Books with author Therese M Shea

While most people know Yo-Yo Ma as the most famous cellist in the world, they may not know that he actually started out as a violin playeruntil the four-year-old told his parents he wanted to play a big instrument. Much more than a uniquely talented classical musician, Ma has written an Academy Award-winning film score, played for eight presidents, and appeared on the Simpsons. Readers will enjoy learning about this dynamic man through simple text and vibrant color photos. A Words to Know section familiarizes readers with new vocabulary, and quotes from Ma reflect his beliefs on a range of topics from teachers to multiculturalism.

In 1992, Canada had to stop the profitable northern cod fishing industry in Newfoundland. The fish were being harvested into extinction, and previous efforts to save the cod werent enough. Today, more than 20 years later, the ban on cod fishing remains! Readers will learn that overfishing is a real, tangible problem all around the world. Overfishing effects habitats and animals of all kinds, from the desirable bluefin tuna to the endangered sea turtles accidentally caught in nets. Detailed content introduces readers to a controversial conservation issue while sidebars add lots of fascinating social studies and science facts.

The Dead Sea might sound like a scary place to cool off on a hot day, but many people flock to its waters. The Dead Sea got its name because its salty waters can kill any fish or plants that try to live in it. However, scientists have just recently found a kind of bacteria that live on the seafloor. Readers will find out that some truly spooky things happen around this Middle Eastern lake, like sinkholes opening around its coastline! They'll also learn the science behind these weird happenings and gain an appreciation for an amazing natural resource.

Today, the US military has spy planes that can fly faster than the speed of sound, take panoramic photographs in the blink of an eye, and fly so high that no bomb can reach them. Its no wonder they want to keep their technology a secret. Readers take a thrilling peek into the world of secret missions and futuristic tools. They learn about the history of spy planes and the daring pilots that fly them. Accessible content will draw in military enthusiasts and James Bond fans alike. In-depth sidebars augment the text further, and colorful photographs of the latest plane models will engage readers throughout.