Cambridge Discovery Education Readers

One of the most common storms, a blizzard can be dangerous, even deadly! This reader explores some of the worst blizzards in history, and offers tips on how to prepare for one and survive it.

From the cute and cuddly to the scaly and deadly, Australia is the home of the most memorable wildlife. This reader offers a glimpse into the lives of the distinct and unique animals that live in the "land down under."

Discover the fashion, architecture, cuisine, art, and history of one of the most famous and beloved cities in the world.

Most of us think babies, kittens, and puppies are adorable, but why? What makes something cute?

From Captain Sullenberger to Spiderman - ordinary people doing extraordinary things. What makes a hero? This reader explores the qualities of a hero both in real life and in pop culture.

The moon gives Earth its seasons and tides. But can the moon change our moods, or who we are? Discover the facts and myths about the moon.

Surf's UP! Come learn about some of the legends of this sport, its dangers, and some of the hottest spots to catch a wave!

Come explore the fascinating lives of crocodilians. These ancient and dangerous animals make great shoes, food, and more!

People always want to control time! Learn about how we invent ways to try, from Roman and Mayan calendars to clocks to time zones.

Ice sculptor, roller coaster designer, and a cook on a submarine are some really cool jobs. This reader explores a wide variety of jobs, from the excitement of traveling around the world to the dangers of the deep sea.

Sitting in traffic, finding a parking spot, paying for a parking spot . . . is it worth it? Traffic is a big problem in our cities. Can you think of some solutions?

Shakespeare, Mozart, Madame Curie, Albert Einstein . . . what do these people have in common? See the world through the eyes of a genius.

Learn about the crazy adventures of Jeff Corwin and how he became one of television's most famous naturalists.

Around the world, people love to tell stories about the fantastic creatures that may walk among us. Read about dragons, yetis, krakens, hydras, and more!

Love potions, energy drinks, milk fresh from a cow, celery soda . . . or plain water? What do you want when you're thirsty?

Paired Reader with Eat Up!

Come sit around the dinner table! Explore the traditions of food and how it affects our lives.

Paired reader with Drink Up

One of the most heavily populated cities in the world, Mumbai is the center of India's culture and technology. This reader takes you through a day in the life of an average Mumbai citizen as he experiences the public transportation, the workplace, the food, and the entertainment of Mumbai.

Can teenagers dominate sports, movies, and even the business world? This reader shares the stories of some exceptional young people – regular kids who do incredible things.

People hunt for food, but they also hunt for other reasons. This reader explores the different types and purposes of hunting, uncovering the wide variety of attitudes and perspectives surrounding this age-old practice.

What do you really know about the sense of hearing? Learn all about the science of sound, the crazy noises animals make, and the loudest and quietest places on Earth.

The ancient world had seven "wonders" - amazing things made by people. Today, people don't agree about what the biggest wonders are. What do you think is a wonder?

Why do we need sleep? What if we get too little or too much? Explore the mysteries of the night - like what really happens when we sleep!

In the style of a travel guide, this reader shows you some of the best things to do and see in this amazing island nation. Explore the Tsukiji fish market, Mount Fuji, and traditional Japanese theater.

Alaska is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. It's also one of the most dangerous. Mountains, bears, glaciers, and dog sledding: explore the natural beauty and unique way of life in this US state.

Famous works of art, rare diamonds, gold from a fictional giant in the sky - come and explore the history of stealing and how our attitudes about it have changed.

Do animals eat the way we do? Explore how cows and rabbits, seahorses, koalas, sharks, and more eat in ways that can be very, very strange to us.

Do you remember being a baby? When are you grown up? Learn how humans and animals grow from babies to adults, and what it means to be an adult in different cultures.

How do you want to spend your vacation? Relaxing on a beach, whitewater rafting, at the carnival in Rio? Dream about your perfect vacation as you read!

In 1937, pilot Amelia Earhart set out to fly around the world. She never returned. Can this timeless mystery be solved?

Sharks, puffer fish, polar bears, and the world's deadliest animal - the mosquito. Learn all about deadly animals, both big and small.

How fast is fast? Humans, cars, animals: they all have the ability to go fast. Come explore the many ways we can speed.

Paired reader with Slow Motion: Taking Your Time

Our world changes all the time, but not everything moves quickly. Sometimes it is better to go slow! This reader explores the ways nature and technology can adapt to a slow way of life.

Paired reader with Fast: the Need for Speed

Determining the greatest invention of all time invites the greatest debate. From the internet to antibiotics, this reader explores our most significant contributions to education, technology, medicine, and transportation.

