enders explorer 2

Many centuries ago, the Greek, Persian and Assyrian empires controlled vast amounts of land and riches. Yet, despite their fortifications and imposing armies, rumours began spreading of a formidable foe in the lands above the Black Sea. They came on horseback. Fierce warriors, both male and female. Skilled with the sword, axe and bow. But they weren't mindless savages. Their artisans were renowned for their ability to craft detailed trinkets of gold. They fashioned leather armour and improvised the recurve bow. They trained eagles for hunting and war. Some even believe they inspired the Greek tales of the Amazons. But they were more than legend or fable. They were the Raiders of Scythia. The aim of Raiders of Scythia is to be the player with the most Victory Points (VP) at the game's end. VP are gained by raiding Settlements, taking Plunder and completing Quests. Players will need to assemble a Crew, train Animals and gather Provisions. The game ends when there are only 2 unraided Settlements or 2 Quests remaining on the Main Board. Features: Play as one of eight Scythian Heroes each with their own unique player power. Play against up to 3 friends or against the rival Scythian Chieftain in a highly intuitive Solo Mode. Builds on the award-winning game play of Raiders of the North Sea Adds eagles and horses to customize your crew with special abilities, strength and VP bonuses. Designed for 1-4 Raiders ages 12+ to explore in 60 min. Contents 1 Main Board 4 Player Boards 26 Quests 136 Cards 1 Plunder Bag 80 Plunder Tokens 32 Wounds 32 Kumis 32 Provisions 31 Workers 6 Dice 4 Score Markers 32 Silver 1 Illustrated Rulebook

Support children's reading with these engaging high-low fully decodable phonic books. The age-appropriate themes and content will hook the most reluctant and struggling readers. Build confidence and fluency. Expertly levelled phonic high-low readers for use at home and school. ABOUT UNDERWATER EXPLORERS: This is the second book of adventures with the underwater explorers. This time they investigate when something strange appears on the map. This mini-series follows a group of underwater explorers as they have adventures in their mini-sub. It addresses a number of environmental issues related to the ocean. Book 2: Underwater Explorers Fiction Focus Sounds: Phase 4 Set 7: Adjacent consonants with short vowels Revision Sounds: Phases 2 and 3, Sets 1 to 6 Why choose a book from Striders Phonics Readers. Age-appropriate content and design - Engaging stories and non-fiction topics created specifically for older readers, avoiding the look and feel of books designed for much younger children. Inclusive and engaging - Features diverse characters, artwork and photography that reflect a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. Bridges the gap to mainstream reading - Includes chapters, recurring fiction characters, contents pages and headings to mirror the features children encounter in age-appropriate books. Built-in support for adults - Every book includes guidance notes to help parents, carers and educators support successful reading practice. Encourages comprehension and discussion - Fiction titles include character introductions, while non-fiction books feature contents pages and end-of-book summaries to deepen understanding. Engaging fiction and non-fiction mix - Four mini fiction series with recurring characters build familiarity and motivation, while stand-alone non-fiction titles introduce fascinating real-world topics. Designed for progression and success - Each set revisits sounds from earlier books, supporting retention, mastery and reading confidence. Striders Phonics Readers are perfect for parents, carers and teachers looking for fully decodable books that provide structured reading practice and clear guidance for supporting older children to read. SERIES INFORMATION Striders Phonics Readers are a collection of 32 high-low phonically decodable books for readers aged 7+ with a reading age of 4 to 6 . These expertly levelled consolidation readers are perfect for sending home to support classroom teaching, and follow one of the most commonly used validated SSPs in primary schools, with focus sounds following the same progression, and each set of books revising the sounds found in previous sets. Scholastic considers these books suitable for children learning using the Wandle Learning Trust's Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised phonics programme. Scholastic is not part of Wandle Learning Trust, nor are our products approved for use with the Little Wandle Letters & Sounds Revised phonics programme by the Wandle Learning Trust. Focus sounds found in each Scholastic Set: Phase 2 Set 1: s a t p i n m d (used as revision sounds only) Phase 2 Set 2: g o c k ck e u r h b f l Phase 2 Set 3: ff ll ss j v w x y z zz Phase 2 Set 4: qu ch sh th ng nk Phase 3 Set 5: ai ee igh oa oo Phase 3 Set 6: ar or ur ow oi ear air er Phase 4 Set 7: Adjacent consonants with short vowels Phase 4 Set 8: Adjacent consonants with Phase 3 long vowels Phase 5 Set 9: ay (play), ou (cloud), oy (boy), ea (each), ir (bird), ie (pie), ue (blue), u (unicorn) Phase 5 Set 10: o (go), i (tiger), a (paper), e (he), a-e (snake), i-e (time), o-e (home), u-e (cute), e-e (these), ew (new), ie (shield), aw (claw) Phase 5 Set 11: y (funny), ea (head), wh (wheel), oe (toe), ou (shoulder), y (fly), ow (snow), g (giant), ph (phone), le (apple), al (metal), c (ice), ve (give), o-e (some), o (mother), ou (young), se (cheese), se (mouse), ce (fence), ey (donkey), ui (fruit), ou (soup) Phase 5 Set 12: or (word), u (full), oul (could), are (share), ear (bear), ere (there), au

This book is a combined fictional novel and factual documentary. The novel depicts two Jewish teenagers who face life-threatening experiences. Their intense infatuation is tempered by the unwavering love of a Jewish father steeped in the traditions of the Great Sanhedrin. The factual elements primarily explore the relationship between the Jewish Calendar and the entire visitation of Yeshua (Jesus) the Jewish Messiah on this earth. The term "Forty-Two" in the title refers to the 3½-year time-span of Jesus' ministry, while "Ten Toes" refers to prophetic views of the "end-time." Few would read a book containing only facts and statistics, so the author combined credible fictional narratives with actual events in the New Testament, and supported them with extensive documentation. Long held "Church" traditions are replaced by Jewish first-century alternatives. Of special interest is the manner in which the Jewish Exodus Calendar, historic facts and the many prophecies given in the Tanakh (Old Testament) bring unanimity to the Jewish Festivals. The Jewish Calendar is revealed as prophetically perfect, and therefore superior to the recently extolled Mayan calendar. The reader is encouraged to read the book either as a novel or for research and analysis. Most readers will find it rewarding to combine the two. This book will inform, inspire, or possibly agitate the reader, whether he or she is a Torah Jew, a Messianic Believer, or an Atheist.

