This highly praised series of books has been in print since the 1950s (launched originally by Franklin Watts himself). Today's First Books provide engaging, in-depth introductions to subjects in all areas of the middle-grade curriculum, including science, social studies, and the arts.

Illustrated with color and historical photography and art, each First Book is chaptered, includes an index, a "For Further Reading" list and, where appropriate, a glossary and original maps.