Books with author Laura Hamilton Waxman

Have you ever built a cool science project? In middle school, Aprille Ericsson won second place in a science fair. She knew she wanted to keep creating amazing science projects. As an adult, she became an engineer and works at NASA building spacecraft. Ericsson was one of the few girls in her middle school who loved math and science. Years later, she became the first woman to receive a PhD in mechanical engineering from Howard University. At NASA, she's helped build spacecraft that can map the moon, monitor climate change, or even bring soil and rocks back from Mars. Learn how Ericsson's passion for science has helped her pave the way for future engineers.

Bogs, swamps, and marshes are all different types of wetlands. Many plants and animals rely on this biome for reproduction, safety, or simply a drink of water. Some need to adapt to this environment, like the mangrove trees that get oxygen by growing roots above the surface. Take a closer look at wetland critters and vegetation in this engaging title for developing readers!

During World War II, the United States was battling Japan. In 1942 the president of the United States signed an executive order, forcing more than one hundred thousand Japanese Americans to leave their homes. These innocent people―many of them US citizens―would spend the next few years imprisoned behind barbed wire fences, in what the government called internment camps. Life in the camps was difficult. People were homesick. The barracks where they slept were cold and dirty. Most of the country believed they were criminals. But imprisoned Japanese Americans remained brave. Learn more about these courageous heroes, including those who fought for justice and freedom.

Grasslands vary around the globe and are home to many life forms, including big cats and grazing animals. These sprawling fields are found on every single continent except Antarctica. Tropical savannahs and rolling prairies are just two different types of grasslands. Curious young learners are sure to discover that grasslands are a fascinating biome in this engaging title!

Did you realize that swimming suits used to weigh 22 pounds (about 10 kilograms)? Or that the first people to wear high heels were French royalty (even the king!) in the 1500s? Get ready to learn the amazing stories behind inventions you use every day. From the society woman who invented bras to the Swiss inventor who came up with the idea for Velcro, you'll find out how we got some of our favorite fashion inventions.