A comprehensive illustrated examination of the development and combat performance of Russian/Soviet battle tanks from World War I to the end of World War II. In this, the first of two highly illustrated volumes examining the history of Russian and Soviet battle tanks, Steven J. Zaloga focuses on the history of Russian tank development from the time of Imperial Russia through to the Soviet period. Early Russian tank development began with other armored vehicles, such as armored trains and armored cars. However, by the time of World War II, the Soviet Union was in the vanguard of worldwide tank development. It produced 30,000 tanks in the 1920-39 period. During the war, however, a large portion of its tanks were lost and its tank industry faced a rebirth following 1941. Expanding on material published in Osprey series, including New Vanguard, Duel and Campaign, and packed with period images and detailed artwork, Russian and Soviet Tanks 1915-1945 explores the concepts and production of tanks such as the T-34 and KV. It describes the experiences of the crews who saw combat, the performance of each tank in battle, and how the Russian and Soviet armored fighting vehicles compared with the enemy armor it faced, as well as the key lessons learned from combat that lead to new concepts and technological breakthroughs.

A MICHAEL L. PRINTZ HONOR BOOK Strikingly honest, this speculative memoir explores the rarely depicted experience of growing up as a mixed transracial adoptee and offers an insightful look into the discovery of one’s own identity. “A fantastical, transcendent memory collage that shirks convention in search of what is real and true about familial bonds.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review “Breathtakingly beautiful.”—Kimberly McKee, PhD, author of Disrupting Kinship: Transnational Politics of Korean Adoption in the United States Part memoir, part speculative fiction, The Girl I Am, Was, and Never Will Be tells the true story of author Shannon Gibney’s experience growing up as the adopted Black daughter of white parents in America alongside the fictional story of Erin Powers, the name Shannon was given at birth by the white woman who put her up for adoption. At its core, the novel is a tale of two girls on two different timelines, occasionally bridged by a mysterious portal and their shared search for a complete picture of their origins. Gibney surrounds those stories with reproductions of her own adoption documents, letters, family photographs, interviews, medical records, and brief essays on the absurdities of the adoptee experience. The end result is a unique portrait of an American experience rarely depicted in any form.

Bloomsbury presents Speak, Silence by Carole Angier, read by Kristin Atherton.A SPECTATOR, NEW STATESMAN AND THE TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR'The best biography I have read in years' Philippe Sands'Spectacular' Observer'A remarkable portrait' GuardianW. G. Sebald was one of the most extraordinary and influential writers of the twentieth century. Through books including The Emigrants, Austerlitz and The Rings of Saturn, he pursued an original literary vision that combined fiction, history, autobiography and photography and addressed some of the most profound themes of contemporary literature: the burden of the Holocaust, memory, loss and exile.The first biography to explore his life and work, Speak, Silence pursues the true Sebald through the memories of those who knew him and through the work he left behind. This quest takes Carole Angier from Sebald's birth as a second-generation German at the end of the Second World War, through his rejection of the poisoned inheritance of the Third Reich, to his emigration to England, exploring the choice of isolation and exile that drove his work. It digs deep into a creative mind on the edge, finding profound empathy and paradoxical ruthlessness, saving humour, and an elusive mix of fact and fiction in his life as well as work. The result is a unique, ferociously original portrait.

What if solitude wasn't something to fear-but something to master? In a world that often glorifies constant connection, The Art of Being Alone offers a powerful, reflective, and practical guide to embracing solitude as a source of wisdom, peace, and strength-especially in the later stages of life. Blending deep psychological insight, economic perspective, and spiritual reflection, Dr. Trinadh explores how solitude and mortality can become pathways to self-awareness, legacy, and lasting fulfillment. This timely book is essential reading for those seeking meaning in their personal journey while also understanding the economic, social, and psychological forces shaping aging in today's world. 🔍 Inside, you'll discover: Part I: The Journey Toward Solitude and Awareness Explore how solitude serves as both our first and final companion, and understand the emotional and psychological depth of confronting mortality. Part II: Lives Well Lived and Well Ended Gain insight from extraordinary figures and everyday people who found dignity and purpose in their final chapters. Part III: Research Insights on Aging, Happiness, Virtue, and Flourishing Examine powerful data and theories on longevity, happiness in aging, and the foundations of human flourishing at life's end. Part IV: Practical Preparation for the Final Chapter From legal and financial checklists to emotional and spiritual readiness, prepare for life's closing chapter with grace and clarity. Part V: Cultivating Meaning, Peace, and Virtue in Later Years Learn daily practices to nurture inner tranquility, strengthen relationships, and design your legacy. Part VI: Integration, Reflection, and Acceptance Use journaling prompts and memoir-building exercises to embrace the final threshold with courage and reflection. Whether you are preparing for your own later years, caring for aging loved ones, or guiding others through life transitions, this book is a compass toward a more peaceful, purposeful, and empowered future. The Art of Being Alone is not about isolation-it's about transformation. Perfect for: Mature adults planning the next chapter of life Professionals in elder care, psychology, or hospice services Readers seeking spiritual, financial, and emotional balance Anyone searching for peace in solitude and clarity at life's end Live with intention. Age with wisdom. Leave a legacy that matters. Let this book guide your journey inward-toward strength, serenity, and self-understanding.

