Books with author Rebecca E. Hirsch

What's so great about Washington, DC? Find out the top ten sites to see or things to do in the nation's capital! We'll explore Washington, DC's lively parks, historic landmarks, fun-filled museums, and fascinating history. The Washington, DC, by Map feature shows where you'll find all the places covered in the book. A special section provides quick district facts such as the motto, population, tree, bird, and more. Take a fun-filled tour of all there is to discover in Washington, DC.

Trillions and trillions of microbial cells live on and inside your body. A small number of these microbes are unhealthy germs. But most belong on your body and perform essential jobs. Microbes help digest your food, protect you from dangerous germs, and help your body fight disease. Using techniques such as DNA sequencing, scientists are uncovering the many secrets of the human microbiome. Scientists are learning how the foods we eat and the medicines we take, such as microbe-killing antibiotics, can affect the bugs in our bodies. They are learning more and more about this system that keeps us healthy and how we can protect it in return.

In the history of life on this planet, 99.9 percent of all species have gone extinct. But a few have survived almost unchanged. Author Rebecca E. Hirsch introduces readers to six living fossils, including the chambered nautilus, the horseshoe crab with its sticky blue blood, and venomous platypuses that sting, as well as a comprehensive explanation of evolution and extinction for readers who may not be familiar with the terms yet. Readers will also discover a a spectacular timeline of the history of animal life on Earth. Dive into the stories of these incredible animals and find out how they help scientists piece together evolutionary history.

Find out what a tuatara has in common with a green sea turtle. Discover what sets a tuatara apart from a Brahminy blind snake. Check out the comparison charts and use your compare-and-contrast skills to explore reptile traits! Readers will compare and contrast key traits of tuataras―their appearance, behavior, habitat, and life cycle―to similar and different reptiles. 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 reptile and how reptiles are alike and different from each other.

Find out what an African elephant has in common with a wildebeest. Learn what sets an African elephant apart from a snow leopard. Readers will compare and contrast key traits of African elephants―their appearance, behavior, habitat, and life cycle―to traits of other mammals. 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 mammal and how mammals are alike and different from each other.

Lots of animals hunt prey to survive. Many of them attack with sharp teeth and claws. But did you know that some animals have sneaky and clever ways of hunting? Trap-door spiders hide until just the right moment. A peacock mantis shrimp packs a powerful punch. And killer whales swim, dive, and work together. The animals in this book use lures, traps, and teamwork to catch their prey. Read this book to learn all about predators and their unique hunting tactics!

Many animals migrate during the year. But did you know that some animals migrate over incredibly long distances? The animals in this book make amazing migration trips―traveling thousands of miles by flying, swimming, or even walking! How long are the longest migration journeys? Which animals migrate in the largest groups? Find out these and other amazing facts about migration.

Science writer and plant expert Rebecca E. Hirsch presents fun and gross facts about a variety of plants along with explaining the science behind why they do what they do. Featured plants include the Venus Flytrap, an African tree that houses stinging ants to protect itself from hungry animals, a "vampire vine" that sucks nutrients from other plants, and fiendishly invasive kudzu.