Books in Dear Know-It-All series

Sam’s stress level is at an all-time high, and it’s affecting the quality of her Dear Know-It-All column—and her bedtime!Sam can’t sleep! She has two book reports to write, plus a big science test, an article for the Cherry Valley Voice newspaper, and her anonymous Dear Know-It-All column…all due the same week. It’s too much, so Sam is stressing out. And it doesn’t help that her crush, Michael Lawrence, comments that the Dear Know-It-All columns aren’t as good as usual. Sam knows worrying won’t help, but that doesn’t keep her from waking up in the middle of the night. What can she do to get some rest from her stress?

30 amazing topics for Earth explorers explained in half a minute.In this exciting title for young Earthlings, every inch of our planet is explored and explained, from the air in the atmosphere to the molten magma beneath our feet. 30 key topics from deserts to oceans are covered, each presented in neat 30-second soundbites and supported by 3-second flash summaries and cool, colorful artwork.The attention-grabbing format is engaging and immediate, giving a truly global understanding to readers aged from 8 up. Six themed sections cover the Earth in Space, the Earth’s Structure, Weather and Climate, Watery World, Amazing Ecosystems and the Future of the Earth.

When Sam’s crush gives her a confidential lead, she has to decide whether it stays on the record or off.A school statue has been destroyed, and it’s up to star reporter Sam Martone to figure out who’s responsible. But then Sam’s supercrush (and writing partner) Michael Lawrence admits he knows the culprit…and it’s his friend…and it was an accident. Sam is shocked—and stumped. Should she keep quiet or report the story?

Perfect for inquisitive cosmic kids aged 8-12, this succinct, entertaining look at what really happens in space takes a rapid-fire approach, offering 30 key topics, each one explained in neat 30-second soundbites and supported by 3-second flash summaries and cool, cartoon-style artwork. 3-minute active missions throughout will challenge lively young minds to test facts or go further and find out more. The attention-grabbing format is perfect for space. Topics range from the Big Bang theory and ways in which scientists think the universe might end, to what we know about distant planets and galaxies. Mind-boggling ideas about worm holes, dark matter and aliens will test the limits of even the most creative imagination.

Sam and Michael realize just how much their words matter when they tackle an important story for the Cherry Valley Voice.When Mr. Trigg tells Samantha and Michael that they should write an article about texting, they are both annoyed. Texting? Texting is just something kids do for fun. Where’s the story in that? But when Michael’s older brother gets into a car accident while texting, they suddenly realize how important their assignment actually is. Michael asks Mr. Trigg if he can write an additional sidebar to their article, and when the next issue of the Cherry Valley Voice comes out, the whole school is buzzing. Michael’s words have really affected everyone—the principal even puts a framed copy of the article in the main hallway outside of his office. Sam has always loved journalism, but now she experiences firsthand how much her words (and Michael’s) can truly impact the way people behave. What started out as a “fluff piece” turns out to be the story of the year!

With fast facts, mini missions, and engaging artwork, Sports in 30 Seconds is a must for kids who enjoy watching or playing sport. Fascinating facts about our most popular team and individual sports are combined with sections on sports science, the Olympics, the health benefits of sport and the history of sport to make this book a clear winner for all junior sport fans. Each topic is presented in a concise 30-second summary, supported by a 3-second flash soundbite and full-color artwork. Fun, active elements for kids to make-and-do support the topics, encouraging them to test, explore, and discover more.

For non-aficionados, jazz can be slippery and difficult to grasp. Jazz can leave a novice baffled, unsure how to listen, and with the question “How is it that they know what to play?”Know-It-All Jazz takes readers from the African-American roots and all the way to the global mix of styles and performers in today’s jazz scene. Along the way, it looks at the shape, style, and instruments of the discipline, key personalities and recordings in the jazz canon, and, finally, at what might be expected next from this most diverse of musical forms. Punchy and engaging entries help readers understand the basics in under a minute, ensuring that this is the ultimate companion for newcomers to the instinctive and diverse world of jazz.

Samantha struggles to follow her own advice when writing a column for the school newspaper reveals a hidden desire.Samantha loves being a star reporter for the school newspaper, and she especially loves it when she’s teamed up with her crush, Michael Lawrence. So she’s especially upset when Mr. Trigg doesn’t pair them together—will Michael forget all about her if they don’t work together? And to make matters worse, Sam’s best friend likes a boy whom Sam can’t stand. How do your tell your best friend you think she has terrible taste? To keep her mind off of her own problems, Sam concentrates on writing her Dear Know-It-All advice column. While encouraging a letter writer who’s too shy to try out for the gymnastics team, Sam realizes that she’d secretly like to try out for the team herself. Sam advises the hopeful girl to “Go for it! Don’t be afraid! Reach for the stars!” But can Sam take her own advice?

Test your expertise of American history with these handy-sized game cards. Although intended for kids in grades four through six, many adults will be surprised at their own lack of historical aptitude--this is really a game for everyone! Divided into seven categories, including "Colonial Days" and "Modern Times," these colorful game cards are both educational and fun.

Sam needs some serious advice when a new staff member competes for newspaper bylines—and for her crush’s attention.Cherry Valley is abuzz when a new girl comes to town from the UK. Kate Bigley has dark hair, bright blue eyes, and an English accent—and she has dreams of being a reporter. Mr. Trigg is thrilled when Kate joins the Cherry Valley Voice staff, but Sam is less excited to have some competition. Especially when Kate is paired up with Michael Lawrence for the next big cover story. What if Sam’s crush gets a crush on someone else?