Books with author Laura Hamilton Waxman

Two thousand years ago, disaster struck the ancient Roman city of Pompeii. When Mount Vesuvius erupted, a deadly cloud of superheated ash, rock, and gas descended on the city and its terrified people. Pompeii lay buried and forgotten for centuries. The thick layer of volcanic ash acted like a time capsule, preserving homes, temples, human remains, and even food. What secrets did this lost city hold? Explore the science being used to solve Pompeii's greatest mysteries—including how the city's people lived and died. Compare what we know with some of the more fantastic myths about the buried city of Pompeii.

Explore the unique aspects of snails, including their body parts and structure, their habitat and how it supports them, their diet, and what all that slime is used for. Captions pair with the book's images to point out key visual details to readers, and chapter headings assist readers in locating information and main ideas. Readers will also find text features for further information such as a labeled photo diagram, glossary, and index.

Examine the interesting characteristics of worms, including their body parts and structure, their habitat and how it supports them, and how they get their food. Captions are paired with photos in the book to point out key visual details to readers, and chapter headings assist in locating information and main ideas. For further exploration, readers will find text features such as a labeled photo diagram, glossary, and index in the back of the book.

See what a California condor has in common with a turkey vulture. Learn what sets them apart from a brown-headed cowbird. Readers will compare key traits of California condors―their appearance, behavior, habitat, and life cycle―to traits of other birds. Charts and sidebars support key ideas and provide details. Through gathering information about similarities and differences, readers will make connections and draw conclusions about what makes this animal a bird and how birds are alike and different from each other.

Learn about the many intriguing aspects of spiders, including their body parts and structure, their habitat and how it supports them, and how they use webs to catch their next meal. Captions point out key visual details that readers can glean from the book's photographs, and chapter headings assist readers with locating information and main ideas. In addition, readers will find text features such as a labeled photo diagram, glossary, and index in the back of the book.

See what a bald eagle has in common with a spotted owl. Learn what sets a bald eagle apart from an osprey. Readers will compare key traits of bald eagles―their appearance, behavior, habitat, and life cycle―to traits of other birds. Charts and sidebars support key ideas and provide details. Through gathering information about similarities and differences, readers will make connections and draw conclusions about what makes this animal a bird and how birds are alike and different from each other.

What animal has thick fur, strong paws, and likes to swim on its back? Sea otters! But do you know where sea otters live? Or how they stay warm in cold water? Read this book to find out! Learn all about different animals in the Animal Close-Ups series―part of the Lightning Bolt Books™ collection. With high-energy designs, exciting photos, and fun text, Lightning Bolt Books™ bring nonfiction topics to life!