NCW Libraries

Inka rulers led a huge empire with grand palaces. They had incredible riches. Artists made statues out of gold and silver. The Inka also made masterpieces out of grass. Their grass bridges crossed deep canyons. These engineering marvels let soldiers and messengers travel around the empire. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Smithsonian Informational Text builds students' reading skills while engaging their curiosity about...

Journey to the remote and isolated place known as Easter Island. The island has a rich culture and history, as well as some giant statues called moai. Many people visit Easter Island to see and learn about the island's unexplained mysteries from the past. Plot a course for adventure as you learn to plot number patterns! This informational text builds math content knowledge and literacy skills, and uses real-world examples to help students explore...

As the fifth-largest country in the world, Brazil's landscapes range from the famous Amazon rain forest to biodiverse mangroves, flat grasslands, and mountain ranges. Read all about the country's land and resources, how Indigenous peoples live, and the impact of colonization by Europeans, as well as daily life and culture today for people across Brazil. Free downloadable Teacher's Notes.

Machu Picchu is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Nestled in the Andes Mountains, the Inca people built a settlement that's in perfect harmony with the surrounding landscape. This title explores the geography of the ancient Inca civilization, which extended well beyond Machu Picchu. Covering land from present-day Peru to present-day Chile, the diverse landscape affected all aspects of Incan society, from daily life to terrace farming and irrigation....

The ancient Inca civilization is known having a developed economy, but the people didn't use money. In fact, the society didn't have it. This is just one fact presented in this volume, which provides an in-depth look at the Inca economy. The title covers terrace farming, irrigation, livestock, and the role of mit'a labor in ancient Peru. Through the text's coverage of the government's distribution of goods and services, readers will understand why...

The Maya, Aztec, and Inca peoples developed highly advanced civilizations in the ancient Americas. Readers discover some of the many technological developments made by these groups as they expand their knowledge of both social studies and STEM concepts. Farming techniques, pyramid construction, and the creation of calendars are just some of the topics highlighted in the informative main text and sidebars that break down fun facts about the science,...

The culture of the Inca Empire is defined by fascinating architecture, religion, farming, and technology, as well as a society that saw each citizen assigned to a specific task. This volume explores these fundamental social studies concepts, which complements classroom learning. Readers will learn about the Inca people's contributions to their society, including the Quipu, clothing, festivals, and societal roles. Accessible language and thought-provoking...

From the central mountains and valleys to the rain forests of La Mosquitia, Honduras is a land of natural beauty. Not every wonder in the country is nature-made, however. The Copán Ruins in western Honduras are relics of Mayan artistry and a reflection of the beauty to be found in the people, lands, and customs of Honduras.

The Mayan Empire is remembered as one of the most progressive but violent civilizations in history. Readers will explore a variety of unsavory topics, from bloody battles and skull racks to living with the dead and human sacrifices. Features like detailed sidebars and full-color photographs and illustrations will engage readers as they discover a whole new side to the history of the ancient Americas.

Civilizations grow around the geography of their region. This book transports readers to the unique geographical features of the land that was once home to the ancient Maya. Readers will learn about landforms and natural resources that affected the ancient Maya civilization. Breathtaking photographs of Central America and the ruins left behind by the Maya will give readers a firsthand look at the landscape that shaped a civilization. Primary sources...