Charles Hofer

Throughout the world, high-speed trains have become a popular way to get to destinations quickly. This book describes how high-speed trains work, their history, and gives special focus to the bullet trains of Japan.

When thinking about natural disasters, floods probably aren't the first thing that come to mind. However, a sudden rise in water level can cause great destruction and even death. This book explores where and why floods occur and features photographs of the incredible damage they can cause. Readers will learn how people survived some of the worst floods in recent history as well as new prediction methods to help avoid the damage and destruction floods...

Car racing is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. This book will give kids an inside-and-out look at how race cars are built for speed.

An irrigation system is an arrangement of canals and conduits that bring water to crops that need it. Even the earliest civilizations found ways to irrigate their crops with water from nearby rivers. In time, simple canals gave way to more advanced technology, leading to today's massive irrigation systems. In this book, readers will explore essential STEM topics while learning the fascinating history behind irrigation systems, including their different...

"Halloween is a holiday that features all things creepy and scary! Also known as All Hallows' Eve, people enjoy decorating their homes with jack-o'-lanterns, spider webs, skeletons, and other creepy items. Many kids love to dress up in costumes and go trick-or-treating for candy. Some people enjoy watching scary movies. Discover how this holiday began and the spooky ways people have fun with it"--

"It's a fight between two fierce armored reptiles! Today's crocodiles are powerful, sneaky hunters. But millions of years ago, the deinosuchus was one of the biggest predators of its time. Learn what makes these similar beasts so dangerous. Then decide which of the fearsome foes would emerge victorious in a beastly brawl"--

"It's a clash between two horned beasts! The rhinoceros is one of the largest animals living on land today. But millions of years ago, the triceratops was one of the biggest and most powerful beasts of its time. Learn what makes these similar creatures so impressive. Then decide which tanklike beast would achieve victory in a fight"--

The biosphere refers to the parts of Earth where life exists or where known life has existed in the past. The biosphere is comprised of the atmosphere, geosphere, and hydrosphere because life exists in each of those three spheres, from birds in the sky to fish in the water to worms in the dirt. Food chains represent interconnected life cycles in the biosphere. Energy is transferred from one organism to the next and, as apex predators die, nutrients...

Describes the characteristics of this planet known as a gaseous giant, discoveries made by telescopes and space probes, and how Saturn has played a role in the mythologies of many different cultures and civilizations.

"The world is full of furry, cuddly-looking animals. They often seem harmless at first glance. But don't try to snuggle with these fuzzy creatures. Many of them can be very dangerous. Some have razor-sharp claws and teeth. Others are incredibly strong. Still others are poisonous or carry deadly diseases. Prepare to meet some of the world's cuddliest killers"--