Books with author Sara Machajewski

Weather has the ability to shape our planet. Floods may alter Earth's landscape suddenly and dramatically. Erosion causes subtle changes over a longer period of time. This book explores some of the most incredible forces on Earth, including extreme weather, erosion, and floods. Students will be amazed at how our planet has changed over billions of years, as well as how it has changed in an instant. Full-color photographs and primary sources highlight real-world examples of these forces and their impressive impact on our planet.

"The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution may be one of the most well-known and oft-quoted, and readers will learn why in this information-rich book. Through an in-depth yet age-appropriate examination of the First Amendment, readers will understand why the legal protection of such freedoms as religious expression, speech, and peaceful assembly is so important. Through a close look at the language of the amendment, readers will walk away with an understanding of the law's historical significance and how it affects our lives today"--

The science of cooking is responsible for some of the worlds tastiest dishes. The technology, engineering, and math of cooking are, too. In this title, readers will explore the STEM concepts that help restaurants operate. Each STEM subject is covered in depth and is presented in way that encourages readers to draw connections between classroom subjects and real-world experiences. Fact boxes and colorful images support the age-appropriate text, which is written to support state and national curricula.

Few objects can catch the fancy and capture the imagination quite as much as diamonds. Since their first discovery, these precious gems have inspired passion, evoked jealousy, and spurred conflict. Readers will study how diamonds are formed, extracted, and processed. Stunning sparkling photographs of the glittering gemstones add dimension to the book's comprehensive content. The book's relevant subject matter makes it a must-have for growing science enthusiasts studying elementary Earth science topics.

When asked about government, young readers are apt to discuss the president or the U.S. Capitol. But they likely overlook state government and local government, the two components of the U.S. government that are most relevant to their lives. In this volume, state and local governments are at the forefront. Readers will learn about the levels of government, what state and local governments are responsible for, the leaders of state and local governments and how they run them, and how kids can get involved in government.

Malcolm X, the famous African American activist, remains a figure of controversy years after his assassination in 1965. This book uses the embattled leader's own words to explore his life, from the early death of his father to his own untimely death. It also examines Malcolm's teachings, which at times countered the civil rights movement of Martin Luther King Jr. This biography uses primary sources to reveal a period of great turbulence and social discontent in the United States.

Welcome to the wonderful world of plants, some of the planet's most amazing creatures. Plants turn sunlight into food, produce oxygen, and provide people with food, clothing, medicine, and much, much more. What's more, they can communicate. This dynamic book takes readers inside plant communication, a place where chemicals, sounds, and smells become the synapses, words, and motions of the plant world. Written to support elementary science curricula, this book offers a high-interest take on botany that is sure to spark readers' interest in plant biology.

Marine biology is both essential and inspirational to human life. The bodies of mollusks in particular allow them to live aboveground, underwater, or both, depending on the species. Readers will learn about the unique contribution oysters, squid, and slugs, all of which are different classes of mollusks, make to their habitats. Their diets, their vulnerabilities, what they leave behind, and what threatens them take shape on pages that depict what mollusks are through both stunning photography and highly organized prose.

The American landscape is dotted with sites important to our nations history. This book is not about those landmarks, but those that are truly odd and unusual. Most readers know about Stonehenge in Europe, but what about Carhenge in Alliance, Nebraska? Amazing photographs put readers up close and personal with incredibly odd feats of engineering, such as the worlds largest beagle and the worlds largest ball of twine. Engaging material straight from the wackiest interstate billboards fill the pages of this wild and wonderful book.

Important moments in history are often defined by major events. But sometimes the best way to learn about historical events is to learn about the kids who grew up during that time. This age-appropriate, non-fiction text presents facts about the Civil War through the story of a boy named John, whose life was greatly affected by the wars events. Readers will learn about Civil War-era clothes, schools, and the differences of life in the North and South. Primary sources, fact boxes. a glossary, and index provide further opportunities for learning.

Readers will delight in the high-interest educational topics addressed in this book, which is aligned to the 2nd grade Common Core State Standards for English/Language Arts. Age-appropriate language, vivid imagery, and a relatable narrative will grab students' attention, keeping them engaged while also equipping them with the skills they need to become thoughtful readers. This book provides additional learning opportunities through a graphic organizer, glossary, and index. Readers will follow the musical life of Ludwig van Beethoven, gaining an understanding of this great classical composer. This book satisfies CCSS English Language Arts Standards: RI.2.8. and L.2.2c.