Special Collections
Into Reading Texas Grade 5 (NIMAC)
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Time and Clocks
by Debbie CroftNIMAC-sourced textbook
You might often ask, 'What time is it?'—but you probably don't ask, 'Time, what is it?' Time is the way we measure the passing of one moment to the next. Early clocks measured the passing of sand through an hourglass or the melting of wax on a candlestick. Later on, clocks and clock towers were built as monuments in large cities.
Unusual Buildings
by Debbie CroftNIMAC-sourced textbook
There are unusual buildings all over the world. Most of them are recognizable from the outside by their interesting or unique designs. There are buildings that look like baskets, bookshelves, or flowers! Find out about some of the most unique buildings in the world—where they are, how they were built, and what makes them special.
Green City: How One Community Survived a Tornado and Rebuilt for a Sustainable Future
by Allan DrummondNIMAC-sourced textbook
In 2007, a tornado destroyed Greensburg, Kansas, and the residents were at a loss as to what to do next--they didn't want to rebuild if their small town would just be destroyed in another storm. So they decided they wouldn't just rebuild the same old thing; this time, they would build a town that could not only survive another storm, but one that was built in an environmentally sustainable way. Told from the point of view of a child whose family rebuilt after the storm, this companion to Energy Island is the inspiring story of the difference one community can make--and it includes plenty of rebuilding scenes and details for construction lovers, too!
Play On!
by Carmel Reilly and Martin FaganNIMAC-sourced textbook. Sam is a star player on the school basketball team. But when he is chosen for a role in the school play, he's under pressure to find time for both basketball practice and play rehearsals. Will he be able to balance his commitments?
Riverboat Boy
by Melaina Faranda and Nina KudinovaNIMAC-sourced textbook. Joe lives on a paddle steamer with his parents and younger sisters. He loves life on the boat, but he longs for a friend his own age. One night, while investigating a mysterious noise, he makes a shocking discovery. Could this be the opportunity Joe has always wanted?
Secondhand Superstars
by Heather Hammonds and Diane FeyerNIMAC-sourced textbook. One day at school, Sasha is teased for wearing secondhand clothes. Sasha's brother, Chris, comes up with an idea to cheer her up and show everyone how wearing recycled clothing can benefit people and the planet. Sasha's best friend, Kaz, is excited about helping out, too. With the assistance of a mystery guest, their plan might just work!
The Tale of the Troublesome Toad
by Richard Hoit and Quentin FlynnNIMAC-sourced textbook
In this fable, the residents of the peaceful village of Beauchamp receive a visitor who is determined to shower his dubious advice upon the love-struck Monsieur Cheval. Fortunately, there are wiser heads among Monsieur Cheval's friends. But will he listen before it's too late?
Digging up the Past
by Adam Ford and Laura SuaNIMAC-sourced textbook. Did you know that some people travel around the world digging things out of the ground for a living? Archaeologist Adam Ford explains exactly what his job involves. Read about the types of places an archaeologist can work in and the sorts of things they find. And find out what makes an ordinary house turn into a ruin over many years.
Attack of the Giant Mutant Zombie Snail
by Ian Forss and John ParsonsNIMAC-sourced textbook. The common garden snail is pretty harmless and, in Simon's opinion, also quite useful for disposing of unwanted plants, such as vegetables. But when Aunt Augusta starts recombining their genetic code at the South Queens University Institute for Research into Mollusks (or SQUIRM), the snails become anything but harmless.
Ancient Inventions
by John Francis and Teresa TurnerNIMAC-sourced textbook. People have been inventing new ways to meet the challenges of daily life for a very long time. Ancient people faced many of the same basic challenges that we use modern inventions for today. They found many clever ways to do things more quickly and easily. In fact, you might be surprised just how advanced some of their inventions were!
Miss Alaineus
by Debra FrasierNIMAC-sourced textbook
Sage has misheard and misunderstood one of Mrs. Page's weekly vocabulary words. Her error leads to a humbling catastrophe: a momentous tragedy, in front of the entire class. Can Sage turn her vocabulary disaster: an event bringing great misfortune, into a triumph: a true success? Anyone who has ever been daunted: discouraged or disheartened, by a mere word in the dictionary will cheer wildly: in a manner lacking all restraint, as Sage transforms embarrassment into victory in Debra Frasier's touching story of loving--and mistaking--our glorious language.
Mass Production and the Model T: Building the Car for Everyone
by Meish GoldishNIMAC-sourced textbook
Henry Ford and his Model T changed the automobile industry forever. By standardizing parts, creating an assembly line, and using a conveyor belt, Ford was able to effectively produce more vehicles in less time. His ideas of mass production are still used today.
Words with Wings
by Nikki GrimesNIMAC-sourced textbook
Gabby’s world is filled with daydreams. However, what began as an escape from her parents’ arguments has now taken over her life. But with the help of a new teacher, Gabby the dreamer might just become Gabby the writer, and words that carried her away might allow her to soar. Written in vivid, accessible poems, this remarkable verse novel is a celebration of imagination, of friendship, of one girl’s indomitable spirit, and of a teacher’s ability to reach out and change a life.
The Mesmer Menace
by James Hamilton and Kersten HamiltonNIMAC-sourced textbook
Welcome to the Amazing Automated Inn, home of twelve-year-old inventor Wally Kennewickett, his genius scientist parents, and his dashing dog, Noodles. From the lightning harvester on the roof to the labs full of experiments in the dungeon, the inn is a wonderful place for a curious boy and his loyal dog to live. That is, until President Theodore Roosevelt himself calls the elder Kennewicketts away, leaving Wally and Noodles to face the evil Mesmers, horrible hypnotists bent on controlling the minds of powerful people. It seems the inn is their first stop on the way to world domination . . . and only an ingenious boy, a staff of automatons, and a brave dachshund stand in their way!
Beware of the Mist
by Pamela Rushby and James HartNIMAC-sourced textbook. Max and his family plan a trip to Hadrian's Wall in England. Just as they are leaving, Max's gran gives him a very unusual warning—but Max doesn't listen. Along with a tour guide called Jefficus, Max embarks on a walk along the wall. But when the mist rolls in, they find themselves in a very unfamiliar time and place. Will they be able to find their way back?
CSI: Classroom
by James Hart and Frank PedersenNIMAC-sourced textbook. The crime-scene investigation (CSI) team at Gonzalez School swings into action when a cold, lifeless body is discovered in Room 7. There are plenty of suspects, but only one guilty perpetrator. The CSI: Classroom team will need to use all their skills and experience to solve this cold-blooded crime.