Many centuries ago, the Greek, Persian and Assyrian empires controlled vast amounts of land and riches. Yet, despite their fortifications and imposing armies, rumours began spreading of a formidable foe in the lands above the Black Sea. They came on horseback. Fierce warriors, both male and female. Skilled with the sword, axe and bow. But they weren't mindless savages. Their artisans were renowned for their ability to craft detailed trinkets of gold. They fashioned leather armour and improvised the recurve bow. They trained eagles for hunting and war. Some even believe they inspired the Greek tales of the Amazons. But they were more than legend or fable. They were the Raiders of Scythia. The aim of Raiders of Scythia is to be the player with the most Victory Points (VP) at the game's end. VP are gained by raiding Settlements, taking Plunder and completing Quests. Players will need to assemble a Crew, train Animals and gather Provisions. The game ends when there are only 2 unraided Settlements or 2 Quests remaining on the Main Board. Features: Play as one of eight Scythian Heroes each with their own unique player power. Play against up to 3 friends or against the rival Scythian Chieftain in a highly intuitive Solo Mode. Builds on the award-winning game play of Raiders of the North Sea Adds eagles and horses to customize your crew with special abilities, strength and VP bonuses. Designed for 1-4 Raiders ages 12+ to explore in 60 min. Contents 1 Main Board 4 Player Boards 26 Quests 136 Cards 1 Plunder Bag 80 Plunder Tokens 32 Wounds 32 Kumis 32 Provisions 31 Workers 6 Dice 4 Score Markers 32 Silver 1 Illustrated Rulebook

Face dangerous new foes, recruit new soldiers, and uncover the mysterious treasures of Ancient Egypt in two new campaigns, one competitive and one for solo or cooperative play. Somewhere beneath the shifting sands lies the forgotten knowledge of the pharaohs - magic granting power over wind and rain, life and death, and even time itself. Napoleon didn't cross the Mediterranean simply to conquer Egypt, he sought these ancient secrets. No one knows what he found, but his military victories since then speak for themselves. Now, as Bonaparte continues to burn his way through Europe, desperate nations have sent their own special units across the sea to search for a counter and end his rampage. Egypt: Shadow of the Sphinx is a supplement for The Silver Bayonet, in which the players' special units explore the mysteries of this great land, venturing into lost cities, forbidden ruins, and even beneath the Pyramids themselves. Contained within are two campaigns, one competitive and one for solo or cooperative play. Also included is a new recruitment list as well as a number of new soldier types, and the equipment that might give them an edge, but they will still have to face an array of terrifying foes, including mummies, werejackals, and serpopards, many not known to the living for more than 3,000 years...

Dom Casmurro is a timeless masterpiece of Brazilian literature that explores love, jealousy, memory, and the fragile nature of truth. Written by Machado de Assis, one of the greatest literary figures of the 19th century, this psychological novel invites readers into the introspective and unreliable mind of its narrator, Bento Santiago. The story unfolds as Bento, now an aging and solitary man, decides to recount his life in an attempt to "tie together the two ends" of his existence. Through his memories, we follow his childhood friendship and blossoming romance with the captivating and enigmatic Capitu. Their young love, filled with tenderness and promise, gradually evolves into marriage-but beneath the surface, doubt begins to grow. Bento becomes consumed by suspicion, questioning Capitu's fidelity and interpreting every glance, gesture, and coincidence as potential betrayal. What makes Dom Casmurro extraordinary is not simply its plot, but its masterful narrative voice. Machado de Assis crafts a narrator who is intelligent, ironic, and deeply human-yet profoundly biased. Readers are left to navigate the blurred line between reality and imagination, constantly questioning whether Bento's accusations are grounded in fact or shaped by his own insecurities and jealousy. This ambiguity transforms the novel into a compelling psychological puzzle that continues to spark debate more than a century after its publication. With subtle humor, sharp social commentary, and emotional depth, Dom Casmurro explores themes of obsession, pride, betrayal, and the power of memory. It is a story not only about love lost, but about how perception can distort truth and how suspicion can quietly dismantle even the strongest bonds. A cornerstone of Brazilian literature, Dom Casmurro remains a haunting and thought-provoking exploration of the human heart-one that challenges readers to decide for themselves what is real, what is imagined, and whether certainty is ever truly possible.

Before the international superstardom, the stadiums and the global success of Make It Big, Wham! were two ambitious school friends trying to turn cheap demos, club culture and youthful confidence into a career. Iconic Albums: Wham! - The Fantastic Era (1983) tells the story of the duo's explosive rise from George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley's teenage friendship to the release of their chart-topping debut album, Fantastic. The book follows the collapse of their early band The Executive, the creation of the first Wham! demos, their difficult deal with Innervision and the initial failure of "Wham Rap! (Enjoy What You Do?)". It explores how an unexpected Top of the Pops appearance transformed "Young Guns (Go for It!)" into a breakthrough hit and how George Michael rapidly developed from an inexperienced teenage songwriter into the musical driving force behind one of Britain's hottest new pop acts. Every song from Fantastic is examined, including "Bad Boys," "A Ray of Sunshine," "Love Machine," "Club Tropicana," "Nothing Looks the Same in the Light" and "Come On!", alongside the hit singles that established Wham!'s original combination of funk, soul, humour, youthful rebellion and irresistible pop. The book also explores the colourful image of early Wham!, the famous Ibiza video for "Club Tropicana," the Club Fantastic tour, the growing importance of George Michael as a producer and the increasingly bitter contractual battle that eventually allowed George and Andrew to escape Innervision. By the end of the Fantastic era, Wham! had achieved a UK number-one album-but George Michael was already outgrowing the sound and image that had made them famous. The next chapter would bring "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go," "Freedom," "Careless Whisper" and international superstardom. This is the story of the album that made all of it possible.

