Ellen Lawrence 
Earth 

Did you know that Earth is zooming around the Sun at about 66, 000 miles per hour (107, 000 km/h)? Or that Earth’s crust is made of giant pieces that fit together like a jigsaw puzzle? And did you know that there are huge mountains under the ocean, and enough salt in the oceans to cover the whole Earth with a salty layer as high as a 50-story building? These and dozens of other fascinating facts provide a perfect high-interest introduction to the planet in the solar system that we call home, Earth. Filled with information perfectly suited to a second-grade audience, this accessible, high-impact book combines solid science, technology, and even math with up-to-the-minute information, odd and often quirky facts, and astounding space and earth photography. It also provides plenty of surprises and teachable moments that will draw young children into a rewarding, kid-friendly reading experience.