John Bankston

Airports welcome planes of all shapes and sizes. Only one attracts crowds wherever it lands. The Antonov 124 was built to carry tanks and helicopters for the Russian military. Today it carries everything from jet engines to trains. It is the biggest working cargo plane in the world.

The Timbers weren't like most professional soccer teams. They began longer before Major League Soccer. The first Timbers played pro soccer in 1975! They were such a popular team in Portland, Oregon that their biggest fans called themselves "The Timbers Army." When Major League Soccer added Portland, Oregon, to the list of cities getting soccer teams, the Timbers kept their name. They also kept their sprit. With few star players and a small city behind...

Across Africa, most people are not worried about stampeding elephants or attacking lions. Instead, they fear the lowly mosquito. This insect kills more people than any other. Learn about this unique blood sucker in “All About African Mosquitoes”, part of an ongoing series on Insects Around the World. This book is packed with colorful pictures and information about how the mosquito feeds its young by feeding on us.

Ferrets can make great pets for the right owner because they are affectionate, friendly, and fun to watch. But for such a little animal, they do need a lot of care. If you are considering a ferret, learning how to take care of one before you bring it home is very important.

Llamas are an unusual pet. They won't live in your house. They need plenty of land. They love to run and play. Your pet llama might even come up to you. You can even show it in contests. Having a llama can be hard work. This book will help you get ready! Part of an ongoing series, How to Care for Your New Pet, Caring for My New Llama includes a shopping list, information on llama health, and plenty of full-color photos.

There are so many reasons to exercise. One of the most important is that exercise helps you lose weight. That helps you feel better about yourself. Exercise also firms up your muscles. You breathe easier. You relax and reduce stress. Exercise takes many forms. Some forms are outdoors, like walking in a park. Other forms are indoors, such as taking a martial arts class. And exercise doesn't just give you a healthier body. It also gives you a better...

The Earthquakes are an original. One of the first ten teams in Major League Soccer, they were called the Clash. For years, the team struggled. Then they changed their name. The Earthquakes went on to win their very first MLS Cup. Maybe there's something in a name. For over twenty years, almost every post-season match has been between the Quakes and the L.A. Galaxy. It's a battle between Northern and Southern Californian. Quakes fans know these matches...

The Columbus Crew has been around for as long as Major League Soccer. Over 20 years ago, the team played home games in a borrowed college stadium. For three years in a row the players lost in the playoffs to D.C. United. They didn't give up. In 2008, with a new coach and star player, they won the championship. Today, they face a different challenge. Their stadium is too small for the many new MLS fans. The team might even leave the city. But like...

In Japan, the high-speed train may not be faster than a speeding bullet, but it's close. Traveling at almost 200 mph, the bullet train speeds across the country. It has helped cities grow and made it easier to live far from them. Although it looks like science fiction it is more than fifty years old.

There's a special food that's a favorite for many people in Zimbabwe. It's the mopane worm! Served fried or in peanut sauce, the mopane worm is a popular dish. It's also harvested and sold across the world. Learn all about this tasty insect in “All About African Mopane Worms”. Part of a series on “Insects Around the World”, this book is filled with vibrant photos and detailed information to satisfy the insect-curious.