Bestselling Author John Piper Examines End-Times Theology and Scripture's Command to Love the Second Coming of ChristMany people are curious about the second coming of Christ—what it will be like, when it will happen, and what signs will come first. In his latest book, Come, Lord Jesus, John Piper addresses all these issues, but stresses that those who love the second coming of Christ will receive a crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:6–8). Piper examines key biblical texts around the second coming while encouraging readers toward a Spirit-awakened affection for Jesus's return. He also explores important questions such as, Could Jesus come at any moment, or must certain events happen first?; What does it mean to "Watch, for you know neither the day nor the hour"?; and What should we be doing when he comes? With a special focus on the teachings of Jesus, Paul, and Peter, Come, Lord Jesus portrays not only the glory of the revealed Savior, but also the glorification of the resurrected saints. - Essential, Christ-Exalting Eschatology: Piper guides Christians to examine whether they long for the appearing of Christ, and what this event will mean for Christians, non-Christians, and for Christ himself- Careful Exegesis: Piper pays close and precise attention to the words of Scripture, especially with a view to showing how Jesus and Paul were of one mind about the second coming - Practical: The final 5 chapters are devoted to how Christians should live in this age between the first and second appearing of Christ- Written by Bestselling Author John Piper: Author of Don't Waste Your Life, Desiring God, and Providence

Canada did not begin in 1867. The Story of Canada – Part 1: The Making of Canada examines how thousands of years of human history shaped the land, cultures, and conflicts that eventually produced modern Canada. Beginning at the end of the last Ice Age, this book traces the long divergence between Indigenous societies in North America and European civilizations across the Atlantic. It explains how geography, climate, agriculture, technology, and political organization evolved along different paths and how those differences shaped the encounter between Indigenous nations and European empires. Rather than presenting history solely from a colonial or state-centered perspective, this work deliberately examines events from both European and Indigenous viewpoints. Each era explores how Europeans understood expansion, settlement, and governance, while also considering how Indigenous peoples experienced these same events as alliance, disruption, displacement, and resistance. Although the author is not Indigenous, the narrative consciously attempts to step outside a purely colonial frame in order to better understand how history unfolded for the peoples already living on the land. The book moves beyond traditional starting points such as Confederation or early settlement. It explores Indigenous civilizations long before contact, Europe's rise through empire, the age of exploration, the establishment of New France, Britain's conquest, and the colonial policies that culminated in Confederation in 1867. Organized into five thematic sections, the book emphasizes cause and consequence rather than simple chronology. It explains not only what happened, but why events unfolded as they did and how early assumptions about land, power, and governance continue to shape Canada today. Part 1 provides the essential foundation understanding Canada's history, Indigenous and settler relations, and the unresolved legacies of colonization. A second volume will continue the story from Confederation to the present day.

This fully illustrated study examines and compares the roles of the US Navy submarines and the Imperial Japanese Navy's anti-submarine warfare capabilities during World War II. In 1941 and 1942, US Navy submarine operations in the Pacific were largely ineffective, hampered by faulty torpedo design, conservative tactics, and insufficiently aggressive submarine captains. Eventually, though, a new generation of wartime submarine commanders, combined with reliable torpedoes, new generation boats, improved intelligence, and advanced radar, inflicted devastating losses on Japanese shipping. Antisubmarine warfare was initially accorded a low priority by the Imperial Japanese Navy; the lack of ASW escorts and modern weaponry, and an inability to develop tactics, resulted in devastation to vital convoys, and hampered its ability to deter and destroy enemy submarines. This book explores all these factors, and the role that US submarines played in supporting the major fleet operations in the Pacific Theater, notching up almost 500 patrols by war's end for the loss of 52 submarines to the Japanese. The technical and tactical developments implemented by the opposing sides are documented in detail, including US improvements to submarine design and weaponry and more aggressive tactics, and the Japanese development of destroyer escorts, changes to depth charge design, and improved submarine detection capacity.

Emotional, inspiring, reflective, intimate Coming of Age Perfect for fans of Dolly Alderton, Claire Daverley, Lily King and Sally Rooney, Later Bloom is a romantic literary fiction novel about the struggles of forging connections while trying to stick to our own timeline, desires and identity. Aubrey is turning twenty-eight this year. She has never been in a relationship. She's never been anyone's girlfriend, never said I love you, never had a first fight or first of mostly anything. She swears it's not a big deal. No one really believes her. No one seems to agree. She's not sure how she got there, really—maybe it was because of Oliver, or Rami, or Sam, or Simon. Maybe it's her. Maybe spending a year in Nova Scotia helping her aunt manage a creaky old inn might just fix everything. There's only two ways this story can end. Either everything changes, or nothing at all. It's simple. It makes her head spin. Later Bloom is Laurie D.R.'s contemporary fiction debut. Weaving between past and present, it explores what it means to bloom a little late, what it takes to find "the one", and how our identities are shaped by our experiences (or lack thereof).

