Books with author Kelly Wittmann

E. D. Cope and O. C. Marsh were 19th-century paleontologists whose friendship couldnt withstand their professional rivalry. Their competitive natures led to the frenzied unearthing of hundreds of dinosaur fossils across North America, many of which can still be seen in museums around the world. The captivating tale of these scientists unfolds in this absorbing book, which also includes a timeline, sidebars, and fact boxes offering much information about paleontology, dinosaurs, and excavations as well as photographs and images to further elucidate essential science concepts.

“Wittmann writes in a sharp, funny prose that perfectly captures the angst and humiliation… A clever, well-crafted tale about parents and children.” --Kirkus Reviews“Told through Silver’s eyes, the story is lovingly drawn, deep and not easily forgettable.” --Windy City ReviewsFifteen-year-old Silver Abelli’s life has been as tumultuous as the punk rock she was raised on. Her divorced parents just don’t get along, even though they’re both musicians who stubbornly spurn the mainstream but secretly crave the limelight. Silver has always lived with her mom, Nicola, but when Nicola is diagnosed with a brain tumor, she must go to live with her obnoxious, hard-partying father, Renz. Because her family is so traumatized by Nicola’s condition, Silver doesn’t know where to turn when she suffers her own trauma. Will the truth set her free, or will it only make a bad situation worse? Find out in this story of family, friends, and young love.CW: Rough language, one scene of violence.

A railroad across the United States was once thought to be nearly impossible. The vast expanse from the Pacific to the Atlantic Oceans had so many obstacles, including towering mountain ranges and broad rivers. However, the 1862 Pacific Railroad Act tasked two railroad companiesthe Central Pacific and the Union Pacificwith building a transcontinental railroad to link the coasts. How they managed to meet finally in 1869 is the important account detailed in this well-researched volume. Readers will learn about key characters, such as engineer Theodore Judah and investor Leland Stanford, and the innovations and technologies that made their extraordinary feat a reality.

E. D. Cope and O. C. Marsh were 19th-century paleontologists whose friendship couldnt withstand their professional rivalry. Their competitive natures led to the frenzied unearthing of hundreds of dinosaur fossils across North America, many of which can still be seen in museums around the world. The captivating tale of these scientists unfolds in this absorbing book, which also includes a timeline, sidebars, and fact boxes offering much information about paleontology, dinosaurs, and excavations as well as photographs and images to further elucidate essential science concepts.

“Wittmann writes in a sharp, funny prose that perfectly captures the angst and humiliation… A clever, well-crafted tale about parents and children.” –Kirkus Reviews“Told through Silver’s eyes, the story is lovingly drawn, deep and not easily forgettable.” --Windy City Reviews Fifteen-year-old Silver Abelli’s life has been as tumultuous as the punk rock she was raised on. Her divorced parents just don’t get along, even though they’re both musicians who stubbornly spurn the mainstream but secretly crave the limelight. Silver has always lived with her mom, Nicola, but when Nicola is diagnosed with a brain tumor, she must go to live with her obnoxious, hard-partying father, Renz. Because her family is so traumatized by Nicola’s condition, Silver doesn’t know where to turn when she suffers her own trauma. Will the truth set her free, or will it only make a bad situation worse? Find out in this story of family, friends, and young love.CW: Rough language, one scene of violence

A railroad across the United States was once thought to be nearly impossible. The vast expanse from the Pacific to the Atlantic Oceans had so many obstacles, including towering mountain ranges and broad rivers. However, the 1862 Pacific Railroad Act tasked two railroad companiesthe Central Pacific and the Union Pacificwith building a transcontinental railroad to link the coasts. How they managed to meet finally in 1869 is the important account detailed in this well-researched volume. Readers will learn about key characters, such as engineer Theodore Judah and investor Leland Stanford, and the innovations and technologies that made their extraordinary feat a reality.

Historians are often divided into two camps when asked to name the first person to circumnavigate the world; there are those who say Ferdinand Magellan was, while others argue the victor was Francis Drake. Readers will learn the controversies surrounding these 16th-century captains and their infamous journeys. Theyll learn about the political intrigues and economic incentives to find a route and the lasting effects of the expeditions. Besides containing the thrilling accounts of Magellans and Drakes adventures, this beguiling books historical images, maps, sidebars, and timeline complement social studies and geography curricula.

The combination of breathtaking scenic beauty, fabulous wildlife, and peace-loving citizens makes Botswana a favorite of tourists from all over the world. This country in the heart of southern Africa is also the homeland of a proud people, the Batswana, who have created a vibrant democracy. Since Botswana won its independence in 1966, it has become one of Africa's leading economies. In particular, Botswana's diamond industry provides many people with a comfortable life. However, the AIDS epidemic has hit Botswana particularly hard, as a high percentage of people are infected with the disease. Today, the government is working with all Batswana to end this threat to their beloved country.