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Venus & Serena Williams

Hal Marcovitz (author)

Publisher: Mason Crest ISBN: 9781422290873

Venus and Serena Williams grew up in Compton, California where they sometimes heard gunfire as they learned how to play tennis at a local playground. As teenagers, they grew into athletic women whose powerful serves often overwhelmed their opponents. In time, each sister would climb to the top rankings of international women's tennis. They have also maintained interests off the court; Venus has become a successful interior designer, while Serena has taken several acting roles and also designs women's fashions. But there have been dark days for the two sisters as well. Both have had to deal with racism, and to endure nagging injuries that have sidelined them for months. They also experienced the tragedy of a sister murdered on the streets of Compton. Venus and Serena have stayed competitive, however, and each is committed to remaining among the best players on the women's tennis tour for many more years.

Jeff Gordon

Kerrily Sapet (author)

Publisher: Mason Crest ISBN: 9781422290842

In his 20 years as a NASCAR driver, Jeff Gordon has established himself as one of the greatest drivers in the sports history. Jeff has won four championships and more than $100 million in his career. He ranks among the top drivers on the all-time wins list with more than 80 victories. This book details Jeffs many successes, both on and off the racetrack. It discusses how he rose to NASCAR fame, from his first BMX bike to his famous number 24 car. Along with his championship titles, Jeff has won the Daytona 500 three times and many other famed races. Off the track Jeff is involved with several charitable organizations. His achievements have amazed NASCAR fans, and he's not yet ready to slow down.

Campfire Songs, Ballads, and Lullabies: Folk Music

Gus Snedeker (author)

Publisher: Mason Crest ISBN: 9781422292570

You may turn on the CD player or the radio when you want to hear music, but once, in the days before modern technology, music was enjoyed whenever groups of people got together. You probably know some folk songs, a song that was passed along from person to person. Learn about: types of folk songs; folk instruments; folk music's European and African roots; Cajun music; the music of Appalachia; Hispanic music; and today's folk music. Modern music - Rock, Country, R&B, and more - is rooted deep in North Americas musical folklore. And folk music is still alive and well today.

Black Cats and White Wedding Dresses: Folk Customs

Thomas Arkham (author)

Publisher: Mason Crest ISBN: 9781422292563

Did you know that if you drop a spoon, someone will kiss you soon? Did you ever hear that three spiders crawling on the wall are a sign you will soon hear of a death? Or did you know that if rabbits play in a dusty road, rain is on its way? These beliefs are folk customs found in North America. Discover more, including: ways to predict the future; weather lore; and good luck superstitions. Folklore is shared through customs and traditions. These are patterns that shape our lives. Even in today's world, we still depend on these old ways to make sense out of life.

Sirens and Smoke: Firefighters' Folklore

Thomas Arkham (author)

Publisher: Mason Crest ISBN: 9781422292549

Do you know who started the first volunteer fire company in the United States? Do you know who the first woman firefighter was? Or did you know that firefighters trace their heritage back to the knights of the Crusades? Sirens and Smoke is full of stories of bravery and tradition. You'll read about: the brave guards who fought fire in ancient Greek and Roman communities; the long-ago firefighters who battled the great fires that swept through Europe's big cities; the community spirit that grew in the New World. the African Americans; the women who added their strengths to fighting fires; and September 11, 2001, when firefighters demonstrated their heroism. Fire can be an enemy - but down through the ages, firefighters have risked their lives to protect others against it. Their folklore reveals a long tradition of courage.

Quilts, Rag Dolls, and Rocking Chairs: Folk Arts and Crafts

Gus Snedeker (author)

Publisher: Mason Crest ISBN: 9781422292556

A patchwork quilt . . . a handmade mandolin . . . a rag doll . . . a wooden chair - all these things are examples of folk arts and crafts. They are useful objects that are also beautiful. Learn about various kinds of folk art, including: furniture; toys; religious objects; musical instruments; and quilts, clothes, and other fabric arts. In folk traditions, art is a part of everyday life. And people still enjoy folk art today.

Sheryl Swoopes

Karen Schweitzer (author)

Publisher: Mason Crest ISBN: 9781422291030

Sheryl Swoopes established herself as one of the best basketball players in the world while she was still in college at Texas Tech. In 1997 she was the first player signed to a new all-women's professional basketball league, the WNBA. During her career in the WNBA, Sheryl led her team to four championships, was voted Most Valuable Player three times, and was a perennial player in the annual All-Star game. She also earned three Olympic gold medals while playing for the U.S. national team. Sheryl is one of the most decorated basketball players in history, but she is also a role model for young people everywhere. This book details Sheryl's many successes, both on and off the court, and discusses how she became one of the best and most influential basketball players.