Hannah Arendt's definitive work on totalitarianism-an essential component of any study of twentieth-century political history-now with a new introduction by Anne Applebaum. A cornerstone of modern political philosophy, The Origins of Totalitarianism has become essential reading as we grapple with the rise of autocrats and tyrannical thought across the globe. The book begins with the rise of anti-Semitism in central and western Europe in the 1800s and continues with an examination of European colonial imperialism from 1884 to the outbreak of World War I. Hannah Arendt then explores the institutions and operations of totalitarian movements, focusing on the two genuine forms of totalitarian government in our time, Nazi Germany and Stalinist Russia, which she adroitly recognizes were two sides of the same coin, rather than opposing philosophies of Right and Left. From this vantage point, this work of European history discusses the evolution of classes into masses, the role of propaganda in dealing with the nontotalitarian world, the use of terror, and the nature of isolation and loneliness as preconditions for total domination. This edition includes an introduction by Anne Applebaum-a leading voice on authoritarianism and Russian history-who fears that "once again, we are living in a world that Arendt would recognize." Ideology and Terror: Explore Arendt's groundbreaking analysis of how totalitarian movements use propaganda and terror not merely as tools of power, but as instruments to reshape reality itself. The End of the Rights of Man: Understand the frightening process by which the nation-state's decay leads to the creation of stateless peoples and the collapse of the legal protections that guarantee human dignity. From Classes to Masses: Examine the historical shift from a class-based society to an atomized mass, and how isolation and loneliness become the terrifying preconditions for total domination. A Seminal Work of Political Philosophy: Delve into the definitive text on the nature of totalitarianism, a masterwork of twentieth-century political history that remains essential for understanding the modern world.

If the world was about to end, who would you want by your side? When the Signal - a mysterious transmission pulsing from the edge of the solar system - arrives, the world changes overnight. Planes are grounded, satellites fail, humanity holds its breath. And Alex realises there's no one he'd rather be with at the potential apocalypse than Ana. Because when they were six years old, Ana and Alex were abducted by aliens. Or at least, that's what they told the rescuers who found them after their 36 hours missing in Palm Springs, and the story they stuck to as they became minor child stars. Now, as the Signal grows louder and the world devolves into chaos, the two race to meet each other for one final reckoning. VOYAGERS is a novel about friendship and family, celebrity and conspiracy, memory and mystery. It explores what it means to live by one story before, at last, having the courage to tell a different one. 'In Voyagers, Meg Charlton explores the connections between memory, storytelling, and truth. Against the backdrop of a global crisis, her characters contend with the lasting pain and confusion of a personal crisis. This novel grapples with the possibility of extraterrestrial life, but even more so with the possibility of friendship that is generous and forgiving. A delightful and moving debut' Helen Phillips, author of Hum and The Need 'Voyagers is a tender sweeping epic about the quest for the self. Meg Charlton asks, in elegant and compelling prose: 'Can we escape the terrible events of our past or make of them what we will? And what happens to intimacy when we share a past but remember it differently?'. At its heart, Voyagers is a story about storytelling - how it tears us apart and might bring us back together again' Taymour Soomro, author of Other Names for Love

When Communist Party leaders adopted the one-child policy in 1980, they hoped curbing birth-rates would help lift China's poorest and increase the country's global stature. But at what cost? Now, as China closes the book on the policy after more than three decades, it faces a population grown too old and too male, with a vastly diminished supply of young workers. Mei Fong has spent years documenting the policy's repercussions on every sector of Chinese society. In One Child, she explores its true human impact, traveling across China to meet the people who live with its consequences. Their stories reveal a dystopian reality: unauthorized second children ignored by the state, only-children supporting aging parents and grandparents on their own, villages teeming with ineligible bachelors, and an ungoverned adoption market stretching across the globe. Fong tackles questions that have major implications for China's future: whether its "Little Emperor" cohort will make for an entitled or risk-averse generation; how China will manage to support itself when one in every four people is over sixty-five years old; and above all, how much the one-child policy may end up hindering China's growth.

Explore the World's Greatest Conspiracy Theories From an ObjectivePoint of View! There are two sides to every story, and the truth lies somewhere in the middle… Since the end of the Cold War and the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Americanpublic has become increasingly suspicious of its government's real intentions. Theystarted believing that the US government is hiding the real truth and conspires against itsown people. Ever since the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center on 11th ofSeptember 2001, we have witnessed the continuous rise of conspiracy theories. As they offer alternative explanations of real-life events, conspiracy theories are oftenfilled with contradictions. The rise of the Internet has proved to be a fertile ground fordeveloping conspiracy theories. While there are hundreds of websites on conspiracytheories online, not all of them offer credible information. As a result, the general public often dismisses conspiracy theories as unfounded or evenbizarre. However, it is up to us to do our due diligence and investigate these claims. Thebook Conspiracy theories and secret societies offers an objective approach to this rathergloomy and dark subject matter. It is up to the reader to see these stories as words ofastonishment or as words of warning.

THE EXTRAORDINARY NEW YA NOVEL FROM BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF IF I STAY, GAYLE FORMAN. 'Gayle Forman reigns as the queen of breaking hearts with a touch of magic' - Adam Silvera, author of They Both Die at the End One spring afternoon after school, Amber arrives home on her bike. It's just another perfectly normal day. But when Amber's mom sees her, she screams. Because Amber died seven years ago, hit by a car while on the very same bicycle she's inexplicably riding now. This return doesn't only impact Amber. Her sister, Melissa, now seven years older, must be a new kind of sibling to Amber. Amber's estranged parents are battling over her. And the changes ripple farther and farther out: Amber's friends, boyfriend, and even people she met only once have been deeply affected by her life and death. In the midst of everyone's turmoil, Amber is struggling with herself. What kind of person was she? How and why was she given this second chance? This magnificent tour de force by acclaimed author Gayle Forman brilliantly explores the porous veil between life and death, examines the impact that one person can have on the world, and celebrates life in all its beautiful complexity.

