Margins
Blastoff! Discovery: Country Profiles book cover 1
Blastoff! Discovery: Country Profiles book cover 2
Blastoff! Discovery: Country Profiles book cover 3
Blastoff! Discovery: Country Profiles
Series · 41
books · 2017-2023

Books in series

Afghanistan book cover
#1

Afghanistan

2018

With two official languages and many different ethnic groups, Afghanistan is a diverse country with a rich and ancient history. Delicious food, thrilling sports, and festive celebrations are hallmarks of Afghani life, despite decades of war. This title introduces young readers to modern-day life and culture in this complex nation.
Argentina book cover
#2

Argentina

2019

From the Pampas to Patagonia, Argentina is a land of varied landscapes, colorful cities, and passionate people! In this title, readers will explore the people, wildlife, customs, and much more that make Argentina a vibrant nation. Special features including a profile of a famous face from Argentina, a recipe for a sweet treat, and numerous fun facts will keep readers hooked. See all that Argentina has to offer in this exciting book!
Australia book cover
#3

Australia

2017

Choosing just one animal mascot to represent the country of Australia is difficult! The marsupial contenders alone include the kangaroo, koala, and wombat. Then there are the predator options like the dingo and saltwater crocodile. After learning all about Australia in this title, fluent readers just might make a mascot pick!
Belize book cover
#6

Belize

2022

Home to animal-filled rain forests, a breezy coast, and dazzling coral reefs, Belize is loved by both locals and travelers. In this title, readers will discover the wonders that Belize has to offer through informative text and beautiful photos. Features add even more to explore, from maps and profiles to a recipe, a historical timeline, and more!
Bolivia book cover
#7

Bolivia

2023

From beautiful landscapes to traditional folk arts, Bolivia has a lot to offer! This title encourages developing readers to learn about the nation’s people, customs, landscape, wildlife, and more through thoughtfully leveled text and crisp images. Fun facts deepen the reader’s understanding of the country, and special features introduce a famous face, recipe, game, and more! The book concludes with a timeline and a two-page profile that puts important facts about Bolivia in one place.
Brazil book cover
#8

Brazil

2017

Brazil has a monopoly over about half of the South American landscape. The country covers more than 3 million square miles of the continent! In this snapshot of Brazil, young readers will especially enjoy touring the Amazon Rain Forest and the countrys other unique biomes.
Cambodia book cover
#9

Cambodia

2019

A beautifully vast landscape and respectful culture fill the country of Cambodia. Despite a history of persecution and danger, Cambodians celebrate their freedom and customs with joy! In this title, readers will step into Cambodia with a walk through Angkor Wat, and then learn about the nations celebrations, wildlife, and more!
Canada book cover
#10

Canada

2017

O Canada! The opening words of the Canadian national anthem are a fitting exclamation for appreciating the country sometimes called the True North. Canadas untouched wilderness, Arctic animals, and native peoples are all worthy of a shout-out. This read points out to capable young readers what makes Canada special.
Chile book cover
#11

Chile

2020

Stretching long and thin along South America's southwestern coast is the diverse nation of Chile. Its landscape features the jagged Andes, the dry Atacama Desert, varied forests, and chilling glaciers. The people and cultures provide as much contrast as the land! Readers will explore Chile's uniqueness through engaging text, labeled maps, a language feature, a traditional recipe, a historical timeline, and much more!
Cuba book cover
#15

Cuba

2018

Vibrant colors, lively music, and welcoming smiles fill the streets of the beautiful country of Cuba. Despite a history of economic hardships, the people of Cuba have created a nation dedicated to warmth and culture. Young readers can explore the country few citizens of the United States have been able to visit in this lively title.
The Czech Republic book cover
#16

The Czech Republic

2020

Welcome to the Czech Republic! There is much to see in this beautiful country, from the sprawling expanse of Bohemian Switzerland National Park to the cultural attractions in historic Prague. Through fact-filled text and colorful photos, this engaging title takes young readers on a journey to see it all! Readers will explore the countrys landscape, wildlife, traditions, and day-to-day life. Along the way, special features show off native animals, introduce popular foods, teach basic Czech phrases, and more. This title is sure to inspire readers to explore the world!
Denmark book cover
#17

