World Geography

In a partnership with We Need Diverse Books, industry giants Kwame Alexander, Soman Chainani, Matt de la Peña, Tim Federle, Grace Lin, Meg Medina, Walter Dean Myers, Tim Tingle, and Jacqueline Woodson join newcomer Kelly J. Baptist in a story collection that is as humorous as it is heartfelt. This impressive group of authors has earned among them every major award in children's publishing and popularity as New York Times best sellers.

The author of My Name Is Maria Isabel offers an inspiring look at her childhood in Cuba in this collection that includes "Where the Flame Trees Bloom", "Under the Royal Palms", five new stories, and more. These true autobiographical tales from renowned Hispanic author and educator Alma Flor Ada are filled with family love and traditions, secrets and deep friendships, and a gorgeous, moving picture of the island of Cuba, where Alma Flor grew up.

Berlin, November 1943. With bombing raids commencing, the city is blanketed by explosions. Siblings Gerta and Max Hoffmann live a surprisingly carefree childhood amid the raids. Berlin is a city going about its business, even as it's attacked almost nightly. But one night, the air raid sirens wail, and the Hoffmanns' neighborhood is hit. A mortally wounded man comes to their door, begging to be let in. He asks for Karl Hoffmann, their father. Gerta and Max watch as Karl tries in vain to save the man's life.

“The People Could Fly,” the title story in Virginia Hamilton’s prize-winning American Black folktale collection, is a fantasy tale of the slaves who possessed the ancient magic words that enabled them to literally fly away to freedom. And it is a moving tale of those who did not have the opportunity to “fly” away, who remained slaves with only their imaginations to set them free as they told and retold this tale.

This is the true story of a Harvard graduate who forsook his studies for two years of the grueling life of an ordinary seaman. This exciting tale was the first to realistically describe the lives of the roughly treated, poorly paid sailors of the merchant marine.

This humorous retelling of a favorite folktale recounts how the Chinese came to give their children short names. This perfect listen-together storybook is one adults and children will enjoy sharing together again and again. When the eldest son fell in the well and most of the time getting help was spent pronouncing the name of the one in trouble, the Chinese, according to legend, decided to give all their children short names.

Bengal tigers silently stalk their prey. Learn all about these sneaky night hunters and their habitats in Bengal Tigers.

Take a trip to the Silver State! Learn about Nevada's history, geography, weather, people, and more in this book that's all about our 36th state.

Cute and cuddly yet powerful and fierce, polar bears are loved by people around the world. But the great bear of the north is in trouble. Its habitat is disappearing, and its food supply is dwindling. Learn more about these amazing animals, their Arctic homes, what the eat, and what you can do to help.

Yank! The giant panda strips bamboo leaves with its sharp claws. Weighing more than 300 pounds, this is one huge bear! Listeners are introduced to physical features, behavior, habitat, and life cycle to find out why giant pandas are awesome!

Toucans fill the rain forests with chatter. Learn all about these colorful birds and their habitats in Toucans.

Giant pandas munch on bamboo. Learn all about these gentle bears and their habitats in Giant Pandas.

Piranhas lurk in the Amazon River. Learn all about these sharp-toothed fish and their habitats in Piranhas.

Welcome to Russia! Look at the fairy-tale castles of Moscow. Search forests for endangered Siberian tigers. Learn about the people, places, and traditions of the world's largest country.

Howler monkeys spend most of their lives in the trees. Learn about these noisy monkeys and their habitats in Howler Monkeys.

Anacondas hide in muddy waters. Learn all about these giant snakes and their habitats in Anacondas.

Where does the trash from last night’s pizza party go after you take it to the curb? Easy-to-understand text explains how trash gets from homes to landfills or recycling centers and describes the role of the community workers who make it all possible.

Orangutans swing through rain forest trees. Learn all about these clever apes and their habitats in Orangutans.

Welcome to Cuba! Hear the strong dance beat of salsa music. Walk city streets lined with colorful buildings. Learn about the people, places, and traditions of this hot island country.

Welcome to the Evergreen State! Learn about Washington's history, geography, weather, people, and more in this book that's all about our 42nd state.