Five Skies

Beloved story writer Ron Carlson's first novel in thirty years, Five Skies is the story of three men gathered high in the Rocky Mountains for a construction project that is to last the summer. Having participated in a spectacular betrayal in Los Angeles, the giant, silent Arthur Key drifts into work as a carpenter in southern Idaho. Here he is hired, along with the shiftless and charming Ronnie Panelli, to build a stunt ramp beside a cavernous void. The two will be led by Darwin Gallegos, the foreman of the local ranch who is filled with a primeval rage at God, at man, at life. As they endeavor upon this simple, grand project, the three reveal themselves in cautiously resonant, profound ways. And in a voice of striking intimacy and grace, Carlson's novel reveals itself as a story of biblical, almost spiritual force. A bellwether return from one of our greatest craftsmen, Five Skies is sure to be one of the most praised and cherished novels of the year.

Working together on a summer construction project high in the Rocky Mountains, drifter Arthur Key, shiftless Ronnie Panelli, and foreman Darwin Gallegos reveal details about their pasts and beliefs in cautious and profound ways.

As the US/Soviet Space Race heats up in 1961, eleven-year-old Arno finds his dreams of becoming an astronomer exploding like an extragalactic supernova. It is the summer of 1961, and eleven-year-old Arno Creelman wants nothing more than to be an astronomer. His claustrophobia rules out flying in a cramped space capsule, so instead, Arno dreams of exploring the galaxies with powerful telescopes back on Earth. Arno’s first move: Enter a local radio contest and win a visit to the new observatory that is about to open near his town. The ribbon will be cut by Arno’s idol, Jean Slayter-Appleton, a renowned astronomer whose weekly columns Arno clips for his own notebooks. When he finally manages to phone in and correctly answer the skill-testing astronomy question, Arno is thrilled. Then a new boy moves to the neighborhood, and he seems to challenge Arno in every way. Robert even believes in astrology, which Arno argues is not a science at all. Before long, Arno is feeling left behind, on the outs with his friends and even abandoned by his beloved dog, Comet. How did Arno’s dream become a cosmic nightmare? Key Text Features illustrations Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.3 Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., a character's thoughts, words, or actions).

In the cyberpunk future of Cyberblade...... the last of humanity survives deep beneath the surface of Neo Mars. In the darkest depths of the Troezen Enginestate, cyberpunks stop their endless wars and talk of change. They fill their arms with weapons, their bodies steel, and once capable of shrugging off bullets they receive a new name-cyberblade.For when the streets are slick with acid rain, only the cyberblades can hope to fight against every threat of monster and man. Yet as the cyberblades transcend the limits of humanity, strange secrets unravel in forgotten places, and a shadowy group implement plans a decade in the making.All the while Lex just wants to escape to the surface-with a thinking battle-droid at her side, a family full of secrets, and deadly-determination, she aims to break through the steel skies that separate her people from paradise. Lex will either reach the surface and live under the blue sky above or drag her enemies down into Hades and burn there together.William Z. Stone's Cyberblade: The City Of Five Skies unleashes the gritty future in all of its neon glory. Troezen is an engine sized city waiting to blow. His characters burst from the page-stinking of blood mixed with engine grease-and eager to drag you along for an epic dystopian adventure. Sick since the day she was born, Lex wasn't supposed to last seventeen hours. Seventeen years later, Lex discovers the joy of piloting battle-droids on the eve of her transfer to the surface. If she makes it to the fresh air of Upstairs, she'll save her family, at the cost of her own happiness. But if she fails to score a one-way ticket through the steel skies, Lex will need to fight, and claw, and burn to carve her people a place in the warlike floors of Undercity.

Improved technology is teaching us more about the weather all the time, and with new knowledge comes new concerns and confusion. Is global warming real? What is a NEXRAD Doppler? Meteorologist Paul Douglas provides the answers to all these questions and more, along with fascinating illustrations, photos, trivia, and graphics. Find out what a difference a degree makes; as well as information about El Ni�o and how to protect yourself against the worst that the weather can bring. From the distinctions between a weather warning, watch, and advisory to the definition of an F-5 tornado, all the essentials are clearly explained.

A teenage girl must grapple with her agoraphobia as romance blossoms with her new neighbor in this YA novel—“a poignant work, infused with humor” (School Library Journal). Seventeen-year-old Norah Dean hasn’t left the house in years. Her agoraphobia and OCD are so intense that when groceries are left on the porch, she can’t even step out to get them. Struggling to snag the bags with a stick, she meets Luke. He’s sweet and funny, and he just caught her fishing for groceries. Because of course he did. Norah can’t leave the house, but can she let someone in? As their friendship grows deeper, Norah realizes Luke deserves a normal girl. One who can lie on the front lawn and look up at the stars. One who isn’t so screwed up. Readers themselves will fall in love with Norah in this deeply engaging portrait of a teen struggling to find the strength to face her demons.

It's only a matter of time before a cosmic disaster spells the end of the Earth. But how concerned should we about about any of these catastrophic scenarios? And if they do post a danger, can anything be done to stop them?

All activities certified “kid tested” by the authors’ four rambunctious sons Each includes best hikes, mountain bike routes, features to climb on, places to see wildlife, and more Natural history learning opportunities also included The parents of four boys, Harley and Abby McAllister have spent the last few years figuring out the best way to explore our national parks with restless kids in tow. These first two books in this new series help families plan their vacations in Yellowstone National Park and in Utah’s “Big Five” national parks (Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion)—so that everyone has a memorable trip. With an easy to follow organization based on park geography, an emphasis on outdoor fun and education, and an approach that zeroes in on the very best options for families, each guide fully explores the national park it covers. Family-friendly hiking trails for a range of age and skill levels; major natural sights, ; the best wildlife viewing spots, including wildlife checklists for kids to mark off; fishing, biking, climbing, and rafting opportunities—and much more are all detailed. The guides also promote the popular Junior Ranger programming found throughout the National Parks system, as well as other park programs that appeal to kids. And they provide basics on access, trip planning, and overnight options from campgrounds to lodges to cabins.