Nonfiction World

Germany's success in the Second World War was built upon its tank forces; however, many of its leading generals, with the notable exception of Heinz Guderian, are largely unknown. This biographical study of four German panzer army commanders serving on the Eastern Front is based upon their unpublished wartime letters to their wives. David Stahel offers a complete picture of the men conducting Hitler's war in the East, with an emphasis on the private fears and public pressures they operated under.

How do children around the world spend their first day of school? Some eat warm akara for breakfast in Nigeria, while others unwrap lunches of kluski in Poland. In China, they practice intricate characters in special notebooks, and in Argentina, they learn each other's names in a sing-song memory game. No matter where in the world, every student has something new to look forward to on their first day!

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

On May 19, 1942, during World War II, a German submarine, a U-boat, in the Gulf of Mexico stalked its prey 50 miles from New Orleans. The submarine set its sights on the freighter Heredia. Most onboard were merchant seamen, but there were also civilians, including the Downs family: Ray and Ina and their two children. Fast asleep in their berths, the Downs family had no idea that two torpedoes were heading their way. When the ship exploded, chaos ensued - and each family member had to find their own path to survival.

You can always recognize a painting by Kahlo because she is in nearly all of them, with her black braided hair and colorful Mexican outfits. A brave woman who was an invalid most of her life, she transformed herself into a living work of art. As famous for her self-portraits and haunting imagery as she was for her marriage to another famous artist, Diego Rivera, this strong and courageous painter was inspired by the ancient culture and history of her beloved homeland, Mexico. Her paintings continue to inform and inspire popular culture around the world.

In a heartwarming first-person account, dePaola retells his experiences at home and in school when he was a boy. 26 Fairmount Avenue is full of humor, drama, suspense and just the day-to-day ups and downs of a little boy's life.

What would it be like to live in El Salvador? How is El Salvador's culture unique? Explore the sights, traditions, and daily lives of El Salvadorians!

Based on a true story originally written by one of the survivors, Neta Lohnes Frazier's account of seven children traveling westward still has the power to astonish. In the 1840s, the Sager family set off on the Oregon Trail, a dangerous and adventure-filled journey. Tragedy struck when both the mother and father succumbed to fever, orphaning the youngsters - one just a newborn. The entire wagon train adopted them, until they arrived at the Whitman Mission in Oregon.

Iran is an ancient country that used to be called Persia. The Persians were one of the oldest civilizations on Earth, and Persian culture has a strong presence in Iranian culture today. In this book, explore Iran’s rain forests, national cuisine, and the traditions of a people that trace their roots back thousands of years.

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.

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.

A yule log burns brightly in a fireplace. Children pop open Christmas crackers to get a surprise. Families enjoy treats such as mince pie and plum pudding. These are the sights and sounds of Christmas in England. Come explore the many English traditions that bring people of this country together at Christmas.

Libby gives a tour of her neighborhood to a boy just about her age whose family is moving in next door. By highlighting neighborhood safety and activities, Libby makes the boy feel welcome.

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

Become a presidential pro with this interactive trivia book from Jeopardy! champ and New York Times bestselling author Ken Jennings.

“My boys have confiscated my Kindle! They absolutely love this educational Children’s eBook. The vivid images of these insects are, at times, creepy but always entertaining for boys!” ~ James Harland “Insects is my kid’s new favorite book. It’s rare to able to entertain and educate at the same time. They really have learned a lot through Mark’s books. Thanks!” ~ Susan Feldman “Creepy! But, more importantly, educational! Thanks Mark. My kids love this book!” ~ Cindy Coolidge About Insects! By Mark Farley Mark dives into the world of Insects. His commitment to nature and ...

Visit the Nation's Capital! Learn about Washington, D.C.'s, history, geography, weather, people, and more in this book that's all about our nation's capital.

Unfurling a tapestry of surprising and historically overlooked figures spanning forty centuries and six continents, historian Matthew Lockwood narrates lives filled with imagination and wonder, curiosity, connection, and exchange. Adventurers from every corner of the globe search for the unknown and try to understand it, remaking the world and themselves in the process. Exploration is for everyone who sets off into the unknown. It is the inheritance of all.

Alexander Chee, an essayist of “virtuosity and power” (Washington Post), selects twenty essays out of thousands that represent the best examples of the form published the previous year.

An alphabetical exploration of the people, geography, animals, plants, history, and culture of Mexico.