Books with author John Torres

Lush beaches, tropical waterfalls, and picture-postcard mountain ranges greet visitors looking for a Caribbean getaway to the country of the Dominican Republic. Although it is impoverished, it has plenty to offer. The colorful people of this developing country, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, are eager to share its beautiful resorts, unique wildlife, and thriving businesses. A closer look reveals a country steeped in history, dotted with reminders of explorer Christopher Columbus, who is hailed as a hero there, and Spanish conquerors. Take a tour of the country, meet the people, sample the foods, try your hand at making a Taino bowl, and maybe even hit the dance floor to see if you have what it takes to merengue!

Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho has had an amazing and colorful career. Playing for FC Barcelona and AC Milan, as well as the Brazilian national team, Ronaldinho has been on some of the greatest teams in soccer history. This biography will show that even as he nears the end of his career, his continued production on the field has led fans to consider Ronaldinho to be one of the all-time greats.

Whether he's flying up a half-pipe on his skateboard or whizzing through the air on a gold-medal snowboard run, Shaun White is one of the most exciting athletes in the world. In a competition, or making a public appearance, White's bright-red hair makes him hard to miss. Author John Albert Torres explains that there is more to White than his stunts and fame, such as his work with St. Jude's Children's Hospital and his goal to encourage kids to make healthier choices.

Everywhere across the United States, children from other countries are joining American classrooms. How can their classmates prepare? Learning about the culture, geography, and history of the new student s native country can help smooth the transition. Greeting the student with a few words in his or her language, making a traditional craft, and whipping up a well-known dish are all sure to help the child feel welcome. In this vibrant and colorful series, students and teachers can find out how to Meet a New Student and maybe make a new friend. From afar, Haiti, a small country on the island of Hispaniola, seems like any other Caribbean paradise. There are lush jungles, white sand beaches, and turquoise waters. But a closer look at the island country reveals a stark glimpse into the third world. Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere. The government is unstable, crime is rampant, education is for the lucky, and hope is hard to come by. Find out how the Haitian people overcome poverty, killer storms, and mudslides to celebrate a culture rich in French, Spanish, and African history when American schoolchildren Meet a New Student from Haiti.

As humans take up more of the wilderness where the giant panda lives, the number of these wild bears has decreased. Efforts have been in place for years to save the cuddly-looking creatures, but they are still endangered. An earthquake in 2008 damaged one of the largest panda reserves in China. Read about the habits and lifestyle of these precious animals, and learn what you can do to help save them.

Danny Parker and his fourth-grade classmates in rural New York are excited to meet Franco, a boy who will be joining their school from Zambia. Their teacher prepares nshima and pineapple chutney, and the students weave baskets to prepare for his arrival. They also learn that Zambia is a rare landlocked country where people can see lions, rhinos, and elephants. It is home to such wondrous sites as Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River. Zambia was once one of the major copper-producing nations in the world. But a poor economy and a deadly disease have caused a lot of despair in Zambia, as they have throughout much of Africa. Danny and his friends are eager to welcome Franco to their school, where he will have a chance to rebuild his life after AIDS devastated his family.

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.

Chirp and his friends Squawk and Tweet love going on adventures together. Today they've traded their wings for flippers and their playhouse for the Antarctic.BRRR! Will they ever reach the South Pole? Or will they become whale food? Join Chirp, Squawk, and Tweet in this cool adventure as they waddle, slide, and swim to safety.The Chirp books invite readers into a world of imagination where Chirp, Squawk, and Tweet work together to solve problems, using everyday objects and their limitless imaginations. Inspired by Chirp Magazine, the Chirp books are designed to encourage learning through imaginative play and will open up the world to preschoolers, one awesome adventure at a time.LEVELINGGrade Range: PreK–3Fountas & Pinnell: IReading Recovery: 15–16Lexile: 620LCOMMON COREL.1.1,2,2a,2b,4,4a,4c,5,5b,5cRL.1.1,2,3,4,6,7,9RF.1.1,2,3,3a,3b,3e,3f,4,4a,4cSL.1.1,1a,1b,1c,2,3,4,5,6W.1.1,2,3,5,6,7,8

The story is about a squirrel called Belochka Boy from the planet Belochkon, who has befriended an earth boy named Jake. Belcochka Boy has some very unique abilitites that make him more than a match for any evil doers. Belochka Boy has discovered that Zues' son Hermes is up to no good in the 20th Century. Hermes, AKA Mercury Man has kidnapped Jake. Belochka Boy, while attempting to rescue Jake, pursues Mercury Man back to Ancient Greece. An epic battle of the Gods ensues, with Belochka Boy and Jake right in the middle of it. Alcibiades, King Leonidas of Sparta, Apollo, Athena, and Zeus himself all play a part in the adventure.