Describes the geography, history, economy, culture, and people of the state of California, and includes ideas for classroom assignments.

In the icy waters of the Pacific, a massive humpback whale unexpectedly finds herself tangled in a net abandoned by fishermen. When a rescue boat and a convoy of divers arrive to help the struggling humpback, a realistic and moving encounter bridges the human and aquatic worlds.

"Over the canyon, the sun scalds the air, and bakes the desert mud to stone. But under the shade of the canyon hides another world, where bighorn sheep bound from rock to rock on the hillside, roadrunners make their nests in sturdy cacti, and banded geckos tuck themselves into the shelter of the sand. This book takes readers on a journey through the wonders concealed in the curves of the canyon, and all the secret life hidden in its arms"--

Japanese American Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston shares the story of her family's experiences living at the Manzanar internment camp during World War II, and discusses the influences of those early years in forced detention on the rest of her life.

The story of a wild dog who befriended Marine Major Brian Dennis in Iraq, and, when they were separated, trekked seventy miles through the desert winter to rejoin his friend.

"Have you ever imagined what you might be when you grow up? When he was very young, Juan Felipe Herrera picked chamomile flowers in windy fields and let tadpoles swim across his hands in a creek. He slept outside and learned to say goodbye to his amiguitos each time his family moved to a new town. He went to school and taught himself to read and write English and filled paper pads with rivers of ink as he walked down the street after school. And when...

As the center of the United States entertainment and technology industries, California has a major cultural impact on the rest of the country. Readers will explore this coastal state and find out what makes so many people want to live there. They will also check out the local wildlife, get a taste of California cuisine, and more.

Presents the life of a California ex-slave, nurse, and midwife, who started many philanthropic projects.