Books with author Melissa RaÈ Shofner

Our planet experiences many different kinds of weather, and sometimes it can be extreme. This book looks at all sorts of weather, including devastating natural disasters such as hurricanes, droughts, and blizzards. Readers will learn about the positive and negative effects of weather and how to stay safe during a natural disaster. This book was designed to support the elementary earth science curricula and STEM topics are covered throughout. Rich, accessible text and full-color photographs of these incredible weather events will keep readers on the edge of their seat.

Ouch! Bullet ants cause a sting that actually hurts like a gunshot. If that is not scary enough, these feisty ants can live in a colony of 3,000. Full-color photographs show off in vivid detail how these insects live, with maps and other amazing graphics to wow every one of your readers. Readers get to explore the science of why the sting hurts so much and why it lasts for hours.

The playground is a great place to hang out with friends. Fun and games at the playground are even better when everyone uses good manners. In this book, readers will learn about taking turns on the slide, sharing snacks, and making new friends. Familiar situations and bright illustrations will keep reluctant readers interested. Age-appropriate text and a picture glossary foster reading comprehension skills. Young listeners and early readers will want to use their new manners on the playground right away.

Most students understand it's important for them to pay attention in class so they can learn and do well on exams. This book takes a closer look at how paying attention in class affects the common good of the entire classroom. Civics concepts from the C3 Framework for Social Studies are discussed throughout this informative text. Readers will have a better understanding of how their actions can positively and negatively impact others around them.

What's the difference between a sea lion and a seal? Where do sea lions live and what do they eat? These and other fascinating questions are answered in this thrilling book about sea lions. Early elementary life-science topics including habitat and diet are covered in rich detail. The accessible text is perfect for young readers. Gorgeous full-color photographs help students connect with the text and develop reading comprehension skills. Fact boxes make this an interesting and informative read.

Boom! Dynamite can blast away mountainsides and bring down buildings. This powerful explosive was discovered over 150 years ago, but it wasn't always safe to use. That's because dynamite contains nitroglycerin, a very dangerous explosive. In the late 1860s, Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel accidentally invented dynamite while he was working on a way to make nitroglycerin safer to handle. This book takes an in-depth look at the science behind dynamite, as well as its role in the past, present, and future of demolition. Readers will have a blast learning about this explosive discovery.

Amphibians are cool, diverse, and really, really strange. This high-interest title explores the strangest amphibians on the planet. Readers will learn about the Chinese giant salamander, legless salamanders, olms, and more. This text was written to support elementary science curricula, and explores important topics such as adaptation and survival, habitats, amphibian behavior, and more. Sidebars, colorful photographs, and engaging text show readers just how strange amphibians can be.