Books with author John Torres

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.

Chirp and his friends Squawk and Tweet love going on adventures together. Today, they've traded in their playhouse for a pirate ship. But ― shiver me timbers ― they are suddenly hit by something under water! Is it a shark? Is it a squid? Worse: it's a sh...uid! Can the pirates find anything in their treasure chest to save them from this fearsome creature? Join Chirp and his crew as they strike out for an adventure on the high seas. 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. Based on episodes of the Kids' CBC TV show "Chirp" and 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.

Americans will long remember 2005 as the year Hurricane Katrina ripped through the Gulf Coast states, killing thousands and destroying everything in its path. Lives were changed forever. Once the hurricane passed, the city of New Orleans faced even more danger. The city s protective levees broke, and the streets began to flood. What followed was chaos. Thousands of people who had not evacuated before the hurricane now sought refuge at the Superdome and other emergency sites. They found these shelters without provisions, support, protection, or rescue as the country s relief efforts floundered with uncertainty. Violence, looting, and general lawlessness followed as desperate city residents felt abandoned by their country. Find out what happened and why, how rescue efforts were finally organized, and what the president promised for the city of New Orleans.

On the basketball court, Lakers center Dwight Howard is intimidating. A three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and a five-time selection to the All-NBA First Team, Howard is widely considered the best center in the game today. Off the court he's a role model, having started his own foundation and aid fund, as well as giving his time to many charitable causes. Find out how Howard became a star on and off the court.