Read by the author and renowned sports journalist Sam Dean.The wait is over: Arsenal are Premier League Champions. Now you can listen to the exclusive story.For two decades, Arsenal Football Club was weighed down by under-achievement and internal friction. But under the visionary leadership of Mikel Arteta, the club has shed its bad apples, forged an unbreakable collective spirit and turned the Emirates Stadium into a fortress once more. Now, the ultimate prize has finally returned to North London.Taking listeners deep inside the pulse-pounding 2025/26 campaign, award-winning The Daily Telegraph correspondent Sam Dean explores the astonishing seven-year project that transformed a club in chaos into an unstoppable title-winning machine. With unparalleled access to the dressing room, Dean charts every defining moment of the Arteta era – from the ruthless defenestration of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and the brilliant integration of Hale End academy stars, to the high-stakes £270M recruitment drive that finally pushed them over the finish line.Gripping, authoritative and packed with insider accounts, Arsenal is the definitive story of a footballing giant waking up. It is an essential, must-have listen to celebrate the Gunners' spectacular return to the apex of global football.

If old age was thought of as an evening, ending in midnight oblivion, they were well into the eleventh hour. Two quarrelsome old men in Chennai, India, experience private tragedy against the backdrop of national calamity. Revisiting the Bombay neighbourhood of Midnight's Children, a magical musician is unhappily married to a multibillionaire. In an English university college, an undead academic asks a lonely student to avenge his former tormentor. These five dazzling stories move between the three countries that Salman Rushdie has called home - India, England and America - and explore what it means to approach the eleventh hour of life. They are at once the universal reckoning with life and death that we all must make, and speak deeply to what Salman Rushdie has come from and through. Do we accommodate ourselves to death, or rail against it? How can we bid farewell to the places that we have made home? How do we achieve fulfilment with our lives if we don't know the end of our own stories? The Eleventh Hour ponders life and death, legacy and identity with the penetrating insight and boundless imagination that have made Salman Rushdie one of the most celebrated writers of our time.

Support children's reading with these engaging high-low fully decodable phonic books. The age-appropriate themes and content will hook the most reluctant and struggling readers. Build confidence and fluency. Expertly levelled phonic high-low readers for use at home and school. ABOUT UNDERWATER EXPLORERS: This is the third and final book of adventures with the underwater explorers, who get lost in their mini submarine. This mini-series follows a group of underwater explorers as they have adventures in their mini-sub. It addresses a number of environmental issues related to the ocean. Book 3: Underwater Explorers Fiction Focus Sounds: Phase 5 Set 11: y (funny), ea (head), wh (wheel), oe (toe), ou (shoulder), y (fly), ow (snow), g (giant), ph (phone), le (apple), al (metal), c (ice), ve (give), o-e (some), o (mother), ou (young), se (cheese), se (mouse), ce (fence), ey (donkey), ui (fruit), ou (soup) Revision Sounds: Phases 2 to 5, Sets 1 to 10 Why choose a book from Striders Phonics Readers. Age-appropriate content and design - Engaging stories and non-fiction topics created specifically for older readers, avoiding the look and feel of books designed for much younger children. Inclusive and engaging - Features diverse characters, artwork and photography that reflect a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. Bridges the gap to mainstream reading - Includes chapters, recurring fiction characters, contents pages and headings to mirror the features children encounter in age-appropriate books. Built-in support for adults - Every book includes guidance notes to help parents, carers and educators support successful reading practice. Encourages comprehension and discussion - Fiction titles include character introductions, while non-fiction books feature contents pages and end-of-book summaries to deepen understanding. Engaging fiction and non-fiction mix - Four mini fiction series with recurring characters build familiarity and motivation, while stand-alone non-fiction titles introduce fascinating real-world topics. Designed for progression and success - Each set revisits sounds from earlier books, supporting retention, mastery and reading confidence. Striders Phonics Readers are perfect for parents, carers and teachers looking for fully decodable books that provide structured reading practice and clear guidance for supporting older children to read. SERIES INFORMATION Striders Phonics Readers are a collection of 32 high-low phonically decodable books for readers aged 7+ with a reading age of 4 to 6 . These expertly levelled consolidation readers are perfect for sending home to support classroom teaching, and follow one of the most commonly used validated SSPs in primary schools, with focus sounds following the same progression, and each set of books revising the sounds found in previous sets. Scholastic considers these books suitable for children learning using the Wandle Learning Trust's Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised phonics programme. Scholastic is not part of Wandle Learning Trust, nor are our products approved for use with the Little Wandle Letters & Sounds Revised phonics programme by the Wandle Learning Trust. Focus sounds found in each Scholastic Set: Phase 2 Set 1: s a t p i n m d (used as revision sounds only) Phase 2 Set 2: g o c k ck e u r h b f l Phase 2 Set 3: ff ll ss j v w x y z zz Phase 2 Set 4: qu ch sh th ng nk Phase 3 Set 5: ai ee igh oa oo Phase 3 Set 6: ar or ur ow oi ear air er Phase 4 Set 7: Adjacent consonants with short vowels Phase 4 Set 8: Adjacent consonants with Phase 3 long vowels Phase 5 Set 9: ay (play), ou (cloud), oy (boy), ea (each), ir (bird), ie (pie), ue (blue), u (unicorn) Phase 5 Set 10: o (go), i (tiger), a (paper), e (he), a-e (snake), i-e (time), o-e (home), u-e (cute), e-e (these), ew (new), ie (shield), aw (claw) Phase 5 Set 11: y (funny), ea (head), wh (wheel), oe (toe), ou (shoulder), y (fly), ow (snow), g (giant), ph (phone), le (apple), al (metal), c (ice), ve (give), o-e (

