This book describes the geography and wildlife of the Nile River and its surrounding lands.

Have you ever wondered why New Zealand's plants and animals are so different from those in other countries? Why kakapo is the only parrot in the world that cannot fly, or why the kiwi lives here and nowhere else? New Zealand is an extraordinary place, unique on earth, and the remarkable story of how and why life evolved here is the subject of Ghosts of Gondwana. The challenge of explaining New Zealand's natural origins is picked up in this fully revised edition of the popular award-winning book. It presents the latest scientific research in highly readable form, highlighting studies that reveal the deep historical background of our landscapes, fauna and flora - from ancient frogs and moa to delicate insects and the magnificent southern beech forests. It introduces the latest discoveries and resolves past issues like the 'Oligocene drowning' hypothesis. Exciting fossil discoveries are revealed and new scientific technologies and approaches to the discipline of historical biogeography are discussed - approaches that range from undersea geology to molecular clocks - and it inevitably draws attention to the debates and conflicts that distinguish different schools of opinion in this holistic branch of theoretical science. This revision incorporates the results of 10 years of intensive scientific research and includes four entirely new chapters to: focus on 'yesterday's maps' to draw attention to the ephemeral islands in our history that have possibly acted as stepping stones for terrestrial animals and plants but today have sunk into the sea; incorporate the author's own special interest in an ancient group of 'jaw-moths', unknown and unnoticed by most people but with a strong message that New Zealand is part of the world when it comes to explaining where our fauna have come from; present recent research findings on our huge flightless birds, the ratites; and include New Zealand's terrestrial molluscs into the story. Ghosts of Gondwana identifies New Zealand as one of the most challenging places on earth to explain, but it's readable, engaging style and revised illustrations render this often-controversial discipline of science into a format that is accessible to any reader with an interest in natural history and the unique environment of New Zealand.

"A must-read for lost souls everywhere." —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review With spellbinding verse prose, R.M. Romero channels the spirit of myth into a brilliantly original tale, inspired by her experiences restoring Jewish cemeteries in Eastern Europe. Magic will burn you up. Sent to stay with her aunt in Prague and witness the humble life of an artist, Ilana Lopez—a biracial Jewish girl—finds herself torn between her dream of becoming a violinist and her immigrant parents’ desire for her to pursue a more stable career. When she discovers a forgotten Jewish cemetery behind her aunt’s cottage, she meets the ghost of a kindhearted boy named Benjamin, who died over a century ago. As Ilana restores Benjamin’s grave, he introduces her to the enchanted side of Prague, where ghosts walk the streets and their kisses have warmth. But Benjamin isn't the only one interested in Ilana. Rudolph Wassermann, a man with no shadow, has become fascinated with her and the music she plays. He offers to share his magic, so Ilana can be with Benjamin and pursue her passion for violin. But after Ilana discovers the truth about Wassermann and how Benjamin became bound to the city, she resolves to save the boy she loves, even if it means losing him—forever. A love letter to Latin American and Jewish diasporas, based on the author's experiences working to maintain Jewish cemeteries in Eastern Europe. The Ghosts of Rose Hill is a tender and empowering read that you will devour in one sitting. Steeped in history and the experiences of immigrant families, especially Jewish families, each carefully-chosen word of this magical verse novel casts a spell. A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year An Indie Next Pick!

Zachary expects to be bored completely when he is forced to join his parents and his eccentric great-aunt on a visit to a museum exhibit about ancient Egypt. But Great-Aunt Allie, who is fascinated by how Egypt once was, soon strays from the group and enters a door marked STAFF ONLY. DO NOT ENTER. When Zachary goes to look for her, his day gets more interesting -- he and his great-aunt have somehow traveled back in time! Guided by a talking cat named Khi, Zachary and his great-aunt embark on an exciting journey through ancient Egypt. Khi's knowledge of the ancient pyramids' construction, immense size, and purpose captivates Zachary. He learns about Imhotep, the first man to design a pyramid, as a tomb for King Djoser. Khi shows him how a pyramid is built and tells him of ancient Egypt's great pharaohs, like King Tut and Ramses the Great. Zachary learns about the elaborate process of mummification and sees the legendary Cleopatra. He even takes a boat ride on the Nile River! Visits to temples, a lesson in hieroglyphics, and the firsthand experience of the thriving civilization, dangerous wildlife, and rich culture of ancient Egypt -- Zachary's day is suddenly filled with more excitement than he ever thought possible. With intricate diagrams, a list and description of ancient Egyptian gods, and an "Egyptionary," Ghosts of the Nile is not only fun and adventurous, but also educational for both Zachary and readers alike. Complemented by rich, colorful illustrations, this book brings the mysterious ancient Egypt to life.

WELCOME READERS ALORA WORLD "MAGIC SHOP" ALL' THE STORIES CONNECT WITH CODE OPEN LEARN AND GROW AND UNDERSTAND DANGER KNOW HOW TO STORY CONNECT WITH CODE JUST FOUND

With an introduction by award-winning novelist Barbara Kingsolver In the late nineteenth century, when the great powers in Europe were tearing Africa apart and seizing ownership of land for themselves, King Leopold of Belgium took hold of the vast and mostly unexplored territory surrounding the Congo River. In his devastatingly barbarous colonization of this area, Leopold stole its rubber and ivory, pummelled its people and set up a ruthless regime that would reduce the population by half. . While he did all this, he carefully constructed an image of himself as a deeply feeling humanitarian. Winner of the Duff Cooper Prize in 1999, King Leopold’s Ghost is the true and haunting account of this man’s brutal regime and its lasting effect on a ruined nation. It is also the inspiring and deeply moving account of a handful of missionaries and other idealists who travelled to Africa and unwittingly found themselves in the middle of a gruesome holocaust. Instead of turning away, these brave few chose to stand up against Leopold. Adam Hochschild brings life to this largely untold story and, crucially, casts blame on those responsible for this atrocity.

'No one can deny Paul Roland is a complete master of his subject.' Colin Wilson, author of The Outsider Ghosts and spirits inhabit the world around us. We can hear and see them if we are only sensitive - or psychic - enough to be aware of them. Re-examining a fascinating assortment of recorded sightings from as far back as Roman times, the author presents a serious look at ghosts, not as chain-rattling spooks, but as actual entities with which we share a greater reality. Nor does he accept that ghosts are merely the spirits of departed people, or energies left behind. Uniquely, Paul Roland provides self-tested evidence on the idea of spirits as the manifestation of people still living, proving that out-of-body experiences are not as rare - or as impossible - as some people might think. The result is a profoundly fascinating, thought-provoking book that will challenge your beliefs as never before.

This is a study of the wars in Afghanistan. It puts the recent conflict there in the context of Russia's invasion and the British imperial wars that preceded them.

Friendship, deceit, fear, and persecution at an elite boarding school for young women in Rwanda, fifteen years before the 1994 genocide of the Tutsi . . . “Mukasonga’s masterpiece” (Julian Lucas, NYRB) Scholastique Mukasonga drops us into an elite Catholic boarding school for young women perched on the edge of the Nile. Parents send their daughters to Our Lady of the Nile to be molded into respectable citizens and to escape the dangers of the outside world. Fifteen years prior to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, we watch as these girls try on their parents’ preconceptions and attitudes, transforming the lycée into a microcosm of the country’s mounting racial tensions and violence. In the midst of the interminable rainy season, everything unfolds behind the closed doors of the school: friendship, curiosity, fear, deceit, prejudice, and persecution. With masterful prose that is at once subtle and penetrating, Mukasonga captures a society hurtling towards horror.