Denmark

2019

Denmark is an innovative and joyful nation where sustainable living and appreciating the smaller things in life take the front seat. This title takes readers inside the happiest country in the world by highlighting the nations landscape, people, communities, and much more. Special features such as directions to a Danish game and a recipe for a traditional treat give readers a taste of what it is like to be a Dane. Find out much more about this unique nation in this engaging title!
Ethiopia book cover
#23

Ethiopia

2022

Ethiopia is one of the world’s oldest nations! It is home to amazing natural wonders like the Danakil Depression, and it is the birthplace of coffee. This title takes readers to Ethiopia through vivid photos and engaging information about the nation’s people, landscape, wildlife, and more. Features highlight a famous face, the official language, and many other special parts of the nation.
Finland book cover
#24

Finland

2023

Discover Finland from its northern tundra to its bustling urban centers in the south! In this title, leveled text and colorful photos guide readers through the country’s land, people, culture, and more. Special features support and enhance the leveled text, offering added insight into Finland with maps, an animal profile, a recipe, and more. The book concludes with a two-page profile that puts important facts about Finland in one place.
Greece book cover
#27

Greece

2019

Greece is a nation with a rich and ancient history dating back further than 2000 BCE! This long history has created strong cultural roots and traditions that emphasize hospitality and leisure. In this title, special features such as a timeline, famous face, and more take the reader through Greeces history into today. Leveled text and vibrant photos give readers an approachable reading experience. Take a journey to the Mediterranean in this title about Greece!
Guatemala book cover
#28

Guatemala

2019

Guatemala is a nation filled with with diversity! People with Maya and Spanish roots as well as other ethnicities bring a rich culture. The land houses black beaches, volcanoes, and highlands as well as a wide array of wildlife. Take a trip through the pages of this title and explore Guatemala through engaging text, vibrant photos, and fascinating facts!
Honduras book cover
#30

Honduras

2020

Honduras is a tropical country with a rich history and culture. From the volcanic highlands to the Pacific lowlands, this country's natural beauty is a sight to behold! Readers will experience this and more in this title all about what Honduras has to offer. Special features including a recipe, a language tutorial, and an activity give readers a hands-on experience with the rich culture of Honduras.
Hungary book cover
#31

Hungary

2022

Hungary has plenty to offer locals and tourists alike, including a vibrant capital city, beautiful folk art, and amazing natural wonders! Through leveled text and vivid photos, this title for young readers uncovers fascinating information about Hungary’s people, customs, landscape and more. Special features such as maps, profiles, a game, and a timeline offer even more information about this European nation!
Indonesia book cover
#34

Indonesia

2019

Spanning across 17,500 islands in Southeast Asia, Indonesia is a nation filled with diversity. From a landscape of volcanic mountains, rain forests, and swamps to a population of more than 300 different people groups, there is so much to discover on this nations islands. This titles leveled text provides an engaging reading experience, while special features such as language, a recipe, and fast facts about Indonesias population, religions, government and more provide additional information. Take a trip to this island nation in this fun title!
Iraq book cover
#36

Iraq

2017

Iraq gets a lot of bad publicity. People hear regularly about the country’s troubles without learning about its achievements. For example, you’ve maybe never heard that Iraqis invented the wheel, sailboat, and plow! This title takes young readers past news headlines to tell the full story of Iraq.
Jordan book cover
#42

Jordan

2018

Among much of the conflict in the Middle East, Jordan has become a place of refuge for many seeking safety. This land of deserts along the Great Rift Valley is home to the ancient city of Petra and people wearing welcoming smiles. This title is the perfect trek through the culture, customs, and daily life in Jordan.
Kenya book cover
#43

Kenya

2019

Zebras, wildebeest, and gazelles march across the Kenyan savanna while lions lazily nap through the heat of the day. The nations wildlife shares the land with the majority of Kenyas many tribes and other ethnic groups. Celebrate the life and beauty of Kenya through informative text and eye-catching photos!
Malaysia book cover
#45

Malaysia

2021

Malaysia is a country spread across two separate land masses that are covered by a tropical rainforest. This title highlights the country’s diverse landscape and wildlife, its people and customs, and more! Leveled text and bright photos introduce the country, and special features profile animals, map the landscape, introduce the language, highlight a recipe, and introduce historical events. This engaging title will immerse the reader in Malaysia’s rich culture!
Mexico book cover
#46