Bloomsbury presents Nemesis: Medieval England's Greatest Enemy by Catherine Hanley, read by Veronika Hyks.The extraordinary tale of Philip Augustus, one of medieval Europe's greatest monarchs, and the part he played in the downfall of four Plantagenet kings of England.Philip II ruled France with an iron fist for over 40 years, expanding its borders and increasing its power. For his entire reign his counterpart on the English throne was a member of the Plantagenet dynasty, and Philip took on them all: Henry II, Richard the Lionheart, John and Henry III. And yet we know so little about medieval England's greatest enemy.Historian Catherine Hanley, author of the critically acclaimed 1217, redresses this imbalance, bringing Philip out of the shadows in this fascinating new history. Delving into French medieval archives, Nemesis explores Philip's motives for attacking England and in doing so we learn not only about him but discover so much more about England's most colourful and controversial of rulers – the Plantagenets.When Philip first succeeded to the throne in 1180, Henry II of England, thanks to his Angevin and Norman ancestry as well as his wife's inheritance of Aquitaine, ruled more of France than Philip himself. By the end of Philip's reign in 1223, the pendulum of power had swung the other way. Nemesis reveals how Philip exploited the constant familiar squabbles of the Plantagenets to secure his grip on France, his wily political manoeuvring combined with a mastery of the medieval battlefield turning France into a powerhouse of Europe.

The Complete Novels Collection includes all of Jane Austen's novels.Jane Austen (16 December 1775 - 18 July 1817) was an English novelist known primarily for her six major novels, which interpret, critique and comment upon the British landed gentry at the end of the 18th century. Austen's plots often explore the dependence of women on marriage in the pursuit of favourable social standing and economic security. Her works critique the novels of sensibility of the second half of the 18th century and are part of the transition to 19th-century literary realism. Her use of biting irony, along with her realism, humour, and social commentary, have long earned her acclaim among critics, scholars, and popular audiences alike. With the publications of Sense and Sensibility (1811), Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814) and Emma (1816), she achieved success as a published writer. She wrote two additional novels, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, both published posthumously in 1818, and began another, eventually titled Sanditon, but died before its completion. She also left behind three volumes of juvenile writings in manuscript, a short epistolary novel Lady Susan, and another unfinished novel, The Watsons. Her six full-length novels have rarely been out of print, although they were published anonymously and brought her moderate success and little fame during her lifetime.Included in this collection:1. Sense and Sensibility (1811)2. Pride and Prejudice (1813)3. Mansfield Park (1814)4. Emma (1815)5. Northanger Abbey (1818, posthumous)6. Persuasion (1818, posthumous)7. Lady Susan (1871, posthumous)

1. Indian National Chemical Olympiad is a well researched and well balance prep guide 2. The preparatory book is divided into 10 lessons 3. Various challenging questions are formed from regional and National Olympiad 4. Provides good set of Solved Papers and solutions (2015-2021) In the scenario of cut throat competition, a student not just be academically active but logically smart. And, for the overall growth of a student, Olympiads become the ladder of success that allows aspirants to explore their capabilities and maximise their true potential. The present book of "Indian National Chemistry Olympiad" is well researched, resourceful and well balanced preparatory guide that is revised for aspirants who are aiming to appear for this test. Divided into chapters, this book is designed to provide insight and proficiency in almost all areas of Chemistry. Complete and Exhaustive theories are provided along with good number of solved examples as per Indian National Chemistry Olympiad. Serving as an ideal source of practice each chapter has 2 level exercises; Regional & National along with the Detailed answers for better conceptual understanding. At the end, Solved papers of NSEC & INChO are given for thorough practice. This book highly recommended for the students who are aiming to participate in Chemistry Olympiads and other competitive entrances. TOC Atomic Structure, Chemical Equilibrium, Chemical Kinetics and Radio activity, Chemical Energetics and Chemical Thermodynamics, Gaseous State, Redox Reaction and Electrochemistry, Solutions, Biomolecules, Organic Chemistry I, Organic Chemistry II, NSEC & INChO (2015-2021).

'When Gregor Samsa woke one morning from uneasy dreams, he found himself transformed into some kind of monstrous vermin.' With a bewildering blend of the everyday and the fantastical, Kafka thus begins his most famous short story, The Metamorphosis. A commercial traveller is unexpectedly freed from his dreary job by his inexplicable transformation into an insect, which drastically alters his relationship with his family. Kafka considered publishing it with two of the stories included here in a volume to be called Punishments. The Judgement also concerns family tensions, when a power struggle between father and son ends with the father passing an enigmatic judgement on the helpless son. The third story, In the Penal Colony, explores questions of power, justice, punishment, and the meaning of pain in a colonial setting. These three stories are flanked by two very different works. Meditation, the first book Kafka published, consists of light, whimsical, often poignant mood-pictures, while in the autobiographical Letter to his Father, Kafka analyses his difficult relationship in forensic and devastating detail. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

