Understanding AstronomyHave you ever wondered what stars are made of, or how they blaze into life? What about how a black hole works, or whether there's alien life somewhere in the universe? These are the kinds of incredible questions that astronomers spend their days trying to answer. Find out what they've discovered so far, how on Earth they figured it all out, and the head scratching problems astronomers are still puzzling over in this thrilling introduction.

In an unnamed British city

We live in an interesting time

Megan Giddings explores the limits women face—and the powers they have to transgress and transcend them

but also the chance to think and reflect on the vast complex living entity that is the world

who agrees to a rendezvous but never shows up

moving to a glitzy Miami suburb

simplified dialogue is perfect for beginning readers

and mighty horn

and sincerity

making a powerful case that our lives are better—more productive

The "new Miss Read" focuses on Thrush Green's two former schoolteachers

she supported herself by working as a waiter