Avoid Being Sir Isaac Newton!

by Ian Graham

Published 1 February 2013
Sir Isaac Newton was one of the most famous scientists of his age, in fact, many people think he was the greatest scientist of any age. He was a remarkable man and the laws of nature that he discovered caused a revolution in science and technology, but his obsessions, quarrels, loneliness and secrets made him very unhappy. This title in The Danger Zone series explores why you really wouldn't want to have been Sir Isaac Newton.

Man has always dreamed of being able to fly like the birds, but by the end of the nineteenth century this dream was becoming a reality due to inventors such as Orville and Wilbur Wright. This title in the popular Danger Zone series features full-colour illustrations which combine humour and accurate technical detail.

This is the true story of the Hunley, a hand-cranked submarine of the American Civil War which has now been raised and put on display. It sank three times, killing almost everyone who sailed in it - history doesn't get much grimmer than this! The humorous cartoon-style illustrations and the narrative approach encourage readers to get emotionally involved with the characters, aiding their understanding of what life would have been like being in the first submarine. Informative captions, a complete glossary and an index make this title an ideal introduction to the conventions of non-fiction texts for young readers.

Travel back to the 1930's and find out why you should avoid flying on the Hindenburg! Through the eyes of an airship mechanic, follow the story of the famous doomed airship, the Hindenburg, from its design and construction to its firey final voyage on May 3rd 1937. The humorous cartoon-style illustrations and the narrative approach encourage readers to get emotionally involved with the characters, aiding their understanding of what life would have been like being flying on a second world war airship. Informative captions, a complete glossary and an index make this title an ideal introduction to the conventions of non-fiction texts for young readers.

As an American pilot joining the RAF during World War Two, you'll experience many ups and downs, and no doubt you'll discover what a 'Mae West' is for! Get used to the lingo, commands and controls, otherwise it's time to bail out! Educational, informative and engaging, this book teaches children the risks taken and sacrifices made in World War II. The humorous cartoon-style illustrations and the narrative approach encourage readers to get emotionally involved with the characters, aiding their understanding of the debt owed by each generation to those who fought. It features a glossary and an index.

Avoid Being On Apollo 13!

by Ian Graham

Published 1 March 2003
"Avoid Being on Apollo 13!" is an ideal text for shared and guided reading for Key Stage 2 pupils within the framework of the National Literacy Strategy. It tells the story of the American astronauts who set out on the voyage of a lifetime in 1970 to land on the moon. After months of practice, they blasted off from Earth to the cheers of bystanders, but things took a turn for the worse and they had to face up to the perils of space travel. The cartoon-style illustrations and the narrative approach encourage readers to get emotionally involved with the characters and to follow the story from the safety of Planet Earth and into outer space. Will the astronauts make it back again? The book features handy hints and informative captions to keep you alive on this dangerous journey.

Avoid Climbing Mount Everest!

by Ian Graham

Published 1 November 2010
As an enthusiastic climber, you are delighted when you receive the call to climb the most intimidating peak, the highest point on Earth, Mount Everest! But the team must plan ahead, as many have died climbing Everest and their bodies are still there. Or are they? Many mysteries still surround this formidable mountain, including the Yeti and the missing body of Mallory. But whatever you do, make sure you take a camera in case you reach the top! The Danger Zone is a constantly-growing library of over 50 exciting titles which transport the reader to the grisliest times and places in history. The first-person narrative approach puts the reader in the shoes (or sandals or army boots or cloth sacks) of some of the most unfortunate people ever to have lived - from pyramid builders to viking explorers, from medieval knights to the crew of the Titanic. This approach encourages readers to get emotionally involved with the story and characters, aiding their understanding of some of the most important periods in history. Humourous cartoon-style illustrations and speech bubbles bring the characters to life, while informative captions explain processes or chronological events. Each spread comes complete with a Handy Hint box, offering a clever tip on how to survive whatever ghastly situation you've found yourself in. A complete glossary and index featured in every title makes The Danger Zone an ideal introduction to the conventions of non-fiction texts for young readers.