Celebrations Throughout the Year: Holiday Folklore

Gus Snedeker (author)

Publisher: Mason Crest ISBN: 9781422292600

Special days are times for fun and togetherness. They also link us to the Earth's seasons, and they help us keep track of how time passes. Most of all, they are deeply rooted in folk tradition. Learn more about: the winter holidays, like Christmas and Hanukkah; spring celebrations like Easter and Asian New Year; fall festivals, like Halloween and the Day of the Dead; and summer celebrations, like the Fourth of July. Holidays and festivals draw us together. They remind us of who we are, where we come from, and what we believe. As we travel through the year, folk festivals give us strength. And they make life more fun!

You're It! Tag, Red Rover, and Other Folk Games

Thomas Arkham (author)

Publisher: Mason Crest ISBN: 9781422292617

Have you ever played cards on a rainy afternoon? Do you and your friends play jump rope, play hide-and-go-seek, or play Red Rover? If you did, then you were enjoying a folk game. Learn more about these games, including the long history behind: face cards; tag; hide-and-go-seek; some board games; and baseball. Games help us deal with life. They give us physical exercise. They challenge our minds . . . and most of all they fill our lives with fun.

David Beckham

Jim Whiting (author)

Publisher: Mason Crest ISBN: 9781422290828

Soccer is probably the world's most popular spectator sport. Yet Major League Soccer, a professional league in the United States, has never received much attention even though millions of youngsters enjoy the game on playgrounds and in organized leagues. Hoping to change that situation, in 2007 the Los Angeles Galaxy signed superstar David Beckham to a five-year, $250 million contract. The league hoped that his celebrity status will help make soccer more appealing in the United States. Beckham's arrival did boost the profile of soccer, and he helped the Galaxy win several league championships. But David Beckham is more than just a superb soccer player. He contributes time and money to charity to try to save lives in the poorest parts of the world. And he encourages youngsters to enjoy soccer as much as he does through academies he has opened across the globe.

Michael Jordan

Judy Hasday (author)

Publisher: Mason Crest ISBN: 9781422290859

Many basketball experts consider Michael Jordan the greatest player in the history of the game. During his 15 seasons in the NBA, Michael was voted the league's Most Valuable Player six times. He was the league's leading scorer for a record 10 times. And, most important, he led his team, the Chicago Bulls, to six NBA championship titles. But Michael Jordan is much more than a basketball legend. Through his winning personality, his sense of style, and his many product endorsements - along with his on-court heroics - Michael became one of the most recognized personalities in the entire world. He helped define what it meant to be cool for a generation of kids. Today Michael remains involved in the NBA as owner of the Charlotte Bobcats. By supporting a variety of charities, he continues to be a role model as well.

An Apple a Day: Folk Proverbs and Riddles

Gus Snedeker (author)

Publisher: Mason Crest ISBN: 9781422292587

Have you heard these common proverbs? Let sleeping dogs lie. Where there's smoke, there's fire. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink. Or what about these riddles? What is black and white and red (read) all over? Why did the chicken cross the road? Why is 6 afraid of 7? Proverbs and riddles are tiny, bite-size pieces of folklore. They make us think. They tease our brains. They may make us laugh. But most of all, they tell us something about who we are and how we see the world.

Heroes, Fools, and Ghosts: Folk Tales and Legends

Gus Snedeker (author)

Publisher: Mason Crest ISBN: 9781422292594

Have you heard of Anansi, the mischief-making spider from Africa? Do you know about the Blackfoot woman who married a star? Or have you heard stories about Jack, the hero who always wins both the treasure and the princess's heart? Discover stories from North America's folklore, including tales about: why the world is the way it is; heroes and fools; ghosts and horrors; and death and the world to come. Stories have power. They share the wisdom of other generations. They stir our imagination. They give us hope and courage. And sometimes they just make us laugh!

Handling Peer Pressure

Kim Etingoff (author)

Publisher: Mason Crest ISBN: 9781422290699

Martial arts students don't just learn how to fight. They also learn lots of other important things they use every day - like how to handle peer pressure, for example. Martial artists have the confidence and the knowledge to fight peer pressure. They know how to stand up for what they know is right. Discover how martial arts can help you handle peer pressure too!

