Songs are universal, and every culture has its own. Some are celebratory. Others tell stories. Many are about love. There are national anthems and protest songs. There are lullabies and playground songs. This book teaches young readers about the many different kinds of songs around the world and throughout history. It then compares pairs of songs, allowing readers to think about how each pair is similar or different. Finally, readers are challenged...

We encounter friction in our lives every day-at home, in school, at work, and at play. Readers are introduced to friction, its characteristics, and how it works in the world around us. Through clear explanations, concrete examples, and attention-grabbing photos, the author shows how this physical force operates and how it can work to both our advantage and disadvantage. Readers will be fascinated to learn the role friction plays in nature, in sports,...

Whether or not you believe in them, the scientific investigation of ghosts is big business. Reality television shows that follow ghost hunters at work and the popularity of ghost tours in many U.S. cities prove that we are fascinated by the possibility that the dead may still be with us. This book examines evidence of the existence of ghosts and takes a critical look at what the scientific findings might actually mean. It also delves into the history...