Blastoff! Readers

Lush landscapes may be scarce in Saudi Arabia, but oil and sacred sites are not. Oil has made Saudi Arabia one of the wealthiest nations in the world, and the cities of Mecca and Medina… More →

As a country of 17,000 islands, Indonesia is truly unique. It's fitting that many rare animals make their homes in Indonesia. The venomous Komodo dragon, one of the deadliest animals in the… More →

Most people in the Netherlands ride bicycles to get to work, enjoy the landscape, and for sport. They look forward to spring when they can pedal past world-famous tulip fields in full bloom.… More →

Some animals lead a double life. First, they pose as aquatic creatures, breathing through gills and using tails to maneuver underwater. Then they exchange these features for legs and lungs to More →

Dinosaurs, the world's most notorious reptiles, became extinct a long time ago. However, their cold-blooded, scaly reptile relatives still creep around today. While people no longer have to… More →

After decades of war, South Sudan became an independent country in 2011. Though its people face struggles as they build their new nation, they do have reason for national pride. Their country More →

Warthogs are named for the thick knobs of skin between their eyes and snouts. These unsightly protrusions provide a cushion that comes in handy not in the face of predators, but against the… More →

Take a trip to the zoo and you'll see how distinctly different animals are. You'll see animals of all sizes and colors, animals on land and in water, and animals with fur, scales, and… More →

Members of the insect class often get a bad rap. People swat at them, stomp on them, and go to great lengths to repel them. Though some insects are pests that spread disease, many are… More →

Compare a hummingbird and an ostrich; the differences are striking! One is tiny and hovers in the air like a helicopter. The other is massive and stays grounded, sprinting rather than flying. More →

When bullies like lions and hyenas are on the prowl for a lunch to steal, leopards keep their cool. The clever cats drag their kill with them as they climb high into trees, where they can… More →

Underwater, a large, lively community of unique animals thrives. Many of these animals belong to the fish class. There are colorful clownfish, lurking sharks, and silly sea horses. There are… More →