Mexico

2017

Mexico is a cactus capital. Giant cardon, the worlds tallest cactuses, grow in the Sonoran Desert. They reach heights up to 63 feet! And Mexicans also eat the stems of prickly pear cactuses like vegetables! This country profile takes kids south of the border to explore Mexico.
The Netherlands book cover
#49

The Netherlands

2019

Did you know the Netherlands has more bicycles than residents? The city of Amsterdam has been called "the bicycle capital of the world!" In this title, readers will discover many more interesting facts about the people and landscape of the Netherlands as well as detailed maps, a Dutch activity, and many other special features. Pedal through the Netherlands in this page-turning book!
Pakistan book cover
#53

Pakistan

2019

Pakistan is a country with a rich Islamic history that plays a large role in daily life. From clothing and behavior to nationwide celebrations, the Pakistani people take great pride in their religious connection. But there is much more to this Asian nation! In this title, readers will take a trip across Pakistan's varied landscape, meet the country's diverse wildlife, and discover so much more! Features such as maps, a famous face, and more provide an engaging reading experience. Head to Islamabad and beyond with this informative title!
Panama book cover
#54

Panama

2022

Many people identify Panama by the Panama Canal. But this Central American nation has much more to offer! Thousands of islands lie off its shores. Upbeat music fills the air. Fresh flavors welcome hungry visitors. In this title, readers will find all this and more through organized chapters and leveled text. Vivid photos keep readers’ interest, while special features highlight the country’s landscape, wildlife, foods, and more. A full-spread profile puts important facts about Panama in one place!
Poland book cover
#57

Poland

2021

Explore landmarks, wildlife, and more in this book about the wonders of Poland! This book explores many facets of Poland's past and present, from its landscape and wildlife to its language, customs, celebrations, and more. Engaging leveled text and colorful photos pull readers in, while special features map the locations of important cities, profile famous people, introduce an activity and a recipe, and place historical events on a timeline. Readers will soon understand all that makes Poland great!
Saudi Arabia book cover
#60

Saudi Arabia

2020

In 2019, Saudi Arabia opened its doors to more tourists than ever before. But what will travelers find when they visit? Through leveled text and vibrant photos, readers will find information on the countrys landscape, people, traditions, and more. Along the way, special features show off popular landmarks, highlight native animals, and introduce popular foods. Readers will walk away with a new appreciation for all that Saudi Arabia has to offer!
Scotland book cover
#61

Scotland

2019

Did you know Scotland's national animal is the unicorn? The country even has a National Unicorn Day on April 9. What other surprises does this nation hold? In this title, readers will discover the country's customs, celebrations, and much more. Special features including how to speak Scottish Gaelic, a Scottish activity and recipe, and a historical timeline provide engaging additions to the main text. Uncover all the treasures of Scotland in this fact-filled title!
Singapore book cover
#62

Singapore

2022

Singapore is a unique island city-state in Southeast Asia. Although small in size, it is one of the most densely populated nations in the world! In this title, readers will learn fascinating information about Singapore’s landscape, wildlife, and culture through engaging text and colorful photos. Features highlight a famous face, introduce a recipe, lay out important historical events, and more!
Slovenia book cover
#63

Slovenia

2023

Slovenia offers landmarks that excite locals and tourists alike, including a dragon-filled bridge, beautiful museums, and amazing natural wonders! Through leveled text and vivid photos, this title shares fascinating information about Slovenia's people, customs, landscape, and more. Special features such as maps, profiles, a game, and a timeline offer even more information about this European nation! The book ends with a two-page profile that puts important facts about Slovenia in one place.
Somalia book cover
#64

Somalia

2021

Somalia, a peninsula on the eastern coast of Africa, is home to more than 12 million people! This book introduces readers to the country’s landscape, wildlife, and people with bright, engaging photos. Leveled text helps the reader absorb detailed information with ease. Special features map important cities, introduce language, highlight a recipe, introduce important historical events, and more. Readers will come away with more understanding about the landscape, customs, and traditions of Somalia!
South Africa book cover
#65

South Africa

2020

Pack your bagsits time for a trip to South Africa! This nation, the southernmost on the African continent, is full of beautiful landscapes, fun activities, and interesting traditions. In this title, readers will see it all! Leveled text supported by engaging photos introduce all that South Africa has to offer. Added features introduce landmarks, wildlife, a famous person profile, a recipe, and more. This fun title shows readers just why this nation shines!
South Sudan book cover
#67

