In 1911, Hiram Bingham, the young Yale professor, set out on his expedition in search of Inca ruins. Guided the last steps by a young Quechua boy, he discovered not the rumored lost city, but the ruins of Machu Picchu, a city totally unknown to the outside world, and one of the wonders of the world.
Nonfiction
Nonfiction genre
Ancient Egypt: A First Look at People of the Nile
The civilization of ancient Egypt disappeared two thousand years ago, yet we still marvel at the wonders it left behind. This engaging primer for young readers introduces the land, people, and culture of Egypt, including the pyramids, the Great Sphinx, and mummification. In his signature style of creating three-dimensional illustrations, Bruce Strachan brings to life the monuments and everyday customs of an enthralling society for children just beginning their discovery of ancient Egypt.
In the Land of the Jaguar: South America and Its People
South America’s story is as varied as its geography of soaring mountains, scorching deserts, and lush rainforests. This book combines an often tragic history with the problems and triumphs of the present. The information ranges from “the Requirement” (a document read out by the conquistadors each time they came upon a new group of indigenous people to justify their actions) to drug cartels, from the hidden and secretive Elders (a civilization that retreated to the mountains to preserve its customs) to Gabriel García Márquez. Includes maps, an index, and bibliography.
Lithuania
This book provides comprehensive information on the geography, history, government structure, economy, and customs, cultural diversity, people of this newly independent Baltic state, Lithuania.
Knut: How One Little Polar Bear Captivated the World
When Knut was born, the first polar bear cub at the Berlin Zoo in more than thirty years, he was no bigger than a snowball and unable to care for himself. His mother, a rescued East German circus bear, didn’t know how to take care of Knut and rejected him. Knut would have died if it weren’t for Thomas Dorflein, a zookeeper who nurtured Knut, feeding him, sleeping with him, and giving him the love and attention Knut needed to thrive. But Thomas wasn’t the only one who adopted Knut. The adorable little polar bear captured the world’s attention, and now Knut is loved around the globe.
Montezuma and the Aztecs
Montezuma clarifies the differences between Aztec, Mayan, and Inca civilizations, and then discusses Aztec culture, the significance of human sacrifice, the relationships among neighboring towns, European explorers, and Montezuma.
Ecuador
This book provides comprehensive information on the geography, history, governmental structure, economy, cultural diversity, peoples, religion, and culture of Ecuador.
Austria (Discovering Cultures)
Includes bibliographical references and index. Where in the world is Austria? What makes Austria Austrian?
Sparrows
Who knew that rats gladly eat sparrows? Or that dog poo in the street is a great place for a sparrow to find lunch? Or that sparrows like dust baths? Follow one family of sparrows to learn more about their life cycles.
Iran (Discovering Cultures)
Iran culture and life.