Water is one of the most essential ingredients for life on Earth. This reader looks at water in all its forms - in the air, on the ground, in the oceans, in our pipes - and explains how water keeps our lives moving.

A triathlon is one of the most demanding races a person can undertake. This reader explores some of the most famous and extreme triathlons around the world, including the Ironman and the Ultraman, along with some amazing competitors.

From Egyptian pyramids to Mayan temples, from Roman statues to the English language, our world's greatest empires still influence us today. This reader examines the history and legacy of several of the most influential empires.

Madagascar has unique wildlife, beautiful forests, and a booming tourism industry. Come explore this fascinating island!

Learn what it's like to live in the tundra, beside ancient pyramids, or near the Great Barrier Reef! Explore the food, clothing, architecture, and wildlife of these three special places.

Everyone loves a good pizza! But where did pizza begin? Is it good for us? Learn all about one of our favorite foods.

Penguins that exchange wedding rings? A fish that doesn't swim? Learn all about the bizarre and unexpected behavior of animals from around the world.

Doctors today don't use leeches. Long ago, there were no big drug companies. But acupuncture, an ancient practice, is still helping people. Follow how medicine has - and has not - changed over time.

Are humans alone in the universe, or is intelligent life out there somewhere? Find out how people throughout the years have explored this age-old question.

Music has always been important to people – and some animals! Explore the many ways music affects us, from whale songs to Yo-Yo Ma.

What are the odds that you will be struck by lightning? Attacked by a shark? Become a superstar? This reader analyzes the chances of the incredible.

It's not easy to find a reader this entertaining! Learn about mucus in humans and animals, and even in the laws of our countries!

Animals find many interesting and efficient ways of moving. This reader discusses how the creatures of our planet navigate the water, land, and air in unexpected and unique ways.

What does the word "hot" mean? From the Sahara Desert to heatstroke, from temperature to emotions, learn how heat affects our world.

Paired reader with How Cool is Cold!

Cold places, cold-blooded animals, catching a cold, getting cold feet - how many ways are there to be cold?

Paired reader with The Science of Heat

After a tornado destroyed 95% of their town in 2007, the people of Greensburg decided to rebuild their town in a unique and exciting way. This reader details the ways Greensburg became 'green' and how, by embracing the tragedy, Greensburg became a model community.

Living off the sea has shaped the lives and professions of the Japanese people. Come explore the traditions and the changing world of ama divers, tuna fishermen, sushi knife makers, and sushi chefs.

Nomads still live in parts of the world. Life on the move is challenging! Explore the cultures of nomads and why they live this way. 

Those crazy Yankees! Discover some strange things Americans do to entertain themselves, from smashing pumpkins to dog surfing competitions!

You are alone and lost in the wilderness, and you need to survive. Get tips on how to stay warm, find food, and stay alive!

Fighting fire, gutting fish, feeding wild animals, mining coal -- could you do one of these wild and dangerous jobs? Learn all about them, and more!

Beautiful music, energetic performers, memorable dancing - you can find it all in a Broadway show. Take a special look behind the scenes of New York City's theater world.

Are you part of the digital generation? The Internet changed our lives in a very short time. Explore what the digital age means for you now, and how it might change our future.

Sharks aren't always as vicious as the ones you see in films! Explore the myths and and learn the facts about the ocean's most famous resident.

It looks simple, but nothing has changed the way we live more than the wheel. Could it be our greatest invention?

Dinosaurs, Richard III, King Tut, the first humans to walk the earth . . . discover what we can learn about the past by studying bones.

It was never just an innocent treat; sugar has had an effect on everything from our bodies to our economies to our cultures. This reader explores our obsession with sugar.

Video games, race car driving, yoga, soccer . . . are these all sports? Read about these activities and more, then decide: are they sports, games, or hobbies?

Mummies from Egypt are famous. But other ancient cultures had them, too! Explore what we can learn about our history and our myths from mummies.

This reader explores the sources of light in space, and shows how light affects people and keeps our world going all day, all night.

Paired reader with The Science of Darkness

Come explore the dark side! Every day, we find ourselves in the dark – exploring the universe, the animal kingdom, and even ourselves. This reader examines how human and animal life depends on darkness.

Paired reader with The Science of Light

Venice is one of the most romantic and storied cities in the entire world. Now a popular tourist destination, Venice isn't just about winding canals and gondoliers. This reader examines not only Venice's long and fascinating history, but also its controversial present day.

Would you live in space? How about in a cave? Would you mind living below a volcano? Explore the many dangerous and unusual places people can live all over (and outside of!) the world.