Hand-Eye Coordination

Kim Etingoff (author)

Publisher: Mason Crest ISBN: 9781422290682

Martial arts students don't just learn how to fight. They also learn lots of other important things they use every day, like hand-eye coordination for example. We use hand-eye coordination for everything from writing to playing sports to using a computer. Practicing martial arts can improve your hand-eye coordination, so you'll do better in and out of school. Discover how martial arts can improve your hand-eye coordination!

Peer Pressure & Relationships

Christie Marlowe (author)

Publisher: Mason Crest ISBN: 9781422288344

Our friends are supposed to be there for us when we need them, to help us through tough times and laugh with us when things are going well. But sometimes, our friends can push us to do things we wouldn't do normally. We might want to do the things our friends are doing to fit in or be cool. This is peer pressure, and it can be dangerous when it leads to hurtful behaviors.

Concentration

Kim Etingoff (author)

Publisher: Mason Crest ISBN: 9781422290668

Martial arts students don't just learn how to fight. They also learn lots of other important things they use every day - like concentration, for example. Martial artists are good at focusing on one thing at a time, and by practicing martial arts, you too can get better at concentrating. Concentration will help you do better in and out of school. Discover how martial arts can help you concentrate!

Stranger Danger

Christie Marlowe (author)

Publisher: Mason Crest ISBN: 9781422288382

You might have heard people say, "Strangers are just friends you haven;t met yet." That's true in many cases, but not all strangers are kind and friendly. Some strangers can be dangerous. Staying away from people you don't know is often the best way to keep yourself safe.

Sports

Christie Marlowe (author)

Publisher: Mason Crest ISBN: 9781422288375

Sports are a lot of fun. Theres nothing like getting outside with a group of friends and throwing the ball around or playing a game of basketball, soccer, or baseball. But with all the fun, there are a lot of things to keep in mind to keep everyone safe.

Navigating Cyberspace

Kim Etingoff (author)

Publisher: Mason Crest ISBN: 9781422288337

The Internet is a great tool for learning. Its also a lot of fun for games, keeping up with friends, or reading about the things you love. But there are also dangers on the Internet. You can't always know for sure to whom you're talking. Information you put online that you think is safe may become a target for people who are up to no good. Pictures you share with one person can end up in the hands of people you'd never have sent them to. The Internet can become a scary place.

Terrorism & Perceived Terrorism Threats

Christie Marlowe (author)

Publisher: Mason Crest ISBN: 9781422288399

Terrorism is a major issue in today's world. Around the globe, people fear terrorist attacks. The threat of violence from terrorists seems to be everywhere.

Self-Defense

Sara James (author)

Publisher: Mason Crest ISBN: 9781422290712

Martial arts students don't just learn how to fight. They also learn lots of other important things - like how to defend themselves. All martial arts teach you self-defense. But martial artists also learn when to use these moves and when not to use them. They know that martial arts actually lead to less fighting! Discover how martial arts can help you defend yourself too!

And to All a Good Night: Christmas Folklore

Bill Palmer (author)

Publisher: Mason Crest ISBN: 9781422292525

Did you know that todays jolly Santa Claus was originally a Catholic bishop? Or that Santa Claus is connected to Saturn, an ancient Roman god? Or that in some places, Santa rides a camel? Christmas is a holiday of light and giving, and Santa Claus has become a traditional symbol for the seasons deepest meanings. Learn more about: Santa the Christ Child Christmas animals the Wise Men Christmas plants Christmas songs and cards. Across North America, Christmas is an occasion for love and joy and celebration. Discover the traditions and folklore that make this holiday so special.

Safety

Sara James (author)

Publisher: Mason Crest ISBN: 9781422290705

Martial arts students don't just learn how to fight. They also learn lots of other important things - like how to stay safe. Martial artists know how to kick, jump, and punch without hurting themselves. They know how to protect their bodies in martial arts class and out. Discover how martial arts can help you stay safe too!

Natural Disasters

Kim Etingoff (author)

Publisher: Mason Crest ISBN: 9781422288320

Storms, tornadoes, floods, wildfires - the world is full of natural disasters that do terrible damage to our homes, towns, and cities. Knowing how to prepare for a natural disaster and what you can do if one does happen is the best way to keep yourself safe.