Polar Explorers for Kids  •  Maxine Snowden EXPLORATION •  2004 •  PAPER  • 150 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) The history and adventures of 16 polar explorers, including Erik the Red, Henry Hudson, Robert Peary, Roald Amundsen, Robert Scott and Ernest Shackleton, are brought to life in 21 puzzles, games, projects and activities for kids ages 9 and up. With black-and-white photographs, informative sidebars and maps. (ARC191, $16.95)
The Real Vikings: Craftsmen, Traders and Fearsome Raiders  •  Melvin Berger  •  Gilda Berger HISTORY •  2003 •  HARD COVER  • 54 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) This colorful guide gives young readers a nice overview of the history of the Vikings and dispels several myths about their brutality and choice of headgear. The Bergers, no strangers to the world of children's literature, focus on the Vikings' emphasis on equality and democracy without ignoring their penchant for violence. An easy and engaging read for kids in grades 4 to 7. (SCN31, $18.95)
Seabird  •  Holling C. Holling LITERATURE •  1978 •  PAPER  • 61 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) Whether you're at the coast or on the ocean, this children's book is excellently appropriate reading. An illustrated classic, it follows the history of American seafaring through the eyes (and adventures) of a carved ivory gull. Across four generations and around the world, by whaler, clipper, steamer and airplane, the gull witnesses life at sea. Ages 9-12. (OCE79, $11.95)