Politician Al Gore has lent both his voice and his political influence in the fight against global warming. His work and creative energy have earned him numerous forms of public recognition, most notably the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize.
David Suzuki is a prominent environmental activist. Throughout his adult life, he has been the creative force behind numerous television shows on science and the environment. He has used his voice to advocate for the environment and to take to task political leaders whose action and inaction have been part of the problem behind the global warming crisis.
Rachel Carson was a marine writer, biologist, and ecologist whose work inspired millions to take seriously the danger that human activity poses to the environment. She both revealed the wonders of the natural world and exposed the sinister threat to that world posed by DDT and other pesticides.
At a time when much of the United States was still racially segregated, Jackie Robinson smashed the color barrier to become the first African-American player in Major League Baseball. Born in 1919 to a family of sharecroppers, Robinson excelled in sports throughout his school years. After serving briefly in the army during WWII, he briefly played ball in the Negro Leagues. At about the same time, a handful of all-white Major League teams paid lip service to trying out black players. But it was when Robinson played his first game for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 that he became a part of what would be called "The Noble Experiment." Outspoken in the past when it came to racial injustice, Robinson endured racist jeers from fans and players, and even death threats, with dignity and composure. His historic feat of crossing baseball's "color line" became a symbol in the American civil rights movement in the decades that followed.
The movie is just starting, but what happened before that to get that movie in the theater? The Economics of Making a Movie takes an interesting look at the production process and financing of a big-budget film. Various links in the economic chain include finding someone to finance the film, casting and salaries, scouting locations, set design, contracting for laborers and technicians on the set, advertising costs, film distribution deals, and box office sales.
The video game is fresh out of the packaging, but what happened before that to get that game into your hands? The Economics of a Video Game takes a fascinating look at the production process and financing of a video game. Various links in the economic chain include development of a prototype, pitching the game to a publisher for funding, development of the software by designers and programmers, testing, advertising, trade shows demonstrations, packaging, and distribution.
What happens to your old phone or computer when you need an upgrade? What rights does the worker who built your phone have? This thought-provoking title helps readers discover the answers to these questions and many more. Find out about the links between supply, demand, and labor conditions, and the resources that are needed to build just one computer.
In this interesting title, readers learn about the process of manufacturing toys and the materials that are used. Environmental issues and working conditions are revealed, shedding new light on where todays childrens favorite toys come from. Readers will also learn about new efforts companies are making to provide their workers with fair wages and safe working conditions around the world.
The concert is just starting, but what happened before that to get that concert on the stage? The Economics of a Rock Concert takes a fascinating look at the production process and financing of a stadium concert. Various links in the economic chain include ticket sales, management fees, advertising costs, and contracting for laborers to set up the stage, sound, and security.
Studies indicate that verbal bullying is more than twice as common as physical bullying. It occurs across all age groups, genders, economic classes, and ethnic groups. Verbal bullying can inflict long-term emotional scars. This informative title examines the causes and consequences of verbal bullying. Readers will learn to identify different kinds of verbal bullying and discover concrete strategies to prevent it.
Studies indicate that approximately four percent of adolescents experience serious depression. Depression and other mood disorders such as bipolar disorder occur across all age groups, genders, economic classes, and ethnic groups. This informative title examines the causes and symptoms of depression and other mood disorders and provides information about treatment options. A chapter on caring for others discusses the difficulties young people encounter living with or caring for siblings or parents who are depressed or have a mood disorder.
An estimated 40,000 children are born with a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in the United States each year. The impacts on school and family, and social life are immense. FASDs are a group of disorders and conditions that occur in people whose mothers drank alcohol during pregnancy. This useful title gives an overview of the mental, behavioral, and physical impairments of FASD, as well as new research, treatments and methods for managing behavioral issues. A chapter on caring for others addresses children dealing with parents, siblings, or foster siblings with an FASD diagnosis.
Social bullying involves hurting someones reputation or relationships. Also called relational bullying, it includes acts such as social exclusion, spreading rumors, and embarrassing a person in public. It also includes nonverbal acts such as staring, pointing, and making gestures. This revealing title examines why social bullying occurs and provides effective strategies to confront it.
Physical bullying is the most blatant form of bullying. It includes hitting or kicking the victim, or, taking or damaging the victim's belongings. Physical bullying is more common among males, however females can also be the perpetuators or victims of this form of bullying. This informative title addresses physical bullying from the perspective of the target, the bully, and the bystander. Case studies, statistics, and thought-provoking questions shed light on this issue and provide actionable strategies to prevent it.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a term used to describe a group of developmental disorders that include autism, Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, and others. Many people with these disorders struggle with social interaction and communication. This informative book provides insight into how people diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder experience the world around them and promotes understanding and acceptance. A chapter for friends and family discusses how to handle autism spectrum disorder and its effects on siblings and relatives.
This insightful book examines different types of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive overeating, and discusses causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention. Up-to-date information and firsthand accounts shed light on body image and eating disorders that are becoming increasingly common in adolescence. Practical advice on developing a positive self-image is also included.
Youth gambling has become a serious concern. From online poker and card games, to sports pools and lottery tickets, gambling is more accessible than ever before. This informative and timely book explores the different forms of gambling, reasons why young people gamble, and the dangerous consequences of compulsive gambling. Compelling real-life stories, recent statistics, and research help readers make informed and educated choices about gambling.
Current statistics indicate that nearly one out of every two marriages ends in divorce. As a result, many young people find themselves dealing with issues surrounding divorce, remarriage, and blended families. This candid and informative book addresses the myriad of emotions young people may experience during a divorce and the unique challenges blended families face.
This fascinating title chronicles the U.S. bombing of these Japanese cities during World War II. Topics include the development of the atomic bomb, Truman's decision to drop the bombs, and the long-term consequences of this historical event. Primary source accounts present reactions from both sides.
The forced removal of the Cherokee from their land changed not only the lives of the Native people, but also the course of American history. This gripping title examines the events leading up to the removal of the Cherokee from their native lands, the suffering endured on the Trail of Tears, and the struggles they faced once reaching their new land in present-day Oklahoma. The book also includes information about the Cherokee nation today.
This engaging title begins with a recount of the events of October 29, 1929, better known as Black Thursday, to mark the dawn of the Great Depression era. Readers will discover the causes of the depression, its affect on people across North America, and how governments responded to it. Readers will also draw comparisons to modern-day economic trials.
This modern-day pirate tale details the recent hijacking and daring rescue of the Maersk Alabama and places its gripping story in context with the evolution of piracy on the high seas.
In 1692, two young girls in Salem, Massachusetts, were diagnosed by the local doctor as being bewitched. Hysteria over witchcraft reached a fever pitch leading the Puritan townsfolk to accuse friends and neighbors of being under Satan's influence. This book tells the unbelievable, yet true, story of how innocent people were jailed on the evidence of dreams and visions, and how the legal system allowed nineteen people to be hanged before the governor of the state brought the people of Salem to their senses.
First-hand accounts, historical photographs, and engaging text combine to explore the experiences of immigrants to North America during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This fascinating title details the reasons for immigration and the challenges faced and contributions made by immigrants. In addition to Ellis Island, Angel Island, Grosse-isle, Quebec, and other immigration points in North America are discussed.
On January 24, 1848 a man named James W. Marshall found gold at Sutter's Mill in Coloma, California. This compelling title explains how Marshalls discovery sparked gold fever and lured thousands of people west in search of great fortunes. Primary source accounts and historical photographs trace the history of the gold rush in California as well as the later Klondike gold rush.
