Books in Simple Machines: Blastoff Readers, Level 4 series

Roads become slick when freezing rain falls. Drivers can easily lose control of their vehicles and crash into each other. This book introduces children to unpredictable ice storms by explaining their cause and effect.

German Shepherds have been used for a variety of work from seeing-eye dogs to bomb-sniffing police dogs. They also make fun, loving pets inside a home. Readers will discover the characteristics and the history of this versatile breed.

Football is a hard-hitting game. From games in the back yard to high school to the NFL, people love to play and watch football. Kids will learn the history, basic rules, and equipment of football, as well as how the game is played today.

How does blood move around inside the human body? Students will learn all about the heart, blood cells, blood vessels, and other important parts of the circulatory system.

These huge machines travel on the ocean and have many different uses. A ship has a huge engine and sometimes uses sails. Join the captain of a cargo ship, a supertanker, or a cruise ship, and sail the seas!

There are dump trucks with tires as high as two grown men! These enormous trucks could never share a street with other vehicles. This explains why "off-road" is how they roll. They are built for construction sites. Check out some massive dumpers in this title.

Did you know that you don't remember all the sounds you hear in a day? Your brain lets you know what sounds are important to pay attention to. Students will discover how their ears allow them to hear loud noises, whispers, music, and many other sounds.

For thousands of years, people have been fishing in lakes, rivers, and the ocean. Ancient peoples used nets, spears, and their bare hands to catch fish for food. Today, many people fish just for fun. In this book, children will learn how people use rods, reels, bobbers, and lures to haul in huge fish!

Rabbits love to chew on everything from carrots to couch cushions. In fact, a rabbit's teeth never stop growing! Learn all about brushing your rabbit's fur, maintaining its cage, and taking it out to play and exercise in this informative how-to book.

Skaters race over the ice pushing the puck toward their opponent's goal. Started in Canada, ice hockey has spread all over the world. Children will read all about the history, equipment and rules of the game and learn who some of the stars are in today's professional leagues.

Jackie Robinson used determination to achieve his dream. Children will be encouraged to dream as they learn how Jackie worked hard to become the first African-American in major league baseball.

The sport of cheerleading demands strength, flexibility, and spirit. Cheerleaders dance, tumble, and even fly through the air to encourage sports teams and excite crowds. This book will teach young readers about cheerleading by presenting the sport's history, rules, and impressive stunts.