50 Underwear Questions by
Most of us take our underwear for granted, but throughout history our undies have revealed a lot about who we are (king or peasant), how we work (in fields or factories) or the shapes we value (manly calves or tiny waists). The third book in Annick's 50 Questions series tackles questions such as "What's that smell?" (Medieval Europeans thought bathing made you sick) and "Did boxers arrive in the Nick of time?" (When blue jean model Nick Kamen stepped out of his denims to reveal his boxers, sales of the underwear soared.) Underwear has played a role in ancient crusades, city sieges and even modern economic predictions. Obviously, it's time to uncover the facts about everything from loincloths and T-shirts to bloomers and lingerie. Young readers will laugh their pants off at the accompanying cartoons and get the bare, but fascinating, facts about the history of our unmentionables.
Case Files: 40 Murders and Mysteries Solved by Science by 
Duped! by
As long as there have been people willing to believe the unbelievable, people have been duped. In the best storytelling tradition, readers can follow the tales of: * How the Nazis planned to destroy the British economy during World War II by flooding the world with millions of fake British banknotes * How an infamous radio broadcast had American citizens convinced that Martians were invading the country * How one of the 20th century's most elaborate scams--conducting tours to the lost Tasaday tribe in the Philippines--fooled the world's media and top scientists for nearly a decade. The author's fascination with the boldness and inventiveness of the swindlers, as well as their motives, makes for a compelling read. The stories instill a sense of disbelief, amusement and even grudging admiration for these ingenious scam artists who often (but not always) meet a bad end. Accompanied by graphic-style artwork, each tale offers a great escape for readers drawn to true stories presented in a lively fashion.
Earth-Friendly Buildings Bridges and More by
Introducing Corry Lapont: 12-year-old and aspiring ?green? engineer. This dynamic title takes the form of Corry's scrapbook. It's a dazzling collection of postcards, brochures and other memorabilia documenting Corry's research into green design. Kid-friendly language explains the engineering behind some of the planet's most cutting edge towers, bridges, tunnels, domes, dams, dikes, locks and levees. These structures include the Vizcaya Bridge in Spain, where gondolas transport cars over the Nervion River, and the Channel tunnel, where trains speed between England and France in just 35 minutes. Readers will explore the environmental impact of structures, such as the pros and cons of dam construction and how rainwater can be used to cool buildings. Complex concepts are clarified with simple activities, as well as colorful drawings, fun facts and the occasional wisecrack from Corry's kid brother, Riley.
Explorers Who Made It--Or Died Trying by 
No Shelter Here by
The goal of a puppy mill is to produce the maximum number of puppies in the cheapest way possible. That's why expensive items - proper housing, care, food, and medical attention - are ignored. Dogs have been loyal to Humankind for thousands of years. We cherish them as companions, groom them as show dogs and depend on them as working partners. But today, millions of dogs are neglected and malnourished. And millions of other dogs are used in scientific research and for entertainment, and kept as pets in a remarkable diversity of conditions. In No Shelter Here, animal advocate and chartered biologist Rob Laidlaw explores the world of homeless, free ranging, mistreated, and exploited dogs, and the challenges they face. But more importantly, he focuses on the people he calls "dog champions" - those individuals, small groups and professional organizations around the world who dedicate their lives to helping dogs. Enhanced with photos, informational sidebars and inspiring good-news stories, No Shelter Here will galvanize young readers to become Dog Champions in their own communities.
Sable Island by
Though it was discovered almost 500 years ago, few people have visited Sable Island. Despite modern navigational tools, excessive fog and stormy weather still make travelling to Sable a challenge. Add government restrictions limiting visitors to the remote island and prohibitive travel costs, and Sable is virtually inaccessible. But the island is part of Maritime lore--dubbed the "graveyard of the Atlantic" because of the number of ships wrecked on its shores. Sable Island also hosts wild horses, tens of thousands of seals, and enchanting "singing" sands and "wandering" dunes. With 18 species of sharks patrolling Sable Island's waters and the regular fights between bands of horses, not to mention the treacherous patches of quicksand, the island is as dangerous as it is alluring. In this colourful book, author Wendy Kitts introduces the wonders and stark realities of this wild place. Full of photographs and sidebars, Sable Island: The Wandering Sandbar is an accessible and exciting look at this unprotected, untamed ecosystem.
The Shadows That Rush Past by
The Shadows that Rush Past introduces young readers to some of the creepiest, scariest stories from Inuit mythology. These tales, told by critically acclaimed writer Rachel Qitsualik, bring to life four creatures from Inuit mythology: the amautalik, akhla, nanurluk, and mahaha. These tales are filled with child-stealing ogresses; monsters that are half-man, half-grizzly bear; ice-covered polar bears ten times the size of normal bears; and a smiling creature that surprises unsuspecting campers and tickles them to death! Written in a playful, conversational, sometimes funny style, The Shadows that Rush Past will keep young readers anxious for the thrilling frights that might lurk on the next page.
Shannen and the Dream for a School by
It is 2008, and thirteen-year-old Shannen and the other students at J.R. Nakogee Elementary are tired of attending class in portables that smell and don't keep out the cold winter air. They make a YouTube video describing the poor conditions, and their plea for a decent school attracts attention and support from community leaders and children across the country. Inspired, the students decide to turn their grade-eight class trip into a visit to Ottawa, to speak to the Canadian government. Once there, Shannen speaks passionately to the politicians about the need to give Native children the opportunity to succeed. The following summer, Shannen is nominated for the International Children's Peace Prize. Tragically, Shannen was killed in a car crash in 2010, and was not able to see the dream of her school fulfilled. Her family, friends and supporters continue to honor her memory as they work for equality for children in Native communities everywhere.
To Hope and Back by
Lisa and Sol board the luxury ship St. Louis in Hamburg, Germany, on May 13, 1939. Lisa and her family are in first class; Sol and his parents are below in tourist class. The children have mixed feelings--they're excited to be beginning this voyage to a better life and sad to be leaving their old lives behind. They are Jewish, as are almost all of the 937 passengers on board, and although war has not been officially declared in Europe, the Nazis have been persecuting Jews for years. As they set sail for Cuba, the atmosphere on the ship is optimistic, led by the German captain Gustave Shröder, who is determined to see his passengers to safety. But as they learn that Hitler's propaganda has turned the country against them, the mood changes to despair. They are turned away--first from Cuba, then the United States, and then Canada. The story of Lisa and Sol is set against the tragic true history of the St. Louis. Denied entry from port after port, the captain was forced to return his Jewish passengers to Europe, where many died in the Holocaust. Through the eyes of Sol and Lisa, we see the injustice and heartbreak that were caused by the prejudice and hatred of so many.
No Shelter Here by
The goal of a puppy mill is to produce the maximum number of puppies in the cheapest way possible. That's why expensive items - proper housing, care, food, and medical attention - are ignored. Dogs have been loyal to Humankind for thousands of years. We cherish them as companions, groom them as show dogs and depend on them as working partners. But today, millions of dogs are neglected and malnourished. And millions of other dogs are used in scientific research and for entertainment, and kept as pets in a remarkable diversity of conditions. In No Shelter Here, animal advocate and chartered biologist Rob Laidlaw explores the world of homeless, free ranging, mistreated, and exploited dogs, and the challenges they face. But more importantly, he focuses on the people he calls "dog champions" - those individuals, small groups and professional organizations around the world who dedicate their lives to helping dogs. Enhanced with photos, informational sidebars and inspiring good-news stories, No Shelter Here will galvanize young readers to become Dog Champions in their own communities.