Books in Changing World S. series

Many people think of Leonardo da Vinci primarily as an artist, but he was also an influential scientist. Readers of this high-interest biography will learn all about da Vinci and his contributions to society as an architect, engineer, and inventor. A true Renaissance man, da Vinci also studied many other branches of science. This story of his life and work is told with the use of accessible text, colorful photographs, and stimulating sidebars. An educational science project also reinforces readers' understanding of da Vinci's work and gives them a hands-on feel for what he did.

This biography of Maíread Corrigan and Betty Williams, winners of the 1976 Nobel Peace Prize, proves that ordinary people, united in a common desire for peace, can transform their nation and their world.Born into hard-working families in the Catholic section of Belfast, Corrigan and Williams grew up amid the suspicion and bloodshed familiar to most residents of Northern Ireland. But when the violence that had torn their country apart for decades touched their own lives, these two "ordinary" women knew they had to fight for peace. The grassroots movement they led brought Catholics and Protestants together in nonviolent marches and demonstrations that drew tens of thousands of people and showed the world that Northern Ireland was yearning for peace.

Stephen Hawking's studies of space and theoretical physics may seem complicated, but with the help of this accessible volume, readers of many ages will be able to learn about his work and life. Colorful photographs and engaging text help readers understand the important contributions Hawking has made to science and the world in general. A fun science project gives readers a hands-on feel for the type of work Hawking has done, while a quiz reinforces the information in the book. A high-interest topic and dynamic page layout make for a book that's sure to be a popular addition to any library and classroom.

Stephen Hawking's studies of space and theoretical physics may seem complicated, but with the help of this accessible volume, readers of many ages will be able to learn about his work and life. Colorful photographs and engaging text help readers understand the important contributions Hawking has made to science and the world in general. A fun science project gives readers a hands-on feel for the type of work Hawking has done, while a quiz reinforces the information in the book. A high-interest topic and dynamic page layout make for a book that's sure to be a popular addition to any library and classroom.

Overcoming discouragement from white teachers and classmates, Winona LaDuke became outspoken at an early age about the disproportionate difficulties faced by Native Americans, including massive pollution of reservations.Winning acceptance to Harvard, Winona pursued environmental research and activism, becoming the youngest person to address the United Nations, and at age twenty-nine winning the Reebok Human Rights Award. At home at White Earth reservation in Minnesota, Winona founded the White Earth Land Recovery Project, fighting poverty and pollution by reclaiming treaty lands.Winona’s remarkable vision was recognized by the Green Party, which chose her as their vice-presidential candidate in 1996 and 2000. Her achievements show young readers the positive impact of one person’s determination to change her world.Michael Silverstone is an elementary school teacher and author of Rigoberta Menchú, among other biographies for children.

American biologist Rachel Carson played an important part in the environmental movement. Her work and writing regarding pollution are often credited with creating awareness of the problem and even changing the way the world deals with it. Readers of this captivating biography will gain both scientific and historical knowledge surrounding Carson's life and work. Colorful photographs and sidebars accompany accessible text that will excite readers of many levels. A fun science project will also reinforce their understanding of the kind of work Carson did.

Young readers may have already heard about Newton's laws of motion, but there's much more to know about the man behind those laws. This engaging volume teaches readers about the life of Sir Isaac Newton and how the work he did hundreds of years ago still influences the things they learn at school today. Vibrant photographs and informative sidebars help readers understand the impact Newton had on science and the world as a whole. A quiz at the end of the book and a science project based on Newton's work help reinforce key elementary science curricula.

Despite her own privileged upbringing, Ela Bhatt decided to dedicate herself to improving the lives of India's poorest and most oppressed citizens—especially it's women. In the midst of India’s bustling economy, hundreds of thousands of poor women work in unsafe or unstable environments for little money and no benefits. The organization founded by Bhatt, the Self-Employed Women’s Association, functions as a union for 250,000 self-employed women, operates a women’s bank, and helps empower women to help themselves. Her vision inspired thousands of poor women to join together to transform their lives—and their world.