Books published by publisher Checkerboards

In this engaging biography, readers will learn about the manufacturers of LEGO, the Kristiansen Family. Follow the familys story from Denmark where Ole Kirk Christiansen began making wooden toys in his Billund Carpentry Shop and Lumberyard to the companys evolution to the LEGO company. Christiansen and his sons Godtfred, Karl, and Gerhardt purchase a machine that makes plastic toys, and create the LEGO brick, and his grandson Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen expands to LEGOLAND. Learn how LEGO bricks are made, who came up with the name, how the family name came to be spelled with a K, and about other LEGO Group products. Sidebars, historic photos, and a glossary enhance readers understanding of this topic. Additional features include a table of contents, an index, a timeline and fun facts. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

In this engaging biography, readers will learn about the developer of the Barbie doll, Ruth Handler. Follow the story of Handlers early work with her husband Elliott making and selling plastic products, their collaboration with Harold Matson to form Mattel, Handlers inspiration for a new kind of doll, and the companys introduction of Barbie in 1959. Readers will follow Barbies evolution through the ensuing decades as Handler continuously reinvented Barbie to appeal to new generations. Learn how Barbies are made, who came up with the name, the role of the Mickey Mouse Club in Barbies success, and about other Mattel products. Handlers family and her retirement as president from Mattel and her subsequent work for cancer survivors with her new company Nearly Me is also covered. Sidebars, historic photos, and a glossary enhance readers understanding of this topic. Additional features include a table of contents, an index, a timeline and fun facts. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

When Charlie Trotter starts the seventh grade his whole world is changing, his best friend abandons him, the weirdest girl in school won’t leave him alone, and his hero Peyton Manning has left his beloved Tennessee Volunteers for a career in the pros. So when his parents tell him they are getting a divorce it seems like happy doesn’t happen anymore. Knowing he is getting him on the weekends, Charlie’s Dad splurges on season tickets while claiming that this year’s Volunteers are going to be special. Without their star quarterback, and a tough schedule ahead, Charlie finds it hard to share his father’s optimism. But as the Volunteers keep winning against all odds, Charlie learns good things can happen in a rebuilding year.

This title introduces readers to Pararescue Jumpers. Engaging text explores the Pararescue Jumperss history, key missions, role in the US military, major accomplishments, required training, weapons, gear, technology, and other fascinating information. Qualifications needed to become a Pararescue Jumper, training such as the Pararescue Physical Ability and Stamina Test and the Pipeline, the life of a Pararescue Jumper, and cutting-edge technology and weapons are covered. Sidebars, infographics, action photos, maps, and a glossary enhance readers understanding of this topic. Additional features include a table of contents, an index, a timeline and extreme facts. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.