How did colonies, territories, and land purchases shape the United States of America? What differences--and similarities--are there between the states? What does each state bring to the union? From sea to shining sea, The Handy State-by-State Answer Book: Faces, Places, and Famous Dates for All Fifty States explores the history, growth, politics, people, and more of each of the 50 states. It is a resource for learning about the events and personalities that influenced and affected each state, its history, government, cities, and culture. It is a convenient place to look for...

Long before there were fast food restaurants, the oceans helped sustain human life. Covering 70 percent of the surface area of our globe, the oceans are vast and mysterious and primal and pretty much everywhere you go. What is El Nino and how does it affect the oceans and the weather? What is a riptide? Where does the salt in seawater come from? Are there mountains undersea? How many species of fish exist in the world? Can an ocean be a color other than blue? How do whales breathe? Are volcanoes forming in the oceans today? Boy, we have some questions. The Handy Ocean Answer Book tackles...

Answering nearly 1,000 of the most often asked questions on the complexities that shaped our planet, The Handy Geology Answer Book traces the formation of the universe and the planet, investigating the layers of the Earth, and explaining the formation of mountains and bodies of water. Questions and answers are also devoted to volcanoes, fault lines, caves, fossil fuels, world morphological features, and even the geology of other planets.

Fully updated with the latest advances in meteorology as well as an additional section on climate change, this comprehensive reference addresses all aspects of weather in an accessible questionandanswer format. All the basic elements of weather are discussed, as are all types of weather phenomena and the science of forecasting. In addition, the relationships between weather and oceanography, geology, and space science are expertly covered. Included are more than 1,000 questions and answers such as, Has a hurricane ever struck southern California? Could our oceans have originated in space? and...

Combining a basic history of philosophical thought with the often quirky personal stories of famous philosophers, this comprehensive introduction to the world of philosophy answers more than 1,000 questions, ranging from What was the Enlightenment? to Why did the Pythagorians avoid fava beans? Analyzing the collective effort of philosophers throughout history in the pursuit of truth and wisdom, the guide explores the tangible significance of philosophical thought to modern society and civilization as a whole. With a wide range of information suitable for various knowledge bases--from junior...

Kids ask the darndest things . . . and here are the answers--all in one helpful book
Anyone who has ever been a kid, raised a kid, or spent any time with kids knows that asking questions is a critical part of growing up. Kids have curious minds and they come up with some very interesting questions. But the truth is adults don't always know the answers. The Handy Answer Book for Kids (and Parents) comes to the rescue. Written with a child's imagination in mind, this easy-to-understand book is a launching pad for curious young minds and a life raft for parents at wits end. It...

Featuring more than 600 questions about dinosaurs--such as What dinosaurs are thought to have evolved into birds? Did dinosaurs travel in herds? and Where and what is the Dinosaur Freeway?--this fun-filled fact-book provides a wealth of information on the lives and habits of these astonishing creatures. From the Tyrannosaurus rex to the Stegosaurus, the guide profiles numerous species, chronicling their time on earth and exploring their roles in archaeological expeditions and museums today. Delightful and intriguing, this comprehensive record includes the debates still surrounding the origins...

A complete look at every Presidents' who, what, when, where, why, and, how ...
Offering an engaging overview of the U.S. presidency and all past presidents, this valuable tome asks a variety of questions, from the trivial to the topical, that further expands one's understanding of America's highest office. With an intriguing range of questions about religious affiliations, unusual backgrounds, and tidbits of odd trivia--from "Which president killed a man in a duel?" to "Who was the first Baptist to become president?"--this reference also covers former presidential candidates, first...

Combining the most current data with a user-friendly format, this timely reference features more than 1,000 answers to questions on personal finance, its history, and managing one's financial life. Providing financial lessons in a fun, approachable way, the book avoids financial jargon and offers facts for everyday life that help readers save money. Questions range from simple to complex--How do I balance my check book? Why do people like to use online banks, and how popular is their use? What is a 401K plan? With financial information suitable for a wide range of ages, this is an ideal...

Battles, Blood, Honor, and Heroism
The nation's highest-casualty, bloodiest war is still discussed, studied, and acted out. It continues to affect the political boundaries of today. From the economic, political, and social forces behind the conflict, through the first shots fired at Fort Sumter, the military strategies, battles, and people, and from Lee's surrender at Appomattox to the Southern reconstruction and modern aftermath, The Handy Civil War Answer Book is a captivating, concise, and convenient history of America's defining conflict.
The complex,...