrations illuminate this inspiring woman in history.An author’s note provides historical context and outlines the challenges of researching a figure about whom little is known.

Darren Dirkowitz thought his life was over when his tippity-top-secret alter ego, Dirk Daring, Secret Agent, was outed to the entire Preston Middle School student body. If only he’d been so lucky. Now the Wolf Lords, a gang of teen thugs bent on wringing every last penny out of Preston students, are breathing down his neck. There’s only one solution: Dirk Daring must embark on his most daring mission yet. A mission so audacious, so cunning, so doggone crazy, that if it succeeds, the Wolf Lords will wind up begging for mercy. But first, Darren must bring his own disobedient “associates” to heel.Let Sleeping Dogs Lie is the sequel to the runaway bestseller Dirk Daring, Secret Agent.

Over time, science and technology have played their part in making skateboarding a high-tech sport. Modern skateboards and the ramps on which the skaters ride are built with the latest materials and construction techniques. The skaters themselves rely on science to keep their bodies in top shape. They use the laws of physics to pull off the most amazing tricks. This volume explores these developments and how they make skateboarding one of the most exhilarating sports.

Over time, science and technology have played their part in making skateboarding a high-tech sport. Modern skateboards and the ramps on which the skaters ride are built with the latest materials and construction techniques. The skaters themselves rely on science to keep their bodies in top shape. They use the laws of physics to pull off the most amazing tricks. This volume explores these developments and how they make skateboarding one of the most exhilarating sports.