Works

Selected Works

Nonfiction Articles

Colour Is the “Mane” Thing

“I found it cool that lion’s health can be determined by its looks.”

--Keegan, age 12

Nonfiction, science, intermediate school readers

Fires are one type of disasters that grab media news because they impact people's lifes dramatically and present an impressive display of fury and destruction. This work will lively describe famous fire disasters in cities and nature, and also discuss current debates, and modes of prevention and combating this relentless powerful element.

Nonfiction Articles

The Kids Who Fought Smallpox

The story of how 19th century Spanish orphans carried a life-saving vaccine in their bodies to America.

Nonfiction, science, intermediate school readers

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A BRAIN

It doesn't look cool and it doesn't feel pleasant, but it rules everything you do. The brain is the most intriguing and still mysterious organ in the body. Follow fellow classmate Mark through a regular day and see how his brain makes it possible for him to learn, feel pain, get stressed, and have fun.

Nonfiction, science, intermediate school readers

EDWARD JENNER CONQUEROR OF SMALLPOX

The fascinating life of the 19th Century British doctor who discovered the first safe vaccine against smallpox, the most deadly disease of his time.

Nonfiction, science, intermediate school readers

SECRET OF THE SLEEPLESS WHALES...AND MORE!

What is the secret of the sleepless whales?

Join the scientists and their animal partners in a amazing adventure that will reveal the secrets of these amazing aquatic mammals! Find out w...

SECRET OF THE SLEEPLESS WHALES...AND MORE!

What is the secret of the sleepless whales?

Join the scientists and their animal partners in a amazing adventure that will reveal the secrets of these amazing aquatic mammals! Find out what killer whale Kasatka and her calf Nakai "do not do" to survive the first weeks after the baby is born. Or how Popolo the dolphin is able to dive for long periods of time. And how Henry the harbor seal has shown scientists why murky, dark waters are nor a problem for him when it is time to find a meal. Enslow Publishers, 2008

ISBN: 978-0-7660-2956-9

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A BRAIN

Chelsea House Publishers, 2007

BEST BOOKS LIST 2007 AWARD, Science Books & Films

ISBN: 0-7910-8947-9

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The brain rules! It is true. It is soft and wet, it is the size of a grape fruit and as heavy as 3 middle-size water bottles. And still this unappealing organ of the human body controls everybody's actions, thoughts, and feelings. How does it do it? Follow 12 year-old Mark through a regular school day and find out. There is even more. Discover 10 myths about the brain most people take for facts and learn more about your own brain with fun and easy activities. Are you left handed or right handed? You know that, right. But are you left footed or right footed? A Day in the Life of the Brain will show you how to find out this and more.Chelsea House Publishers, 2007

EDWARD JENNER CONQUEROR OF SMALLPOX

Enslow Publishers, 2006

AWARD-WINNING OF "BEST BOOKS LIST 2006" by Science Books and Films

ISBN: 0-7660-2504-7

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Edward Jenner provided humanity with one of the greatest gifts any person could give to others: a safe way to prevent a disease that killed about 1 in every 4 people affected. Smallpox was feared especially by kids who were the most common fatalities. Jenner's vaccine worked and was used around the world to prevent deadly smallpox. The vaccine was also used to erradicate or eliminate the disease completely many years after Jenner's discovery. Jenner also uncovered survival secrets about hedgehogs and the cockoo bird that allowed scientists and non-scientists alike to understand better these curious animals. Enslow Publishers,2006

"FIRES" BOOKS

FIRES Great Disasters, Greenhaven Press, 2004 (teens and YA) (ISBN: 0-7377-2173-1)

FIRES NATURAL DISASTERS, LUCENT BOOKS, 2003 (for Intermediate School readers) (ISBN: 1-59018-133-6)

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More about this soon!

The Kids Who Fought Smallpox

Highlights for Children, May 2000
Awarded the Highlights for Children History Feature of the Year Award 2000.
“A novel angle that Mariana took--focusing on one of the vaccine’s earliest and most dramatic deployments--created an excellent doorway to take our readers into this subject.”

--Andy Boyles, Science Editor Highlights for Children

Colour Is the “Mane” Thing

Yes Mag: Canada’s Science Magazine for Kids, Jan./Feb. 2003
Ever wondered if a lion’s mane has other purpose besides making the King of the Beasts look good? Well, it does! Scientists have discovered that the lion’s mane portrays a message about the beast’s well being.