Gente joven, A2.2

People today refer to the Midwestern and prairie states as flyover country. During the Civil War, crossing those areas was the biggest obstacle in uniting the East and West Coasts of our divided nation. An act of Congress in 1862 authorized the Central Pacific and the Union Pacific railroad companies to build a railroad that would link the coasts. Seven years later, on May 10, 1869, an overwhelmingly immigrant labor force completed the task when a rail line was join in Promontory, Utah. The states had become united at last.

In this bilingual picture book, astronaut José M. Hernández recounts his childhood as the son of Mexican migrant workers and his life-long dream to travel to the stars.

This historical novel will fascinate young readers as they learn about Mayan customs and lifestyle. A glossary of Mayan terms and authentic drawings will help children understand this highly advanced culture. Text copyright 2004 Lectorum Publications, Inc.

Life in the Southern Hemisphere is bitterly cold for most penguins, but they don't seem to mind. Most penguins live in large colonies on the coast of Antarctica or on nearby islands. Readers explore penguin colonies for themselves, learning fun facts about these beautiful birds with the help of accessible text. Readers learn how penguin families work together to feed their young and keep them warm. A helpful graphic organizer aids in reader understanding. Readers will enjoy detailed images of penguin species at home in the Antarctic with every turn of the page.