South Sudan

2019

South Sudans recent beginnings stem from people seeking freedom and peace. As the nation grows, the values of tribal strength and independence add to the natural wonder that spans across the savannas and swamplands. Readers will explore the people, customs, land, and much more in this title about South Sudan.
Sweden book cover
#69

Sweden

2018

There are few places in the world to view the world’s most amazing light show. As fall moves into the frigid winter months, rural Sweden is the perfect place to view the Northern Lights! Curtains of color dance across the horizon and add even more beauty to this dazzling country. Readers can cozy up and enjoy all there is to know about Sweden in this fascinating country profile.
Taiwan book cover
#71

Taiwan

2023

Learn about the beautiful island of Taiwan! This title helps introduce readers to the country through leveled text and fascinating fun facts. Vibrant photos help transport the reader into Taiwan’s unique landscape, culture, cuisine, and more. Special features highlight a famous face, the official language, animals, maps, and more. The book concludes with a timeline and a two-page profile that puts important facts about Taiwan in one place!
Tanzania book cover
#72

Tanzania

2023

Take a stroll through the bustling markets and museums of Tanzania! This book uses carefully leveled text to introduce the country’s land, people, wildlife, and culture. Bright, vivid photos work to engage readers and support the main text. Special features map important locations, highlight landmarks, show off the landscape, profile famous people, introduce the language, and more. The book concludes with a timeline and a two-page profile that puts important information about Tanzania in one place!
Thailand book cover
#73

Thailand

2018

In Thailand, history and beauty collide! Beyond its bustling cities, this scenic country features a lush landscape that houses many diverse wildlife species. At the center of it all, a rich cultural heritage lives on in Thailands many historic Buddhist temples. Young readers will be fascinated by this vibrant title about a unique country and its customs.
United Arab Emirates book cover
#76

United Arab Emirates

2023

Join us in the Middle East to explore the United Arab Emirates! Leveled text and vivid images highlight the nation’s desert dunes, stunning urban architecture, diverse wildlife, and more. Special features map the nation, share a recipe and an activity, teach new language phrases, profile a famous person, highlight an animal, and more. The book concludes with a timeline and a two-page profile that puts important information about the United Arab Emirates in one place.
Vietnam book cover
#77

Vietnam

2018

Vietnam is a small country with stunning natural beauty. Many national parks stretch across the land. Dotted among them are large cities thriving with life. Motorcycles zip down busy roads, and hungry diners slurp pho in streetside cafes. Every part of Vietnam is sure to offer a fascinating experience! Readers of this fact-filled title will learn about the landscape, customs, and people of Vietnam.

Authors

Alicia Klepeis
Alicia Klepeis
Author · 22 books

From color-changing creatures to extreme environments to far-out foods, Alicia Klepeis loves to research fun and out-of-the-ordinary topics that bring the world to young readers. Alicia began her career at the National Geographic Society. She is the author of more than 200 kids’ books. Her nonfiction titles include Go Wild! Frogs; Gutsy Girls Go For Science: Astronauts; Jane Goodall; Living In The Rain Forest; The Philadelphia Eagles; Polar Bears & Penguins: A Pretty Cool Introduction to the Arctic and Antarctic; The Science And Technology Of Ben Franklin; Superfast Cars; and The World’s Strangest Foods. Alicia's fictional titles include the anthology Secrets of the Forest: 15 Bedtime Stories Inspired By Nature, named Children's Book of the Week by The Independent. Her picture book Francisco’s Kites was named to the Tejas Star Reading List. She is also the author of several World Adventure chapter books including Mountains, Monsoons, and Mules. She has written over 100 articles in magazines such as National Geographic Kids, Kiki, and FACES. Alicia is currently working on several projects involving amazing animals, American history, and world cultures. She lives with her family in upstate New York.

Martin Gitlin
Author · 15 books

MARTIN (MARTY) GITLIN is a freelance book writer and journalist based in Cleveland, Ohio. In addition to Diana, Princess of Wales (Greenwood 2008), he has written several history books for students, including works on the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case, Battle of The Little Bighorn, and Stock Market Crash of 1929. He has also written biographies of NASCAR drivers Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon. Gitlin worked for two decades as a sportswriter, during which time he won more than 45 awards, including first place for general excellence from Associated Press. That organization also selected him as one of the top four feature writers in Ohio.

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