Kevin Blake Knihy

"In this book, readers learn about how rescue dogs are important."--

When a crowded passenger train crashed near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the city's police officers were among the first to respond. As the cops ran toward the wreckage, they heard screams for help coming from inside the train. The brave city cops climbed over the debris and kicked out the train's windows to reach the trapped passengers and pull them to safety. Dramatic, true stories will keep readers turning the pages as they learn about how these skilled police responders stay calm, think quickly, and act fast to address serious situations in which people or animals are lost or in danger. In addition, readers will go behind the scenes to see how these everyday heroes train for a wide variety of emergency rescues, so that they are ready to help day or night.

It was February 1925 in the Alaskan wilderness. One wrong step could mean sudden death for musher Gunnar Kaasen and his lead sled dog, Balto. The temperature had dropped to -50°F. Fierce winds roared as snow pounded the sled. The blinding blizzard made it impossible to see. Waiting for the weather to change, however, wasn't an option. Fifty miles away in Nome, Alaska, dozens of the town's children were sick with diphtheria and near death. Gunnar and Balto carried the only medicine that could cure them! In this captivating book, young readers will meet an amazing Siberian husky named Balto, who bravely guided a team of sled dogs on a grueling trip through blinding snow, over a half-frozen river, and through a steep mountain pass to safely deliver medicine to children in need. Packed with adventure, true stories, and dramatic, full-color photos, this book is sure to inspire dog lovers everywhere.

It was -25°F as the snow swirled all around, making it impossible to see. Explorer and dog trainer Keizo Funatsu called out into the darkness, "I'm here! I'm here!" Yet the howling winds were so loud that no one could hear his cries. He was lost in Antarctica. Keizo was part of an international expedition that had just dogsledded 3,725 miles across the frozen continent, past the South Pole. He had left his tent to feed the sled dogs when a blizzard struck, blinding him and preventing him from finding his way back to safety. Would Keizo find help before it was too late? Lost in the Antarctic is a heart-stopping collection of true stories about what it's like to be lost and forced to survive in the Antarctic. Captivating, first-person accounts of survivors include a man who fell into a deep crevasse, dangling only by a rope, and a famous explorer whose ship became stuck in the ice not far from Antarctica, forcing him to risk his life to seek help for his stranded men. The book also includes general information about the Antarctic region and the incredible creatures that live there. Large color photos, maps, and fact boxes enrich the exciting survival tales. Written in narrative format, this book is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

When Harry S. Truman became president in 1945, he faced tough decisions. He needed to bring an end to one of the deadliest wars in history--but how? In this fascinating introduction, young readers will learn about Truman's early life, his achievements as president, as well as the many ways he is remembered today. Each 24-page book in this series features controlled text with age-appropriate vocabulary and simple sentence construction. The lively text, colorful design, and rich photos and illustrations are sure to capture the interest of emergent readers.

After the assassination of President Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson became president. He was an influential leader who fought for civil rights and led the country through one of history's most divisive wars. In this fascinating introduction, young readers will learn about Johnson's early life, and his achievements as president, as well as the many ways he is remembered today. Each 24-page book in this series features controlled text with age-appropriate vocabulary and simple sentence construction. The lively text, colorful design, and rich photos and illustrations are sure to capture the interest of emergent readers.

In 1930, anyone walking down Fifth Avenue in the middle of New York City would have seen an incredible sight. A forest of giant steel beams rose hundreds of feet into the sky. Thousands of men stood on the beams cutting, drilling, and hammering. The workers were constructing the Empire State Building--the tallest skyscraper the world had ever seen. The Empire State Building traces the incredible story of the 102-story skyscraper, starting with the dream of two wealthy businessmen and ending with the completion of the awe-inspiring building. Large color photos, maps, and fact boxes enrich the captivating story, which is sure to excite even the most reluctant readers.

Sunny. Friendly. Beautiful. Welcome to the Dominican Republic! In this bright, exciting book, young readers will travel to this amazing country without ever leaving their homes or classrooms. During their journey, they will learn all about the Dominican Republic's cities, food, holidays, history, and wildlife. They'll even learn how to speak a few words in Spanish! This 32-page book features controlled text with age-appropriate vocabulary and simple sentence construction. The engaging text, bold design, and stunning photos are sure to capture children's interest.

In 1933, an ambitious project was underway in the middle of the desert on the Arizona-Nevada border. Dozens of men dangled from long ropes along the tall canyon walls hundreds of feet above the Colorado River. The workers used jackhammers to drill holes into the rock, and then placed dynamite into each hole. Boom! Boom! Boom! This dangerous--and sometimes deadly--work was just the beginning of the construction of the Hoover Dam. The Hoover Dam traces the incredible story of the colossal structure, from its construction to its important modern-day use--including preventing floods and providing electricity to millions of people. Large color photos, maps, and fact boxes enrich the captivating story, which is sure to excite even the most reluctant readers.

On the tropical island of Guam, there's a serious problem. It's long and brown and is slithering everywhere--including inside people's houses! The brown tree snake first arrived in Guam in the 1940s after hitching a ride on a ship sailing from the South Pacific. It found a new island home that was warm, had lots of food, and was free of predators. The snake multiplied quickly--and now millions roam Guam, devouring every small animal in their path and causing major environmental problems. In Guam's Brown Tree Snakes: Hanging Out, students will learn all about these animal invaders. The fascinating account describes how brown tree snakes first arrived in Guam, how they spread throughout the island, how they are affecting native wildlife and people, and what scientists are doing to control their population and stop them from spreading to other places. Large color photos, maps, and fact boxes enrich the dramatic details. Written in narrative format, this series is sure to keep young readers engaged.