Nonfiction World

What was the Louisiana Purchase and why was it important? How did the Louisiana Purchase change the United States? How did it affect the future for black people and American Indians? When the United States bought the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803, it would lead to historic changes for the young country. Using an inquiry-based approach, listeners will learn the history behind the Louisiana Purchase and how it affected the future of America and its people.

Take a trip to “The Land Down Under” and discover all of the unusual wildlife inhabiting the Outback! There are kangaroos, wild dogs called dingoes, and nearly 700 types of birds in Australia. This title will also take listeners to the Great Barrier Reef and to some of the largest cities in Australia, showing kids the daily life and culture of Aussies.

Boasting some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, Thailand is located in Southeast Asia. It has many beaches that attract tourists from all parts of the globe. Kids will learn about the cultural traditions of Thailand, what everyday life is like for Thais, and much more in this informative book.

China, with over one billion people, is the most populated country in the world. China’s most famous tourist attraction is the Great Wall, which runs across about 5,000 miles of northern China. Rich with Chinese culture, this title explores Chinese food, holidays, and daily life. Eager listeners will also get to challenge their tongues with a few common words from the unique Chinese language!

The second-largest country in South America, Argentina is known for its fertile plains, the rugged Andes Mountains, and the beautiful land of the Argentine Patagonia. The people of Argentina work on the land and in cities, enjoying music, dancing, and sports in their free time. Learn all about Argentine food, culture, and daily life in this informative title!

Cuba is a group of several islands. Long ago, one of the islands was called Treasure Island because it was a home base for many Caribbean pirates. Young listeners will learn about life in modern Cuba—the school system, the delicious food, and the vibrancy of Cuban culture.

After decades of war, South Sudan became an independent country in 2011. Though its people face struggles as they build their new nation, they do have reason for national pride. Their country contains Bandingilo National Park, which hosts one of the largest annual animal migrations. This title describes the birth of South Sudan and its efforts to create a national identity.

A land famous for green tea and the martial art of tae kwon do, South Korea lies on a peninsula in southern Asia. Many small islands fill the waters off its coast, including the volcanic Cheju Island. Learn all about South Korea’s landscapes, the everyday life of its people, and the country’s history with North Korea.

For many years, Cambodia was a war-torn country. Recently, a new government has helped turn the economy around and given the Cambodian people more opportunity. Tourism has boomed, with many visitors heading to see Angkor Wat, one of the oldest religious temples in the world. This book explores the geography and culture of Cambodia, a jewel of Southeast Asia.

Egypt is one of the oldest countries in the world. People love to visit the ancient pyramids outside of Cairo, the capital of Egypt. Thousands of years ago, pharaohs ruled Egypt, and people mummified many pharaohs after they died. Students will hear all about mummy museums, school and work life in Egypt, and how Egyptians use the Nile River in their daily lives.

An archipelago of over 7,100 islands in Southeast Asia, the Philippines sit near the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area often affected by earthquakes and volcanoes. With a long coastline and many rain forests, the country contains a variety of plant and animal life. Children will find out what else makes the Philippines unique in this informative title!

Many different civilizations have lived on the land that is now Peru. Today, tourists travel to this South American country to see Machu Picchu, an ancient Inca site. Learn more about Peru, its people, the Amazon Rain Forest, and much more in this exciting title!

Japan is a nation made up of many islands in the western Pacific Ocean. Over 100 million people live in this small nation of islands. Many live in the countryside, but millions live in crowded cities like Tokyo. Students will learn about the physical features of the landscape and surrounding waters as well as the cultural aspects of the Japanese from old traditions to modern everyday life.

Travel to Kenya and see if you can spot giraffes, elephants, lions and other African animals! Dinosaur bones and giant crocodile fossils discovered in Kenya reveal that the country has been home to a variety of wildlife for millions of years. Learn more about Kenya’s wildlife, and explore Kenyan culture and the diversity of people that call this beautiful place home.

Mexico has almost 6,000 miles of coastline. It borders both the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. Listeners will discover the diverse physical features of Mexico, the variety of wildlife it boasts on land and in water, and what everyday life is like in both urban and rural settings.

Pakistan became a country in 1947 after the Muslim people of India fought for the creation of an independent state. Now, Pakistan is the second-most populated Muslim-majority country in the world. Young listeners will learn about Pakistan’s geographic features, its abundant wildlife, and the strong culture of its people today.

Afghanistan borders seven different countries and is a connection point for East, South, West, and Central Asia. It has long been a center of trade and culture, with many different civilizations throughout history calling it home. In this title, students will hear about Afghanistan’s wildlife, landscape, culture, and more.

Did you know that Iraq was home to the oldest known human civilization on Earth? This area used to be known as Mesopotamia, and many different ancient peoples lived there. Listeners will learn about daily life in Iraq, contemporary Iraqi culture, and the changes the country is going through today.

Venezuela is a land of striking beauty. Angel Falls, the highest waterfall in the world, plunges more than 3,000 feet in the Guiana Highlands. Lake Maracaibo, the largest lake in South America, sits in northwestern Venezuela. Eager listeners will get their feet wet in this title that explores Venezuela's landscape, people, and heritage.

India is the place to find the stunning Taj Mahal and the world’s tallest peak, Mount Everest. Mount Everest rises nearly 5 miles into the sky! Children will learn all about India, a country known for mountains, curry, and the world’s second largest population.