Books in Of the World series

In an alternate universe not unlike our own, Thermo the Flying Thermometer is the creation of Dr. Emmanuel Key, a scientist studying climate change on the island of Hawaii. In this full color-illustrated story, middle grade readers follow Thermo's travels to discover the wonders of Earth's atmosphere, battling forces of nature such as Twisto the Tornado, Phoon the Hurricane and Skates the Ice Monster. Thermo finds himself in the middle of actual historical weather events, learning how weather works, and discovering that nature is not the real enemy. Instead, he is forced to battle an unnatural malevolent force in the atmosphere that is bringing out the worst in nature and threatening mankind. Written by a thirty-year veteran of The Weather Channel, Thermo's story introduces readers to the basics of meteorology and climate change. Praise for World of Thermo: Thermometer Rising: “One of the biggest questions I get is, ‘How do I talk to my kids about climate change?’ This book is the answer - it takes us on an entertaining trip through time, to meet the scientists who've studied our planet and what makes it tick.” – Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, Director of Climate Science Center, Texas Tech University“One of the great ironies of human-caused climate change is that those who had the least role in causing it—our children—will bear the brunt of its devastating impacts if we fail to act in time. It is urgent that they be educated about the threat and that their voices be heard. World of Thermo uses engaging magical characters to bring the science alive, and inform while entertaining.” – Dr. Michael E. Mann, Distinguished Professor of Atmospheric Science, Penn State University, and co-author of "The Madhouse Effect" and "The Tantrum that Saved the World"“World of Thermo is a highly entertaining and superbly illustrated look at climate change and meteorology by an exceptionally well-qualified atmospheric scientist. Guy Walton takes readers on a wonderfully imaginative ride through climatological history as well as providing a learned peek into the disquieting future.” – H. W “Buzz” Bernard, author of "Eyewall," "Supercell," and "Cascadia"“The saga of global climate change is full of twists and turns, invisible agents, all-too-human actors, and some very complex science. In World of Thermo, meteorologist/writer Guy Walton and illustrator Alyssa Josue turn this journey into a compelling tale for bright young readers that brings more than a century of climate science and awareness to life." – Robert Henson, author of "The Thinking Person's Guide to Climate Change"

Amazing and awe-inspiring, flight has always captured man's imagination. This dynamically illustrated title truly captures the excitement of flight, from the Montgolfier brothers' hot-air balloon to the latest "super jumbos" that carry up to nine hundred passengers. Readers will explore the basic principles offlight, meet aviation pioneers, discover which aircraft is the fastest, and fly into the future with amazing "space planes."

During World War II thousands of American servicemen were stationed overseas in various countries. It is in England that American GI Jack Ricker meets and marries an English widow with a nine-year-old son, Thomas. Thomas likes his new stepfather and he's hopeful about their future. But now with the war over, Jack is back in America. Thomas and his mother make plans to leave England and join him. Thomas is apprehensive about moving. He won't know anyone, apart from Jack. In America, they play baseball and not cricket. Will he fit in? Thomas and his mother find themselves on a trans-Atlantic voyage on the Queen Mary, sailing to America and a new life. They're not alone; hundreds of other "Brides and Babies" are on board, making the same trip with the same dreams. When Thomas helps another passenger handle feelings of homesickness, he realizes he is prepared to start his new American life.

As a young boy in Gujarat, India, Kumar sometimes feels like he lives in two worlds. First there is the old world where people and their choices are determined by prejudice and bigotry. But then there is the second, modern world: in this world Kumar can be friends with whomever he chooses and his future looks bright. As part of the annual Diwali celebration, Kumar is invited to the house of his classmate Andal to watch fireworks. Andal is from a high-caste Brahmin family so Kumar is especially pleased to be included. But there in Andal's house, Kumar's two worlds collide in a very unpleasant way. Instead of being welcomed as a guest, Kumar is sent away, forbidden to join the festivities. Angry and hurt, Kumar is left questioning his place in Indian society. Where does he fit in? To which world does he really belong?