"MARS IS Stark Slopes, Silvery Snow, & Startling Surprises" & "Abraham Lincoln's Dueling Words" from Peachtree Publishing [Review & Giveaway USA/CANADA]

MARS IS Stark Slopes, Silvery Snow, & Startling Surprises by Suzanne Slade 

My thoughts:  The stunning photographs taken with the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment camera along with the clear, understandable text brings the "Red Planet" a bit closer to us. Our minds can begin to grasp just what is so special and unique to Mars.

As people of Earth expand their exploration and knowledge of outer space and the planets, we begin to see that there are elements about them that are hard to comprehend.

I am delighted to read through the pages of Mars Is and see with my own eyes the images captured with this amazing camera. Information at the back of the book tells some of the story of the HiRise Camera.

I highly recommend this book for classrooms, homeschoolers, and libraries everywhere.

About the book: Award-winning author and former mechanical engineer Suzanne Slade (Countdown, A Computer Called Katherine) explores the remarkable beauty of Mars in this timely photo-packed space extravaganza.

For young readers eagerly following NASA's Mars Exploration Program and awaiting continued discoveries on the Red Planet.

For centuries, people have been intrigued by Mars, and over time, scientists have made exciting discoveries, such as the planet's Earth-like weather and seasons. But curious earthlings want to know more. Does Mars have deserts? Volcanos? Or signs of life? Could people live there someday?

Scientists decided to take a closer look. They built a powerful camera called the HiRise (High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment) and loaded it onto a rocket. The rocket blasted off on August 12, 2005, and seven months later, the camera began orbiting Mars. It sent back astounding, revealing photos showing the world what Mars really is.

With elegant spare prose, award-winning nonfiction author and former rocket engineer Suzanne Slade leads readers through some of these stunning photos taken by the most advanced camera ever sent to another planet. A visual feast for space enthusiasts and STEAM fans that will expand readers' assumptions and understanding of Mars.

Teacher's guide available! 

Abraham Lincoln's Dueling Words by Donna Janell Bowman  

My thoughts:  This story about Abraham Lincoln is a great introduction to biographic reading for elementary children. When incidents in the lives of real people are entertainingly written and illustrated, it creates a desire to further pursue learning about that person or other real people.

In this recounting of the incident involving Lincoln and his political rival, we learn that Lincoln was a flawed individual who acted in an ill conceived manner. He penned a letter to the editor using a different name than his own and this incited his rival to call him out for a duel.

Lincoln ultimately learned his lesson to guard his words carefully. The outcome of the duel was not the catastrophe it could have been.

About the book: Abraham Lincoln was known for his sense of humor. But in 1842, early in his adult life, it nearly got him into trouble. He had to use his imagination to save his career--and maybe even his life.

When Abraham Lincoln became frustrated with the actions of James Shield, a political rival, he came up with a plan. It was silly. It was clever. And it was a great big mistake! Lincoln, his future wife, and a friend of hers wrote a series of fictional letters to the editor, complaining about Shields. But when Shields took offense, he challenged Lincoln to a duel. How would our future president straighten things out and save the lives and careers of both himself and his rival?

Donna Bowman's humorous voice and S.D. Schindler's expressive illustrations are the perfect match for this story of Abraham Lincoln's humor and wit. Back matter includes an author's note with a bibliography. 

GIVEAWAY

Begins July 13

Ends August 5 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA & CANADA addresses.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine and are freely given. Winner's prize is provided and shipped directly to the winner by Peachtree Publishing. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.