Books in Cities of the World series

Through the voice of a young girl, the life of the people known as Irish Travelers is explored. Megan spends her summers traveling around the Irish countryside with her family. They move from place to place, hauling their camper behind their old car. But they aren't on vacation. This is their way of life. Megan and her family are Travelers. As part of their summer life, Megan's father works odd jobs, from fieldwork to roofing houses. Despite the rough living, Megan loves her life and the freedom that comes from traveling the open road. But at summer's end, when there's no more work to be had, the family moves to the city of Dublin. The camper is parked and they move into a cramped house. Megan and her siblings attend the local school as their parents struggle to make ends meet. And as the seasons pass, Megan counts down the days until she can return to her summer life. Gloria Whelan's other books in the Tales of the World series are Waiting for the Owl's Call, Yuki and the One Thousand Carriers (2008 Society of Illustrators Gold Medal winner), and Yatandou (a Junior Library Guild selection). Ms. Whelan lives in Michigan. Beth Peck earned a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design and has illustrated many books for children, including A Christmas Memory, Just Like Josh Gibson, and Music for the End of Time. Ms. Peck lives in Menomonie, Wisconsin.

The opulent Palace of Versailles became the official royal residence of French monarchs during the reign of King Louis XIV. With 551,112 square feet (51,200 square meters) of floor space, rooms filled with gilded furniture, and more than 7,000 works of art, the Palace of Versailles showcases the luxurious lifestyles of the kings of France. Explore the facility, history, people, and science behind the building in Palace of Versailles, a Castles of the World book.

National Geographic invites you to journey through China in a vibrant book that profiles the country's extensive geography, its storied history, and its rich culture. You'll also examine the growing role modern China plays in today's global economy. Travel with the experts deep into this land of diverse people and see the wide range of landscapes, from vast plateaus to the great timber forests. Witness the Yangtze River in the east, yaks and gazelle in the wilderness of the west, and rare pandas as they prowl their natural habitat. Wander through the past, along the Great Wall of China, built to ward off enemies of a mighty empire. Experience the effects of Mao's Cultural Revolution, and learn how political tensions with neighbors like Taiwan and Hong Kong play against China's policy of welcoming tourists. Finally, examine how modern industrial China is balancing the traditions of the past with the demands of the future.

Visit a landlocked land of rugged mountains and rich natural resources. Meet the many peoples within Afghanistan’s tribal societal structure. Learn of Afghanistan’s long history of invasion, resistance, and civil war. Discover why Persian and Pashto prevail in this multilingual land. Find out why this troubled land has been called the "Chessboard of History."National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.

"Learn about Guatemala’s brutal history of dictatorship and guerilla warfare. Discover the proud Mayan heritage of this beautiful land. Dare to peer into some of the highest and most active volcanoes in Latin America. Explore a land of impenetrable jungles, colorful coral reefs, and spectacular flora and fauna."National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.

In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, Japanese provincial governors had to travel between the cities of Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo). This 300+ mile journey on the historic Tokaido Road required the presence of one to three thousand attendants (carriers). Yuki's father has been called to Edo and she, along with her mother and pet dog, must accompany him in this royal procession. Yuki does not want to go. She will miss her home and her teacher. But she must not be disrespectful so Yuki captures her thoughts in haiku, a Japanese form of poetry. Once outside the gate How will I find my way back? Will home disappear? Inspired by the woodcuts of Japanese printmaker, Hiroshige, award-winning author Gloria Whelan brings a cultural event to life through the observant eyes and thoughtful verses of a young Japanese girl. Gloria Whelan's many award-winning books include Homeless Bird for which she received the National Book Award. Her work with Sleeping Bear Press includes Yatandou and Mackinac Bridge: The Five-Mile Poem (a 2007 Michigan Notable Book). Ms. Whelan lives in Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan. Yan Nascimbene studied at the School of Visual Arts in New York and at the University of California at Davis. His work has appeared in numerous publications including TIME. He has illustrated over 50 books, including Hachiko: The True Story of a Loyal Dog. Yan twice received the Society of Illustrators' Silver Medal and many other awards. He lives in Provence, in the village of Cotignac.