A glittering, bold, darkly funny novel about two sisters-one in New York, one in Singapore-who are bound by an ancient secret Sisterhood is difficult for Su and Emerald. Su leads a sheltered, moneyed life as the picture-perfect wife of a conservative politician in Singapore. Emerald is a nihilistic sugar baby in New York, living from whim to whim and using her charms to make ends meet. But they share a secret connecting them to Chinese mythology: once, they were snakes, basking under a full moon in Tang dynasty China. A thousand years later, their mysterious history is the only thing still binding this literary fantasy together. When Emerald experiences a violent encounter in Central Park and Su boards the next flight to New York, the two reach a tenuous reconciliation for the first time in decades. Su convinces Emerald to move to Singapore so she can keep an eye on her-but she soon begins to worry that Emerald's irrepressible behavior will out them both, in a sparkling, affluent city where everything runs like clockwork and any deviation from the norm is automatically suspect. Razor-sharp, hilarious, and raw in emotion, Sister Snake explores chosen family, queerness, passing, and the struggle against conformity. Reimagining the Chinese folktale "The Legend of the White Snake," this is a modern retelling about being seen for who you are-and, ultimately, how to live free.

Support children's reading with these engaging high-low fully decodable phonic books. The age-appropriate themes and content will hook the most reluctant and struggling readers. Build confidence and fluency. Expertly levelled phonic high-low readers for use at home and school. ABOUT UNDERWATER EXPLORERS: This is the first book about underwater explorers, Jen, Rav, Tess and Max the dog, who have adventures on their mini submarine. This mini-series follows a group of underwater explorers as they have adventures in their mini-sub. It addresses a number of environmental issues related to the ocean. Book 1: Underwater Explorers Fiction Focus Sounds: Phase 2 Set 3: ff ll ss j v w x y z zz Revision Sounds: Phase 2 Sets 1 and 2 Why choose a book from Striders Phonics Readers. Age-appropriate content and design - Engaging stories and non-fiction topics created specifically for older readers, avoiding the look and feel of books designed for much younger children. Inclusive and engaging - Features diverse characters, artwork and photography that reflect a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. Bridges the gap to mainstream reading - Includes chapters, recurring fiction characters, contents pages and headings to mirror the features children encounter in age-appropriate books. Built-in support for adults - Every book includes guidance notes to help parents, carers and educators support successful reading practice. Encourages comprehension and discussion - Fiction titles include character introductions, while non-fiction books feature contents pages and end-of-book summaries to deepen understanding. Engaging fiction and non-fiction mix - Four mini fiction series with recurring characters build familiarity and motivation, while stand-alone non-fiction titles introduce fascinating real-world topics. Designed for progression and success - Each set revisits sounds from earlier books, supporting retention, mastery and reading confidence. Striders Phonics Readers are perfect for parents, carers and teachers looking for fully decodable books that provide structured reading practice and clear guidance for supporting older children to read. SERIES INFORMATION Striders Phonics Readers are a collection of 32 high-low phonically decodable books for readers aged 7+ with a reading age of 4 to 6 . These expertly levelled consolidation readers are perfect for sending home to support classroom teaching, and follow one of the most commonly used validated SSPs in primary schools, with focus sounds following the same progression, and each set of books revising the sounds found in previous sets. Scholastic considers these books suitable for children learning using the Wandle Learning Trust's Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised phonics programme. Scholastic is not part of Wandle Learning Trust, nor are our products approved for use with the Little Wandle Letters & Sounds Revised phonics programme by the Wandle Learning Trust. Focus sounds found in each Scholastic Set: Phase 2 Set 1: s a t p i n m d (used as revision sounds only) Phase 2 Set 2: g o c k ck e u r h b f l Phase 2 Set 3: ff ll ss j v w x y z zz Phase 2 Set 4: qu ch sh th ng nk Phase 3 Set 5: ai ee igh oa oo Phase 3 Set 6: ar or ur ow oi ear air er Phase 4 Set 7: Adjacent consonants with short vowels Phase 4 Set 8: Adjacent consonants with Phase 3 long vowels Phase 5 Set 9: ay (play), ou (cloud), oy (boy), ea (each), ir (bird), ie (pie), ue (blue), u (unicorn) Phase 5 Set 10: o (go), i (tiger), a (paper), e (he), a-e (snake), i-e (time), o-e (home), u-e (cute), e-e (these), ew (new), ie (shield), aw (claw) Phase 5 Set 11: y (funny), ea (head), wh (wheel), oe (toe), ou (shoulder), y (fly), ow (snow), g (giant), ph (phone), le (apple), al (metal), c (ice), ve (give), o-e (some), o (mother), ou (young), se (cheese), se (mouse), ce (fence), ey (donkey), ui (fruit), ou (soup) Phase 5 Set 12: or (word), u (full), oul (could), are (share), ear (bear), ere (there), au (author), aur (dinosaur), oor (f

What can the fall of Rome teach us about the decline of the West today? A historian and a political economist, both experts in their field, investigate Over the last three centuries, the West rose to dominate the planet. Then, suddenly, around the turn of the millennium, history reversed. Faced with economic stagnation and internal political division, the West has found itself in rapid decline. This is not the first time the global order has witnessed such a dramatic rise and fall. The Roman Empire followed a similar arc from dizzying power to disintegration - a fact that is more than a strange historical coincidence. In Why Empires Fall, historian Peter Heather and political economist John Rapley use this Roman past to think anew about the contemporary West, its state of crisis, and what paths we could take out of it. In this exceptional, transformative intervention, Heather and Rapley explore the uncanny parallels - and productive differences - between the two cases, moving beyond the familiar tropes of invading barbarians and civilizational decay to learn new lessons from ancient history. From 399 to 1999, the life cycles of empires, they argue, sow the seeds of their inevitable destruction. The era of western global domination has reached its end - so what comes next?