Books in Spies of the world series

Wander the charmed streets of Lisbon, once the heart of a powerful empire. Hear the haunting strains of fado, the music that tugs on nostalgia’s heartstrings. Discover the land of explorers who once conquered the world. Revel in traditional folk festivals; enjoy bountiful markets offering fish, fruit, and flowers. Meet the passionate Portuguese who savor life slowly.National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.

Let National Geographic take you to Italy, a land steeped in history, art, architecture, and culture. Journey to the homeland of the Ancient Roman Empire, the tragic site of Pompeii, and the birthplace of the Renaissance. From the fabulous works of art that adorn the Vatican in Rome, to the churches of Florence, to the canals of Venice, experience a unique country alive with its own sense of style and drama. Along the way, you will discover the warmth of the Italian people and learn about their world renowned cuisine. Travel to the snowy Alpine peaks in the north; to Milan, one of the grand capitals of world fashion; to the southern city of Naples; and on to the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. Fine photography and maps will leave you with an indelible impression of a land that has given the world the gift of beauty, elegance, and style.National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.

They make up three-quarters of the world's living creature, and that's counting only the 800,000 types we know. Though many people feel we're already too well acquainted with insects, by pollinating plants, producing honey and silk, and acting as monitors of pollution they're beneficial to us. Here you'll encounter -- from a safe distance! -- armies of ants, magnificently hued butterflies, shining silverfish, colorful tree-hanging moths, fierce yellow assassin bugs, blue weevils, and many more in this thriving world.

Visit Ireland, ancient land of "a hundred thousand welcomes." Learn of the mythic history of this island on the western outskirts of Europe. Share in the many stories, myths, and songs that Ireland has given the world. What is the "Celtic Tiger" and why is it roaring so loudly? Travel west to the "Gaeltacht," where Gaelic is still the language of the land.National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.

Imagine going on dangerous missions like James Bond? Well, real-life spies risk their lives everyday. They will do almost anything to get the job done. But not all spies are heroes. Double agents will even betray their own country to complete their tasks. If caught, the punishment can be death. Author Susan K. Mitchell explores the dangerous lives of spies.