- Written in easy-to-understand language and uses consistently familiar vocabulary to encourage reluctant readers.- Fact boxes and sidebars highlight key information.- Includes glossary, index, and resources listNational Social Studies Standards, Grades 5-8- Time, Continuity, and Change: II- Identify and use key concepts such as chronology, causality, change, conflict, and complexity to explain, analyze, and show connections among patterns of historical change and continuity.- People, Places, and Environments: III- Describe ways that historical events have been influenced by, and have influenced, physical and human geographic factors in local, regional, national, and global settings.National Science Standards, Grades 5-8- Science and Technology: V- Many different people in different cultures have made and continue to make contributions to science and technology.