Book excerpt: The animal world is a dangerous place! Animals have amazing ways of surviving when faced with a scary showdown. Insects, mollusks, mammals, lizards, spiders, and rodents all employ unique tactics in order to stay alive. Featuring TIME For Kids content, this 6-Pack of nonfiction readers examines the fascinating methods that animals use to defend themselves. This high-interest title includes detailed photos and sidebars, stimulating facts, and clear, informational text to engage students as they build their critical literacy skills. The books include text features such as a table of contents, glossary, and an index to increase understanding and improve academic vocabulary. The Reader's Guide and Try It! sections prompt students to connect back to the text, and provide extensive language-development activities that will develop critical thinking. Aligned with state and national standards, this text prepares students for college and career. This 6-Pack includes six copies of this title and a lesson plan.