Sharks, ghosts, aliens, snakes . . . cell phones? All kinds of things make people afraid. How does our brain tell us to be afraid, and can we control fear?

The human brain is an amazing organ controlling our speech, making our heart beat, and solving problems. Come and explore how our brains work and make us who we are.

Boomerangs! Catapults! Sword rockets! Bat bombs! Throughout history, people have had no trouble finding ways to harm one another. Discover some of the strangest and most dangerous weapons that people have ever made.

How do we decide where a country ends and begins? Come examine the ideas of borders and territory, on Earth and beyond.

Building a greener world! This reader explores the newest and cleverest ideas in sustainable energy and ecologically friendly construction.

There are many secrets to a long and happy life - and being rich and famous isn't one of them. Come explore why friends, love, a positive personality, and the environment are much more important.

People can lose battles, money, games, and even themselves. Read extraordinary stories about how loss challenges and changes us, from King Xerxes to the Bermuda Triangle.

Paired reader with Found: Discovery and Recovery

From planets to animals to sunken treasure, things are discovered every day. This reader shows the ways in which people and explorers can find things they missed - or never even knew were gone!

Paired reader with Losing It: The Meaning of Loss

Why do we do good things for one another? Do we still do good things if we get nothing in return? This reader explores the science, impulses, and reasons behind altruism in both humans and animals.

Can thinking happy thoughts help people overcome their fears? This reader examines the phenomenon of the "placebo effect" in helping people cope with health problems and fears.

Mummies, coffins, tombs, elaborate funerals with fireworks . . . explore the many ways people deal with death.

Gold is valued by many cultures for its beauty and durability, but things can get ugly when gold is involved. This reader examines the long and troubled history of gold in different parts of the world.

In 2010, 33 miners were trapped inside a mine for 69 days. This reader investigates the complicated rescue mission, the difficulties of life underground, and - most of all - how the miners' families never stopped hoping for their safe return.

Is a tomato actually red? Should you wear white on your wedding day in China? Explore how we see colors, how colors make us feel, and what colors mean in our cultures and celebrations.

Discover the history of boxing, from the ancient Greeks to Daniel Mendoza to Muhammad Ali. Find out why this wild and thrilling sport has been entertaining us for years!

Discover the many mysteries of the sea - shipwrecks and sunken treasure, deep sea creatures and mythical monsters - and how people explore this amazing place.

Humans have never been content to just stay on the ground. Learn about the history of flight from the early planes of the Wright Brothers to the thrilling sport of BASE jumping.

Paired reader with Down to Earth

How do you travel? By plane, boat, bicycle . . . elephant? Discover the many efficient and unusual methods people have invented to get from place to place.

Paired reader with Up in the Air: Our Fight Against Gravity

When five friends set out to enjoy a carefree skiing trip over New Year's weekend, tragedy was the last thing on their minds. Despite being avid and experienced outdoorsmen, they are no match for Mother Nature. This reader tells the story of young people coping with tragedy and finding redemption.

It's in our shoes, cars, bikes, golf balls, clothing, kitchens . . . what would we do without rubber? Learn about where rubber comes from, how we use it, and how we depend on it more and more.

Skin: it covers us, we decorate it, it can tell us if we're healthy or not. Learn about our biggest and most visible organ, and how we can protect it.

Why have these slow, half-shelled creatures fascinated so many cultures around the world? Discover things you never knew about the history of the turtle.

What things do you want to do before you die? How can you make sure your life is never boring? Create a "bucket list"! This reader explores the most exciting, unusual, and sometimes crazy ways to build this list.

Water has powered industry for ages, helping to drive industrial growth. However, the awesome power of water can have some very negative consequences. Floods, tsunamis, and erosion all threaten our partnership with water.

Avalanches are frightening natural disasters that can seem to come out of nowhere. There are things that you can do to increase your chances of survival, though. This reader explores one of the worst avalanches in history and discusses the causes of such disasters.

Poison has often played a part in fictional and real-life mysteries. This reader goes into the history of poison, from the everyday dangers in our food to the elaborate murders of the past.

Is eating organic foods healthy or just trendy? Does the future of the world depend on it? Read the arguments for and against organic living.

This reader tells the story of Aron Ralston, who cut off his own arm to save his life after it was pinned under a boulder. This heroic and inspiring story invites students to consider what they would do in a similar situation.

Robots have a long history in Japan, and a big impact on its economy. Explore Japan's cultural fascination with robots and the connections between robots and religion.

From science fiction to actual space exploration, we have always been fascinated by our universe. Landing on the moon and exploring Mars aren't science fiction anymore. What will humans do in space next?