Books with author Katie Kawa

Bacteria—yuck! The thought of bacteria may make people squirm, but this book will introduce readers to bacteria’s many benefits. Readers will learn what bacteria are and where they’re found, as well as the different kinds that exist. This book focuses on how bacteria help us, from the bacteria working for our digestive system to the bacteria that decompose organic material in soil. Readers will love the information-rich text and corresponding visuals, which effectively magnify these microorganisms to make the topic accessible to young readers. “Creature Clue” fact boxes and a graphic organizer supplement the text to give the reader an engaging and dynamic reading experience.

Is television bad for kids? This question has been asked by parents, scientists, and more ever since television sets first entered people's homes, and different people have come up with different answers. As readers are challenged to form their own opinions about the effects of television on young people like them, they strengthen their critical thinking skills and learn to respect a variety of viewpoints. The unbiased main narrative is presented alongside fact boxes that help readers find relevant data to back up their opinions. In addition, a comprehensive graphic organizer and full-color photographs enhance the reading experience.

Depression affects many people, and it can be confusing and sometimes scary for a young person to see a family member or friend suffering from it, or to find themselves struggling with symptoms of depression. However, knowing the facts about this mental illness can empower them to provide support for others and to take charge of their own health. They discover these facts through age-appropriate text and sidebars that provide scientific information, relatable examples, and advice. Graphic organizers, diagrams, and full-color photographs work with the text to give readers an empathetic and educational overview of this important mental health topic.

Some people are allergic to pollen while others have a food allergy. Cats might make someone sneeze, and dogs might make someone else break out in hives. Allergies affect people in many different ways, and sometimes they can be deadly. Knowing the facts about different kinds of allergies can help young people understand their own body better and can also help them support people they know who have allergies. Diagrams, sidebars, full-color photographs, and graphic organizers work with the accessible main text to provide detailed information about what allergies are, how they're diagnosed, and how they can be treated.

Jackie Robinson became the first African American Major League Baseball player, and the story of how he broke baseball's color barrier brings the worlds of sports and history together. How was he chosen to break this barrier, and what struggles did he have to face once he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers? These questions and many more are answered through age-appropriate text, including sidebars that provide additional information about this member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Graphic organizers and photographs enhance the exciting story of a man whose groundbreaking career continues to inspire athletes around the world.

A meadow is more than just a pretty place to have picnics. It’s home to many species of plants and animals. They’re connected through food chains, and readers explore how individual food chains come together to make a meadow food web. This important science concept is presented through engaging text, as well as a colorful meadow food web that shows a variety of connections among living things in this ecosystem. Fact boxes provide additional information about the plants and animals that live in meadows, and colorful photographs put readers in the middle of this habitat.

Wonder Woman was a groundbreaking superhero film that inspired women around the world, and its star has become a role model for many. The story of how Gal Gadot became Wonder Woman and what she has done since first picking up her shield and lasso is sure to excite readers of all ages. Written at a low reading level to appeal to developing readers, this high-interest biography encourages independent reading through its achievable main text. Fun fact boxes, a helpful timeline, and full-color photographs add to this inspiring reading experience.

It took a lot of hard work for Chris Pratt to transform into Peter Quill, also known as Star-Lord. Readers are sure to be entertained as they trace his path from humble beginnings to Guardian of the Galaxy. Exciting details about his training, his other projects, and his charity work are included in the main narrative and fact boxes. An informative timeline and full-color photographs give readers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a superhero. Readers at a variety of levels will enjoy the way this high-interest topic is presented, using accessible language that encourages independent reading.

Some students wear uniforms to school each day. Others do not wear uniforms. Is one approach better than the other? Readers are immersed in the debate surrounding school uniforms through the use of informative text that presents multiple points of view. Eye-catching fact boxes, detailed graphic organizers, and full-color photographs enhance this engaging reading experience. Readers are encouraged to keep an open mind and developed an informed opinion as they explore the many sides of an issue that would directly affect them.

Using a fictionalized approach, readers join a family as they explore the sand, sun, and waves at the beach for the first time. Colorful illustrations capture the vibrancy of the beach in a way that is sure to captivate beginning readers. Easy-to-follow, accessible text and a useful picture glossary aid in the development of vocabulary skills and the retention of new facts.

Elena Delle Donne stood out from her peers very early on. During her high school basketball career, Delle Donne helped lead her team to a number of state championships, securing her a place as one of the country's top scouted female basketball players. Today, she plays as a small forward for the Washington Mystics. This biography follows Delle Donne's career and provides biographical information. Fact boxes supplement the main text to give readers additional insight into the life of this young sports great.

A farm is a very busy place, and beginning readers discover why with the story of one classs visit to a working farm. They learn fun facts about the food that we get from farms and the animals that call a farm their home. Using a fictionalized approach, readers discover all that this exciting place has to offer, including a trip to a pumpkin patch and a hayride. Accessible text and a picture glossary allow beginning readers to see for themselves what a trip to a farm is like, and bright illustrations guide them through this charming book.