Six New Yorkers are sick with a mysterious virus that attacks the brain. Experts suspect a tiny culprit: mosquitoes! Then birds start dropping dead. Scientists think that the outbreaks are related. But how? High-interest topics, real stories, engaging design, and astonishing photos are the building blocks of the XBooks, a new series of books designed to engage and motivate reluctant and enthusiastic readers alike. How can a bite from a pet prairie...

The Arena Chapel in Padua was completed in 1303; Giotto, then considered the preeminent painter in Italy, was commissioned to paint it in 1306. The resulting fresco cycle, detailing the history, birth, life, and death of Christ, ranks among the greatest artworks ever created. John Ruskin helped redefine art criticism in the nineteenth century through his attention to detail, his playful and engaging prose, and the conviction with which he discussed...

Storyteller and theologian John Shea provides a unique commentary that's ideal for preaching, teaching, or simply meditating on the Gospels. His writing is poignant and conversational making this book a valuable tool for professional ministers, as well as for Christians who reflect on the Gospels for personal spiritual growth. Shea draws readers into the people and situations that Jesus encountered in ways that are evocative and inspirational. The...

Wisdom, wit, and Sacred Writ are the outstanding interactive hallmarks of this fourth and final volume in The Spiritual Wisdom of the Gospels for Christian Preachers and Teachers series. In the same style and format as the first three volumes, Shea presents evocative reflections to enhance Scripture-based preaching and teaching for liturgical feast days, funerals, and weddings. Christian preachers and teachers and anyone interested in the spiritual...

Eleanor Roosevelt wasn't content to be a seldom-seen, never-heard First Lady. Instead, she worked tirelessly for the many causes dear to her heart, including the rights of African Americans, women, and the poor. After Franklin D. Roosevelt's death, she traveled the world promoting peace in the aftermath of World War II. Roosevelt was so beloved she became known as the "First Lady of the World." This extraordinary woman's life and work is presented...

Extensively researched, profusely illustrated book explores principal elementary antique country furniture designs used in North America over the past 400 years-with English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh, French, Dutch, German, Spanish and Norwegian influences represented. 95 measured drawings for constructing candlestand, pedestal table, rocker, corner cupboard, cradle, armoire, many more.

It's not hard to think of gross attributes of the human body. Runny noses, bad breath, and stinky feet are just some of the yucky and unavoidable parts of being human. However, the science behind the gross ways in which the body functions is pretty cool. Scabs, blisters, and mucus are actually ways for our bodies to heal and stay healthy. Readers will love learning about the body through the gross, engaging, and informational facts presented in accessible...

The digestive system takes the food we put into our mouths and breaks it down into the most elemental parts. Our bodies use these nutrients to fuel life processes. The digestive system also eliminates waste products from our bodies. Readers will view this system through illustrative diagrams. They will also learn about nutrition and the importance of maintaining a healthy digestive system.

Your respiratory system is working with each breath in and out. But it's more complex than just breathing. The information inside this book covers the structure and function of the respiratory system, as well as the importance of maintaining healthy lungs. The air that enters our lungs when we breathe in contains oxygen, which our bodies need to help turn food into energy. When we breathe out, carbon dioxide is removed from the body. Colorful photographs...

Self-injury and cutting refers to harming one's own body on purpose, a troubling problem that tends to begin in the teen or early adult years. Also known by several other terms, including "self-harm" and "self-mutilation," the behavior is often used as an outlet to get temporary relief from tormenting emotions. Written by a medical doctor, this book offers honest information about self-injury, who it tends to affect, and possible reasons people self-injure....