Books with author John A. Torres

The Maya Empire became a thriving civilization between the third century and the seventh century CE, but by 900 CE war, drought, and disease wiped out most of its cities and the Mayan people were greatly reduced. Unfortunately, the greatest threat to their existence was yet to come, when the Guatemalan genocide would decimate those who remained in the 1970s and '80s. The facts of the Mayans' story will be intertwined with profiles of individuals and in-depth looks at related topics. Readers will learn how to help those faced with genocide and understand a history that could otherwise repeat itself.

To this day, the relationship between Hernn Corts and his translator La Malinche remains confusing. Was Corts a double-crossing murderer or a heroic conqueror? Was La Malinche, an enslaved woman from Aztec royalty, an intelligent woman doing what was necessary to stay alive or the betrayer of her people? The history books have not been kind to her. However you view this pair, one thing is clear: their stories cannot be told without linking their biographies. As your readers will find out, there is little doubt that their pairing forever changed Mexico and the Americas.

Can a person race a car without an engine? You sure can. With the help of gravity and unique car design, soap box derby stock car drivers get to experience the thrill of the race. In 1914, Charlie Chaplain's movie "The Kid Auto Races at Venice" exposed Americans to the sport of soap box derby racing. Kids began racing cars whenever they could. When a newspaper photographer organized a race in 1933, the sport really took off. Readers learn about the races, heroes, scandals, and intense competition in this sport for kids and teens. A glossary, color photographs, and fact boxes round out this exciting book.

Zombies have invaded mainstream society in weekly television shows, blockbuster movies, comic books, and novels. While there is no scientific proof that the dead can indeed come back to life, there are many terrifying and fascinating examples of real-life zombies in the world around us. Through enthralling text and vivid photographs, students will learn how rabies, which causes the infected to hobble, spasm, drool, and become aggressive and violent, influenced the modern depictions of the zombie. They will also read about a wasp that turns large cockroaches into mindless slaves, even walking them around like dogs, and other parasites, diseases, and substances that cause zombie-like characteristics in the afflicted.

Regarded by many to be the next great international soccer player, the young Neymar is already being compared to legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Through easy-to-read text and full-color photos, readers can follow his meteoric rise through the ranks of international soccer, culminating with an Olympic gold medal in the 2016 games. A glossary helps readers learn new vocabulary, while a Further Reading section encourages further exploration.

Nicaragua is a land of baseball and beautiful beaches, soaring mountain ranges, and smoking volcanoes. The rich history of this small Central American country contributes to a blending of different cultures, including those of the Spanish settlers, native Indians, and others. Its vibrant history also includes political strife from civil wars, protests, and military intervention by the United States. Join Danny and his fourth-grade classmates as they explore the history, culture, geography, and climate of the country to prepare for the arrival of Ramón, a new student from Nicaragua. Best of all, find out how to make gallopinto, then paint a clay piggy bank you can make yourself. Hola, Ramón!

Playing team sports has many benefits, and yet high-contact sports such as football and rugby have also been linked to serious injuries, including concussions, and a higher risk of dementia, depression, and Parkinsons disease. How can we weigh the potential benefits of contact sports with their potentially serious risks? This text provides primary source evidence from doctors, scientists, and experts in the field of sports medicine, as well as ordinary peoples viewpoints, in order to help students reach their own conclusions about the risks related to high-contact sports.

Four friends live on the same street, go to the same middle school, and even spend time on the same ball fields. Their friendship comes with the normal expected trappings: small jealousies, crushes, rivalries and lots and lots of fun. But there is something else they soon discover. They share the same blessing, the same curse. They can recognize monsters hiding behind normal faces. As they learn that each possess a special gift—sight, smell, hearing, and the ability to go undetected—they realize a neighbor, a teacher at their school is actually a monster of unspeakable terror bent on creating an army of slaves to do his bidding. Worse, the group has little time to convince anyone of what they see. But who would ever believe them?The Monster Club works against the clock to save their sleepy, beachside town and rid it of this monster once and for all. Someone might get hurt, but there is no time to be afraid.

To this day, the relationship between Hernn Corts and his translator La Malinche remains confusing. Was Corts a double-crossing murderer or a heroic conqueror? Was La Malinche, an enslaved woman from Aztec royalty, an intelligent woman doing what was necessary to stay alive or the betrayer of her people? The history books have not been kind to her. However you view this pair, one thing is clear: their stories cannot be told without linking their biographies. As your readers will find out, there is little doubt that their pairing forever changed Mexico and the Americas.