Books with author Jennifer A. Swanson

Readers will be surprised to find out that their poop is good for building things. They'll learn how animals use poop to construct nests, homes, and even fences. People mold it into bricks for houses and plop it on fences for support. It's biodegradable, environmentally friendly, and can add a bit of spice to any home construction project. This book meets NGSS Standards for grades 3 to 5 for STEM curriculum.

The crime-fighting dog duo of Penny and Rio are on the case again! Squeaky the mouse desperately needs their help to recover his precious belongings from a locked doghouse next door. But will Hobbes, the Great Dane, who lives in the yard object? Through an inventive plan, the resourceful pair striveto solve this mystery. Can they recover Squeaky’s belongings before the doghouse is destroyed? Follow along as the dynamic detectives, Penny and Rio, discover that they can do anything,as long as they work together.2009 Mom's Choice Award Winner

Students can determine the meaning of key terms and relationships involving money, savings strategies, economics, and finance in this informational text that presents ten secrets in building the bank account of their dreams. They learn tips for increasing income, developing a savings plan, keeping a budget, spending wisely, starting an education fund, building an emergency fund, investing, and making their saving a habit. Sidebars such as Myths and Facts and 10 Great Questions to Ask a Financial Adviser along with fascinating financial fact boxes allow readers additional exploration into related information.

The benefits offered by wearable devices seem limitless, and for many people, the devices are really chic. These wireless gadgets can track the number of steps people take each day; measure their heart rates, the number of calories they ate, or the amount of energy they expended; or access data by using cloud computing. "Wearables"--bracelets, rings, eyeglasses, necklaces, shoe clips, and more--enable individuals to read, text, send e-mails, stay connected via social networks, or access the Internet as they walk. This intriguing volume also explains the devices' cutting-edge medical applications, including as impact indicators for concussion studies.

QUICK: Name the most powerful and complex supercomputer ever built. Give up? Here’s a hint: It’s housed in your head and it’s the one thing that makes you YOU. Your brain is mission control for the rest of your body and steers you through life. Not bad for something the size of a softball that looks like a wrinkled grey sponge!In this fascinating, interactive book -- a companion to the National Geographic Channel hit show – kids explore the parts of the brain and how it all works, brainy news nuggets from a neuroscientist, plus fun facts and crazy challenges.

Students can determine the meaning of key terms and relationships involving money, savings strategies, economics, and finance in this informational text that presents ten secrets in building the bank account of their dreams. They learn tips for increasing income, developing a savings plan, keeping a budget, spending wisely, starting an education fund, building an emergency fund, investing, and making their saving a habit. Sidebars such as Myths and Facts and 10 Great Questions to Ask a Financial Adviser along with fascinating financial fact boxes allow readers additional exploration into related information.

Scientists believe that all forms of life developed from earlier types of living things through a process called evolution. In this intriguing and engaging narrative, readers learn that living organisms must adapt to survive as their surroundings change. By studying the developmental history of everything from single cell organisms to complex vertebrates, readers are presented with the evidence for evolution provided by the fossil record. Charles Darwin and the process of natural selection are discussed. In addition, the work of Gregor Mendel opens a window onto genetics and gets readers thinking about how genes work together to produce specific traits.